A Fire Alarm Technician plays a crucial role in safeguarding lives and properties by ensuring that fire alarm systems are properly installed, maintained, and functioning in compliance with safety standards. The CFAA Canadian Fire Alarm Technology Program, offered by Health and Safety Management College (HSMC), is designed to equip individuals with the theoretical knowledge required to pursue a successful career in this essential field. Through this program, students gain the foundational expertise necessary to become skilled Fire Alarm Technicians, ready to take on the responsibility of protecting public safety.
Fall 2025 Registration is Closed
If you would like to register for the Winter 2026 Term, please check back again for dates or contact
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Program Information
Overview
This program satisfies the Theory training requirements of the Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA) for registration as a Registered Fire Alarm Technician and is approved as a vocational program under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.
Learning Models
- In-Person, Instructor Led, conducted in an informal setting, located at Monte Carlo Inn & Suites, 7255 Warden Avenue, Markham, Ontario, L3R 1B4
- Live-Virtual, Instructor Led, training is conducted in real time over the internet through the Zoom platform
Pre-Admission Requirements
- 18 years or older
- Hold either an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or GED, Certificate of Apprenticeship or Certificate of Qualification in a trade.
- If education was attained outside of Canada, credentials must be assessed by WES (www.wes.org) or another recognized international credential assessment service.
- Applicants without a high school diploma or trade certificate may qualify by successfully completing the Alternative Admission Test (AAT), also referred to in the contract as the Pre-Admissions Aptitude Test for an additional fee.
- You should be physically fit and able to climb ladders and lift equipment.
- Each student is required to meet the minimum Technology Requirements
Syllabus
Five course, theory-based: Read the entire Curriculum
- The Canadian Fire Alarm System – An Overview*
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Basic Electricity
- Life Safety Systems Electronics
- The Canadian Fire Alarm System – Application*
*Course 1 and 5 are mandatory.
Acquired Credential
- Vocational Students: Canadian Fire Alarm Technology Program Certificate
- Non-Vocational Students: When all 5 Courses have been successfully completed you will receive 5 Records of Completion and a transcript.
- These documents represent the completion of the CFAA Canadian Fire Alarm Technology Program.
Schedule: Winter Term, 2026
- 9am – 6pm EST
- *Courses 1 and 5 are designed to be taken sequentially. No exceptions
- **Course 3 and 4 are designed to be taken sequentially.
Note: Program dates may change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, instructor availability, or operational needs. The College reserves the right to adjust the schedule and will notify registered students via the email provided at registration as early as possible
Program Fees
Technology Requirements
All students need a reliable device, internet, and audio/video setup to access lessons, communicate with instructors, and complete online quizzes and tests.
Employment Outlook for Fire Alarm Technicians
Job Duties
- Install, maintain and repair fire alarm systems
- Inspect and test fire alarm systems, components and assemblies using multimeters, circuit testers, oscilloscopes, logic probes and other electronic test instruments, tools and equipment
- Diagnose and locate circuit, component and equipment faults
- Adjust, align, replace or repair electronic equipment, assemblies and components following equipment manuals and schematics, and using soldering tools and other hand and power tools
- Complete work orders, test and maintenance reports
- May supervise other fire alarm technicians.
Work Week Duration
35-40 hours + may be on-call for emergencies.
Wages
96.9%HSMC Employment Rate
|
$18Low Wage/Hr
|
$26Median Wage/Hr
|
$41High Wage/Hr
|
Employment Rate based on 2023 contactable HSMC graduates employed in a related field within 12 months. For full results, go to: https://data.ontario.ca/dataset/college-graduate-outcomes-survey. NOC Code 22311. Wage data rounded down to the nearest dollar. Average wage does not reflect the starting salary but represents the middle value between lowest to highest wages. Local (or regional) income may vary. Last updated in Dec 2025. Also referred to as Fire alarm technician, Fire alarm electronics technician, Fire alarm systems installer and servicer and Alarm system technician. Source: workingincanada.gc.ca
Physical Demands
- Standing
- Working at Heights
- Handling material manually
- Bending or twisting the body
- Making repetitive motions
- Walking and running
- Driving
Competencies
Typical skills needed to work as a fire alarm technician in Canada.
- Troubleshooting
- Setting Up
- Quality Control Testing
- Repairing
- Equipment and Tool Selection
- Preventative Maintenance
- Instructing
- Time Management
Career Path in Fire & Life Safety
Your career as a Fire Alarm Technician can grow with experience, ongoing learning, and professional development. By earning certifications, continuing education credits, expanding your network, and building soft skills, you can open doors to future opportunities.
Some career paths that technicians have progressed into include:
- Project Management
- System Design / Engineering
- Sales or Estimating
- Fire Prevention Officer / Inspector
- Technical Trainer
- Business Owner / Operator
Job Postings in Canada
Job Bank is Canada’s national employment service that helps Canadians find work and plan their careers.
Path to becoming a CFAA Registered Fire Alarm Technician
- Pass our CFAA Fire Alarm Techology Program Courses: Finish the CFAA-endorsed courses, ensuring a minimum grade of 60% in each to be eligible for registration.
- Register as a CFAA Trainee and get practical experience. We recommend 1,500 hours of related work experience and/or training.
- Pass the CFAA Theory Exam: an online proctored, mutiple-choice examination assessing your understanding of fire alarms.
- Pass our CFAA Practical exam. A hands-on practical exam to test your skills related to inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) of fire alarm systems.
- Achieve full technician status. Upon completion, you will be recognized publicly as a CFAA Registered Technician with ongoing continuing education and registration renewals every 1 or 2 years.
Read the CFAA Technician Registation Process | Learn more about a career as a Fire Alarm Technician