Courses and qualifications
The following approved courses meet the relevant skills and knowledge required to apply for Bushfire Planning and Design (BPAD) accreditation.
The courses and qualifications have been developed in consultation with Fire Protection Association Australia (FPAA), BPAD practitioners, government agencies and regulatory authorities; and support the competency requirements of the accreditation scheme.
Successful completion of the approved courses of study enables assessors and practitioners to apply for accreditation. There may be other components required before accreditation is granted – more information can be found in the FPAA Handbook or by contacting FPAA.
Approved bushfire courses and qualifications for practitioners – Levels 1, 2 and 3
BAL Short Course – Fire Protection Association Australia
Completion of this course is mandatory for anyone interested in applying for accreditation as Level 1 BAL Assessor, or Level 2 or Level 3 practitioner under FPAA's Bushfire Planning and Design Accreditation Scheme.
This five-day course is delivered in person and addresses the competency requirements to assess potential bushfire impact, determine bushfire attack levels and provide general advice on construction requirements.
Information (including about fees and intake dates) can be found here
Diploma of Bushfire Protection Assessment – Fire Protection Association Australia
This course is delivered in person and online and is designed for professionals seeking to develop specialised expertise in bushfire protection assessment. This qualification equips participants with the skills and knowledge required to assess bushfire hazards, apply planning and building controls, and provide informed advice on bushfire protection measures.
Information (including about fees and entry requirements) can be found here
Graduate Certificate in Bushfire Protection – University of Western Sydney
This course is a one-year, part-time program delivered online and designed to equip participants with the skills to assess and advise on developments in bushfire prone areas. The curriculum covers building regulations, bushfire behaviour, emergency management and planning in bushfire prone areas
Information (including about discounted fees through Commonwealth Supported Programs and intake dates) can be found here
Graduate Certificate in Bushfire Planning and Management – University of Melbourne
This course is a one-year, part-time program delivered on campus and combines specialised bushfire science with urban planning, design and construction and fire management subjects.
Information (including about fees and intake dates) can be found here
Graduate Diploma in Bushfire Protection – University of Western Sydney
This course is a two-year, part-time program delivered online. It offers advanced knowledge in bushfire behaviour, emergency management and the development of alternative solutions for bushfire protection. Practitioners will be able to conduct complex bushfire assessments and develop alternative solutions for developments in bushfire prone areas.
Information (including about discounted fees through Commonwealth Supported Programs and intake dates) can be found here
Graduate Diploma in Bushfire Planning and Management – University of Melbourne
This course is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program delivered on-campus. The course combines specialised bushfire science, urban planning, design and construction and fire management subjects to equip existing professionals with best practice skills in managing fire risk across the urban-natural environment interface.
Information can be found here
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