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Welcome to Nova Scotia Firefighters School

Welcome to Nova Scotia Firefighters SchoolWelcome to Nova Scotia Firefighters SchoolWelcome to Nova Scotia Firefighters School
ABOUT US

Nova Scotia Firefighters School

Nova Scotia Firefighters SchoolNova Scotia Firefighters SchoolNova Scotia Firefighters School

Nova Scotia Firefighters School

Nova Scotia Firefighters SchoolNova Scotia Firefighters SchoolNova Scotia Firefighters School
  • Home
  • Course Calendar
  • Training/Certification
  • Pre-Employment
  • Shop
  • Employee Info/Directors
  • Contact Us
  • Employees Only
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    • Home
    • Course Calendar
    • Training/Certification
    • Pre-Employment
    • Shop
    • Employee Info/Directors
    • Contact Us
    • Employees Only

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  • Home
  • Course Calendar
  • Training/Certification
  • Pre-Employment
  • Shop
  • Employee Info/Directors
  • Contact Us
  • Employees Only

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About Us

Preparing Firefighters for Today’s Challenges

The Nova Scotia Firefighters School (NSFS) is the province’s leading fire and emergency services training facility. Located in Waverley, NSFS provides NFPA-compliant, nationally accredited training to career and volunteer firefighters across Nova Scotia and beyond.

Our Mission

To enhance public safety by providing high-quality, standardized, and accessible firefighter training that prepares emergency responders to meet the complex demands of modern fire service.

Training

Programs We Offer

We provide a wide range of NFPA-based training programs, including:

  • Firefighter Level I & II (NFPA 1001)
  • Fire Officer I & II (NFPA 1021)
  • Fire Instructor I & II (NFPA 1041)
  • Live Fire Instructor & Instructor-in-Charge (NFPA 1041/1403)
  • HazMat Awareness, Operations & Technician (NFPA 1072)
  • Fire Dynamics, Technical Rescue, EVOC, and more

Custom training packages are also available for municipal departments, industrial clients, and international delegations


Committed to Community Safety

NSFS works in partnership with municipal fire departments, FSANS, and provincial agencies to ensure our training is relevant, practical, and focused on improving emergency response across Nova Scotia.


Stay Connected

Ready to advance your skills or train your team?

Explore our programs or contact us today to discuss how NSFS can support your training needs.


Why You Should Train With Us!!

✅ NFPA-Compliant Programs

All of our courses meet or exceed National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.

✅ IFSAC & ProBoard Accredited

We offer certification programs recognized across Canada and internationally through IFSAC and ProBoard.

✅ Certified Instructors

Our team consists of fully certified, experienced instructors who bring real-world expertise to every course.

✅ Certification Oversight

Our certification process is overseen by the Nova Scotia Fire Service Professional Qualifications Board, the accredited certifying body for the province.

✅ 100% Reinvestment in Firefighter Training

Every dollar we generate is reinvested directly into firefighter training in Nova Scotia — from equipment and facilities to course development and instructor support.

Certification

IFSAC (International Fire Service Accreditation Congress) and Pro Board (National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications) certifications are essential for firefighters:


International Standardization

-  Consistency in Training: Both IFSAC and Pro Board certifications ensure that firefighters meet an internationally recognized standard for knowledge and skills.

-  Mobility: Certified firefighters can often transfer their credentials across provinces or departments without needing additional training or testing, making it easier to pursue opportunities nationwide.


Professional Credibility

-  Validation of Competence: These certifications demonstrate that a firefighter has met rigorous professional standards, increasing their credibility within the fire service.

-  Reputation: Departments and communities value firefighters who hold certifications as it reflects a high level of training and commitment to safety.


Career Advancement

-  Promotional Opportunities: Many departments require IFSAC or Pro Board certifications for promotions to higher ranks or specialized positions, such as fire officer, fire inspector, or fire investigator.

-  Specialized Roles: These certifications often open doors to advanced training and leadership roles, enabling firefighters to progress in their careers.


Safety and Preparedness

-  Enhanced Skills: The certification process ensures that firefighters are well-trained to handle emergencies safely and effectively, reducing risks for themselves, their team, and the public.

-  Current Knowledge: IFSAC and Pro Board certifications require adherence to NFPA standards, keeping firefighters updated on the latest techniques and practices.


Department Compliance

-  Accreditation Requirements: Many fire departments strive to meet national standards or achieve accreditation, and having certified personnel helps them maintain compliance.


Public Confidence

-  Trust in Emergency Services: Certified firefighters give the public confidence that their emergency responders are trained to the highest standards.


Global Recognition

-  International Opportunities: IFSAC and Pro Board certifications are recognized globally, providing opportunities for firefighters to work or train abroad in countries that accept these credentials.


