The conversation covers the role of Pro Board certification, the importance of preparing for the future, the significance of certification, challenges and validation, interrater reliability, the training and certification process, the value of training, the team spirit in firefighting, and the future of training and certification. The discussion emphasizes the importance of ongoing training and certification for firefighters and the need to adapt to the future of training, including the potential impact of AI on evaluation and certification processes.

Takeaways

• Pro Board Certification
• Training and Certification
• Future of Training

Chapters

• 00:00 The Role of Pro Board Certification
• 01:36 Preparing for the Future
• 03:18 The Importance of Certification
• 05:06 Challenges and Validation
• 07:19 Interrater Reliability
• 09:30 Training and Certification Process
• 13:10 The Value of Training
• 17:25 The Team Spirit in Firefighting
• 24:17 The Future of Training and Certification

In this first episode of Setting the Standard, host Ryan Snow sits down with Dr. Brian Brauer to talk about the upcoming Pro Board Accreditation & Education Conference in Orlando, January 2026. Together, they explore the practical side of attending including; who agencies should send, what participants will gain, and how the conference experience strengthens accreditation programs across the country.

Listeners will hear how different roles including administrators, lead instructors, assessors, and accreditation managers, each benefit from the sessions and discussions at the event. Brian and Ryan also share what makes this conference unique: the collaboration between agencies, the opportunity to learn directly from COA members and subject-matter experts, and the insights that can be brought back home to improve training, documentation, and program outcomes.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a returning participant, this conversation offers clear takeaways on how to get the most value from the 2026 conference and why showing up matters for your agency’s continued success.

Updates, insights, and takeaways you can use—this is Setting the Standard.