Basic Fire Academy

To learn as much as you can about gaining entry into our academy, please reach out to the Career Center for the next available Fire Technology Orientation. You will need to have a student I.D. # for the college to sign up. Also, read all about the degree options available, such as our most popular Public Fire Service Option, online in the Santa Ana College catalog.

You have made the decision to become a firefighter. There is considerable competition for every job, so provide yourself with every chance of success. Be properly prepared to take maximum advantage of all opportunities that will help you achieve your goal. The more you have to offer a potential employer the better your chances of being hired.

Our Assessment Center (AC) will send you an email with your English and Math placement recommendations based on your self-reported high school grades and GPA that you provided in your SAC application.

Students who do not have access to their high school transcripts or studied outside of the U.S. can take the Guided Self Placement, which is available on the AC website. It will take about 3 business days for students to receive an email. Students can also meet with a Counselor in the AC during the drop-in hours, listed on their website. The Assessment Center is located in the Library building on the second floor (L-223). Their Phone # is (714) 564-6148.

Students with an AA degree or higher are exempt from 3SP requirements, which include, placement, orientation, and educational planning

Study Smart! Take your courses in the recommended sequence to achieve high grades in courses required for this major. Completion of general education classes before you begin your studies in this major will improve your chance for success. General education courses are listed in the catalog and should be reviewed with the counselor before enrolling. 

All core classes must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to be eligible for the Basic Fire Academy. Fire Technology 101 & 102 must be taken prior to taking 104, 105 and 106.

• 3.0 Units - Fire Technology 101, Fire Protection Organization
• 3.0 Units - Fire Technology 102, Fire Behavior and Combustion
• 3.0 Units - Fire Technology 103, Principles of Fire & Emergency Services Safety & Survival
• 3.0 Units - Fire Technology 104, Fire Prevention
• 3.0 Units - Fire Technology 105, Building Construction for Fire Protection
• 3.0 Units - Fire Technology 106, Fire Protection Systems
• 3.0 Units - Fire Technology 121, Physical Fitness for Public Safety Personnel
• 3.0 Units - Fire Technology 121L, Physical Fitness for Public Safety Personnel - Performance and Assessment

Upon successful completion of Fire Technology 101 & 102, email barker_hillary@sac.edu to complete a Prerequisite Verification check-off sheet and “open your file”. Keep your address, phone numbers & email up-to-date with the Fire Technology Office, in addition to the Admissions Office, in case we need to contact you.

A physical ability test is required to be eligible for the Basic Fire Academy. You register for the class online under FAC 008. All students must pre enroll & pay, as there is no on-site enrollment. The physical ability test is a pass/fail exam. Once your file is open, it is your responsibility to make and turn in a copy of the Physical Ability letter into our office, (keeping the original for yourself). Most Fire Departments require a physical ability test prior to employment.

The Physical Ability test was designed to identify persons who can meet the physical demands of a firefighter. To pass the Physical Ability Test, candidates must complete all of the events successfully within the required time standard of 9:34. This test was developed and validated with firefighters from 41 different cities in both Orange and Los Angeles counties. The test is a work sample test designed to simulate tasks performed by firefighters during fire suppression operations and other emergencies. BE ADVISED IF YOU PASS THIS ASSESSMENT AT A MINIMAL LEVEL, YOU MAY NOT HAVE THE STRENGTH AND STAMINA NECESSARY TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE ACADEMY.

Candidates may only participate in the test once in a single day (once per semester). If you fail, you may return on a subsequent test day for another attempt. Physical Ability tests are scheduled approximately once per month during the fall and spring semesters and can only be taken 6 months at a time with our college. Your Biddle Certificate needs to be current when you begin your academy. Physical Ability training classes (FAC 018 B, C & D) are also offered throughout the semester for students who need additional workouts and training towards the Biddle. The FTC 121L class will also provide you with a description and an opportunity to practice the Biddle test.

You must complete an Emergency Medical Technician I course that leads to National Registry. Upon completion of your EMT Course you must take & pass the National Certification Exam to receive certification in the state of California as an EMT. This must be done prior to attending the academy. If you possess the “California State License EMT Card” you may also provide us with a copy of that. It does supersede the ‘National Registry Card.’

Note: Please bring a copy of your National Registry card or CA EMT License to Fire Technology Office, B10, for your file. Prerequisite for most EMT courses: CPR Healthcare Provider Card.

A medical exam is required for all academy students prior to their academy placement.

You can use any physician you choose. However, be sure your doctor understands the NFPA 1582 requirements and you know what your costs will be up-front.

Your doctor will need the NFPA 1582 Standards booklet and the medical form to complete your medical examination. You can purchase the National Fire Protection Agency, 1582 Standards (NFPA 1582) booklet online and obtain the medical exam packet from the Fire Technology Office. A list of providers is included in that packet.

In addition to a completed medical exam form, you must provide the Fire Technology Office with a signed statement from a licensed physician stating you meet the standards of NFPA 1582. Turn in a copy of the front page of your medical report form which has the doctor’s approval and signature. Keep the original for yourself. The medical examination is comprehensive because it is very similar to the exams fire departments use to screen new employees. The medical exam will let you know if you meet minimum medical hiring standards. This medical is valid for two years from the first examination date.

If you are unable to meet the NFPA 1582 medical requirements, you may not qualify for employment as a firefighter. You may want to consider other options in the fire service such as fire protection engineer, fire inspector, investigation, sprinkler installation, etc.

It is a first come, first serve basis. Students will be placed immediately in the next available academy upon successful completion of all academy prerequisites.

The academy prerequisites students must have completed are listed below:

1. You have ‘opened a file’ with the Fire Technology Office, B10, after completion of FTC 101 & 102, with the grades posted.

2. Passed all Prerequisite Classes with a “C” or better grade:

   • FTC 101, Fire Protection Organization

   • FTC 102, Fire Behavior & Combustion

   • FTC 103, Principles of Fire & Emergency Services Safety & Survival

   • FTC 104, Fire Prevention

   • FTC 105, Building Construction for Fire Protection

   • FTC 106, Fire Protection Systems

   • FTC 121, Physical Fitness for Public Safety Personnel

   • FTC 121L, Physical Fitness for Public Safety Personnel - Performance and Assessment

3. Provide the Fire Technology Office with a copy of your National Registry Card from an EMT course which meets DOT standards. If you possess the “California State License EMT Card” you may also provide us with a copy of that. It does supersede the ‘National Registry Card’

4. Provide the Fire Technology Office with a copy of your Official Biddle Certificate from your FAC 008 class. This certificate must be current when you begin your academy.

5. A complete NFPA 1582 Medical that has been signed by either doctor listed on our Medical Packet or by your own Doctor

An Academy Coordinator will notify candidates, by email, of:

• Basic Fire Academy start date
• Registration information
• Pre-Academy meeting date

So please make sure your contact information is current in your file.