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
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.
The Spring 2025 - Academy 63 application period is Closed. The application period for Fall 2025 - Academy 64, will open at the end of February 2025. Any applications received from now through the start of the application period will be disregarded. Please check back in January 2025 for the official application period start date.
To apply to Fire Academy please complete the following steps:
- Ensure all required pre-requisite courses are complete
- Send an email to Fire.Technology@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
- Check back to this page for when application periods open.
Once accepted, Students are required to attend two pre-academy events, Fitting Day and Orientation. Information regarding these events will be sent once student is accepted into academy.
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 -Lift and carry 50lbs. for 2 minutes
and or the "BIDDLE" physical ability test
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 Decontamination
- 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 email Fire.Technology@vvc.edu