1. (a) The following definition is applicable to this subchapter only. Approved distance training is defined as fire training where instructors and students are primarily in different locations and content is instructed primarily using the internet or an intranet and courses must contain some level of interactivity. Distance training that serves as nothing more than electronic text is not acceptable. Online courses must provide the opportunity for the student to interact or ask questions via e-mail, chat rooms or some other method of communication Other computer-mediated methods of instruction may be used to enhance instruction; however, the primary delivery method must be through the internet or an intranet.
2. (b) A distance training provider must seek certification as a training facility in each discipline it intends to instruct.
3. (c) In order to become a commission approved distance training provider; the provider must submit a completed commission training facility application with supporting documentation and fee. Such application will include descriptions and addresses of where the distance training provider will have their course delivery and materials. A distance training provider must provide documentation of its ability to meet all minimum requirements for each discipline for which it seeks certification. The documentation must also identify how students and instructors will access resources as identified in the curriculum.

4. (d) All training for certification must be submitted to the commission for approval at least 20 days prior to the proposed starting date of the training. Approved courses are subject to audit by commission staff any time during the approved schedule. Any deviation in the approved course schedule or content must be reported to the commission within three business days of the deviation. The academy coordinator will:

   1. (1) attest to the fact that the training meets the competencies in the applicable Commission Curriculum and/or NFPA Standards;
   2. (2) submit a testing schedule for all academy periodic, final, or skills examinations as required in §427.305 of this title; and
   3. (3) notify the Commission of any changes in instructor staff and/or field examiners.
5. (e) A distance training provider that applies for certification as a training facility in a discipline that includes skills training shall comply with Subchapter A of this chapter concerning minimum standards, facilities, apparatus, protective clothing, equipment, and live fire training utilized to teach and test the required skills.
6. (f) A distance training provider certified for the first time by the commission will receive, at no charge, one Commission Certification Curriculum and Standards Manual on CD to be utilized by the certified distance training provider's instructors. The distance training provider is responsible for ensuring that all subjects are taught as required by the curricula. Additional CD copies may be purchased from the commission or downloaded from the agency web site. Distance training providers that renew their certification will receive appropriate updates at no charge.

Source Note:The provisions of this §427.201 adopted to be effective January 27, 2002, 27 TexReg 481; amended to be effective May 26, 2005, 30 TexReg 3033; amended to be effective March 27, 2006, 31 TexReg 2696.