Prerequisites: EMS 60, EMT Certificate, or Paramedic License, FIRE 61B or CA State Fire Marshal Confined Space Awareness Certificate, FIRE 66 or CA State Fire Marshal ICS 200, and FIRE 82A or CSTI HazMat First Responder Operational Certificate.
The Victor Valley College Firefighter I Academy is a 400-plus hour intensive training program, Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for 12 weeks. This course provides basic firefighter skills and knowledge, emphasizing “hands-on” skills development. The course conforms to the standards for certification by the State Board of Fire Services and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Upon completing the Victor Valley College Fire Academy, you will have completed the Firefighter I Testing for the International Fire Service Accreditation Council (IFSAC) and Pro-Board Certification.
To apply to Fire Academy 62-Fall 2024 please complete the following steps:
- Ensure all required pre-requisite courses are complete
- Send an email to Suzanne.Penfold@vvc.edu with proof of completion of the required pre-requisite courses. Copies of your completed certifications or unofficial transcripts showing successful completion will be accepted as proof of completion.
- Complete the Academy Application
- Applications are due by May 24, 2024. Acceptance letters will be sent out by May 31, 2024.
Students are required to attend two pre-academy events, Fitting Day and Orientation. Information regarding these events will be sent to the students by May 31, 2024
This course has strict standards that comply with firefighters' requirements in the fire service. Grooming standards, dress codes, discipline, and attitude are essential standards that a firefighter must possess. Teamwork, self-confidence, self-discipline, quick thinking, and the ability to follow instructions and orders accurately are emphasized in this course.
Students must be able to complete the following physical fitness standards:
- Run 1.5 miles in under 15 minutes
- 60 sit-ups in 2 minutes
- 35 push-ups in 2 minutes
- 5 overhand pull-ups in 2 minutes
Other California State Fire Marshall or Certificates of Training that graduates earn within the Firefighter I Academy include the following:
- Auto Extrication
- Firefighter Safety and Survival
- Rapid Intervention Crew Operations
- Fire Control 3A/3B
- I-100, S-190, S-130, L-180 (NWCG)
- Hazardous Materials WMD
- Hazardous Materials Decon
- California Firefighter I
- Biddle PAT Certificate (Los Angeles County and Orange County Fire Chief's Physical Abilities Test)
Cost
Students must be prepared to pay $3,447 for the Fire Academy. This cost includes tuition and fees and student material fees (Board approved December 2023). Payment plans will be discussed with the students at the Academy Orientation.
For additional information please contact Program Director Jose Arredondo, Jose.Arredondo@vvc.edu, or Suzanne Penfold, Suzanne.Penfold@vvc.edu