This on demand webinar features an overview of the practical and operational importance of Annual Program Appraisals. While a requirement for accreditation compliance, this course also offers ways to address completing them as well as how to weave them into the culture of your agency. 

You will have 14 days to complete. Your 14-day access will start when you open the video. 

Cancellation Policy: You may cancel prior to opening the video, with a $25 processing fee. No substitutions are permitted.

The purpose of this on-demand series is to orient the agency self-assessment to ensure that the community risk assessment is in alignment with Category 2 (Assessment and Planning) of the self-assessment model. The series is broken into four components which are congruent with the four criteria:

• Documentation of Area Characteristics
• Risk Assessment Methodology
• Current Deployment and Performance
• Plan for Maintaining and Improving Response Capabilities

You will have 14 days to complete the four-video series. Your 14-day access will start when you open the first video. 

Cancellation Policy: You may cancel prior to opening the first video, with a $25 processing fee. No substitutions are permitted.

CFAI Peer Assessor Workshop

August 2026

Please review the details below before signing up.

Eligibility: 

Participation in the Peer Assessor Workshop (PAW) is intended solely for those individuals who are currently employed with an agency that is either currently accredited or is pursuing accreditation as a Registered, Applicant, or Candidate agency. All others requesting to attend the PAW must receive approval from the CFAI Program Manager prior to registering. Successful completion of the PAW, even if the individual is a member of an accredited agency, does not mean they will be selected in the future as a peer assessor. 

The Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) maintains very specific eligibility criteria for the selection of peer assessors. These criteria may change from time to time and will be enforced as directed by the commission. While new peer assessors are always welcome and necessary, the commission is very interested in providing peer assessors who are current and credible individuals within the industry and have the support of their supervisors and agency heads. Therefore, the required agency supporting documentation to serve as a peer assessor will be included as a part of this curriculum.

Prerequisites:

Completion of the Quality Improvement for the Fire and Emergency Services workshop within the previous three years is required to attend this workshop. 

Workshop Details: 

Peer assessors are a key component of the agency accreditation process as they verify and validate that an agency’s accreditation documents meet the expectations of the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). This workshop is required for all agency accreditation managers and those wishing to become CFAI Peer Assessors. The workshop is presented in a learn at your own pace format with each learning module taken at your pace throughout the month. The workshop includes videos, homework, quizzes, and two examinations. The workshop lessons will be open for all participants beginning on August 1, 2026. All completed course material must be posted as follows:

• Part 1 – Videos, Exam 1, and Homework assignment 1. Due by August 15, 2026 by 8 pm Eastern. 
• Part 2 – Videos, Exam 2, and Homework assignment 2. Due by August 31, 2026 by 8 pm Eastern. 

Registration Fee: $400

To register, you must have a CPSE Portal account. If you do not have an account, you can create an account. If you already have an account and need assistance logging in, please contact university@cpse.org

Cancellation Policy: 

All registration cancellation and refund requests must be submitted via email to university@cpse.org no later than two weeks before the start of the workshop. A refund request is subject to a $25 processing fee. Telephone cancellations will not be accepted.

A substitution of your full registration is permitted up to one week before the start of the workshop. After this time, NO substitutions will be allowed. Requests for substitution must be submitted via email to university@cpse.org.

Certificate of Completion:

To receive a certificate of completion, participants must complete all videos, homework assignments, examinations, and the end-of-workshop survey. 

CPSE regrets that refunds for any failure to participate in the workshop will not be given.

For questions, contact the CPSE office at university@cpse.org or 703-691-4620.

In this webinar, CPSE Community Experience Manager Kelly Martin, will provide an overview of Defining Community, Workplace, Inclusion and Belonging, Psychological Safety, Strategies for Inclusive Organizations, Inclusive Behaviors, and Inclusive Leadership.

In this webinar, CPSE Chief Executive Officer, Preet Bassi, CAE, will provide an overview of the importance fire and local government associations are placing on data and technology, how data informs department innovations, and recommended data and technology practices for fire departments.

