Inspection Programs

Initial certification as a Resident Fire Marshal is addressed in Office of State Fire Marshal’s (OSFM) initial certification policy. In summary, in order to be certified as a Resident Fire Marshal, the candidate must be affiliated with a fire department, building department, or another state agency with statutory authority to conduct fire inspections. In addition, the candidate must be certified as an International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector I. The preparatory course is offered twice a year, as well as the ICC Fire Inspector I exam. The final requirement is the candidate must attend a “State Rules and Regulations” (course code 8610) class. These are offered twice a year or on demand, as needed.

For more information concerning the Resident Fire Marshal program, contact the OSFM or visit scfiremarshal.llronline.com.

2139: Introduction to Fire Inspection Principles & Practices

• Prerequisite: None
• Contact Hours: 24
• This National Fire Academy course is designed for employes whos primary job responsibility is conducting fire and life safety inspections. The course provides an introductory framework for the individual who has little or no experience in conducting fire inspections. It also helps new inspectors understand the knowledge and skills required to conduct inspections and the various steps in the inspection process. Topics include fire behavior, common fire hazard recognition, building construction, fire protection systems, and actual inspection practices and procedures.

8608: ICC Fire Inspector I Exam Prep

• Prerequisite: Hazardous Materials Awareness level training
• Contact Hours: 40
• This advanced course is designed to prepare the student for the ICC Fire Inspector I exam. The course will utilize the International Building and International Fire codes. It also incorporates the provisions of NFPA 1031, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plans Examiner.
• Textbook Information: Code books (International Fire and Building codes) are the responsibility of the student. Electronic, online, commentary, and handbook versions of these manuals are not permitted for this course. Please contact the State Fire Marshal’s office for up-to-date information.

8609: ICC Fire Inspector I Exam

• The exam fee is included in the 8608 Fire Marshal Certification course (if the exam is part of the program).
• Registration Deadline: Registration for this course has a 45-day cut-off. This allows time for ICC materials to be ordered. Additionally, registrations are non-transferable after the 45-day cut-off.
• If registering for a challenge exam, please contact the OSFM for cost information at (803) 896-9800.

8610: S.C. Fire Marshal Rules and Regulations

• Prerequisite: 8608 or current ICC Fire Inspector I card.
• Contact Hours: 4
• This four-hour training program will familiarize Fire Marshal candidates with specific rules, regulations, and statutes pertaining to them while operating in South Carolina.

8612: ICC Fire Inspector I Course

• Recommended review prior to class:
  • IFSTA, 7th Edition, Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement (exam reference, not permitted during exam)
  • 2015 International Building Code Chapters 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 - 2015 International Fire Code Chapters 1-10.
• Student Responsibilities:
  • Code Manuals are not provided by State Fire. Students shall provide, and bring to class, the 2015 ICC
  • International Fire Code (with ICC Turbo Tabs), 2015 ICC International Building Code (with Turbo Tabs), and the 2015 International Fire Code Study Companion (all manuals are available through ICC online store).
  • Digital copies of the codes are not permitted during the exam and are discouraged for class use.

8506: Quarterly Training for Certified Fire Marshals

• Prerequisite: None
• Contact Hours: 5 (per class)
• These training programs are conducted to assist Resident Fire Marshals, and others with an interest in fire inspections, by staying up-to-date on the latest S.C. codes, laws, and trends. Quarterly topics are listed on the State Fire Marshal’s website. Contact the training coordinator at (803) 896-3970 for more information.