Reflecting suggested changes received from applicants and candidates over the past two years, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Chief Fire Officer Designation Program (CFOD) application process (Version 1.1) has been revised to provide a window of opportunity for incumbents and to ensure the identification of the requirements that will assist aspiring chief officers at all levels, not just at the fire chief level, in developing their careers, according to John M. Buckman III, president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.. The CFOD program will continue to interface with the IAFC Professional Development Committee to ensure that career development processes are used.
The application process is outlined below. The application form is available at /downloads.pennnet.com/fe/candidateapp.pdf.
- Applicants shall type in all responses on the form. Legible printing will be acceptable if a computer or typewriter is not available.
- The form shall be completed in its entirety. “N/A” should be used to respond to questions for which the candidate has no response.
- The form identifies education and training requirements that are verifiable by certificates or transcripts. Provide copies of degrees and certificates. The supporting documentation should be recent (it is not necessary to provide class certificates for classes taken more than five years ago. However, provide documentation for completion of the EFO Program, college degrees, and terminal certifications.
- Candidates are encouraged to provide work samples that are recent and relevant to characterize their competency in specific areas. However, this portion of the portfolio should be limited to a one-inch binder. Note: In Version 1.1, individuals who meet minimum education and experience requirements and have adequate documentation are not required to provide extensive work products.
- Original letters of endorsement, not copies, must be provided. The candidate should retain a copy.
- Points are not used in this system. Peer reviewers are given latitude to review the candidate’s documentation and to discuss with them their background and experience. It is anticipated that a candidate who completes the form in its entirety and provides adequate documentation shall be approved. However, peer reviewers are authorized to reject applications that are incomplete, especially with regard to documentation and required correspondence, i.e., letters of endorsement.
- This application process shall be in effect from July 15, 2002, through November 30, 2002. At that time, the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) Board of Trustees will issue Version 1.2. The IAFC will publish notification of this revision in OnScene. The point of contact for applicants will be CFAI. CFAI will issue a CFOD bulletin to its current mailing list. Consult the CFAI Web site at www.cfainer.org.
- This application is being sent to the Leadership Directory of the IAFC and will be distributed to the graduates and participants of the Executive Fire Officer Program.
Furthermore, we are encouraging IAFC Divisional Officers to use the application at upcoming divisional meetings prior to Fire Rescue International in Kansas City. The application will be widely distributed in Kansas City. - This process requires that the candidates speak with peer reviewers to ensure that candidates are given maximum credit for their background, education, and experience. The candidate shall keep a copy of the application and all exhibits forwarded for the review. This will facilitate the discussion between the applicant and the peer reviewer.
- Applicants shall submit the form, along with the accompanying fees, in an envelope (minimum size of 9 inches x 12 inches) and include a self-addressed business letter-sized envelope in their packet so a card confirming receipt can be returned immediately on receipt of their application.
- The fee schedule is as follows. The total fee for IAFC members is $350 (application fee $100, designation fee $250). The total fee for non-IAFC members is $475 (application fee $150, designation fee ($325).
- The CFAI staff will maintain a running list of applicants. Each candidate’s application will be date stamped on receipt. The confirmation card will be placed in the mail the day following receipt. The CFAI staff will send a report on completed applications to the Board of Trustees monthly.
