Firefighter, C.C.

Location(s): Highlands Campus

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Program Code: 3600

This limited access certificate program focuses on the theory and practice of fires and firefighting. Upon completion of this program, you will learn how to safely perform the tasks of a firefighter in emergencies and in the fire station. Some topics covered include instruction in fire chemistry and physics, combustible materials, perform search and victim removal methods, building construction, fire codes and related laws, occupational safety, and equipment operation. When you successfully complete the required courses and meet the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training application requirements, you will be eligible to take the state certification examination. Florida Statutes require this certification for employment in the fire service. For more information regarding the most current compliance standards and training requirements, refer to Rule 69A-37, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) and Section 633.412, Florida Statutes (F.S.).

Length: 492 contact hours / 16.4 occupational credits

Basic Skills Exit Requirement (TABE):

All students must meet the Exit Requirement (TABE) or qualify for an exemption.

You are exempt if you:

Earned a GED within the last two years
Graduated from a Florida high school with a standard diploma in 2007 or later
Are an adult student with a documented disability
Hold an Associate in Applied Science degree or higher

Other exemptions may also apply. For more information, contact Advising and Counseling at 863-784-7131.

For non-exempt students:

You must take the TABE (entry-level exam) within six weeks of starting the program.
If your test results show you need additional skills, you’ll be referred to applied academics or another adult education program for structured basic skills instruction. This instruction may include English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
You must demonstrate the required basic skills before receiving a Career Certificate of Completion, as outlined in the state curriculum frameworks.

Basic Skills Exit Scores (TABE):

	Math	577
	Language	573
	Reading	563

To be eligible for enrollment, you must meet all state requirements which include but are not limited to:

Admission Requirements

I.	The following entrance criteria should be fulfilled and submitted to the EMS and Fire Science administrative office a minimum of one month prior to the scheduled class start date. These documents may be uploaded into the College’s application system or submitted in hard-copy format:


	A.	18 years of age or older. You must provide a copy of current driver’s license or State of Florida-approved identification.
	B.	A high school/GED^® graduate (provide an official high school transcript showing graduation OR GED^® scores).
	C.	Provide proof of any certifications that may pertain to the EMS and Fire Science programs.

II.	Completed packets are date stamped upon receipt and a priority number is issued to your application based on the date the packet is received. If you are among the successful candidates, you will receive an email to the address provided on your College application. Once you are accepted, you will be contacted to discuss admission into the next available cohort of students and your name and contact information will be added to the SFSC Firefighter Program wait list. Failure to attend the mandatory program orientation may forfeit acceptance, and the applicant may be removed from the waiting list. Once admitted, approximately 1-2 months prior to the start of your class, you will receive another email containing information on the mandatory program orientation and directions on how to submit any required supporting documents. Completion of the following forms is required by our clinical partners and must be submitted directly to the EMS/Fire Science Program administrative office, located in the Public Safety Building, Room CC-102:

	A.	HIPPA compliance documents.
	B.	Form DFS-D4-1022 Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Medical Exam - All firefighter students must complete the Medical Assessment form in accordance with FS 633.412 (1)(e). Firefighting is physically demanding and stressful career field. Many fire departments require significant health and physical ability testing prior to, and continued employment. These requirements are unique to each individual agency. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has published guidelines for firefighter health and safety NFPA 1582. This form must be completed less than 6 months from the first day of class.
	C.	Tobacco Affidavit - Signed affidavit concerning the use of tobacco in accordance with FS 633.412 (1)(f). All firefighter students must verify being free from the use of tobacco, in any form, for a minimum of one year prior to the first day of class.

General Information

After acceptance into the Firefighter II course, you must complete background check/fingerprinting. As required by the BFST all students must submit to a criminal background check. The method and required date of submission will be determined by the BFST. The results of the background check will be released to the BFST with all questions regarding the history to be directed to their office.

Required Courses

Total Contact Hours: 492

SFSC offers a second entry point for those who have already met the first part of the Firefighter program training requirements:

For entry directly to Firefighter II (FFP 0031 ), you are required to have a certificate of completion from a Bureau of Fire Standards and Training approved Firefighter I (volunteer) course, meeting the most current standards. If you meet these requirements or you have completed Firefighter I (FFP 0030 ), you will be eligible to attempt the written and practical exam required for entry into the Firefighter II course.