Officer Development Program Leadership Development Certification Series

Fire-Rescue International participants have the unique opportunity to attend in-person classes and learn from our expert instructors face-to-face.

Officer Development ProgramColumbia Southern State University

Columbia Southern University is a proud partner of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, serving as its official Officer Development Program (ODP) educational partner. International Association of Fire Chief members who register for this series may save $100 in tuition by using code “IAFC” during registration.

Overview

Columbia Southern University has partnered with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) to offer the Leadership Development Certification Series (LDCS). The LDCS is designed to provide leading fire professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to adeptly navigate the challenges of modern fire service. Embracing a multidimensional approach, the series combines academia and real-world experience through the expertise of International Association of Fire Chief members and CSU’s renowned educational background.

Courses are delivered online and onsite at IAFC's Fire-Rescue International (FRI) and through IAFC division and state regional delivery programs. Each program can be completed 100% online or through a combination of online and onsite course completion after the successful completion of an online examination. Students can continue to build their leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and strategic expertise, while also receiving continuing education units to validate their professional development efforts.

Each Leadership Development Certification Series consists of three courses. These courses can be taken separately from earning the LDCS certification for CEU credit. Completion of an entire Series is equivalent to three academic credit hours.

Enroll in CSU Join the IAFC

LDCS - Company Officer 

Participants not only enhance their leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and strategic expertise, but also earn continuing education units (CEUs) to validate their commitment to professional development. Upon completion of LDCS-Company Officer III with a passing grade of 70% or higher on the certification exam, students receive a certification through the IAFC. Students who complete this course will be eligible to receive 1.2 continuing education units or one undergraduate college credit hour that can be applied to any degree program at CSU.

The ODP Leadership Development Symposium Series (LDCS) represents a groundbreaking advancement in the field of fire service education. This program sets a new standard with competency-based minimum requirements, showcasing the IAFC's and CSU’s unwavering commitment to elevating training and education in the profession.

LDCS –Chief Officer

Participants not only enhance their leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and strategic expertise, but also earn continuing education units (CEUs) to validate their commitment to professional development. Upon completion of LDCS-Chief Officer I with a passing grade of 70% or higher on the certification exam, students receive a certification through the IAFC. Students who complete this course will be eligible to receive 1.3 continuing education units or one undergraduate college credit hour that can be applied to any degree program at CSU.

The ODP Leadership Development Symposium Series (LDCS) represents a groundbreaking advancement in the field of fire service education. This program sets a new standard with competency-based minimum requirements, showcasing the IAFC's and CSU’s unwavering commitment to elevating training and education in the profession.

LDCS – Executive Chief Officer

Participants not only enhance their leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and strategic expertise, but also earn continuing education units (CEUs) to validate their commitment to professional development. Upon completion of LDCS-Executive Chief Officer I with a passing grade of 70% or higher on the certification exam, students receive a certification through the IAFC. Students who complete this course will be eligible to receive 1.3 continuing education units or one undergraduate college credit hour that can be applied to any degree program at CSU. This course does not lead to International Fire Service Accreditation (IFSAC) or Pro Board Certification.

The ODP Leadership Development Symposium Series (LDCS) represents a groundbreaking advancement in the field of fire service education. This program sets a new standard with competency-based minimum requirements, showcasing the IAFC's and CSU’s unwavering commitment to elevating training and education in the profession.

 Accessible: National, Regional and State onsite options make learning more convenient.
 Qualifiable: Curated content, learning competency requirements, validated completion, and CEU credential.
 Credible: Minimum curriculum standards delivered by vetted and approved instructors.

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