IFSM Membership

[Fire Monkey]

Hello,

Would it be worth my while (professionally speaking) to be come an associate member of IFSM if I am already GIFireE?

Thanks,

[JT]

What do you do? What are you looking to do?

[colin todd]

Why would you want to be?  That may then answer your own question.

[kurnal]

You benefit from joining a group of peers with a mutual interest, there are opportunities for CPD and you get a post nominal which will look good on your CV and might bring a slight marketing advantage.

[William 29]

Why would you want to be?  That may then answer your own question.

Why would you not want to? 

[Fire Monkey]

Thanks every one to the replies so far,

I ask if membership is suitable becasue I would like to know if it is any better than having GIFireE or is it to the same standard. I don't want to waste my time or my employers money. Since I work in the non-private sector I don't need it for business reasons - but only for professional reconition and job security, but have no idea if it is worth it. Would I be better going for MIFireE?

[kurnal]

MIFireE is generally held in higher esteem by fire service people because for most of its life fire service types were the huge majority of its members. iFSM came about as a result of a bust up between some characters in the IFE which if I recall correctly was connected with the setting up of the FRA register, correct me if I am wrong. My honest view is that the IFE generally carries more weight nationally and certainly internationally but I think the IFSM is also worth the subscription. I would go for both, but if you can only go for one its got to be the IFE. IFPO also worth a look. MIFSM is much easier to achieve than MIFireE so cannot hold the same value?

[Fishy]

Depends what your job is.  If you're an engineer then IFE is far more relevant and useful to your career than IFSM so if it's one or the other then it's a no-brainer.  If you're a fire safety manager or fire risk assessor then it's less clear-cut - but I think you'll find that IFE qualifications are more often sought in the job ad's.

Don't know what the cost of membership of the IFSM is, nor what their CPD programme is like, but as others have said why not give them a try in addition to GIFireE?

[nearlythere]

I  know someone who, despite having no fire safety background, went on a 4 1/2 days fire risk assessmwnt course and now has it on his CV that he is a qualified fire risk assessor.
Would this be a better qualification  you to have?

[colin todd]

Simon, what is the basis for going straight into IFE at member grade?  It is not necessarily as simple for most folks as your posting may imply.  The members exam is a good standard and direct entry is not a doddle.

[Fishy]

Simon, what is the basis for going straight into IFE at member grade?  It is not necessarily as simple for most folks as your posting may imply.  The members exam is a good standard and direct entry is not a doddle.

It's my understanding from the OP that we're talking about Associate grade, rather than Member?

[kurnal]

Well spotted Fishy I missed that in my usual haste.....AIFSM brings all the  CPD and membership benefits and indicates to the outside world that you are involved and interested, can only help on the CV for career advancement especially if part of a progression plan but perhaps has little clout for those marketing their skills. My opinion only of course.

[Fire Monkey]

Thanks every one - your insight has been very helpful.