Workforce Certificate

Fire Fighter II (Fire Fighter I & II) (5720)

Florida Community College’s Firefighter I and II program is your first step toward certification and initial employment as a firefighter in the state of Florida. The program takes approximately six months to complete. You will train at our Northeast Regional Fire Science Academy, a scenario-based facility certified by the State and considered one of the best in the country.

Admission is based upon stringent criteria, physical endurance and a background check. Coursework and practical exercises provide mandatory training in the protection of lives and property. The emphasis is on the dynamics, analysis and behavior of various fire scenes, the tactics and strategies that control them, teamwork and survival. Physical fitness is a constant part of your training. Wearing 50 pounds of gear while you climb ladders, drag hoses and lift and carry victims through the heat and dangers of a burning building takes serious stamina.

Florida Community College’s firefighter programs are under the guidance of an advisory committee composed of community leaders and administrators from local fire departments, and are relevant to state-of-the-art practices in the field. The academy’s on-site burn building and fire pits give you first-hand experience in vertical spread, structure failure, and collapse from water and joisted masonry construction used in older factories and warehouses. A special driving track provides essential practice for high-speed conditions on wet roads and ways to avoid traffic accidents when responding to calls.

You’ll learn to manage exposure to flames and smoke, poisonous and explosive gases, chemical, radioactive and other hazardous materials. You will assess differences in fire caused by mechanical, electrical and liquid fuel sources. You’ll study fire prevention, homeland security strategies, local building codes, emergency medical procedures, as well as carry, ladder and rope rescues.

Internships
Recruits are assigned to a fire company for a probationary period.

Career Opportunities/Rapid Placement
In addition to community fire departments, there are opportunities in Federal and State installations such as airports, and small, private fire fighting companies. There is also a need for inspectors, investigators, forest rangers and smoke jumpers. In all cases, employment is based on high test scores and outstanding skills.

Annual Salaries
Median base earnings of fire fighters is about $20 an hour plus excellent benefits and retirement at half pay. Experience and advancement can increase your base salary from $42,000 to as high as $90,000 a year.

Certification
The Firefighter I and II program qualifies you to sit for the state minimum standards written, oral and practical examination as administered by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.

Articulation
College credits in this program can be applied toward the Fire Science Technology A.A.S. program.

Application Procedure
Passing scores on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) or an approved waiver (associate degree or higher by proof of official transcript stating degree awarded) must be presented at orientation. Students who do not receive passing scores may be referred to one or more classes such as VPI 0100, VPI 0200, or VPI 0030 for remediation and a referral to retest. All needed instructions and paperwork are distributed at orientation.

Fire Fighter II (I & II) is a selective access program and admission in the program is based upon the following criteria.

Selected Entry Prerequisites Include:

1. Driving history
2. Drug screen
3. Medical examination with EKG (form DI14-1022, formerly FST-2)
4. Polygraph
5. FDLE background investigations
6. Physical ability testing
7. Official transcripts and copy of high school diploma or equivalency degree
8. Notarized copy of statement of meeting minimum requirements of a fire fighter in the state of Florida
9. Must have valid driver’s license

Application (only after acceptance into program)

1. Applicants must have medical examinations on form FST-2 (see above).
2. Applicants must submit fingerprint cards for proof of good moral character.
3. Proof of medical insurance to remain in force for the duration of program.
4. Application for Certification as a Fire Fighter (Division of State Fire Marshall Bureau of Fire Standards and Training).

The above documents shall be submitted to the Florida State Fire College no later than 10 days after class starts. Students are responsible for submitting these documents and all expenses that may be incurred.

The Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) is a major criterion in a student’s completion of the program. Students who fail to meet the State of Florida’s designated exit score will be required to complete the Vocational Preparatory Instruction (VPI). In order to complete the program successfully, students must achieve or surpass the designated exit score(s). See Standards of Academic Progress.

Cost
The estimated cost for tuition and materials fees is $1,573 for Florida residents and $3,737 for non-Florida residents. In addition, the student is responsible for any expenses incurred while fulfilling the prerequisites as well as the cost of required books, fire fighting equipment and state processing fees.

Fire Fighter II (Fire Fighter I & II ) (5720) Curriculum

Professional Courses		Contact Hours	Workforce Credits
*VPI 0100	Basic Reading Skills
*VPI 0200	Basic Mathematical Skills
*VPI 0300	Basic Language Skills
FFP 0010	Fire Fighter I	225	7.5
FFP 0020	Fire Fighter II	225	7.5
	Total Contact Hours	450	15.0

*Students who have satisfactory test scores are not required to take these courses.

Notes

Record of Conviction of a Crime
Neither have been convicted of a felony or of a misdemeanor directly related to the position of employment sought, nor have pled nolo contendere to any charge of a felony. If an applicant has been convicted of a felony, such applicant must be in compliance with s. 112.011(2)(b). If an applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor directly related to the position of employment sought, such applicant shall be excluded from employment for a period of four years after expiration of sentence. If the sentence is suspended or adjudication is withheld in a felony charge or in a misdemeanor directly related to the position or employment sought and a period of probation is imposed, the applicant must have been released from probation.

Applicants for a certificate of compliance as a firefighter shall submit a completed fingerprint card with current processing fee. When Firefighter I and Firefighter II training are to occur contiguously, this submission should occur at the beginning of the Firefighter I training. In any other situation the submission is required prior to entry into Firefighter II training. Determination of good moral character is required prior to certification as a firefighter pursuant to Sections 633.34 (4) and 633.35 (2), F.S.

The Bureau of Fire Standards and Training shall consider the results of the fingerprint procedure outlined in Section 633.34, F.S., in making a determination as to the applicant’s good moral character.