Basic Fire Academy

Steps to Admission

There are two academies per year beginning in January and July. Please follow these steps to be considered for admission:

  • Submit College Application
  • Complete Fire Academy Interest Form (link added during application period)
    • Interest Forms are available as follows:
      • JANUARY ACADEMY - available June 1st - July 31st (Selections made in August)
      • JULY ACADEMY - available November 1st - December 31st (Selections made in January)
  • Submit Prerequisite Proof - upload proof to the Interest Form. Before applying to the academy, you must complete Fire Technology 1 and NREMT certification.

Interest Forms that are missing prerequisite proof of completion documents will NOT be considered. 

Prequalifications

  • Must be 18 or have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
  • In good academic standing for any prior college courses taken
  • Valid California driver's license
  • Proof of clear sports/DMV physical examination

Prerequisites

  • National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Certification
  • Fire Technology 1 (submit unofficial transcripts) - see the course catalog for a description of the course.
    • or One of the following:  JST for military training
    • or experience that may waive Fire Tech 1 requirement
    • or A resume to show prior fire or EMT experience that may waive Fire Tech 1 requirement. 
  • BLS/CPR certificate (may be completed during the application period)

Academy Content

The Basic Fire Academy Certificate is designed to prepare students for initial employment in the fire service. Our program includes four Fire Technology courses taken over 22 weeks, for a total of 34 units. The Basic Fire Academy begins in either January or July, and consists of the following courses:

Graduates of the Basic Fire Academy will also earn the following State Fire Training Certificates:

Basic Fire Academy Costs

Basic Fire Academy costs include college tuition, various State Fire Training Certificate fees, a college health services fee, and the cost to purchase or rent additional supplies and equipment as needed. The total cost will be approximately $4,300.00 and is broken down below.

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 $971.00
Sub Total of Additional Items $2,325.00
Total (including basic items)* $4,288.00

*Protective clothing rental fees include a $100.00 refundable deposit and return shipping fee.
*Cost may change without prior notice

For information on Financial Aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office on campus at 559-442-8245 or email them at financialaidoffice@fresnocitycollege.edu.

Recommended Preparation

  • Academy Physical Testing Preparation - A 7-event fitness test is given during the academy and makes up a third of your final grade. Information on this fitness test can be found here. This document is used in the grading of your test performance and will allow you to calculate what you will need to perform to pass. All calculations are based on your current body weight. You must score a minimum of 22 points total to pass.

  • Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Preparation:   Fire Academy physical training includes passing the 7-event CPAT testing. The CPAT test consists of eight 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. To prepare for entry into the academy you can access the CPAT Preparation Guide.

  • Math and English Proficiency:  If you completed 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 visit 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.

  • Volunteer firefighting experience will help prepare candidates for entry-level firefighting positions. Federal, state, and local agencies may offer volunteer firefighting opportunities.  

Internships

Graduates of the fire academy will have opportunities to participate in internships with our partner fire agencies. Graduates can work up to 450 hours per semester and gain experience that will help prepare them for employment. Many graduate interns have been offered employment based on their internship experience. Although employment is not guaranteed, internships benefit our cadets with real-life firefighter experience.

  • Fresno County Fire Protection District
  • Selma Fire Department
  • Kingsburg Fire Department
  • Hanford Fire Department
  • Sanger Fire Department
  • Farmersville Fire Department
  • North Central Fire Protection District