Basic Fire Academy

Application Process

Applications are considered on a first-come-first-served basis and must include all required documents. A pre-academy fitness test will be administered, and the 30 top-scoring candidates and 7 alternates will be selected. Information on the 8-Event Physical Fitness Test can be found under the "Recommended Academy Preparation" heading below.

 

Prerequisites (must be completed before applying)

Prequalifications

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

Contact Information

559.442.5930
fireacademy@fresnocitycollege.edu 


Academic Counselor, Paulette Richards  (Appointments)
paulette.richards@fresnocitycollege.edu
559.442.5931

  • 8-Event Physical Fitness Test Preparation - Candidate selection to the academy is based on pre-academy physical fitness test scores. In addition, 25% of your final academy grade is fitness testing during the academy. All calculations used for the tests are based on your current body weight. You must score a minimum of 16 points to pass the test. The Clovis Police Department offers a "Police Academy Prep Program" that is open to prospective fire academy cadets preparing to apply to the academy. 

  • Math and English Proficiency - If you completed high school math and English courses with a grade of C or better, you are likely proficient. If you were unsuccessful, or it has been a long time since you were in high school, visit the FCC Math Support Center for resources on improving your math skills or the Writing and Reading Center for resources on improving your English skills. These are both located in the library of the Fresno City College Campus.
  • Volunteer firefighting experience will help prepare candidates for entry-level firefighting positions. Federal, state, and local agencies may offer volunteer firefighting opportunities.  

The Basic Fire Academy Certificate is designed to prepare students for initial employment in the fire service. Our program includes three 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:

  • Fire Technology 130A Basic Fire Academy Part I 
  • Fire Technology 130B Basic Fire Academy Part II 
  • Fire Technology 22 Firefighter II 

  • Fresno City College Basic Fire Academy Certificate of Achievement
  • California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) Fire Fighter professional certification series:
    • CSFM/IFSAC/PROBOARD Firefighter 1 Certificate
    • CSFM Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue Technician
    • CSFM Behavioral Health & Cancer Awareness 1A
    • CSFM Rope Rescue Operations
    • CSFM Firefighter Survival
    • CSFM Fire Control 3
    • CSFM Confined Space Awareness
    • CSTI and CSFM Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations & Decon
    • Incident Command System I-100 & I-200, NIMS 700 & 800
    • CSFM Driver Operator 1A
  • CSFM/IFSAC/PROBOARD Firefighter 2 Coursework (FF1 and FF2 Task Book)
    • CSFM RIC OPS
    • CSFM Fire Control 4
  • National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)
    • Followership to Leadership (L-280)
    • S-130 Firefighter Training
    • S-190 Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior
    • L-180 Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
    • S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws 

Fire Academy Costs

The total cost is approximately $4,300.00 and includes college tuition, State Fire Training Certificate fees, a college health services fee, and the cost to purchase or rent additional supplies and equipment as needed. 


Financial Aid Information

559.442.8245

financialaidoffice@fresnocitycollege.edu

 

*Fees below are subject to change without prior notice.

College Fees Amounts
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
Equipment & Certificate Fees Amounts
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

Post Academy 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