Basic Fire Academy

The Basic Fire Academy Certificate of Achievement program is designed to prepare students for initial employment in the field of Fire Technology. Our program includes 4 Fire Technology courses taken over the course of a 22-week period, for a total of 34 units. The Basic Fire Academy is offered in the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters and consists of the following courses:

Basic Fire Academy costs include college tuition, various certificate, and campus health services fees, plus the cost of additional supplies and equipment as needed. The total cost will be approximately $4,000.00 and is broken down below.

Academy Costs

Basic Items Cost
34 units @ $46 per unit $1,564.00 (subject to change)
Health Fee $13.00
Text Books $100.00
Total of Basic Items $1,677.00
Additional Items Estimated Cost
Approved Safety Boots $250.00
Uniforms $300.00
Protective Clothing* $950.00
Physical Examination $150.00
CSFM Certificates $896.00
Sub Total of Additional Items $2,250.00
Total (including basic items)* $4,213.00

*Protective clothing rental fees include a $100.00 refundable deposit and return shipping fee.

*Cost may change without prior notice


Qualified students attending the Basic Fire Academy may be eligible for financial aid. For questions about financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office on campus at 559-442-8245 or email them at financialaidoffice@fresnocitycollege.edu.

Academy Admission Information

Qualifications

  • Must be 18 years of age or have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
  • Must be in good academic standing with the college for any prior courses taken
  • Possess a valid California driver's license
  • Provide proof of a clear sports/DMV physical examination

Prerequisites

NREMT and Fire Technology 1 are required prerequisites for entry into the Fresno City College Basic Fire Academy and must be completed prior to submitting an application. Priority may be given to students affiliated with or sponsored by area fire agencies.

To be placed on the Basic Fire Academy interest list, you must complete the Basic Fire Academy Interest Form below. If you have met all of the prerequisites, then you need to schedule an appointment with the academy counselor so they can verify your prerequisites and complete a Student Education Plan. After completing the interest form, please send an email to fireacademy@fresnocitycollege.edu requesting an appointment.

Click Here - Basic Fire Academy Interest Form

Recommended Preparation

  • Proficiency in Math and English - If you were successful in completing high school math and English courses with a grade of C or better, then you are likely proficient. If you were not successful or it has been a long time since you were in high school, then please access the FCC Math Support Center for resources on how to improve your math skills or the Writing and Reading Center for resources on how to improve your English skills. These are both located on the Fresno City College Campus in the Library.
  • Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Preparation - Fire Academy physical training includes CPAT testing. The CPAT test consists of 8 timed test measurements of skill in stair climbing, hose dragging, equipment carrying, ladder raising and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue drag, ceiling breach, and pulling. You should access the CPAT Preparation Guide to prepare for entry into that Academy and the physical demands of the curriculum. 
  • Volunteer firefighting experience will help prepare candidates for entry-level firefighting positions. Federal, state, and local agencies may offer volunteer firefighting opportunities. 

Additional Information 

The Fresno City College Basic Fire Academy provides the extensive hands-on training required by many fire agencies for entry-level employment as a firefighter. Graduates of the Basic Fire Academy will receive the following certificates:

Internships

Our Academy has partnered with Selma Fire Department, Kingsburg Fire Department, Hanford Fire Department, Sanger Fire Department, and North Central Fire Protection District to provide internship opportunities for recent graduates. Students can work up to 450 hours per semester and gain experience that will help them find employment. Since the start of the program, many students who have participated in internships have also gone on to be employed as firefighters.