Firefighter I

Program description

Firefighter 1 includes everything necessary to; learn the essential skills, obtain the required knowledge and abilities to perform at the entry level in a volunteer or paid fire department as a firefighter in the State of California. This Academy adheres to the curriculum as required by the California State Fire Marshal’s Office (CAL-FIRE) for certification by their office as a “Certified Firefighter 1”. Certification is obtained only after successful completion of the Firefighter 1 Academy, and a minimum of six months full time employment with an organized, paid fire department, or twelve months of part time employment with an organized volunteer fire department. Upon successful completion of the Academy and the required work time, the Chief of the department in which the student works verifies successful work completion and the student makes application for their California State Firefighter 1 Certificate.

The Firefighter 1 Academy is an intense program including rigorous physical conditioning, English designed for firefighters as well as classroom and field training with the same tools and appliances used by the fire service. During the later portion of the academy students earn a State Fire Marshal Certificate for “Fire Control Three” as part of their Live Fire Training. The course also includes Emergency Medical Responder in which the students earn certification from the California Emergency Medical Authority.

Note: No college in California certifies individuals as Firefighter 1 or Firefighter 2. All certifications are issued by the California State Fire Marshal. This certificate is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of the listed requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this certificate.

Program learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this certificate, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate the basic knowledge, skills and abilities to safely perform the tasks required to become an entry level firefighter.

Certificate requirements

• Complete the required coursework as outlined by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
• Work a minimum of either six months as a paid full-time firefighter or 12 months as a volunteer.
• A recommendation and signature on appropriate form from the Fire Chief of the department that a student works for or volunteers at is a mandatory requirement.

Note: No college in California certifies individuals as Firefighter 1 or Firefighter 2. All certifications are approved by the California State Fire Marshal’s Office.