FIRE 95 - BASIC FIRE ACADEMY

Upcoming Academies

Fall 2026 – Academy 66

🗓 Application Period: Closed April 30, 2026

🚫 Status: Academy 65 is full. Any application received after October 31,2025 will not be processed and not considered for any future academy.

Spring 2027 – Academy 67

🗓 Application Period: Start on August 1, 2026 

⚠️ Applications submitted before the opening date will not be reviewed and will be considered void.

*You do not need to have your prerequisites completed to apply, so do not delay once the period opens.

 **You must email us proof of status of your prerequisites to complete the application process.

***If you have all of your prerequisite courses completed at the time you apply, you will be added to the "Prerequisites Met" list.

****If you are still working on your prerequisites at the time you apply, you will be added to the "In Process" list until you submit proof of completion of ALL prerequisites.

*****You will only be placed on "Incomplete Application" list if we do not receive any proof of status of your prerequisites. This does not disqualify you immediately from the process. To be move to the "In Process" or "Prerequisites Met" list, you would just need to submit your proof before the application period closes.

You must email proof of status by supplying either your Unofficial Transcripts showing class completion or the actual certificates you earned upon completion of your Fire Courses and proof of passing your NREMT exam or a current EMT/Paramedic license to Fire.Technology@vvc.edu to complete the application process.

We do not process acceptance until after the required PT Days. Although we encourage you to apply as soon as the period opens, no one will be listed as fully eligible until they attend PT Assessment.

🧾 How to Apply

Follow all steps below to apply for the Victor Valley College Fire Academy. 

Step 1: Submit Your Academy Application

You do not apply through Self Service, nor will you register yourself for academy classes.

Complete the online application using the link below:

🔗 Basic Firefighter Academy Application

We will submit registration to Admissions for you once we confirm the Roster for each academy.

Step 2: Submit Proof of Completion/Progress of Prerequisites

Email copies of your certifications or unofficial transcripts to:

📧 Fire.Technology@vvc.edu

We can not look up your transcripts/completed courses and your application will remain on the "Incomplete List" until proof of completion is received.

If you completed prerequisites at VVC:

• Submit your free unofficial transcripts from your MyVVC Self-Service Portal → Academics.

  • They will show us the courses you have completed and/or the classes you are currently registered in.

    • You may apply while completing prerequisites; however, you will be placed on the "In Process List" until proof of completion of all prerequisites are submitted.

      • You must complete all required courses before we move you into the "Prerequisites Met List", which guarantees you an invite to the PT Days.
      • If you are in process of completing your prerequisites, you must send in proof of where you are in the process by providing your Transcripts or any certificates you have completed.
        • Those on the the "In Process List" may be invited to the PT Days if the spots are not completely filled by the "Prerequisites Met List".
      • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​If you do not send in any proof of status, you will be placed on the "Incomplete Application" list.
        • Those on the "Incomplete Application List" will not be ineligible to attend the PT Days.
  • Spots in the academy cannot be held, but you are encouraged to apply if you are close to finishing prerequisites before the deadline to ensure you are on the "In Process" list before the application period closes to ensure you are in the pool of applicants.
    • Only applicants on the "Prerequisites Met" or "In Process" list before the closing date,  will be considered for that academy.
      • those who apply after the deadline, will not be considered and will need to reapply for a future academy.
      • Full acceptance to the academy is not determined until after the 2nd required PT Assessment Day.

Step 3: Attend Required Pre-Academy Events

All students coming into the academy must be able to attend the following events to qualify for academy acceptance:

Note: These are mandatory attendance dates. If you are unavailable for any of these dates, you will need to discuss your options with the Director, and/or defer to a future academy session.

💪 Physical Fitness Requirements

Students must meet the following minimum fitness standards:

• Run 1.5 miles in under 15 minutes

• Complete 60 sit-ups in 2 minutes

• Perform 35 push-ups in 2 minutes

• Perform 5 overhand pull-ups in 2 minutes

• Lift and carry 50 lbs. for 2 minutes
  
   

These standards represent the minimum level of fitness required to safely perform academy tasks and complete training successfully and prepare you for the Biddle Physical Examination required by many departments for employment.

🎓 Certifications Earned

Upon successful completion, graduates will earn training and/or certifications in:

• California Firefighter IA

• Hazardous Materials – Firefighter 1B

• Firefighter 1C and S-130, S-190, L-180 (NWCG)

• Common Passenger Vehicle Extrication

• Firefighter Survival

• Firefighter Rescue and Rapid Intervention Crew Operations

• Fire Control 3B

• BIDDLE Physical Ability Test (PAT) Certificate

• (Recognized by Los Angeles and Orange County Fire Chiefs)

👨‍🚒 Professional Standards

The Firefighter I Academy emphasizes excellence in both performance and professionalism.

All trainees are expected to maintain:

• Compliance with grooming and dress code standards

• Consistent professional conduct and discipline

• Effective teamwork and clear communication

• Self-confidence, composure, and the ability to follow instruction

💰 Cost & Payment Information

Approximate Program Cost: $3,447

(Approved by the VVC Board in December 2023)

This cost includes tuition, student materials, and required academy gear.

**This cost does not include books, online resources and ancillary items**

Costs are subject to change.

Payment Options

💳 Payment Plan

• Details are provided during the mandatory Orientation.

• Payment plans typically divide total costs into 4 monthly installments.

  • For payment information, go to: https://www.vvc.edu/payment-plans-plus

  • Enrollment in a payment plan must be completed before the academy start date. (See deadline on link above)

🎓 Financial Aid & Assistance

While traditional financial aid may not cover all costs, students may be eligible for the following:

• California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
  
  Covers enrollment fees for qualifying California residents.
  
  Most students are eligible even if they do not qualify for Federal Financial Aid.

• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
  
  Recommended for all students to determine eligibility for grants or aid.

• Scholarships
  
  Available through the VVC Foundation and external firefighter-related programs.

• GI Bill® / Veteran Benefits
  
  Accepted for qualified students. Contact the Veterans Resource Center for assistance.

• Third-Party Sponsorships
  
  Available through some fire departments or public agencies.

Full payment or enrollment in a payment plan is required before uniforms or equipment can be issued.

Begin financial planning early if purchasing gear through outside vendors or seeking aid processing.

📞 Contact Information

For questions or additional details, please contact:

📨 Jose Arredondo- Director

📧 jose.arredondo@vvc.edu

Fire Technology Department:

📧 Fire.Technology@vvc.edu      |      📞 (760) 245-4271 ext. 2402