Qualification details
Title
New Zealand Certificate in Fire Protection Systems Technology (Inspections)
(Level 4) with strands in Fire Detection and Alarm Systems, and Fixed Fire
Protection Systems
Version
1
Qualification type
Certificate
Level
4
Credits
240
NZSCED
039905 Engineering and Related Technologies > Other
Engineering and Related Technologies > Fire Technology and
Rescue Services
Qualification developer
Competenz
Next review
December 2021
Approval date
March 2016
Strategic purpose statement
The purpose of this qualification is to provide the Fire Protection
industry with inspectors who have the skills and knowledge to
test and inspect active fire protection systems.
The qualification includes two strands - graduates will either
specialise in inspection of fire detection and alarm systems; or
inspection of fixed fire protection systems.
Graduates will work in accordance with the New Zealand
Building Code, current Standards, regulations and ordinances,
and other internationally accepted Standards.
Outcome Statement
Graduate profile
Qualification Reference 2579
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
-
Prepare for inspections by identifying and reviewing all
relevant documentation.
-
Test and inspect fire detection and alarm systems.
-
Test and inspect fixed fire protection systems
-
Complete all required inspection documentation.
-
Identify and report on any deficiencies that impair
performance of the fire protection system.
-
Work safely on and around the immediate work area.
-
Use skills and knowledge of active fire protection systems
and inspection procedures to effectively contribute to the
performance of the team.
Graduates of the Fire Detection and Alarm Systems Strand
will also be able to:
-
Conduct inspections and certify compliance of fire detection
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and alarm systems.
Graduates of the Fixed Fire Protection Systems Strand will
also be able to:
-
Education pathway
Conduct inspections and certify compliance of fixed fire
protection systems.
There is no advanced qualification in this sector, however
graduates may expand their knowledge and skills by completing
the:
-
New Zealand Certificate in Fixed Fire Protection Systems
(Level 4) with an optional endorsement in Special Hazards
Fixed Fire Protection Systems [Ref: 2577]; or
-
New Zealand Certificate in Fire Detection and Alarm
Systems (Level 4) [Ref: 2575]; or
-
New Zealand Certificate in Passive Fire Protection Systems
(Level 4) [Ref: 2581].
Graduates may wish to enrol in a supervisory, management, or
engineering qualification at Level 5 or above.
Employment pathway
Graduates will be equipped to work as routine surveyors or
inspectors of active fire protection systems - either for fire
detection and alarm systems, or fixed fire protection systems.
Qualification specifications
Qualification award
This qualification can be awarded by an organisation which
has an approved programme of study or programme of
industry training leading to the qualification.
Evidence requirements for assuring
consistency
Evidence must include the following:
-
Employer surveys to determine if graduates of the
qualification meet the graduate profile outcomes.
-
Evidence of effective processes to ensure programmes
continue to meet current industry needs.
-
A range of workplace evidence demonstrating that
graduates meet the graduate profile outcomes.
-
Any other relevant evidence as appropriate.
Minimum standard of achievement
and standards for grade
endorsements
Achieved.
Other requirements for the
qualification (including regulatory
body or legislative requirements)
Entry is open; however, it is recommended candidates hold
the National Certificate in Educational Achievement (Level 2)
[Ref: 0973].
Candidates who have achieved the New Zealand Certificate
in Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (Level 3) [Ref: 2574] or
Qualification Reference 2579
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
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the New Zealand Certificate in Fixed Fire Protection
Systems (Level 3) [Ref: 2576] would have gained some
credits towards this qualification.
General conditions for the programme leading to the qualification
General conditions for
programme
This qualification will typically be achieved through a combination of
on-job training and assessments and distance learning (e-learning
and/or correspondence).
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems refer to apparatus which perform
specified fire-related functions in response to the operation of a
detector, manual call point, or other input. They include manual call
points, detectors, control and indication equipment, alerting devices,
interconnections (to other building services such as Heating,
Ventilating and Air Conditioning Systems, Refrigeration and Air
Conditioning Systems, Lifts, Escalators), fittings, labels, and energy
sources. Where the system is connected to a remote receiving centre,
it will also include remote signalling devices.
Fixed Fire Protection Systems refers to automatic fire sprinkler
systems. The system includes an adequate and reliable water supply,
and a network of specially sized piping and sprinkler heads or
sprayers designed to deliver a predetermined volume of water over
given area.
The context for ‘contribute effectively to the performance of a team’
relates to system installation where each person is expected to define
their technical strengths and apply them as relevant to ensure the job
is completed.
Programmes leading to this qualification may include some or all of
the standards listed in the conditions column below. Use of these unit
standards to meet the outcomes of this qualification is not mandatory.
Should unit standards be specified in a programme of study or
programme of industry training leading to this qualification, the
explanatory notes section of the unit standards concerned must be
considered as there may be legislative and health and safety
requirements such as the New Zealand Building Code, Industry
Standards, regulations and ordinances, and Territorial Authority bylaws.
Conditions relating to the Graduate profile
Qualification outcomes
Conditions
1
17712, 23262, 28820
Prepare for inspections by identifying and
reviewing all relevant documentation.
Credits 10
2
Test and inspect fire detection and alarm
systems.
57, 2395, 4432, 4433, 4647, 15845, 15847, 15851,
23258, 23259, 23262, 28813
Credits 50
Qualification Reference 2579
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
Page 3 of 4
3
Test and inspect fixed fire protection
systems.
57, 2395, 4432, 4433, 4647, 15845, 15847, 15851,
17729, 17730, 17731, 28820
Credits 50
4
Complete all required inspection
documentation.
57, 3492, 17712, 17715, 23262, 28820
Credits 10
5
Identify and report on any deficiencies
that impair performance of the fire
protection system.
23262, 28820, 29157
Credits 10
6
Work safely on and around the immediate
work area.
497, 3271, 6401, 6402
Credits 5
7
Use skills and knowledge of active fire
protection systems and inspection
procedures to effectively contribute to the
performance of the team.
57, 23262, 28820
Credits 5
Fire Detection and Alarms Systems Strand
8
Conduct inspections and certify
compliance of fire detection and alarm
systems.
15852, 15861, 17708, 17713, 17714, 23263,
23264, 25070, 25071, 25072
Credits 100
Fixed Fire Protection Systems strand
9
Conduct inspections and certify
compliance of fixed fire protection
systems.
17732, 17735, 27525, 28821, 28824, 28825
Credits 100
Qualification Reference 2579
© New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
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