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Are designation and certification the same?

Certification is one component in our designation process. Certification is recognition of meeting a specific professional qualification standard. Designation considers broad professional accomplishments and recognizes lifelong career excellence and achievement. These achievements are verified and validated through a third-party peer review process. Learn more about how to get credentialed or Contact Us to chat about the credentialing process.

What is the CPC model?

  Our Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) model is designed to assist in the professional development of fire and emergency service personnel by providing guidance for career planning through participation in the program. Our six designations specify minimum eligibility requirements, in the form of academic achievements and practical experience. The designations also look at what contributions the individual has made to the industry in the way of professional articles, teaching, and public speaking. In addition, professional memberships and community and civic involvement are assessed. Achieving the designation demonstrates that you have developed a strategy for continued career improvement and development. When you earn one of these prestigious designations you gain distinction and recognition in a growing group of your peers. Learn more about how to get credentialed or Contact Us to chat about the credentialing process.

What are the benefits of seeking a designation from CPC?

Working towards, achieving, and maintaining your designation will:

  • Highlight your professional growth
  • Document strategies for your career enhancement and development
  • Demonstrate your commitment to life-long learning, skill development, and community service
  • Affirm your dedication to proficiency and delivery of all-hazard services to your community
  • Improve your chances of being successful in hiring and promotion processes by identifying you as a candidate with superior skills, knowledge, and leadership capabilities
  • Foster a source of pride for you or those in your agency you encourage to become credentialed

Learn more about how to get credentialed or Contact Us to chat about the credentialing process.

Are there credentialing consortium groups?

Credentialed professionals have found that banding together to form regional consortiums is an effective networking opportunity. Click here to see the consortium in your area, who to contact for more information, and details on their meeting frequency and location. Learn more about how to get credentialed or Contact Us to chat about the credentialing process.

Is there a deadline to submit my application for designation?

No -The Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) accepts applications for designation throughout the year. Learn more about how to get credentialed or Contact Us to chat about the credentialing process.

Once my portfolio is submitted how long does the review process take?

The timeline is typically 60-90 days from receipt of the portfolio to a decision by the Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC). The peer review team usually takes 45-60 days to review the package, conduct the interview, and make a recommendation to the CPC. CPC is the conferring body and typical meets six times a year. Learn more about how to get credentialed or Contact Us to chat about the credentialing process.

What are the costs, process and time elements for the designation application?

The initial fees range from $225 for Fire Officer to $375 (a new fee schedule will be going into effect April 1, 2023) for Chief Fire Officer, Chief EMS Officer, Chief Training Officer, Fire Marshal and Public Information Officer. You can find more about the fees for renewal and if you have multiple designations here.

The process is explained on How to Get Credentialed.

The CPC meets every even month (usually on the first Tuesday).  Meeting schedule and when to submit your application:

To submit for

Assure application is received by

February Meeting

The first week in November of the year previous

April Meeting

The first week of January

June Meeting

The first week of March

August Meeting

The first week of May

October Meeting

The first week of July

December Meeting

The first week of September

 

Learn more about how to get credentialed or Contact Us to chat about the credentialing process.

Are there helpful links for designee candidates and renewing candidates?

We understand that there are several segments to the credentialing process and the easier we can make it for you the better we both are.

INFORMATION FOR LOCATING APPLICATION PORTFOLIOS (no charge for application download)

INFORMATION FOR RENEWING CREDENTIALS

TO SUBMIT PORTFOLIOS AND PAYMENTS:

Learn more about how to get credentialed or Contact Us to chat about the credentialing process.

How can I create a successful application for designation?

Here’s a few tips for completing your application:

  • When filling in essay type answers, we recommend you develop them in a word document (which has spell and grammar check) and, when satisfied, copy and paste to the application. This will save you time in the long run!
  • Pay attention to the time period for information being requested (e.g. 5 years) and list information in chronological order starting from earliest to newest.
  • Be sure to include additional information requested (e.g. resume, organizational chart, position description, transcripts, etc.).
  • Check out the credentialing videos and handouts on the CPSE University Resource Library to assist you completing your application.
  • Need a mentor to assist with the application? Review the Credentialed Fire Officer list and see if there is someone who you can ask to assist you. Or contact the CPC Manager Mike Higgins for help finding a mentor.

This is a professional credential and we hold our credentialed officers to the highest of standards.  Peer Reviewers will be reviewing your portfolio (application and supporting documents) and making a recommendation of designation to CPC. While reviewing your portfolio, the Peer Reviewers may ask you for more information or to re-write of a particular section.

If you have questions, please contact the CPC Manager Mike Higgins.  

Learn more about how to get credentialed or Contact Us to chat about the credentialing process.

Once retired from a fire department, can a designee maintain designated status?

Yes – Once an officer becomes designated, they can retain their status as long as currency is maintained in the components identified in the renewal process. Learn more about how to get credentialed or Contact Us to chat about the credentialing process.

How are CPC peer reviewers selected?

Individuals interested in serving as a CPC peer reviewer must be a current designee in good standing for the program in which they will review portfolios. Prior to serving as a peer reviewer, the designee will receive mandatory web-based training through the CPC. Once approved, peer reviewers must maintain currency and familiarity with the program and application requirements and attend mandatory continuing education training. Learn more about how to get credentialed or Contact Us to chat about the credentialing process.

How are CPC Commissioners appointed?

The Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) has 12 members that represent a cross-section of the fire and emergency service, including CFOs from career, combination, volunteer, and Department of Defense fire departments, city and county management, labor, and CEMSO, CTO, FM, FO, and PIO designees.

CPSE directly recruits designees and city/county managers and solicits and accepts nominations for the labor position when vacancies occur.

This document includes a flow chart of how designees and city/county managers are selected for CPC. Commissioners are appointed by the CPSE Board of Directors.

CPC Commissioners are appointed to serve an initial term of three (3) years and are eligible to be reappointed by the CPSE Board of Directors up to a maximum of three (3) terms of three (3) years each.

Learn more about how to get credentialed or Contact Us to chat about the credentialing process.

Can I appeal a commission decision?

If CPC votes to suspend, revoke, or deny officer designation, the officer in question may appeal the decision. The first step in appealing a CPC decision is to submit the appeal to info@cpse.org within 14 days of the commission decision. This flowchart describes the entire appeals process.

Who is on the Appeals Committee?

The three-member Appeals Committee is made up of a prior CFAI commissioner, a prior CPC commissioner, and the chief of an accredited department that holds a designation. The Appeals Committee meets, as needed, to hear appeals of commission decisions.

Can I align the renewal dates if I have multiple designations?

Yes, but only during the renewal process. Click here for more information on aligning multiple designations.

Do I get a discount for combining my designations?

Not exactly. Once you decide to align the renewal dates for your multiple designations, the first one to renew will require a full three-year renewal payment and if the other designations have a different renewal date, those renewal fees will be prorated to align. Click here for more information on aligning multiple designations.

What if I have multiple designation with the same renewal date do I get a discount?

No, the renewal fee will be full payment for all designations with the same renewal date. Click here for more information on aligning multiple designations.

If I have three or more designations, can I only align two of them?

No, all designations must be aligned at the same time. Click here for more information on aligning multiple designations.

Once I align my designations can I separate them later?

No, once aligned they will remain aligned. Click here for more information on aligning multiple designations.

When align my designations what date will be used as my renewal date?

Once you align your designations, they will all renew on the date you aligned the renewals. Click here for more information on aligning multiple designations.