FCIA Launches FCIA Certificate of Achievement Education Program (FCAEP)
The Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA) announces the launch of the NEW multi-level FCIA Certificate of Achievement Education Program (FCAEP).
The FCIA Certificate of Achievement Education Program (FCAEP) provides Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor and Firestop Special Inspection Agency personnel a verifiable level of competence in the FCIA Educational Modules through passing a series of exams.
Participants in the Firestop FCAEP begin with the five (5) module FCAEP Firestop Level 1 program, ‘The ‘DIIM’ of Firestop for Fire and Life Safety’. After watching each FCIA Recorded Education Module, a Certificate of Achievement is awarded by scoring an 80% or higher on the module quizzes and the Firestop Level 1 Final Exam.
The FCIA FCAEP brings the student a depth of knowledge in firestopping and other effective compartmentation elements and assemblies and allows them to separate themselves from those that don’t know firestopping.
FCIA Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor and Special Inspection Agency Member Companies get BIG DISCOUNTS on the programs.
Learn more about how to become a FCAEP Firestop Level 1 Certificate Holder today!
Advertise with FCIA
Explore a variety of advertising opportunities with FCIA to promote your brand. Advertise on FCIA.org to get your message out to an audience of professionals from around the globe, all interested in the fire- and life-safety industry.
Barrier Management Video Series Available Online
The Barrier Management Symposium is a one- or two-day Symposium hosted around North America by ASHE regions and chapters, APPA chapters, ICC chapters, and others that features technical education from industry experts on the various elements of Barrier Management.
Developed to educate and increase awareness about how various barriers are ‘D’esigned, ‘I’nstalled, ‘I’nspected, and ‘M’aintained for long-term fire and life safety, the Symposium is perfect for:
- Health Care Facility Engineers, Directors, and their Staff;
- Educational Facility Engineers, Directors, and their Staff;
- Code Officials and Fire Marshals;
- and More.
Learn more about the Barrier Management Symposium and upcoming events year you.
FCIA Announces Career Firestop Education Program
The Firestop Contractors International Association announces the all-new FCIA Firestop Certificate of Achievement Education Program (FCAEP) for Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor personnel and Firestop Special Inspection Agency personnel who want to immerse themselves in the world of firestopping.
The first tract in the FCAEP program is the FCAEP Firestop Program. Participants take part in virtual education modules covering all aspects of the firestop industry, starting with the FCIA Firestop Level 1 Certificate of Achievement Education Program, ‘The ‘DIIM’ of Firestop for Fire and Life Safety’.
Each Level culminates in a series of quizzes or exams. After passing the different level Final Exams, participants are awarded a FCIA Firestop Certificate of Achievement.
FCIA Offers FREE FCIA Firestop Manual of Practice
Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA) is the recognized industry-leader in education, advocacy, and expertise on the firestop and effective compartmentation industry.
To fill a need in the construction industry, FCIA developed the FCIA Firestop Manual of Practice (MOP). The comprehensive resource guide is now the firestop industry’s most definitive handbook of accepted firestop and effective compartmentation knowledge.
As a service to the industry, FCIA offers the FCIA Manual of Practice (MOP) FREE to:
• Architects and Specifiers with Design Firms
• Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)
• Fire Marshals
• Facility Managers
• and Others
For more information and to find out if you qualify for a FREE copy of the MOP, contact us today!
NOTE: Special Inspection Agencies, Specialty Firestop Installation Contractors, and others who conduct business in the firestop industry are not included in this offer. FCIA Members save $600 on the FCIA Firestop Manual of Practice. Learn how to save
FCIA Releases Updated FCIA Member Resources – COVID-19
Today, FCIA published an updated FCIA Member Resources – COVID-19 document. The list is a collection of important links and information that Members and others can reference to find information related to COVID-19, including several resources related to small businesses.