In summary, IFSAC and Pro Board certifications ensure firefighters meet high professional standards, improve safety, support career growth, and provide flexibility in employment opportunities. These certifications reflect a commitment to excellence and are highly valued in the fire service profession.


For More Information Please Visit the Nova Scotia Fire Service Professional Qualifications Board

Site Content

Training/Certification

Training/Certification

Firefighter I introduces the novice firefighter to the basics of firefighting as per NFPA 1010 Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications and Hazardous Materials Awareness per NFPA 470 Standard for Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents. Student performance will be evaluated at each course level with written and often practical exams. The culmination will be the Nova Scotia Fire Services Professional Qualifications Boards Firefighter I Certification Exam.


Fire Fighter II is aimed at teaching the student how to function safely and effectively as an integral member of a fire fighting team. Successful students will be trained to perform fire fighting activities on emergency scenes with general supervision, as well requiring the student to maintain direct communication with a supervisor.  The culmination will be the Nova Scotia Fire Services Professional Qualifications Boards Firefighter II Certification Exam.

Pre-Employment

Training/Certification

After decades of experience in fire service training, and at the request of industry, the Nova Scotia Firefighters School decided to fill the need for home grown, world class pre-service training.


The first Pre-Employment Program was offered to the public in February 2001.  Since, then the program has grown to be one of the best, most respected and successful programs in the country.


The program consists of sixteen weeks of on-site training and six weeks of on the job training.  The on-site training is a combination of classroom theory and practical application on our extensive fire ground.  The on the job training assignments allow the recruits to further develop their skills under the mentorship of an experienced crew and officer.  The recruits respond to real emergency calls for six weeks, gaining valuable experience and confidence.

Graduates of the Pre-Employment Program are employed in career departments throughout the country.

Mobile Burn Unit

Merchandise/Course Manuals

The Mobile Burn Unit (MBU), which began its inaugural provincial tour in April 2010, is a complete standalone live fire trainer with fixed internal burn pads, external and internal mobile burn pads and rollover capability. The first of its kind in Atlantic Canada, this 53 foot unit is equipped with a second storey, interior and exterior stairways and a roof vent simulation unit.


Firefighters are challenged by the seven movable walls and forcible entry simulator that allow for multiple configurations making each run a new learning experience. In addition, the integrated smoke system allows for rapid black-out conditions, further challenging firefighters’ search skills. 

Merchandise/Course Manuals

Executive/Board of Directors

Merchandise/Course Manuals

Welcome to our store! Have a browse through our and current manuals and clothing items. From textbooks and study guides, to our popular hoodies and tshirts, you should be able to find just about anything!


We encourage you to browse around the site. If there’s something that you can’t find, let us know and we’ll see if we can help get you what you are looking for.


We strive to offer the lowest prices and all revenue is used for the training of firefighters and other emergency service providers.


Happy Shopping!

Executive/Board of Directors

Executive/Board of Directors

Executive/Board of Directors

The Nova Scotia Firefighters School's Board of Directors is 29 members strong with representation from every county in our province, as well as the Fire Marshal, an FSANS rep and eight At Large members. The Board meets several times a year, either by conference call or in face-to-face meetings. The Directors relay the concerns of our Membership to the Executive and Administration of the School. 

Full Time Staff

Executive/Board of Directors

Executive/Board of Directors

For over forty years the Nova Scotia Firefighters School has had full time staff to administer the various programs and services provided by the School.  In the last decade, our staff has grown from four “full timers” to fourteen.  If you need information, want to get enrolled in a course, or want to order a book, feel free to call upon us.  We’d be more than happy to help you out! 

Membership

NSFS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

FOR OVER 50 YEARS ...

The Nova Scotia Firefighters School is a non profit organization that has been in operation since 1967.


Through the County or Mutual Aid Associations, each county in the province elects or appoints a director to represent their county on the school’s Board of Directors.  Whether it’s a meeting or a conference call, the counties, through their directors, provide guidance in the operations of the school and relay concerns and ideas. That means equal representation for each area of the province and every fire department.  


We value your opinion!


WHY BE A MEMBER?

You’re not alone
By paying a nominal fee of $100.00, your fire department registers your entire department as members.


You’ll save money
As a member, every person in your fire department will receive $10 off their training each time they take a course.   Your dues are recovered after just 10 members receive training!


You have a say
As a member, your department has representation at the NSFS annual meeting, where the “Directors at Large” and the Executive Committee are elected for the following year.   


TELL ME MORE!

Memberships are valid for one year starting on January 1st.  The cost is $100.00 per department.


Please contact the School for more information or click here for the membership application.

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There's much to see here. So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about us. We hope you enjoy our site and we would appreciate it if you would subscribe to our email list to receive more information.

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We are dedicated to improving the lives of those in our community. Your contribution today helps us make a difference.

Copyright © 2025 Nova Scotia Firefighters School - All Rights Reserved.

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