Fire Academy Career Certificate

The Firefighting Academy is designed to satisfy Bureau of Fire Standards program requirements for Professional Firefighter Certification.  Students will receive a wide range of classroom and hands-on training that includes live fire training, vehicle extrication, ladder and fire hose operations, search and rescue, hazardous materials response, forcible entry, ventilation operations and fire detection, suppression practices, mental health awareness, cancer prevention for firefighters and active shooter training.

**This program is only designed for students who have either completed an EMT program, are currently certified as an EMT, or are currently enrolled in or have completed an EMT program at another institution.**

Applicants must attend a mandatory Fire Academy information session to receive an application packet. Upon selection to move forward in the process, applicants are required to attend a mandatory orientation session to receive additional information prior to the start of the program. Fingerprint and background checks will be completed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

A minimum overall grade of (70 percent) is required for successful completion of the Fire Academy program; however, a minimum grade of (80 percent) is required for all written exams. Successful completion will allow the graduate to be considered eligible to test for the State of Florida Minimum Fire Standards Firefighter 2 Certification exam. Day and night classes are available.

Total program hours: 492

This is a limited-access program. Program staff will determine candidate selection.

Candidates must:

• Have successfully completed an EMT-B or Paramedic program prior to the start of the Fire Academy;
• Attend mandatory Fire Academy information and orientation session;
• Apply and be accepted to Seminole State College as a student;
• Submit a completed Fire Academy application packet;
• Submit proof of age (minimum 18 years of age);
• Complete a physical medical exam (Forms to be provided during orientation session);
• Physical agility exam may be required (Scheduling will be completed during information session);
• Complete a Fire Academy non-tobacco use affidavit (Forms to be provided during orientation session);
• Complete a Fire Academy drug screening (Forms to be provided during orientation session);
• Complete a Fire Academy background check (Forms to be provided during orientation session)

Firefighting training and certification:

All fire academy training will comply with Florida State Statute 633.408, Firefighter and volunteer firefighter training and certification.

Qualifications for Certification:

All students applying for certification as a firefighter must comply with Florida State Statute 633.412, Firefighters; Qualifications for certification. These qualifications will be discussed at all information sessions.