SSIAP 1, or Service de Sécurité Incendie et d'Assistance aux Personnes de niveau 1, is a diploma. It is a prerequisite for working as a fire safety officer. Recognized by the French Ministry of the Interior, this diploma is obtained following specific professional training. The diploma is valid for 36 months. To renew it, refresher training is required.
Understanding SSIAP 1: training and certification
The SSIAP 1 training course is designed to equip candidates with the skills required for fire safety and personal assistance in ERP (Établissements Recevant du Public) and IGH (Immeubles de Grande Hauteur) buildings. It covers a number of essential areas, including fire regulations, fire-fighting techniques and first aid.
The curriculum includes both theoretical and practical courses. Topics covered include:
- Fire behavior and its effect on structures
- Technical installations and safety equipment
- Evacuation and rescue procedures
To qualify for this training, candidates must meet certain prerequisites, such as possession of a valid first aid certificate and a medical certificate of fitness. The 67-hour training course is followed by a final examination comprising a theoretical test in the form of multiple-choice questions and a practical test.
The role of the SSIAP 1 fire safety officer
The SSIAP 1 fire safety officer has several crucial missions to guarantee the safety of people and property. They are responsible for preventing fire hazards, making regular rounds and checking safety installations.
He or she must also supervise work likely to create risks, and ensure that equipment such as fire extinguishers and alarms are in good working order. In the event of an incident, he or she intervenes quickly to contain the fire using available resources.
The SSIAP 1 agent also plays an important role in public evacuation. They guide people to the emergency exits and ensure their safety until the fire department arrives.
When it comes to rescuing victims, the agent must be qualified as an occupational first-aider (SST). They must be able to provide first aid until specialized help arrives.
SSIAP 1 training: duration and content
SSIAP 1 training lasts 67 hours, divided between theoretical and practical courses. It is designed to prepare candidates for the various emergency situations they may encounter in their profession.
Topics covered include fire safety and technical installations. Trainees also learn evacuation procedures and how to manage alarms and extinguishers.
Practical exercises include simulated rounds with anomalies, enabling participants to familiarize themselves with basic plant checks.
A practical work placement is often included in the course, offering direct immersion in the professional environment.
Finally, it's worth noting that training groups are generally limited to a maximum of 12 trainees, to guarantee the best quality of teaching and personalized attention for each participant.
SSIAP 1 exam: diploma requirements
To qualify for the SSIAP 1 diploma, candidates must meet a number of criteria. One essential prerequisite is a valid first-aid certificate, such as PSC 1, AFPS, SST or PSE 1, less than two years old.
A medical certificate of physical fitness less than three months old is also required to ensure that the candidate is in good health to exercise this demanding profession.
The final exam comprises two separate tests: a theoretical MCQ test and a practical test. The minimum mark to pass the MCQ is 12/20.
Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to draw up a "main courante", an essential document for reporting incidents and anomalies observed during security rounds.
Finally, candidates must have a good command of written and spoken French, essential for understanding and applying safety instructions and for communicating effectively with the public and emergency services.
Validity of the SSIAP 1 diploma: duration and retraining
The SSIAP 1 diploma is valid for 36 months. To continue working after this period, holders must renew their certification. This renewal involves a minimum 14-hour refresher course.
To be eligible for retraining, the agent must have worked at least 1607 hours as a SSIAP 1 over the past 36 months. If this criterion is not met, a refresher course is required.
Refresher courses are designed to maintain skills and comply with new regulations. They include modules on fire safety, evacuation procedures and new surveillance technologies.
If retraining is not completed on time, the agent will be required to complete a RAM .
Level required for SSIAP 1 training
There are several prerequisites for SSIAP 1 training. Firstly, candidates must hold a valid first aid certificate, such as the PSC 1, SST or PSE 1. This certificate must be less than two years old.
In addition, a medical certificate of physical fitness less than three months old is required. This certificate must confirm that the candidate is fit to carry out fire safety-related tasks.
