Oklahoma State University (OSU) offers a certificate program in Fire Sprinkler Inspection. The program is assisted by the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). Oklahoma State University's School of Fire Protection and Safety Technology provides the training in a three-day certification course. During the three days, topics from piping types, drainage systems, and hydraulics will be covered --- as well as much more. The course fee for a non-AFSA member is $1,390.00 per individual; the fee for an AFSA member is $1,290.00 per individual as of January 2011. (See Reference 3)
The Fire Service Institute at the University of Illinois awards a certificate in accordance with the Academy of Fire Sprinkler Technology. The classes are taken through the Academy of Fire Sprinkler Technology. You are required to finish at least two semesters of classes to complete the certificate program. The classes and credit can be transferred into a degree program if you should choose to further your knowledge in fire sprinkler technology. By the time you have finished this certification, you will have completed one "real-world" project and should be ready for hire by a fire sprinkler company. (See Reference 1)
Parkland College is located in Champagne, Illinois. It is responsible for awarding the associate's degree in Sprinkler Systems Technology from the Academy of Fire Sprinkler Technology. The classes for this program are highly specialized to deal with fire sprinklers, their safety, operations, and maintenance. This degree can also be transferred to a bachelor's degree program --- furthering your fire-sprinkler educational expertise. (See Reference 2)
Bates Technical College is located in Tacoma, Washington. It offers an associate's degree in Fire Protection Technology. The information stays relevant to today's standards and the ever-changing growth of the fire protection industry. The training received at Bates Technical College is mostly hands-on. Training should prepare the students for level-two testing and certification within the fire protection industry. (See Reference 4)
Located in Dallas, Texas, the AFSA System Layout School offers a five-day course. It provides basic training and concepts of the layout of a residential fire sprinkler system. If you are a member of the AFSA (American Fire Sprinkler Association), your fee will be $750.00 for the course. If you are a non-member of the AFSA, your fee will be $1,150.00 for the course as of January 2011. There are only 15 students per class session. At the end of the course, the student should understand the basics of the residential layout. (See Reference 5)