Life Safety Digest, The Magazine of Effective Compartmentation
The newest issue of Life Safety Digest, The Magazine of Effective Compartmentation, has arrived! Check out the Multi-Family and Industrial occupancy issue, and don’t miss articles like:
- ‘The History of Firestopping’;
- ‘Insulating To Manage Three Process Challenges in the Industrial Environment’;
- ‘Don’t Fail Building Inspections’;
- and more!
New FCIA Fire and Life Safety Improvements Initiative
At FCIA’s Virtual ECA ’20 Conference, FCIA launched a new initiative to get fire and life safety improvements using the FCIA’s ‘DIIM’ for Existing Buildings.
FCIA’s 2020 President Ben Urcavich stated, “The world pays attention to sprinklers and alarms, what about effective compartmentation and its many benefits? FCIA Members provide the services needed – with knowledge enough to be responsible individuals in firestopping and effective compartmentation – helping keep buildings safe for all.
“If everyone at FCIA educates someone about what firestopping and effective compartmentation is – and the importance of our industry – we’ll make a difference in the demand for safe buildings delivered by FCIA Members,” said Ben.
Professional Liability Insurance for FCIA Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor and Special Inspection Agency Members
Specialty Firestop Installation Contractors and Special Inspection Agencies can now take advantage of a new FCIA endorsed Professional Liability Insurance program with The Norman Spencer Insurance Group.
FCIA’s leadership worked with The Norman Spencer Insurance Group to assemble a program that closes the gap between General Liability Insurance and Professional Liability Insurance that understands your business, your operations, your risk management needs. This program offers a unique Professional Liability insurance coverage designed specifically for Firestop Contractors and Special Inspection Agencies. It is administered by the Norman Spencer Insurance Group, and is underwritten by Lloyds of London.
This program gives you, the Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor, the opportunity to leverage relationships and experience, for a better insurance value.
Registration Opens for ECA ’21
Registration is now open for ECA ’21, the FCIA Education & Committee Action Hybrid Conference.
The event, which opens at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza in Kansas City, MO this May 10-13, features technical industry education, the FM & UL-ULC Firestop Exams, FCIA Committee meetings, the FCIA Contractor and Special Inspection Agency Members Only sessions, and more spread over three-days of fellowship and interaction.
And, to provide an attendance solution that fits any need or budget, ECA ’21 offers two options for attending – IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL!
Hot News
01/04/20
The date for the January webinar, ‘Firestopping & Standards – An In-Depth Look at the Multiple Ratings of Firestop Systems’, has changed. Please note the new date:
When: TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021
Time: 10:00 am CST
01/07/12
Wait for it…
The ALL NEW Life Safety Digest 2021 Print + Digital Planning Guide is here!
Formerly the Life Safety Digest Media Kit, the redesigned Print + Digital Planning Guide offers exciting new print and digital advertising opportunities across the Life Safety Digest and FCIA platforms that will fit with any budget.
01/12/21
Did you know FCIA provides the FCIA Manual of Practice FREE to Architects and Specifiers with Design Firms, Fire Officials, Fire Marshals, Code Officials, AHJs, and more?
Email us to see if you qualify!
01/14/21
The Firestop Contractors International Association announces the all-new FCIA Firestop Certificate of Achievement Program for Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor personnel and Firestop Special Inspection Agency personnel who want to immerse themselves in the world of firestopping and fire-resistance-rated and smoke-resistant assemblies.
Stay tuned to www.FCIA.org and the January e-News for more information!
01/19/21
Thank you to all who attended today’s ‘Firestopping & Standards – An In-Depth Look at the Multiple Ratings of Firestop Systems’ with Rich Walke (CTI for FCIA), the opening session in the 2021 FCIA Educational Webinar Series. Stay tuned for information on the February session.
Missed it? You can find the presentation here.
01/20/21
Registration is now open for ECA ’21, the FCIA Education & Committee Action Hybrid Conference, heading to Kansas City, MO this May 10-13!
With two options to attend – IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL – there’s no excuse not to be there!
01/26/21
Registration is open for the February webinar in the FCIA Educational Webinar Series ’21.