Quality Improvement for the Fire and Emergency Services Workshop

DLA Richmond Fire and Emergency Services, Richmond, VA

September 14 – 16, 2026

This course is for Department of War personnel only. This course features three full days of instruction to help agencies prepare for accreditation under the 11th edition of the CFAI® model. It covers the development of the three key documents, the Community Risk Assessment/Standards of Cover, Strategic Plan, and Self-Assessment Manual.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE:

• The Quality Improvement for the Fire and Emergency Services Publication & student workbook.
• 24 hours of instruction from experienced accreditation instructors.
• In-class exercises to reinforce key points of instruction.
• Introduction to online resources that will support your department’s accreditation efforts.
• Multiple opportunities to engage and network with your peers.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

• The steps in the self-assessment process, from building a team to becoming an accredited agency.
• The key elements of the accreditation process:
  1. Creating planning zones for your response area.
  2. Establishing a risk assessment process.
  3. Applying the risk assessment process to your response area.
  4. Developing a critical tasking process.
  5. Determine needed resources for fire and non-fire risks.
  6. Assess current deployment practices and establish target performance goals.
  7. Develop response performance data.
  8. Key elements of a Strategic Plan.
  9. How to create a self-assessment manual.

COST:

Paid by the DoW contract. If you are not a DoW employee, do not register for this course. 

Registration closes September 4, or until full, whichever occurs first.

*Onsite registration is not permitted*

To register online, you must have a CPSE Portal account. Go here to create an account.

To register a group, contact university@cpse.org.

WORKSHOP TIME: 0800-1700 Daily

ATTIRE: Business Casual

WORKSHOP LOCATION: 

DLA Richmond

6090 Strathmore Road

Richmond, VA 23237

*All attendees must have a CAC card*

AIRPORT LOCATION:

Richmond International (RIC)

HOST RECOMMENDED HOTEL INFORMATION:  

Hampton Inn Chester South

12610 Chestnut Hill Rd

Chester, VA 23836

Website: Click here 

Comfort Inn Chester - Richmond South

2100 W Hundred Rd

Chester, VA 23836

Website: Click here 

HOST AGENCY:

DLA Richmond Fire and Emergency Services

PRIMARY CONTACT:

Owen Turner, Accreditation Manager

(O) 804-279-3630

harry.turneriii@dla.mil 

SECONDARY CONTACT:

Ken Cato, Fire Chief

(O) 804-279-1401

kenneth.cato@dla.mil 

All registration cancellation and refund requests must be submitted via email to university@cpse.org no later than two weeks prior to the start of the class. A substitution of your full registration is permitted up to three days prior to the start of the class. After this time, NO substitutions are allowed. Requests for substitution must be submitted via email to university@cpse.org.  

CPSE regrets that refunds will not be given for no-shows.

For questions, contact the CPSE office at university@cpse.org or 703-691-4620.

Quality Improvement for the Fire and Emergency Services Workshop

NAS Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX

August 5 – 7, 2026

This course is for Department of War personnel only. This course features three full days of instruction to help agencies prepare for accreditation under the 11th edition of the CFAI® model. It covers the development of the three key documents, the Community Risk Assessment/Standards of Cover, Strategic Plan, and Self-Assessment Manual.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE:

• The Quality Improvement for the Fire and Emergency Services Publication & student workbook.
• 24 hours of instruction from experienced accreditation instructors.
• In-class exercises to reinforce key points of instruction.
• Introduction to online resources that will support your department’s accreditation efforts.
• Multiple opportunities to engage and network with your peers.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

• The steps in the self-assessment process, from building a team to becoming an accredited agency.
• The key elements of the accreditation process:
  1. Creating planning zones for your response area.
  2. Establishing a risk assessment process.
  3. Applying the risk assessment process to your response area.
  4. Developing a critical tasking process.
  5. Determine needed resources for fire and non-fire risks.
  6. Assess current deployment practices and establish target performance goals.
  7. Develop response performance data.
  8. Key elements of a Strategic Plan.
  9. How to create a self-assessment manual.

COST:

Paid by the DoW contract. If you are not a DoW employee, do not register for this course. 

