International students applying for a PGWP: If you are in a flexible delivery course, you must attend in person as the option to attend online does not apply to you based on IRCC policy. Studying online will impact your PGWP eligibility. Please review the in-person requirements related to PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.
Campus
Delivery
Flexible, HybridDuration
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
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
This program offers the option to complete a co-op work term, providing valuable hands-on experience in your field of study. Students interested in completing a co-op work term should apply to the PROGRAMNAME program.
Students who select the co-op stream will have the opportunity to participate in a co-op term(s) if eligibility requirements are maintained. Students will have the flexibility to transfer to the non-co-op stream at any time. The co-op term(s) is typically a full-time paid position completed between two academic semesters. The co-op search is student-driven and participation in the co-op stream does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. However, students will receive guidance and support through in-class career workshops and one-on-one coaching to help prepare for the co-op term.
Program Availability
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2025 | Newnham | Open |
| Jan. 2026 | Newnham | Open |
Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2025 | Newnham | Open |
| Jan. 2026 | Newnham | Open |
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
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.
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
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
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)
The Seneca Polytechnic Difference
This is where university meets college. Where theory meets practice. Where ambition meets flexibility.
Degree Pathways
Every Seneca diploma has a degree pathway. You have the opportunity to continue your studies and complete a degree at Seneca or a partner institution.
Experiential Learning
Graduate career-ready and world-ready. This program has an optional co-op to help you hone essential skills for the workplace.
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Career Support
Seneca Works offers students and graduates lifelong access to an exclusive job board, career coaching, networking and more.
Fire Sprinkler Lab
You will gain hands-on, practical experience in our state-of-the-art Fire Sprinkler Systems Lab, preparing you for your in-demand career.