Becoming a fire marshal is a rewarding career choice. Whether you’re interested in saving lives or just want to be able to tell people that you’re a fire marshal, this guide will help you get started on the right path.

Step 1: Earn Your High School Diploma

This is an essential part of any career, and being a fire marshal is no exception. You’ll need to have at least a high school diploma before moving on to the next step. If you’ve attended college and earned your bachelor’s degree, that’s also acceptable.

Step 2: Apply for Fire Marshal Training Programs

There are many training programs available for aspiring fire marshals, but most of them charge tuition fees for their courses. If you don’t have the money for these classes, look into free options like online resources or community colleges instead. Another option is to take advantage of scholarships offered by local organizations such as churches or civic groups; they may offer financial assistance as well as other perks like networking opportunities with other members who can help out with job searches later down the road!

Step 3: Pass The Written Exam At The End Of Your Training Program(s)

How To Become Fire Marshal

What does a fire marshal do?

Fire marshals inspect buildings for fire hazards and investigate the aftermath of fires and arsons. Some tasks they typically complete are:

• Ensuring that the buildings they inspect comply with current state and local codes
• Testing fire alarms and sprinklers and assessing fire evacuation plans during building inspections
• Meeting with developers while buildings are under construction to ensure that fire prevention plans and equipment are in place
• Performing return visits to follow up on issues and confirm that shortcomings have been addressed
• Gathering and studying evidence from fire scenes, including interviewing witnesses and checking for fingerprints
• Taking photographs of the aftermath of fires and reconstructing scenes to collect additional evidence
• Confirming the cause of fires and arsons after conducting investigations
• Delivering evidence for court cases or providing testimony during legal cases

Average salary for fire marshals

The average salary for a fire marshal depends on their experience level and geographical location. Most of these professionals work full-time, 40 hours a week, but they may have to work overtime when the job requires it. Fire marshals typically receive $9,000 in overtime pay every year.

• Common salary in the U.S.: $81,853 per year
• Salaries range from $21,000 to $183,000 per year.

Fire marshal requirements

Fire marshals generally need a combination of post-secondary education, work experience, on-the-job training and professional certifications.

Education

Many employers require fire marshals to have an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree. The most common majors include:

Chemistry

This degree prepares candidates with a foundation in organic chemistry, physical chemistry and biochemistry as well as classes like engineering physics.

Fire protection and safety engineering technology

Pursuing this degree can help students develop an advanced understanding of fire prevention and learn how to recommend and design equipment that protects people and property from fire.

Fire science

With this degree, candidates learn how to investigate fires, inspect fire prevention methods, coordinate with other emergency agencies and master firefighting techniques.

Alternatively, some employers hire fire marshals who have completed an emergency medical technician (EMT) program. This two-year program teaches students how to provide emergency medical care and life support.

Related: Differences Between EMTs and Paramedics

Training

Most fire marshals have prior experience as firefighters. Thanks to this practical experience, fire marshals understand how fires originate and spread as well as how to extinguish them quickly and effectively.

Before working as a fire marshal, professionals in this position also have to complete a classroom training program. Fire academies usually host these training programs, which generally last for a few months. During this type of training program, fire marshals learn about fire codes, how to perform inspections and investigations, how to provide evidence in court and how to handle hazardous materials.

After completing a classroom program, fire marshals generally undergo on-the-job training. This type of program typically pairs new fire marshals with experienced professionals to help the new employees learn about agency workflows and procedures.

Certifications

Most states require fire marshals to be certified, which usually involves passing a standardized exam. Fire marshals often have to complete additional training or continuing education on an annual basis to maintain valid certification. Also, many fire marshals opt to pursue a professional certification. The most common options include:

Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator

Available from the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI), this credential requires passing an exam and submitting credentials for review by the organization’s board. Candidates have to recertify periodically and pay NAFI dues each year.

Certified Fire Inspector

This National Fire Protection Association credential involves taking a four-day seminar and training session and passing a standard exam. Candidates have to recertify every three years.

Certified Fire Investigator

The International Association of Arson Investigators offers this credential, which involves earning 150 points’ worth of education and work experience as well as passing a standardized exam. Candidates have to recertify every five years.

Certified Fire Protection Specialist

Available from the National Fire Protection Association, this credential requires having at least a bachelor’s degree in a fire protection-related major plus two years of relevant work experience along with passing a 100-question exam. Candidates must renew this certification every year.

Skills

To succeed in this position, fire marshals need the following skills:

Attention to detail

Fire inspection and investigation professionals have to identify fire code violations and find important pieces of evidence. They need excellent attention to detail to recognize these minor elements.

Communication skills

Fire marshals are responsible for discussing inspection issues with building owners, presenting evidence in court and maintaining accurate files. They must be able to write and speak clearly and effectively.

Critical thinking skills

These professionals must be able to recommend resolutions for inspection issues and review evidence from investigations. They need strong critical thinking skills to do their jobs well.

Related: Soft Skills: Definitions and Examples

How to become a fire marshal

Follow these six steps if you are interested in becoming a fire marshal:

1. Earn a post-secondary degree.
2. Work as a firefighter.
3. Get certified by your state.
4. Complete classroom training.
5. Finish on-the-job training.
6. Consider professional certification.

1. Earn a post-secondary degree

The first step you must take to become a fire marshal is to complete any post-secondary education you need to work in the field. Consider an EMT program if you are just starting out as a firefighter, or pursue a two- or four-year degree in fire science, chemistry or engineering if you want to learn more about the field.

2. Work as a firefighter

Next, gain experience fighting fires. Most fire marshals have two or more years of experience working as a firefighter.

Read more: Learn About Being a Firefighter

3. Get certified by your state

Find out if your state requires certification before applying for fire marshal jobs. If you do need state certification, study for and pass the required exam.

4. Complete classroom training

After you have finished your post-secondary education and gained some practical experience, you need to complete the required classroom training for fire marshals. This typically involves taking several months of classes on fire inspection and investigation.

5. Finish on-the-job training

Once you have completed your classroom training, undergo any on-the-job training you need. Most fire marshals have to train with an experienced professional before working independently.

6. Consider professional certification

To advance your career and increase your earning potential as a fire marshal, think about earning a professional certification. The most popular certifications include the Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator credential from the National Association of Fire Investigators, the Certified Fire Inspector and Certified Fire Protection Specialist credentials from the National Fire Protection Association and the Certified Fire Investigator credential from the International Association of Arson Investigators.