The FFC Institute
The Fire Chaplain Institute is the educational branch of the Federation. The Institute is dedicated to providing education and training with the goal of equipping fire chaplains to perform effectively in the field. The Institute provides both a Basic Fire Chaplain and Advanced Fire Chaplain level certificate for members of the Federation of Fire Chaplains who complete the required courses of study.
Basic Fire Chaplain Certificate
WHAT?
The Basic Fire Chaplain training includes 16 hours of course material designed to introduce the fire chaplain to ministry in the fire service. During basic training the chaplain will take classes in Ministry to Firefighters, Ministry to Fire Victims, Critical Incident Stress, Fire Department Funerals, Fire Chaplain Operations, and many others. Classes are taught only by qualified FFC Instructors.
WHERE & WHEN?
Basic Certificate classes are offered in person only at this time (Watch this website for future online offerings). This course is offered in entirety each year at the FFC Annual Conference and is offered in part or in full in many regions of the United States by certified FFC Instructors throughout the year. Check the Events page of this website for training events near you. If you are interersted in hosting a training event in your area, please contact the FFC Regional Director for your region or the FFC Institute Director.
Advanced Fire Chaplain Certificate
WHAT?
Those having completed the Basic Certificate may choose to pursue the Advanced (Master) Certificate. Successful applicants will have at least five years chaplaincy experience and will complete coursework equaling 130 credits in areas such as Critical Incident Stress Management, Pastoral Crisis Intervention, Grief, Disaster Chaplaincy, and many other categories. Completion of the Advanced Certificate represents a considerable investment of time, energy, and dedication.
WHERE & WHEN
To receive the advanced certificate, chaplains must be FFC Members and have a file with the FFC Institute. Advanced courses are always offered at the FFC Annual Conference, and often at regional training events as well. There are a few required courses (detailed in the application packet), but it is up to the individual to design the balance of their training regimen according to their needs and interests.