Don’t miss ‘Maintaining Protection of Gypsum Assemblies’ with Kyle Flondor, USG’s Fire Systems Lead, Building Science, as he covers proper design and systems selection through the UL Product iQ. Then, follow along as he dives into the patching and repair of fire-resistance-rated gypsum assemblies.
When: Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Time: 10:00 am CST
Register Today!
01/29/21
Where can you go to find experts in the fields of Firestopping and Effective Compartmentation and Barrier Management Services?
The FCIA Member Lists of course! Here you’ll find the leading experts and providers for all aspects of high-quality fire-resistance-rated and smoke-resistant assemblies and Barrier Management Services.
02/04/21
The FCIA Board of Directors met this week to strategize FCIA’s 2021 actions and initiatives.
From Accreditation, Education, Code and Standards to Program, Labeling, FM & UL Contractor Programs, Inspection, and a lot more, the FCIA Board developed a comprehensive and consistent plan of action for the year. Watch as new and existing program announcements unfold in coming weeks and months…
Thanks to all FCIA Board members for their continued leadership and donation of their time and talents for the Association and the industry.
02/16/21
One day left to register for ‘Maintaining Protection of Gypsum Assemblies’ with Kyle Flondor (USG). Make sure to sign-up today!
When: Wednesday, February 17
Time: 10:00 am CST
02/17/21
Register today for the March session in the FCIA Educational Webinar Series, ‘Firestopping & Standards – An In-Depth Look at the Standards and Ratings Used for the Protection of Joints and Voids’.
When: Wednesday, March 31
Time: 10:00 am CDT
02/18/21
Registration is open for ECA ’21, the FCIA Education & Committee Action Hybrid Conference, heading to the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza this May 10-13. Attend – either In-Person OR Online – with the same access and benefits regardless of how you get there.
Register Today
02/18/21
Thank you to all who tuned in to yesterday’s ‘Maintaining Protection of Gypsum Assemblies’ webinar with Kyle Flondor of USG. It’s always great having Kyle present because he always brings strong technical content and a wealth of knowledge. And, we had great interaction and participation from the crowd with thought-provoking questions, some that even stumped Kyle! Make sure you check out next month’s session on Joints and Voids!
02/24/21
Registration is open for the ‘FCIA Education for the FM & UL-ULC Firestop Exams’ webinar. FCIA Contractor Members looking to pursue the FM 4991 Approved or UL-ULC Qualified Firestop Contractor programs and FCIA Special Inspection Agency Members pursuing the IAS AC 291 Accredited Program can attend this extended 4-hour webinar to prepare for the FM or UL-ULC Firestop Exams.
When: Tuesday, March 30
Time: 8:00 am CST
03/01/21
BIG NEWS!!!
The FCIA Firestop Level 1 Certificate of Achievement Education Program (FCAEP) is live! And FCIA Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor and Special Inspection Agency Members get BIG DISCOUNTS!
07/01/20
Looking to join FCIA? Want to spotlight your company to building owners and managers looking for a Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor?
Now’s the time to join! First-time members join now for only $690 USD*!
Contact Cathy Burns to learn more about member benefits, including the $600 discount on the FCIA Firestop Manual of Practice.
07/07/20
As the world continues to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, several industry events have had to make the difficult decision to either cancel or modify their event in some way. Some of the most recent to announce event changes are CONSTRUCT, which has transitioned to a Virtual Event October 7-8, 2020, and IFMA World Workplace, which has moved both the date and location of their event.
FCIA continues to support both of these events and will be participating in the re-imagined events later this year.
07/09/20
Gimme an F!
Gimme an I!
Gimme a C!
What’s that spell?
Save the Date for FIC ’20!
October 27-30, 2020
Stay tuned to www.FCIA.org for updates!
07/14/20
ASHE announced today that their ASHE Annual Conference & Expo will be a Virtual event this year. The event will be October 5-7 and will feature the same top-notch education sessions and dynamic trade show floor attendees have come to expect from the in-person event.
