Fire leadership

Get equipped to meet challenges and inspire change

The new Dalhousie Fire Leadership Program is now underway. After two years of development, we are proud to introduce a fully revamped slate of courses, certificates, and diplomas. This program equips those in the Canadian Fire Service with the most up-to-date, relevant, and important leadership skills and knowledge it takes to be the best.

How our fire leadership program works Accreditation Certificates and programs Diplomas Certifications Opportunities, resources, and support

A fire truck driving away during a fire.

How our fire leadership program works

Jay Shaw, Senior Fire Instructor, standing infront of Dalhousie University.

Today’s fire service needs leaders equipped to meet challenges and inspire change.

Offered 100% online, get in-demand skills that meet your professional certification requirements. Our certificates are stackable so you can accelerate your learning.

Fire leadership: Step-by-step

Step 1: Complete the certificates

Step 2: Earn your diploma in general fire leadership

Step 3: Take four executive leadership courses

Step 4: Get your diploma in executive fire leadership

Download a full-size infographic

The image explains how people can earn a diploma by taking different certificates in the fire leadership program

Accreditation

Along with meeting the high academic standards of Dalhousie University, our Fire Leadership Program meets the standards of important organizations in the fire service.

The job performance requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1021) form the basis for our Fire Officer III and Fire Officer IV designations.

Our program is audited by both of North America’s fire service accrediting agencies - National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (known as the Pro Board), and the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).

This audit occurs every five years in agreement with the Nova Scotia Firefighters School and through our board membership on the Nova Scotia Fire Service Professional Qualifications Board.

Certificates and programs

For details on each certificate or program—including upcoming sessions, fees, and delivery formats—click the link in the listing to visit our registration site.

Unlike other Dalhousie programs, many of our courses don’t require an application—you can simply register. A few, however, do require one. This quick video shows you how to find your course, add it to your cart, and complete your registration in just a few steps.

Watch now to see how easy it is to get started.

Certificate in Fire Service Leadership

The Certificate in Fire Service Leadership (CFSL) provides fire service officers with opportunities to expand their knowledge of the fire service and add management education to their technical training. The CFSL is the most popular accreditation at Dal Fire and gives you the foundations needed to move onto more advanced courses in the program.

Required courses:

Certificate in General Fire Service Administration

The Certificate in General Fire Service Administration (CGFSA) is designed to help fire service officers develop their administrative and managerial skills.

Required courses:

Elective courses (choose one):

Specialized certificates

Certificate in Advanced Fire Service Administration

Develop your administrative and managerial skills, while allowing the flexibility to choose courses that will be relevant to your own departments.

Certificate in Operational Planning

Learn about the resources required for the effective management of a fire department, community emergency planning, and structured decision making.

Certificate in Fire Service Human Resource Management

Identify human resource challenges faced by public service and public safety organizations.

Certificate in Emergency Management for the Fire Service

This certificate focuses on incident command and disaster management systems in the fire service.

Certificate in Training Officer Education

This certificate is intended for any individuals training, facilitating, coaching, and/or mentoring those in the fire service, building on both theory and practice in adult education.

Certificate in Wildfire and Climate Change Adaptation Management

Get equipped with planning, prevention, and response skills for the increasing threat of natural disasters.

Certificate in First Responder Health and Wellness

The Certificate in First Responder Health and Wellness is designed to help leaders in the fire service learn about occupational stress and trauma so they can address the mental health needs of emergency services personnel.

Certificate in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Fire Service

Dig into the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, identify barriers to effective inclusive communications, and recognize ways to optimize diverse teams in your departments.

Diplomas

Diploma in General Fire Leadership

Completion of three certificates are required for the Diploma in General Fire Leadership. Graduates of the Diploma in General Fire Leadership who have also obtained their Fire Officer II certification will meet the criteria for Fire Officer III.

Diploma in Executive Fire Leadership

Successful completion of at least 144 hours of coursework is required for the Diploma in Executive Fire Leadership. The prerequisite for the Diploma in Executive Fire Leadership is the Diploma in General Fire Leadership. Graduates of the Diploma in Executive Fire Leadership who have also obtained their Fire Officer III certification will meet the criteria for Fire Officer IV.

Certifications

Fire Officer III Certification Track *

If you have obtained your Fire Officer II certification, you may apply for Fire Officer III certification by completing the required courses listed below and submitting the application.

Application process:

Complete required courses
Complete application
Program staff will then check your application for completeness. If gaps are found, you will be notified by Dalhousie University staff.
Once your application has been approved, your request will be submitted to the Nova Scotia Professional Qualifications Board.
After all requirements have been verified, you will receive Fire Officer III certification.

Fire Officer IV Certification Track *

If you have obtained your Fire Officer III certification, you may apply for Fire Officer IV certification by completing the required courses listed below and submitting the application.

Application process:

Complete required courses
Complete application
Program staff will then check your application for completeness. If gaps are found, you will be notified by Dalhousie University staff.
Once your application has been approved, your request will be submitted to the Nova Scotia Professional Qualifications Board.
After all requirements have been verified, you will receive Fire Officer IV certification.

* For Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants seeking NFPA 1021 Fire Officer III and IV credits within the fire leadership Program, specific conditions apply. Please contact rpl@dal.ca for more information.

Opportunities, resources and support

Fast track your learning

Accelerate your path to certification with our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program. RPL allows you to apply your existing knowledge and skills to relevant courses, saving you time and effort.

See if you're eligible for RPL credits

Three students walk across the Studley Quad with the Henry Hicks Building in the background.

Upskilling your team?

Do you have a team that could benefit from a customized version of a certificate or course?

Explore our custom training options

Two computer science students at Dalhousie collaborate on a large touchscreen table.

Enrolment and student support

Access student advising and support services to help you succeed.

How to register Log in to the student portal Student policies

Discover our other programs

View all courses and certificates

Questions? Connect with our team

Student Services Team

We can be reached by telephone or email from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (AST).