Training
IFSAC accreditation for ETC Emergency Training Solutions are approved and accredited for. Candidates can be assured that the Assessments and certification meet IFSAC criteria and standards and certificates will be recognised at any entity, company, employer or country the IFSAC seal is accepted.
ETS will continuously engage with stakeholders to ensure that programmes are aligned with the needs of employers and fire fighters
E
TS Emergency Training Solutions based in Redan in Vereeniging, South Africa, is an accredited International Fire Services Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) certification entity. The company had its IFSAC accreditation visit in August 2018 to obtain accreditation as an IFSAC certification entity for approved National Fire Protection Association (US) (NFPA) levels. ETS was accredited on 3 November 2018 and received its accreditation certificate at the IFSAC Fall meeting held in Saint Louis, USA. The scope of the IFSAC accreditation visit consisted of the following 1. A review of ETS company policies and procedures to ensure compliance with South African legislation and regulations 2. Review of ETS policies and procedures to ensure that they meet all requirements of IFSAC policies, procedures and bylaws 3. A detailed review of assessment criteria for all the NFPA levels applied for 4. An audit of ETS ability to 4 | FIRE AND RESCUE INTERNATIONAL
consistently test and assess NFPA levels according to IFSAC standards and criteria 5. An audit of ETS quality management systems to ensure compliance with South African and IFSAC standards and requirements 6. A review of ETS ‘best practises’ in compliance with internationally accepted standards 7. A review of resources available to maintain assessment standards As part of the application process, ETS had to submit proof of empowerment within South African legislation that enabled ETS to assess standards prior to the IFSAC accreditation visit. After a very vigorous and thorough evaluation process, ETS was recommended for membership by the IFSAC Certificate Assembly Board of Governors (CABOG) and approved by the Board of Governors (BOG) in 2015. What does IFSAC accreditation mean for ETS Emergency Training Solutions? ETS can issue certificates with the IFSAC seals for the NFPA levels we
The IFSAC accreditation does not imply that ETS can accredit training providers in South Africa. The responsibility for accreditation as a training or skill development provider lies with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) or Skills Education Training Authorities (SETAs). It is the responsibility and obligation of training providers to be accredited by the QCTO or relevant SETA. The IFSAC accreditation and certification process serves as a third party validation for internationally recognised quality assurance purposes, confirming that ETS meet recognised standards. Within the IFSAC context, ETS is responsible to assess the requirements as listed within the relevant NFPA standard. IFSAC requirements do not stipulate on where, when and for how long training must happen but focus on the validity, currency and reliability of the assessment process and quality of control measures to ensure consistent assessments. ETS must only obtain confirmation that a candidate had opportunity to prepare for assessment and that they have a clear understanding of the assessment criteria listed in the relevant standard they are applying to be assessed for. This proof can be in the form of training programmes completed related to the standard, workplace experience or a formal aligned training programme that is presented in line with the relevant standard. ETS can assess candidates at any venue that meet set requirements and the venue is suitable for the relevant standard that is being assessed. Volume 5 | No 3
