What are the minimum requirements to become a firefighter?

To obtain employment as a paid firefighter in the State of California, possession of a Firefighter I certificate and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Card (issued by the State Board of Fire Services and the State Emergency Medical Services Authority respectively) generally represent the minimum entry level requirements.

How do I obtain my Firefighter I Certificate?

The California Office of the State Fire Marshal Division of State Fire Training (SFT) has a dedicated Fire Fighter 1 page that can answer many questions you may have.

Option One:

  1. Successfully complete a Firefighter I (FFI) academy conducted by a Community College that is approved as an Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP) by the State of Fire Marshal’s Office.
  2. Successfully complete the FFI certification testing process conducted by an ARTP (most FFI academies, including the SRJC, include this testing as part of their course).

Option Two:

  1. Successfully complete a Firefighter I training program through a recognized fire agency in California.
  2. Successfully complete the FFI certification testing process conducted by an Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP). Please note that not all ARTPs will offer this testing process as a stand-alone course and you may need to travel to another part of the state to find a ARTP that opens the testing to non-fire academy students.
How do I enroll in the SRJC Firefighter I Academy (Fire 208.1)?

After successful completion of the prerequisites (Fire 71, Fire 208, and EMC 100 or 103), you may submit an application to the Public Safety Training Center. Application deadlines are June 1st for the Fall Academy and October 1st for the Spring Academy. For more information on how to apply and for applications and more detailed instructions, please refer to the Firefighter Academy page:   

Firefighter Academy

Students must be at least 18 years of age to enroll in the academy.

When are the prerequisites offered?

All prerequisites are offered every semester (Spring, Summer, and Fall). Students should refer to the Schedule of Classes for specific class dates and times.

Please note that because some of the prerequisite courses may still be in session at the application deadline (especially in the Fall), it may be necessary to complete the course in the semester prior to the application deadline.

Can I still apply to the academy even if I am still completing prerequisites by the deadline?

Yes, but you must have a final grade before the selection process prior to the start of the academy.  You must also turn in proof of being registered in the Prerequisite(s) with your application. This will put you in a secondary group since seats in the academy are offered first to applicants that submit applications with final grades before the deadline. 

Is there someone I can contact if I have other questions?

For additional questions, please contact:

Nikki Soto

Administrative Assistant, Fire Technology

Santa Rosa Junior College

nsoto@santarosa.edu