National Fire Academy Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

Course: Fire Investigation: Electrical Systems (R0776) 

Curriculum: Fire and Investigative Sciences Program

This six-day, specialized course addresses the critical skills essential to the effective investigation 

and evaluation of fires involving potential electrical fire causes. Students will demonstrate current 

techniques, practices, protocols and standards that assist investigators in the evaluation of 

electrical systems and associated components.

Outdoor activities will require students to have work clothes and boots, participate in a series of 

practical activities that involve working with tools and electrical test equipment, and be capable of 

processing a fire scene (bending, kneeling, and lifting up to 50 pounds). R0776 expands upon 

concepts presented in “Fire Investigation: Essentials” (R0772). 

Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

All new contract instructors shall be evaluated during course deliveries in accordance with the 

National Fire Academy’s (NFA’s) Contract Instructor Evaluation program. Existing contract 

instructors are subject to evaluation in accordance with this program.

1. Academic Requirement

Investigator/Electrician

a. Associate degree that is from a nationally or regionally accredited institution 

recognized by the Department of Education. The degree should be in a field 

closely related to the specific course’s subject (e.g., electrical technology, 

engineering, fire protection technology, fire administration, fire science) or a similar 

program. 

OR

b. Documentation of completion of an electrical apprenticeship program, a 

journeyman or master electrician license, a four-year degree from a nationally or 

regionally accredited institution recognized by the Department of Education in 

electrical engineering, or a combination of these to reach an equivalent.

Electrical Engineer

Bachelor’s degree from a nationally or regionally accredited institution recognized by the 

Department of Education. 
Electrical Technician

a. Current knowledge and significant experience in the field of electrical practice, 

installation, maintenance of electrical circuits either residential or commercial, 

and be an electrician, experienced tradesperson or master. 

b. Experience must be supported by documentation and should indicate sustained 

significant job experience in electrical systems and services.

c. Must be able to interact with students in a positive and constructive method and 

understand the principles of adult education. 

2. Instructional Requirement

Documented successful completion of a recognized adult educational methodology/fire 

service instructor course at the college/university, state, or fire service academy level.

3. Documented Knowledge and Experience

Investigator/Electrician

a. Current knowledge and significant experience in the investigation of electrical 

fires and failure analysis demonstrated by documentation of experience or 

equivalent training, or a combination of both experience and training. 

b. Current knowledge in single- and three-phase industrial, commercial, and 

residential electrical systems, equipment and circuits.

c. Documented ability to safely work with 120 V/240 V electrical services, 

equipment and testing equipment (e.g., meters). 

Electrical Technician

a. Current knowledge in single- and three-phase industrial, commercial, and 

residential electrical systems, equipment and circuits.

b. Documented ability to safely work with 120 V/240 V electrical services, 

equipment, and testing equipment (e.g., meters). 

4. Continuing Practice or Education

Maintain currency in the field and the specific course by completing fire investigation

continuing education units (CEUs), engineering CEUs, or other continuing education as 

is common in the electrical trades.

Failure to provide approved documentation of ongoing training or instruction may result

in revocation of the contract instructor status.
5. Notice of Physical Requirements and Work Conditions (All Instructors)

Physical requirements:

a. Instructors must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds to facilitate the delivery 

of the course during the student activities. Instructors are responsible for assisting 

with the placement (lifting, carrying, rolling, moving, stacking/unstacking) of 

furniture, furnishings, carpet, and other items in each burn cell (if needed) and 

preparing individual burn cells or crime scene scenarios for use by the students.

Instructors may be required to use short ladders (under 16 feet), hand trucks, carts, 

small power tools, hand tools, and shovels and to demonstrate the use of other 

crime scene-processing tools and procedures.

b. Instructors are required to participate in the student demonstrations in various 

capacities, including setup and presenting the demonstrations.

c. Instructors are required to work outdoors and should be capable of working in 

various weather conditions, including inclement weather, during periods of rain, 

heat, snow and ice.

6. How to Submit an Application 

The following documents are required with each submission:

a. A current curriculum vitae.

b. A letter/email listing the courses you want to teach.

c. Three references from persons who are knowledgeable about your character as 

well as your teaching ability. One reference letter should be from the department 

or agency head in your organization or certifying organization.

d. Include a current email address so we can communicate more efficiently with 

you.

Application package(s) must be submitted to:

National Fire Academy

fema-nfainstructorapp@fema.dhs.gov