FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about the Building & Fire Code Academy

Who are the Instructors at BFCA?

Most BFCA courses are taught by B & F Technical Code Services, Inc. staff members who have a working background in construction and government. We also have adjunct professors who work for other companies or muncipalities and are experienced code professionals. All BFCA instructors are licensed and/or certified in the fields in which they teach.

Does BFCA develop its own course materials?
A:  Our training courses are developed in-house with a special emphasis on comprehension and application. Our courses are designed around real-life situations and draw from the experiences of the developers and instructors.

What can I expect to receive when I attend a BFCA course?
A:  BFCA will provide each participant with a workbook demonstrating code use through examples and problem-solving exercises. Depending on the course, you will also receive drawings to enhance the learning process. Participants are expected to bring a copy of the applicable code book.

How long does the typical course last?
A:  Course length varies with each class; however, most courses run one, two or three days. BFCA also offers special, shortened training courses to be included with association or municipality functions.

Where are the courses held?
A:  BFCA holds training courses at its Hoffman Estates site as well as a variety of other locations including local universities, hotels, conference centers and municipally-sponsored civic offices across the United States.

Are BFCA training courses only open to government officials?
A:  Our courses are open to everyone involved in the construction/code industry: architects, engineers, contractors, insurance inspectors and building owners.

Will I earn CEUs for attending training courses offered by the Building & Fire Code Academy?
A:  BFCA is an International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) Authorized Provider and an American Institute of Architects/Continuing Education System (AIA/CES) Registered Provider. Students completing courses receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs), contact hours and/or state credit where applicable. Architects completing classes earn Learning Units (LUs). All courses qualify for Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) credit. Specific courses are also approved by individual states.

Where can I get a list of BFCA course dates and locations?
A:  Contact BFCA at (847) 884-4969 and ask to be added to our mailing list or visit us online at http://www.bfcacademy.com/catalog/ for a list of current courses.

What if I need to train my building department staff on a specific code topic?
A:  BFCA offers customized training courses for building departments and companies across the country. We will work with you to develop a course that will best suit your needs.

What does sponsoring a training class entail?
A:  BFCA will partner with a municipality or an organization to present a training class that could provide financial benefit, possibly translating into free training for your staff. Contact our office,
(847) 884-4969, for more details.

Are your classes certified in my state?
A:  Our courses are certified through numerous state agencies. For specific information regarding your state, contact our office 1-800-488-7057.

How do I register?
A:  Registration for all our courses can be accomplished by calling BFCA, 1-800-488-7057 or (847) 884-4969, by faxing a completed course registration form to us at (847) 884-4722, online at http://www.bfcacademy.com/catalog, or via email at .

What if I need to cancel my registration?
A:  BFCA will issue a refund or credit towards a future training course. More detailed information on our cancellation policy is available here.

What training classes are available?
A:  BFCA offers a variety of training courses. We offer classes on fire resistive construction requirements, building codes, plumbing codes, fire safety codes and accessibility codes.

How much does it cost to attend a training course?
A:  The cost of each class differs based on the length of the class and the materials received when you attend the course. Two-day classes cost more than a one-day class because they require more of the instructor's time. All of BFCA's training classes are priced competitively.

What are the benefits of the private training classes offered by BFCA?
A:  Our private training courses are customized to fit the needs of your organization. As a group, the employees you send to the class can address specific questions that pertain specifically to your organization.

Do you provide workbooks to the attendees of the private classes?
A:  Yes, the BFCA instructor will come with workbooks and other class supplies for each attendant. The only thing participants need to bring to class is a copy of the appropriate code book and, in most cases, a calculator.

Will I earn the same number of CEUs for attending a private class?
A:  Yes, you will earn the same number of CEUs for attending a private class. CEUs are calculated based on the number of training hours.

Are your training courses for beginners or advanced professionals?
A:  BFCA training courses are designed to benefit both the beginner and the advanced professional.