Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
International students: review Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility before choosing program and course delivery.
Fire Protection Engineering Technology (FPT)
Campus
Delivery
Hybrid, FlexibleDuration
6 Semesters (3 Years)Credential
Ontario College Advanced DiplomaAbout the Program
Are you interested in a career that allows you to make an impact in your community and is always in high demand? In the Fire Protection Engineering Technology three-year advanced diploma program, you will experience hands-on learning within fire protection labs, witness live fire demonstrations, perform fire investigations and hazardous materials operation scenarios and learn the foundations of the fire protection industry. You will also benefit from flexible learning options and a comprehensive curriculum taught by expert faculty that prepares you for an array of career opportunities. This uniquely designed program provides you with the professional knowledge and practical skills to work in the fire service field or dynamic careers within the private sector of the fire protection and life safety industry.
Graduates of the program have the option to transfer into the Firefighter, Pre-Service Education and Training program or other programs in the School of Fire Protection Engineering Technology. This three-year advanced diploma is a preferred qualification for firefighter applications in Ontario and prepares you for a diverse array of careers.
In providing a real-world experience, indoor and outdoor lab-based subjects will require the use of appropriate industry health and safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Computer Requirements
It is strongly recommended that you have a laptop before the first day of this program. It should include the following minimum technical specifications:
- Windows 10 Operating System
- Intel i7 or equivalent processor
- 16 GB of RAM (32 GB of RAM is recommended)
- 256 GB Solid State Hard Drive (SSD) (512 GB SSD is recommended)
- High-end graphics video card (consider a dedicated video card with at least 2 GB of video memory)
- 13-inch or larger screen
- Three USB 3.0 ports
- Wireless 802.11ac
Your Career
When you graduate from this program, these are the types of career options you can explore:
Fire Service
- Fire and life safety public educator
- Fire investigator
- Fire prevention inspector/officer
- Firefighter (preferred qualification)
- Plans examiner
Fire Engineering Technology
- Fire sprinkler system (designer or sales representative)
- Fire alarm system (designer, technician or sales representative)
- Fire and building code consultant (engineering technologist)
- Property management, fire prevention
- Insurance risk manager
- Fire safety plan designer
- Fire researcher
- Fire extinguisher technician
- CAD designer
Program Availability
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2025 | Newnham | Open |
| Jan. 2026 | Newnham | Open |
Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2025 | Newnham | Open |
| Jan. 2026 | Newnham | Open |
Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
This program meets Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility requirements.
Program and Course Delivery
January 2025
This program is offered in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Using interactive learning spaces, professors teach in person to students in a physical classroom or lab and stream to students online at the same time. In courses delivered in the flexible format, students have a choice of coming to campus for an in-person experience or learning online.
September 2025
This program is offered in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Using innovative learning spaces and technology, professors teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.
Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
- Perform advanced fire inspections of various occupancies to determine life safety compliance
- Perform fundamental fire investigation tasks to determine potential cause and origin
- Recognize fire and life safety risks for building owners and determine solutions
- Analyze advanced fire dynamics concepts
- Evaluate building construction and fire safety systems to confirm compliance with building and fire codes
- Design advanced fire alarm and sprinkler systems
- Troubleshoot fire alarm and sprinkler systems
Work Experience
Optional Co-op
Students meeting all academic requirements may have the opportunity to complete an optional co-op work term(s) in a formal work environment. In most cases the work term(s) is a full-time paid position completed between two academic semesters. In programs with limited co-op opportunities, additional academic requirements and a passing grade on a communication assessment may be required for eligibility. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for those participating in the optional co-op stream regardless of success in securing a work position.
Professional Certification
- NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations (IFSAC and ProBoard)
- NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector Level I (IFSAC and ProBoard)
- NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector Level II (IFSAC and ProBoard)
- NFPA 1035 Public Educator Level I (IFSAC and ProBoard)
- NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator (prep)
- Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA) recognition and course equivalencies
- BCIN General Legal (MMAH) (exam prep)
- BCIN Fire Protection (MMAH) (exam prep)
Affiliations/Associations
- Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- Office of the Ontario Fire Marshall (OFM)