07/22/20
Thank you to all who attended today’s webinar, ‘The History of Standards – Firestopping & More’, with Rich Walke (FCIA).
Missed it? That’s ok. Find the presentation here.
07/22/20
Register today for ‘Firestopping and Existing Buildings’, the August session in the FCIA Educational Webinar Series.
When: Wednesday, August 19
Time: 10:00 am CDT
07/29/20
What responsibility does the building owner and manager have to maintain the fire-resistance-rated and smoke-resistant building elements and assemblies? And, what are the required elements of an inventory of fire-resistance?
This article from Life Safety Digest takes a look at these very questions and outlines the code requirements for the maintenance of fire-resistance.
08/05/20
Lots of exciting things coming soon from FCIA! From Virtual Events to FIC ’20, you don’t want to miss the lineup this Fall!
Stay tuned to www.FCIA.org for updates!
08/12/20
FCIA’s Webinar Series has a great history of providing education on Firestopping: Penetrations, Joints, and Voids; fire-resistance and features of fire-resistance – Fire/Smoke Dampers, Fire Doors, Fire Rated Glazing, and much more.
FCIA Members get access to FREE archived webinar recordings.
If you know someone who should be a member, forward this to them!
08/19/20
Thank you to all who attended today’s session ‘Firestopping and Existing Buildings’. And thanks to Rich Walke for co-presenting the session. You can find the presentation here.
Be sure to tune in for next month’s session, ‘Firestopping Inspection’, on Wednesday, September 16 at 10:00 am CDT.
08/19/20
Registration is now open for ‘Firestopping Inspection’, the September session in the FCIA Educational Webinar Series.
When: Wednesday, September 16
Time: 10:00 am CDT
09/01/20
Registration is now open for FIC ’20, the FCIA Firestop Industry HYBRID Conference & Trade Show!
For the first-time ever, FIC ’20 will offer TWO exciting ways to attend: IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL.
09/03/20
The FCIA ‘DIIM’ Symposium Canada goes virtual this month!
Those involved in the design, installation, inspection, and maintenance of firestop and effective compartment systems for projects and buildings all over Canada can take advantage of this FREE three-day virtual event this September 30-October 2.
09/08/20
Have you registered yet for FIC ’20, the FCIA Firestop Industry Hybrid Conference & Trade Show? This year’s agenda focuses on the elements of Barrier Management, plus so much more! Register to attend in-person or online.
Early registration discounts end September 27, so Register Today!
09/11/20
Registration is open for the FCIA Virtual ‘DIIM’ Symposium Canada. Attend this FREE three-day event for virtual education sessions focused on the firestop industry in Canada. If you design, install, inspect, or maintain firestop and effective compartmentation systems for buildings in Canada, you cannot afford to miss this event.
09/15/20
One day left to register for ‘Firestopping Inspection’, this month’s session in the FCIA Educational Webinar Series.
When: Wednesday, September 16
Time: 10:00 am CDT
09/16/20
Thank you to all who participated on today’s webinar, ‘Firestopping Inspection’. The session had great attendance and an excellent round of Q&A at the end.
09/16/20
There’s only two weeks left to register for the FCIA Virtual ‘DIIM’ Symposium Canada.
Join FCIA this September 30-October 2 for three-days of firestop education specifically tailored to the firestop industry in Canada.
Registration is FREE!
Register once to attend all sessions.
09/17/20
Registration is now open for ‘Firestopping Inspection’, the October session in the FCIA Educational Webinar Series ’20. This session is the continuation of the September program, including new content not covered before.
When: Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Time: 10:00 am CDT
09/18/20
FCIA Contractor & Special Inspection Agency Members: Are you interested in third-party accreditation programs? Are you looking to prepare for the FM or UL-ULC Firestop Exams? Registration is now open for the ‘FCIA Education for the Firestop Exams’ test prep webinar.
