Qualifications/Fellow Diploma Pathway
Qualifications
Fellow Diploma Pathway
The Fellow Diploma is the highest NZFBI qualification. It is awarded for a project that benefits firefighters, after the Associate and Member diplomas.
The three diplomas
Associate, Member, Fellow
Historically there were nine two-hour exams: four were required for the Associate, seven for the Member and nine for the Fellow. To become an NZFBI Councillor, it is a prerequisite to hold a minimum of a Member Diploma.
The Fellow Diploma is the highest level and was achieved with two additional exams. Generally each exam required 80 hours of study, meaning 160 hours could be linked to the highest certification.
In the past few years the NZFBI has trialled different ways of awarding the Fellow Diploma, changing from an exam base to an application system demonstrating skill level. These didn't deliver technical knowledge to firefighters, hence the system has now been finalised into requiring a project that will benefit our members.
Existing examples
- Electric Vehicle, Batteries & Solar
- OSM Learning Modules
Expectations around a successful Fellow project
- In line with the traditional amount of time for the Fellow (160 hours)
- Benefits firefighters and our members
- Ideally in an online version that can be hosted on the NZFBI website
- Can be a PDF, or use the Council’s existing software
- Suitable assistance to develop the project will be provided by the Council
Potential future projects
Topics could include:
- Interview skills for Fire and Emergency positions
- Small and/or large animal rescue
- Emerging risks, such as scrapyard fires
To attain the Fellow Diploma, a person must first meet the requirements for and achieve the Associate and Member diplomas.