The qualifications and skills that you need to get a career in fire sprinklers depend on the position for which you plan to apply. Sprinkler technicians and fitters can learn installation and repair through an apprenticeship or through a trade program that includes sprinkler maintenance, pipefitting, or a related subject. Certification in water-based systems layout is available through the National Certification of Engineer Technologies, which also offers a sprinkler inspection certificate. If you want to become a sprinkler designer, you typically need a degree in engineering or relevant job experience and the ability to use computer design software, such as SprinkCAD and AUTOSprink.