by Brianna Crandall — May 6, 2016 — The global nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently announced the launch of a new certification program, Certified Life Safety Specialist (CLSS-HC), designed for health-care facilities 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 facilities 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.
Lauren D’Angelo, NFPA segment director, said:
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. 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 FM certification programs, the CLSS-HC designation was developed in coordination with diverse subject matter experts in safety, and facilities 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 part of the exam, candidates are assessed on six main subjects:
- Protection
- Means of Egress
- Operating Features
- Building Services
- General Requirements
- 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, visit the NFPA Web site.