When: Wednesday, October 14
Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm CDT
09/25/20
Calling all people who Design, Install, Inspect, or Maintain firestop systems in Canada: Are you interested in FREE Virtual Firestop Education?
Register Today for the FCIA Virtual ‘DIIM’ Symposium Canada!
The virtual event runs September 30 – October 2 and is totally free to attend. Don’t wait. Register Today!
09/28/20
Early registration discounts may have ended, but FIC ’20 registration remains open! Attend this October 27-30 either IN-PERSON or ONLINE for an educational event focused on developing the firestop professional
09/29/20
The FCIA Virtual ‘DIIM’ Symposium Canada opens tomorrow! Don’t miss this three-day event focused on the firestop industry in Canada. Sessions cover a wide-range of topics from FCIA’s ‘DIIM’ of Firestopping to the National Building Code of Canada, Code Requirements for Fire-Resistance to Mass Wood Timber Buildings, Expansion Joints to Fire-Separation Management, and more!
10/13/20
Videos from the FCIA Virtual ‘DIIM’ Symposium Canada are now available in the Members Only section of the website.
Canadian AHJs can access the recordings as a special benefit for this program. If you’re interested in getting access, email us!
10/14/20
Registration is open for the first-ever Virtual ‘DIIM’ Firestop & Effective Compartmentation Symposium Middle East! Join FCIA this 8-10 November for FREE virtual education for the firestop industry in the Middle East.
Registration is open to all.
10/16/20
Ten days until FIC ’20 opens in San Antonio, TX or on a computer near you. There’s still time to register to attend and/or take the FM & UL-ULC Firestop Exams.
10/2/20
Thanks to all who attended and presented during the FCIA Virtual ‘DIIM’ Symposium Canada. Sessions featured dynamic content focused on the various areas of the firestop industry in Canada.
Presentations will be posted online. Check the Presentation Archives.
10/28/20
Registration is Now Open for the first-ever FCIA-ASTM Virtual Fire-Resistance-Rated and Smoke-Resistant Assemblies & Existing Buildings Event, starting this 23-24 November.
11/23/20
The first-ever FCIA – ASTM Fire-Resistance-Rated & Smoke-Resistant Assemblies & Existing Buildings Virtual Event starts today! Together with FM Approvals, ICC, Thomas Bell-Wright International, and UL, the FCIA – ASTM joint virtual event features two-days of webinars focused on fire-resistance-rated and smoke-resistant topics relevant to the Gulf region.
11/24/20
FCIA Members around the world are the best resource for fire-resistance-rated and smoke-resistant installation, inspection, and products. To ensure your project is done right, consult the FCIA Member List.
11/25/20
Thanks to all who participated in this week’s first-ever FCIA – ASTM Fire-Resistance-Rated & Smoke-Resistant Assemblies & Existing Buildings Webinar Series. The abridged event was a teaser for a future in-person event to be held in 2021 in the Gulf Region. With great collaboration, two-days of dynamite speakers were present, delivering sessions that were top-notch!
11/3/20
Registration is now open for ‘The ‘DIIM’ of Firestopping – Essential for Safer Buildings’, the November session in the 2020 FCIA Educational Webinar Series.
When: Wednesday, November 18
Time: 10:00 am CST – 12:00 pm CST
11/30/20
Thank you to all who partnered on and who attended the FCIA – ASTM Virtual Fire-Resistance-Rated and Smoke-Resistant Assemblies & Existing Buildings Virtual Event last week. Sessions were dynamic and a great warm-up for a future in-person event in 2021.
Missed it? That’s ok! Videos and PDFs of the presentations can be found online!
12/01/20
The International Firestop Council has issued a statement on CPVC and Firestopping.
The source of the document comes from the following passage at the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association’s website, https://www.ppfahome.org/page/CPVC,
“Don’t Do’s For All Construction –
Do not use petroleum or solvent based sealants, lubricants, or fire stop materials.”
