CFATP Curriculum

Five requisite courses for registration as a fire alarm technician:

Course 1: The Canadian Fire Alarm System – An Overview

This course provides a general understanding of fire alarm protection systems. It discusses the purpose and specific application of the codes and standards that regulate the industry. It introduces students to architectural considerations regarding fire containment. Topics include information about testing laboratories, their procedures, testing methods, and how listed/approved materials achieve greater life safety. Other topics covered include the nature of fire, extinguishment methods, fire alarm testing methods, and the interpretation of drawings, specifications, and other contract documents.

  • Textbook: Canadian Fire Alarm Association: The Canadian Fire Alarm System – A Reference Manual, 2017, 1st Edition (CFAA, 2017).

Course 2: Verbal and Written Communications

This course introduces students to various forms of verbal and written business communication, including letters, memoranda, summaries, and instructions. It teaches practical techniques for planning and writing reports in an effective, professional manner. Editing, spelling, grammar, and punctuation are incorporated into the course. By performing in-class assignments, students will learn to present oral reports professionally and write effectively.

  • Textbook: Northey, Margaret, and Jana Seijts: Impact!: A Guide to Business Communication (Pearson Education Canada, 2018).

Course 3: Basic Electricity

This course covers basic electricity theory, including Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Law, magnetism, energy generation, and the dangers of higher AC voltages.

  • Topics from the Canadian Electrical Code include:
    • Conductors: Sizing, insulation types, voltage ratings, and other characteristics.
    • How to access tables regarding conductors and cables (e.g., Table 11, 19, and D1).
    • Grounding of conduit systems and enclosures (Section 10).
    • Wiring methods, conduit, and cable installation.
    • Protection and control of electrical circuits, including overcurrent protection (fuses & breakers).
    • Disconnecting means, Class 1 & 2 circuits (Section 14).
    • Fire alarm system requirements (Sections 32 & 60).
  • Textbook: Canadian Fire Alarm Association: Basic Electrical Theory for the Fire Alarm Technician, 2003 Edition (CFAA, 2003).

Course 4: Life Safety Systems Electronics

This course studies the principles of electronics as they apply to life safety systems, including fire alarms and building automation systems. It examines both analog and digital systems and their applications. This is a valuable course for those working in or planning to enter industries related to the built environment.

  • Textbook: Canadian Fire Alarm Association: Life Safety System Electronics (CFAA, 2012).

Course 5: The Canadian Fire Alarm System – Application

This course covers the application of fire alarm systems, operation, testing, and inspection requirements outlined by various codes and standards. It also discusses the principles and technology of fire detection devices, signal appliances, control equipment, and ancillary devices controlled by the system. Students will learn about traditional field wiring circuits, the connection of field devices, and the basics of microprocessor-based systems using addressable devices and remote annunciation. Other topics include life safety support systems such as smoke control and elevator recall.

  • Textbook: Canadian Fire Alarm Association: The Canadian Fire Alarm System – A Reference Manual, 2017, 1st Edition (CFAA, 2017).