Registration closes July 28, or until full, whichever occurs first.

*Onsite registration is not permitted*

To register online, you must have a CPSE Portal account. Go here to create an account.

To register a group, contact university@cpse.org.

WORKSHOP TIME: 0800-1700 Daily

ATTIRE: Business Casual

WORKSHOP LOCATION: 

NAS Fort Worth Chapel

1838 Desert Storm Road

Fort Worth, TX 76127

AIRPORT LOCATION:

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

HOST RECOMMENDED HOTEL INFORMATION:  

Best Western Plus Lake Worth Inn & Suites

3920 Boat Club Rd

Lake Worth, TX 76135

Website: Click here 

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Worth Northwest/Lake Worth

2925 Royalty

Lake Worth, TX 76135

Website: Click here 

HOST AGENCY:

NAS Fort Worth

PRIMARY CONTACT:

Robert Crawford, Battalion Chief of Operations/Accreditation Manager

(O) 817-782-6337

Robert.crawford2474@gmail.com

SECONDARY CONTACT:

Elroy King, Battalion Chief of EMS/Assistant Accreditation Manager

(O) 757-782-6337

elroy.m.king.civ@us.navy.mil 

All registration cancellation and refund requests must be submitted via email to university@cpse.org no later than two weeks prior to the start of the class. A substitution of your full registration is permitted up to three days prior to the start of the class. After this time, NO substitutions are allowed. Requests for substitution must be submitted via email to university@cpse.org.  

CPSE regrets that refunds will not be given for no-shows.

For questions, contact the CPSE office at university@cpse.org or 703-691-4620.

This on-demand course is designed to prepare students for becoming effective mentors in diverse settings. It covers the principles and practices of mentoring, the benefits and challenges of mentoring relationships, and the skills and strategies for fostering a culture of inclusiveness in mentoring. Students will learn how to identify their own strengths and areas for improvement as mentors, how to establish rapport and trust with mentees, how to provide constructive feedback and support, and how to address issues of bias, discrimination, and conflict in mentoring. The course will also explore the ethical and professional responsibilities of mentors, as well as the best practices for evaluating and sustaining mentoring outcomes. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply their mentoring skills in various contexts, such as academic, professional, personal, and community settings. The course also provides an introduction to CPSE’s Credentialing Program.

You will have 60 days to complete the four-video series. Your 60-day access will start when you open the first video. 
 

Cancellation Policy: You may cancel prior to opening the first video, with a $25 processing fee. No substitutions are permitted.

Quality Improvement for the Fire and Emergency Services Workshop

Burlington Fire Department, Burlington, NC

October 27 – 29, 2026

This course features three full days of instruction to help agencies prepare for accreditation under the 11th edition of the CFAI® model. It covers the development of the three key documents, the Community Risk Assessment/Standards of Cover, Strategic Plan, and Self-Assessment Manual.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE:

• The Quality Improvement for the Fire and Emergency Services Publication & student workbook.
• 24 hours of instruction from experienced accreditation instructors.
• In-class exercises to reinforce key points of instruction.
• Introduction to online resources that will support your department’s accreditation efforts.
• Multiple opportunities to engage and network with your peers.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

• The steps in the self-assessment process, from building a team to becoming an accredited agency.
• The key elements of the accreditation process:
  1. Creating planning zones for your response area.
  2. Establishing a risk assessment process.
  3. Applying the risk assessment process to your response area.
  4. Developing a critical tasking process.
  5. Determine needed resources for fire and non-fire risks.
  6. Assess current deployment practices and establish target performance goals.
  7. Develop response performance data.
  8. Key elements of a Strategic Plan.
  9. How to create a self-assessment manual.

COST:

Early Registration: $650 – ends September 29

Regular Registration: $675

Registration closes: October 16, or until full, whichever occurs first.

*Onsite registration is not permitted*

To register, you must have a CPSE Portal account. Go here to create an account.

To register a group, contact university@cpse.org.