Candidates must also pass an initial assessment carried out by the training center. This assessment verifies that the candidate has the basic knowledge required to follow the training course.
A good command of the French language, both written and spoken, is also essential. This is crucial for understanding safety instructions and writing the reports and minutes required for the job.
Equivalence of the SSIAP 1 diploma with other training courses
For professional, volunteer or military firefighters, it is possible to obtain the SSIAP 1 diploma by equivalence, thanks to an additional module. This module enables you to acquire the necessary skills without having to take the full 67 hours of initial training.
Candidates must meet certain prerequisites: hold a valid first aid qualification, such as PSC 1 or SST, and present a medical certificate of physical fitness less than three months old.
The complementary module covers specific topics not covered in initial firefighter training, such as fire regulations in ERP and IGH buildings. Assessments include MCQs and practical exercises, ensuring that candidates have the necessary knowledge to ensure fire safety.
Training courses are available in several regions of France, and are sometimes financed by local authorities, facilitating access for candidates.
The cost of SSIAP 1 training: prices and financing options
Prices for SSIAP 1 training generally vary between 1100 and 1350 euros, depending on the training center chosen and the region.
Candidates have several options for financing this training:
- Personal Training Account (CPF): Allows you to cover all or part of your training costs.
- Pôle Emploi: Can take charge of jobseekers under certain conditions.
- Employer financing: Via organizations such as OPCO or Transitions Pro.
- Regional councils: Sometimes offer specific assistance for vocational training.
It is also possible to pay in instalments to lighten the immediate financial burden. For people with disabilities, special assistance can be provided to facilitate access to training.
SSIAP 1 in Paris: where to train?
To train for the SSIAP 1 in Paris, several options are available. Several training centers offer programs tailored to the needs of future fire safety officers. These centers offer comprehensive training programs, including theoretical courses on the basics of fire safety and practical sessions to master intervention techniques.
Here are a few well-known training centers:
- ACTE 1 Formation: Located in the Paris region, this center provides seasoned professionals to support trainees throughout their training.
- Point Bleu Formation: This center offers theoretical and practical training, validated by a SSIAP 1 Qualification Certificate.
- SI Groupe: Based in Seine-et-Marne, this center has all the equipment needed for training, including a training dojo and first-aid equipment.
These establishments guarantee quality teaching and optimum preparation for passing the final exam and obtaining the SSIAP 1 diploma.
SSIAP 1 and CQP: the differences
SSIAP 1 and CQP are two distinct certifications, each with its own specific features and objectives. The SSIAP 1 focuses on fire safety and personal assistance in ERP (Établissements Recevant du Public) and IGH (Immeubles de Grande Hauteur) buildings. It prepares agents to prevent fires, intervene in the event of a fire outbreak, and provide first aid.
By contrast, the CQP APS (Certificat de Qualification Professionnelle d'Agent de Prévention et de Sécurité) covers a broader spectrum of security. Missions include site surveillance, access management, and the protection of goods and people against various risks, including malicious acts.
Training courses also differ in terms of content and duration. The SSIAP 1 focuses on specific aspects of fire safety, while the CQP APS covers a wide range of skills such as first aid and crisis management. Both certifications require regular retraining to keep skills up to date.
Order of May 2, 2005 modified for SSIAP 1
The decree of May 2, 2005, as amended, lays down strict criteria for the training and qualification of fire safety officers. To obtain the SSIAP 1 diploma, candidates must complete 67 hours of specific training, including theoretical and practical courses.
The final exam consists of two papers: a MCQ to assess theoretical knowledge, and a practical paper to test operational skills.
Agents are also required to renew their qualifications every three years, via a three-yearly refresher course. Refresher training includes updates on new regulations and practical exercises.
Training centers must be approved by the prefecture, thus guaranteeing quality teaching in line with established standards.
Training sessions are often limited to a maximum of 12 trainees, ensuring individualized follow-up and quality training.