As with all compatibility issues, verify compatibility with the specific manufacturers of the firestop materials that might come in contact with CPVC, and also the CPVC Manufacturers, listed at the PPFA website.
12/01/20
Registration is open for ‘Firestopping & Standards – Product and System Suitability for Use’, the December session in the 2020 FCIA Educational Webinar Series.
When: Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am CST
12/16/20
Thanks to all who attended the final session in the 2020 FCIA Educational Webinar Series, ‘Firestopping & Standards – Product and System Suitability for Use’, with Rich Walke (CTI/FCIA). Copies of today’s program can be found in the Presentations Archive.
Make sure to tune in for the 2021 FCIA Educational Webinar Series, featuring programs that build upon today’s introductory session on the Standards and Ratings related to the firestop industry.
12/16/20
Registration is open for the first session in the 2021 FCIA Educational Webinar Series, ‘Firestopping & Standards – An In-Depth Look at the Multiple Ratings of Firestop Systems’, with Rich Walke (CTI/FCIA). The session, the second in a multi-session series, dives in deep on the F-, T-, L-, W-, M-, E-, and A-Ratings.
When: Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Time: 10:00 am CST
12/17/20
Ever wonder how the firestopping industry developed? Check out this program on the ‘History of Standards – Firestopping and More’, based on the program from Rich Walke (formerly of UL) and Luke Woods (UL) from FIC ’19. The session looks at the firestopping industry from its early beginnings to today, including how it might evolve in the future.
12/18/20
Happy holidays from FCIA!
Wishing you and yours a season of cheer with peace and joy to last the year!
In observance of the holiday season, the FCIA Office will be closed December 24-25 and December 31-January 1, 2021. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, January 4, 2021.
2/26/21
This May 10-13, where can you go to find technical firestop education, the FM & UL-ULC Firestop Exams, round table action meetings, and networking events for the firestop industry?
And with two ways to attend, there’s no reason not to be there.
What are you waiting for?
Register Today!
8/18/20
One day left to register for ‘Firestopping and Existing Buildings’, the August webinar in the FCIA Educational Webinar Series.
When: Wednesday, August 19
Time: 10:00 am CDT
9/22/20
Early Registration discounts for FIC ’20 are ending soon!
This year, attendees can register to attend either IN-PERSON or ONLINE ONLY. Whichever way you choose to attend, register by September 27 to capture early registration discounts!
Hot News Archives
Want to see what you may have missed? Check out FCIA’s Hot News Archives.
Why Use A Specialty Firestop Contractor?
Cables, pipes of all types, expansion, and building perimeter joints all make breaches in fire-resistance-rated and smoke-resistant assemblies. When breaches that allow penetrations to pass through and joints that allow for movement are required, FCIA Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor Members are the “go to” companies to look for. FCIA Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor Member companies specialize in this highly technical service that protects people, property, and continuity of building operations. They understand how to analyze conditions, correctly select listed firestop SYSTEMS, then install the firestop systems with the utmost attention to detail.
Why Use A Special Inspection Agency?
FCIA Firestop Special Inspection Agency Members strive to be the best at inspecting highly technical firestop systems. These FCIA Member Inspection Agencies assess the installation of the Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor against the tested and listed system listing that was used to build the firestop system. Competent, third-party independent inspection by FCIA Firestop Special Inspection Agency Members with the proper equipment, competent personnel, and practical industry experience adds an integral quality check on the firestop installation process. Insist on FCIA Firestop Special Inspection Agencies that know when the installation is right or wrong.
Join an Elite Group of Firestop Professionals
FCIA members span the globe provided services and materials that uphold the highest level of standards.
Need Barrier Management Services?
Building Owners and Managers are required by the International Fire Code, NFPA 101, NFPA 1, the National Fire Code of Canada, UAE Fire and Life Safety Code, and other codes to maintain all types of fire-resistance rated and smoke resistant assemblies for the life of the building.
Find a Barrier Management Contractor
Watch the Barrier Management Symposium Video Series
Members who offer these specialized services can register for inclusion in these lists.