Public Firefighter Training Academy, How to Enroll

I am often asked if a person can attend a recruit firefighter training academy before getting hired by a fire department? The answer is yes. we will explore the Public Firefighter Training Academy, How to Enroll. Many colleges and training organizations offer hands on firefighter training academies. Some academies are even required to be competed for an Associate degree or Bachelor degree in Fire Science. During the Firefighter hiring application process items like previous firefighter training and Fire Service degrees are very helpful in helping you rise to the top of the hiring process.

Why Attending a Public firefighter Academy is Important

First, you will get a first hand look at a career as a firefighter. This is a very demanding career that is not for everyone. The fire academy will bring to bear every possible challenge or phobia you may have. Being claustrophobic or scared of heights will be quickly challenged in the fire academy.

Second, you will gain experience that will look well on your resume when applying for a career firefighter position. Training and experience always a plus when applying for a career position. It usually is not required but will definitely help you stand out in the hiring process. Remember there are after 100s of applicants for just a few firefighter positions.

How to Find a Firefighter Program

The best way to start is to contact you local college and see if they have a Fire Science degree program. Often they will. If so, do they run their own firefighter training academy or do they have suggestions of firefighter training programs you could attend.

Another growing way to find some great firefighter academies is to simply do a search for a firefighter training academy that is right for you. Google is a great place to start! you will quickly find dozens of programs that will meet your needs.

Some important things to keep in mind.

First, make sure the program has a certification process that is accredited by International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, IFSAC or Pro Board Accreditation. These certifications are very important. The program does not meet be certified by both, however many are.

Second, the time commitment is substantial. Many of these programs are 8 to 10 hours a day for 12 to 16 weeks. If this is something you can’t currently commit to look for for programs that as nights and weekends. These programs will often take longer, but are a great opportunity for many who can’t commit to a “full-time” program.

5 Examples of College and Public Firefighter Training Academies

PLEASE understand these are examples only! I am not endorsing, suggesting or sponsoring any of these firefighter training programs!

The information for these programs will change on a regular bases. It is important for you to contact any program directly and get the latest information on cost, duration and requirements.

As you review any of the programs you will find a list of requirements. It is important to meet these requirements, however, if you do not have some of the needed requirements ask the college if they offer classes to help you gain the posted requirements. Most, if not all will. for example, Some Academies will require some level of Emergency Medical training. If you have not completed any emergency medical program ask the college if they often any programs such as Emergency medical technician, EMT of Fire responder training. For more information on firefighter EMS training check out my post, Do I need to be a Paramedic or EMT to be a Firefighter?

1. OHIO FIRE ACADEMY

Ohio Fire Academy is the only academy in Ohio recognized by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress and Pro Board. The Ohio Fire Academy also offers online training for individual firefighters and departments to further their education.

Requirements to enroll

• Meet requirements outlined – Read my post on Firefighter Requirements by clicking here.
• Take and pass the COMPASS Test or have taken a COMPASS Test within the last two years. Previous SAT or ACT scores or a college degree may be eligible to be used as a substitute for taking COMPASS. 
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Submit background checks
• Students must undergo a medical evaluation by a physician that meets the requirements of the NFPA 1582: Standard on Medical Requirements for Firefighters
• Valid driver’s license
• Complete National Incident Management System NIMS IS-100.b and NIMS IS-700

Length of program

360 hours, 40 days. Runs weekdays from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. with multiple evening sessions scheduled. 

2. CORAL SPRINGS REGIONAL INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC SAFETY

The Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety is an accredited training center, recognized by the State of Florida as the Training and Educational Provider of the year 4 times (2007,2011, 2013, 2017). Coral Springs offers numerous courses for individuals seeking a career as a firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician, EMT or paramedic. The institute also offers Driver, Officer and Truck/Engine Company Operations classes.

Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety offers three different academy schedules for Firefighter I & II, six times a year.

Requirements to enroll

• Entrance Physical Ability Test (e-PAT) — mandatory requirement, prior to registration for Firefighter I & II
• Paramedic or EMT license or certificate of completion for Emergency Medical Technician, EMT.
• Medical exam
• Tobacco affidavit
• Florida driver’s license
• Diploma (high school, college, transcript or GED)
• Background check

Length of programs — 496 hours

• Full-time: 15-17 weeks, 5 days/week Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Part-time: 35-37 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 pm and Sat. 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Part-time accelerated: 23-25 weeks, Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Success Rate

84% of students graduate the program. 99% receive a state license on their first attempt.

3. BROWARD FIRE ACADEMY

Broward Fire Academy in South Florida offers Firefighter I and II programs. The program meets the requirements of the Bureau of Fire Standards for firefighters. They offer both night and day classes.

Requirements to enroll

• Must be at least 18 years old, earned a high school diploma from a regionally accredited institution (or equivalent)
• Have a current Basic Life Support, BLS, Healthcare Provider (CPR & AED) card
• Must have completed EMT
• Must have a current Broward Fire Academy physical agility test on file

Students are required to purchase books, uniforms and supplies, including bunker gear, boots, hood, helmet and gloves.

*In-state tuition. Out-of-state tuition is slightly higher. To receive resident tuition, your legal residence must be issued or filed 12 months before the first day of classes.

Length of program and course schedule

398-hour course offered as full-time and part-time.

Full-time schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and takes approximately 3 months. Part-time is Tuesday and Thursday 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and takes approximately 6 months.

4. TEEX, ALSO KNOWN AS BRAYTON FIRE ACADEMY

An extension of Texas A&M, TEEX offers a 12-week traditional academy program and an online academy with a 21-day boot camp onsite at Brayton Fire Training Field. After finishing the course, cadets are eligible for IFSAC and Pro Board certifications in Firefighter I and II. Their programs meet or exceed most state requirements. TEEX does not offer housing.

Requirements to enroll

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or GED certificate
• Valid motor vehicle driver’s license without pending actions of suspension or revocation
• Physical and Proof of Meningitis vaccination within last five years
• 2×2 color photo of yourself
• International students must submit a color copy of their passport along with a signed and notarized affidavit of responsibility

Length of program and course schedule

500 hours

The traditional Academy is a 12-week program held at Brayton Fire Training Field. The online academy allows scheduling flexibility through online training followed by a 21-day boot camp at Brayton Fire Training Field.

5. SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE FIRE ACADEMY

More than 90% of Seminole State fire science students have achieved certification on the first attempt at the state exam. A course grade of 80% is required to successfully complete the class and receive Firefighter I & II certification in the State of Florida.

Requirements to enroll

• Complete or be enrolled in a State of Florida EMT program or EMT/Fire combined program. Successfully complete EMT program prior to the start of the Fire Academy term
• Attend a mandatory information session
• Submit application (obtained at info session)
• Attend mandatory orientation session, held two to three weeks after application deadline
• More information provided at info sessions

Length of program and class schedules

• 450 hours, 22 weeks
• Day Classes: Monday and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Night Classes: Monday – Thursday 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Firefighter Training Academy final thoughts

I hope this helps to answer your questions about attending a firefighter training academy. Again, the Firefighter Training programs listed above are suggestions only. I am no way associated or sponsored with any of these programs.

Once you find that fit for your firefighter training you need to prepare for the exciting challenges you will face to successfully compete the academy. I have several posts that will help you with this process. Check out my post, 9 reasons why firefighter recruits fail the fire academy

Good luck to you and feel free to contact me with any questions or with future post suggestions.

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