WORKSHOP TIME: 0800-1700 Daily

ATTIRE: Business Casual

WORKSHOP LOCATION: 

Impact Alamance

133 E Davis St

Burlington, NC 27215

AIRPORT LOCATION:

Piedmont Triad International Airport (36 miles)

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (46 miles)

HOST RECOMMENDED HOTEL INFORMATION:  

Drury Inn & Suites Burlington

1767 Glidewell Dr

Burlington, NC 27215

Website: Click here 

Hampton Inn & Suites Burlington

2935 Saconn Dr

Burlington, NC 27215

Website: Click here 

HOST AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION:

Burlington Fire Department

PRIMARY CONTACT:

Paul Watlington, Assistant Chief

(O) 336-229-3568

pwatlington@burlingtonnc.gov 

SECONDARY CONTACT:

Daniel Shoffner, Battalion Chief

(O) 336-451-0448

dshoffner@burlingtonnc.gov 

All registration cancellation and refund requests must be submitted via email to university@cpse.org no later than two weeks prior to the start of the class. A refund request is subject to a $25 processing fee. Telephone cancellations will not be accepted. 

A substitution of your full registration is permitted up to three days prior to the start of the class. After this time, NO substitutions are allowed. Requests for substitution must be submitted via email to university@cpse.org.  

CPSE regrets that refunds will not be given for no-shows.

For questions, contact the CPSE office at university@cpse.org or 703-691-4620.

Quality Improvement for the Fire and Emergency Services Workshop

Carmel Fire Department, Carmel, IN

September 14 – 16, 2026

This course features three full days of instruction to help agencies prepare for accreditation under the 11th edition of the CFAI® model. It covers the development of the three key documents, the Community Risk Assessment/Standards of Cover, Strategic Plan, and Self-Assessment Manual.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE:

• The Quality Improvement for the Fire and Emergency Services Publication & student workbook.
• 24 hours of instruction from experienced accreditation instructors.
• In-class exercises to reinforce key points of instruction.
• Introduction to online resources that will support your department’s accreditation efforts.
• Multiple opportunities to engage and network with your peers.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

• The steps in the self-assessment process, from building a team to becoming an accredited agency.
• The key elements of the accreditation process:
  1. Creating planning zones for your response area.
  2. Establishing a risk assessment process.
  3. Applying the risk assessment process to your response area.
  4. Developing a critical tasking process.
  5. Determine needed resources for fire and non-fire risks.
  6. Assess current deployment practices and establish target performance goals.
  7. Develop response performance data.
  8. Key elements of a Strategic Plan.
  9. How to create a self-assessment manual.

COST:

Early Registration: $650 – ends August 17

Regular Registration: $675

Registration closes: September 4, or until full, whichever occurs first.

*Onsite registration is not permitted*

To register, you must have a CPSE Portal account. Go here to create an account.

To register a group, contact university@cpse.org.

WORKSHOP TIME: 0800-1700 Daily

ATTIRE: Business Casual

WORKSHOP LOCATION: 

Carmel Fire Department Headquarters

210 Veterans Way

Carmel, IN 46032

AIRPORT LOCATION:

Indianapolis International Airport (IND)

HOST RECOMMENDED HOTEL INFORMATION:  

Hotel Carmichael, Autograph Collection

1 Carmichael Square

Carmel, IN 46032

Website: Click here 

Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel

11925 N Meridian St

Carmel, IN 46032

Website: Click here 

HOST AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION:

Carmel Fire Department

PRIMARY CONTACT:

Joel Heavner, Division Chief of Planning

(O) 317-571-2626

jheavner@carmel.in.gov 

SECONDARY CONTACT:

Jessie Baker, Office Administrator

(O) 317-571-2616

jbaker@carmel.in.gov 

All registration cancellation and refund requests must be submitted via email to university@cpse.org no later than two weeks prior to the start of the class. A refund request is subject to a $25 processing fee. Telephone cancellations will not be accepted. 

A substitution of your full registration is permitted up to three days prior to the start of the class. After this time, NO substitutions are allowed. Requests for substitution must be submitted via email to university@cpse.org.  

CPSE regrets that refunds will not be given for no-shows.

For questions, contact the CPSE office at university@cpse.org or 703-691-4620.