There is a strong consensus that the fire industry deserves greater professional recognition for its expertise and critical role in public safety. Fire protection is a critical component of public safety, yet it often lacks the professional status afforded to other trades and technical industries. Industry accreditation is a powerful tool to change this. By setting clear standards, ensuring competency, and promoting accountability, accreditation not only elevates the credibility of fire protection professionals but can strengthen trust with regulators, clients, and the broader community. During this presentation we’ll explore how accreditation can drive this change and why it’s essential for the future of our industry