In the last CFAA journal, Suzanne Alfano gave a summary of our 2024 accomplishments. This month I want to look ahead to the coming year and take the opportunity to let everyone know what the CFAA has been working on, and what’s coming in 2025.

First, I’d like to acknowledge that the CFAA has endured some challenging times in 2024, and into 2025. The CFAA website is our primary resource for members and technicians to engage with the CFAA for renewals, events, and many other things. Unfortunately, we have been operating on a temporary site for several months now. I don’t have enough time or space in the journal to tell the whole story. I will assure you that there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to launch our new website. In the meantime, we’ve been working on improving the functionality of our temporary site. The ability to upload credits and renew technician registrations will be active by the time you read this. We’ve also been working on the development of a new website and Association Management System. When complete it will be a step forward from anything we’ve had in the past. We recognize this disruption has been challenging, particularly for our technicians and staff, but we appreciate the patience and understanding as we work through this.

Aside from a new website and Association Management System, we’ve got a lot to work on and look forward to in 2025.

The CFAA is in the process of hiring a Director of Education and Regulatory Services. This is an exciting new position within the CFAA that will be dedicated to our education program and relationships with AHJ’s and regulatory agencies. One of the long-term strategic objectives of the CFAA is to upgrade and expand on our education program. The person who fills the role will lead this initiative under the direction of the Board of Directors and Executive Director. This individual will be a valuable resource for the CFAA and our industry stakeholders. Expect an announcement on this position in the near future.

The CFAA has also been exploring opportunities to improve the recognition of our fire alarm technician registration program. We have been evaluating a program through the Standards Council of Canada for the Certification of Persons. This SCC program follows the ISO 17024 standard for personnel certification. This accreditation has the potential to provide greater credibility to our technician registration and training program. This initiative is currently in the evaluation stage as an option to help gain better recognition for the work our fire alarm technicians perform across the country. You can learn more about our work on this program in Episode 29 of the Fire Alarm Technician’s podcast.

The adoption of new editions of the National Building and Fire Codes have created challenges across the country. The new Codes and the ULC Standards referenced in them bring changes in how fire alarm systems are designed, installed and tested. We continue to look at opportunities to offer education and support on these changes. We currently offer education on the new inspection and verification standards and have published a new deficiency guide to help with the transition to the new Codes and Standards.

Change can bring with it some challenging times. Challenging times bring opportunities to evolve and improve. It might not be obvious yet, but the CFAA is doing just that, and working hard behind the scenes to support you and our industry into the future.