Due to the current budget crisis and subsequent State of Connecticut directive instructing agencies to use paperless processes whenever possible, Career Development handouts will only be available in electronic format.
Starting in the Fall, handouts can be found under the Continuing Education tab to the left, click on Career Development.
The Office of Education and Data Management (OEDM) is responsible for training and accrediting Building and Fire Code Officials and 911 Telecommunicators, as well as providing code-related instruction to individuals in the allied trade professions and managing the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) for Connecticut. Professional trainers work closely with members of the Office of State Fire Marshal, Office of the State Building Inspector and the Office of Statewide Emergency Telecommunications to develop and teach training curricula that is timely and relevant.
Individuals who wish to become licensed Building Inspectors, certified Fire Officials or Emergency Telecommunicators must pass qualifying examinations. These exams are developed and administered through the OEDM Testing Unit. Prior to admittance to an exam, preparatory training programs are offered in all three content areas. These programs run from six days to 60 days in length, depending on the accreditation desired.
Once licensure or certification is achieved, Building and Fire Officials are required by statute to earn continuing education credits to maintain accreditation. OEDM, in conjunction with the Deputy State Fire Marshal, State Building Inspector and Joint Training Council, develop annual training calendars based on new codes and high-priority topics. Officials register for classes through OEDM’s administrative arm.
A team of office professionals maintains a state-of-the-art database that tracks pre-accreditation training, credentialing criteria, continuing education credits, and conference registrations. The database also generates dynamic reports that are used by the Division and the Department to make key business decisions.
One OEDM trainer is dedicated to training Fire Marshals and fire department personnel in NFIRS and NFIRS supporting software, as well as developing Burn Injury Summary reports. NFIRS is supported by a processing technician who is solely responsible for managing data from all 256 fire jurisdictions in the state.
All of OEDM’s efforts are supported by our webpage. Access training schedules, accreditation criteria, reference information and application forms via the navigation bar at the left.
