Firefighter School Requirements

Firefighter school is required for certification.

Certification as a firefighter is required by local fire departments. While some larger departments have their own firefighting academies, most require applicants to have obtained their Firefighter I & II certifications from an accredited institution offering firefighter training. An aspiring firefighter attends training school for several weeks or months where he or she learns skills such as handling hazardous materials, using rescue equipment and performing emergency medical procedures.

Types of Firefighter Schools

Firefighter school requirements can vary. Firefighter training can be offered by an accredited fire college dedicated entirely to firefighting, by technical schools or by community colleges. For this reason, requirements for admission can be based on physical fitness, on the results of an entry exam, on academics or, in most cases, or some combination of these three criteria.

Age and Minimum School Requirements

All firefighting schools have age and minimum-education requirements. Since they are institutions of higher learning, applicants must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or have obtained a G.E.D.

Physician's Physical

Before beginning training, firefighter trainees must show proof of passing a physical exam given by a physician. Schools differ in the depth of the exam required, with some requiring EKG results. Most only require a basic physical that measures overall health.

Physical Fitness and Stamina

Most, if not all, firefighting academies and colleges with firefighter certification programs require participants to be in satisfactory physical condition. Applicants are usually given a physical fitness test that mimics the physical demands of being a firefighter, including sit-ups, push-ups, hose drag, ladder carry, sled drive, and running. In addition, some schools require students to sign an affidavit stating they have not used tobacco products within a year of starting training.

Additional Education

Community colleges with firefighting certification courses may require students to pass academic placement tests as part of their admission procedures. They may also have certain graduation requirements that include other courses beyond firefighting.

References

• Florida State Fire College
• ProBoard Fire Service: Fire Schools by State

Resources

• International Association of Firefighters