NFPA announces launch of life safety specialist certification for healthcare facility professionals

April 19, 2016 – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced the launch of a new certification program, Certified Life Safety Specialist (CLSS-HC) designed for health care facility managers and based on the 2012 edition of NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®. The program is the result of extensive market research that indicated a strong desire among health care facility professionals to have a credential that highlights their advanced knowledge of the many life safety challenges within a health care environment, and the strategies needed to keep their facilities in compliance with NFPA codes.

“This is the first offering among newly-designed specialist certifications built for facility managers, building engineers, and others who are responsible for ensuring safety at their facilities,” said Lauren D’Angelo, NFPA segment director. “We listened to our customers and learned that with changing demographics and shifting roles and responsibilities, the need for specialized credentialing is essential.”

As with all new NFPA facility manager certification programs, the CLSS-HC designation was developed in coordination with diverse subject matter experts in safety, and facility and building management. The program features an extensive 100-item examination in addition to a set of re-certification requirements that must be completed within a three-year time period following the initial certification.

“As NFPA developed the roadmap for this new line of facility manager specialist certifications, our priority was to work collaboratively with experts in the field,” said Leon Katcharian, NFPA’s director of certifications. “Incorporating their expertise into the framework ensures that these new certifications are relevant to facility management professionals who depend on NFPA codes and standards every day.”

As part of the exam, candidates are assessed on six main subjects including Protection; Means of Egress; Operating Features; Building Services; General Requirements and Special Provisions. Candidates must also have a high school diploma or equivalent to take the exam.

For more information about NFPA’s new CLSS-HC certification program including materials, please visit www.nfpa.org/clss.