Self-Assessment Phase:

The self-assessment phase is a comprehensive, systematic, and regular review of the agency through the use of the categories, criteria, and performance indicators. This phase provides a self-assessment process and evaluation model for taking an in-depth look at the department, the history, performance measurements, core competencies, community risks, assists with determining the fire safety needs and provides a method for continuing improvement. The self-assessment portion of the accreditation process is a true and honest review of the programs, activities, rules, and policies within the department.

CPSE's Accreditation Program, leads to improved service delivery by helping fire departments to:

• Determine community risk and safety needs.
• Evaluate the performance of the department.
• Establish a method for achieving continuous organizational improvement.

The 11 major categories are: Governance and Administration, Assessment and Planning, Goals and Objectives, Financial Resources, Programs, Physical Resources, Human Resources, Training and Competency, Essential Resources, External Systems Relationships and Health and Safety. For each category, the department must answer specific questions with a description, which answers the question, what are you currently doing in this area, an appraisal, which answers how well the department is doing, and finally a plan, which answers what the future plans are for that area. The final component to each question is the exhibits, which verify that you are doing what you say you are.

Every aspect of CFD is analyzed, measured, critiqued, and reviewed in relation to improving the overall effectiveness, identifying strengths and weaknesses, efficiency, and quality. The process encourages quality improvement and promotes excellence.

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