Information for foreign-trained firefighters
(6262) Verified: 2008 11 19
Information on requirements to practise
The occupation of firefighter is not regulated in Canada. Therefore, employment is subject to demand, and qualifications requirements are set by individual employers. In New Brunswick, firefighters who want to obtain trade certification must complete the apprenticeship training program for firefighters. In the municipalities of other provinces and territories, the required qualifications are set by individual fire departments or services. However, most fire departments require completion of basic training courses, not only in firefighting and fire prevention, but also in emergency medical care. Those who carry out fire prevention activities and fight fires in hazardous settings, in specialized industries, or in public transportation services require additional education and on-the-job training.
Information on assessment of qualifications
If you need to have your credentials assessed before coming to Canada, you may contact an evaluation service and consult our Fact Sheet No. 2, "Assessment and recognition of credentials for the purpose of employment in Canada." Although the evaluation services offer expert advice on how qualifications obtained abroad compare with credentials obtained in a Canadian province or territory, the evaluation is advisory only and does not guarantee recognition of your qualifications for employment or certification purposes in Canada. Please note that they charge a fee for their services.
Other relevant information
For a general description of duties and employment requirements, you can refer to the information prepared by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada regarding:
Specific Provincial/Territorial Information
You may also be interested in the CICIC information page for
Finally, the following sites may be of interest: