how long is the fire fighter course

by Nicklaus Kihn 7 min read

about 12 to 14 weeks

What is a firefighter training course?

Apr 25, 2015 · This amounts to a total period of 3 to 4 months to become a firefighter. Or up to 5 years, if you pursue advanced pre-employment training and experience a longer application process. Or indeed up to 7 years if you elect to become a full paramedic and acquire a four-year fire-sciences degree.

How long does it take to become a firefighter?

Jul 25, 2019 · Firefighter career training can take up to four years when you consider the different certifications and courses you take along the way. You can find programs through local fire departments and fire academies, and much of your training may consist of hands-on work through an apprenticeship.

Do firefighters have to take continuing education?

Mar 13, 2022 · How Much Training Do Firefighters Do? Usually four to six months for a firefighter training (like a training school or academy). In general, students need about two to one year’s experience to complete their certificate program. There is often the option to take part-time programs. Full-time programs last two years.

What do firefighters learn at the National Fire Academy?

Some Firefighters can even make up to $100,000 a year in some areas. Earning certifications and specializations can help Firefighters can higher promotions and raises. As a Firefighter, you will likely work long hours and for long periods of time, and overtime is very common. This means that your salary could vary weekly, even yearly. Annually ...

How long does firefighter training last?

Depending on different municipal regulations, the duration of your recruit training varies. Usually, it lasts for about 6 months. Here you are taught the basics of the firehouse, how to handle calls, how to respond to them and some basic skills that you will require later.

How long does it take to become a firefighter?

If he or she finds your performance satisfactory, then you finally get the chance to be a full-fledged firefighter. Summing up, it will take a minimum of 4 years to become a professional firefighter.

How long does it take to get a fire science degree?

Fire Science Education (2 – 4 years) After graduating out of high school, there is still some time before your age is eligible to apply at a fire department. Thus, you should consider getting a degree in fire science with some fire training. You could choose to go for an associate’s degree which lasts about 2 years and save time.

How often do fire departments hire?

Fire departments hire intermittently. They might hire every 4 months or even after 5 years. But, most fire departments either hire every year or every other year. Do some research and begin the other processes in such a way that your choice of a fire department is hiring right after you finish your education.

What is the job of a firefighter?

One of the main duties of firefighters is to rescue the people. To do this, they need to know how to provide certain levels of health care. Very few fire departments accept a normal CPR certification from their applicants. Most departments require the applicants to be certified as an EMT.

How long does it take to become a paramedic?

If you want to improve yourself in terms of medical skills, you can choose to become a paramedic. It takes about 2 years more to become a paramedic since it might require thousands of hours of training.

How many hours of training do firefighters need?

Firefighters are also required to complete up to 250 hours of EMT training to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) EMT-Basic certification exam. This exam covers topics such as handling cardiac and respiratory emergencies, dealing with trauma and responding to emergencies.

What is firefighter training?

Firefighter training prepares recruits to handle different types of emergencies. Firefighters must learn different firefighting techniques and search-and-rescue skills in addition to being prepared to handle medical emergencies. While training and certification requirements are different in each state, most firefighters are required ...

Why is it important to be a firefighter?

Firefighters play an important part in protecting the public by putting out fires, preventing property damage and being the first to respond to emergencies. Fire departments require firefighters to meet several training, experience and certification requirements.

How long does it take to become an EMT?

Completing a two- or four-year college degree in fire science or a related field can also make firefighters more competitive and prepare them for management positions.

Do firefighters need to take continuing education?

Firefighters are required to take continuing education courses throughout their careers. Completing regular training courses helps them qualify for promotions and allows them to improve their skills. Some fire departments may also require firefighters to complete a degree to qualify for an administration position.

How long does it take to become a firefighter?

How long does it take to become a firefighter? This can vary quite a bit. But it usually takes most people about 3 – 5 years to get into a firefighting career. Becoming a volunteer firefighter usually takes much less time.

How long is a firefighter probationary?

How long is a firefighter probationary period? It depends on the fire department but the typical firefighter’s probationary is between 6 months and 2 years. However, there are roles and some outlying departments that require a probation for as long as 36 months.

What is the fire academy?

The fire academy will teach you the basic skills and knowledge that enable you to progress in the department and join the larger firefighting team. However, this program does not automatically make you a competent firefighter and thus, there is a need for a probationary period.

What does it mean when you are not expected to panic?

You’re not expected to panic, and you know what sounds like panic? Shouting and yelling. You need to keep your cool and speak clearly and articulately, in a way that you can be heard. It will give your colleagues confidence that you know what you are doing and that they can rely on you when things get tense.

Do you have to use your first name to address your chiefs?

This means that you need to address your chiefs, captains, and engineers by their titles and only if they request otherwise do you use their first names. This is very important as you can really make enemies if you are thought of as disrespectful. Even if you have permission to use a first name, you always use someone’s title when working with them at a scene or in public.

Can you learn from war stories?

Sure, you’re going to get some of the same old “war stories” come up every now and again. Never mind, you’re trying to build bonds with your crew and that means keeping your mouth shut (except to ask questions) and listening to what they have to say. The informal lessons that you can learn through the stories of your more experienced colleagues are more a lot more than anything that can be learned in a book.

Is it okay to have your phone ringing while on probation?

Unless you have a vital call coming in – your phone should be out of sight and ideally, it’s not going to be ringing either. You want to spend your probationary learning your job and about your fellow firefighters, your phone plays no part in that process.

How long does it take to become a firefighter?

Often times, going to Fire Academy is enough to become a Firefighter. This can take several weeks or up to a couple of months to complete. In Fire Academy, you will focus on classroom work as well as hands-on skills.

How old do you have to be to be a firefighter?

In order to work as a Firefighter, you need to have at least a High School diploma and be 18 years old. As competition intensifies, some Firefighters are earning an Associates or Bachelor’s degree in fire science. This can take from 2-4 years, depending on which type of degree you decide to get.

What are the duties of a firefighter?

Some of the job duties you can expect with this career include: Find and rescue victims. Put out fires. Treat injured people. Prevent fire damage. Respond to alarms. Handle minor medical care and emergency issues.

What is the physical ability test for firefighters?

This test will help show how physically capable you are of doing the rigorous activities that a Firefighter must face. Typically, fire stations require aspiring Firefighters to take the Candidate Physical Ability Test. This test is broken up into several parts. First, you will need to climb several flights of stairs.

How much do firefighters make?

Most Firefighters make around $54,000 a year . However, when you are just starting out in the career, you can expect to make less. New Firefighters make around $35,000 a year. It’s possible to make up to $100,000 as a Firefighter with experience and education.

Do paramedics need to be licensed?

Paramedic. Some states do require some type of formal education or licensing. For example, in Florida, Firefighters have to complete the Firefighter Minimum Standards Course and pass exams. Check with your local jurisdiction to learn about what is required of you before you become a Firefighter.

What do you need to know about firefighting?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), you’ll be expected to know or be willing to learn how to: 1 Suppress and extinguish fires with hoses, pumps and additional apparatus. 2 Evacuate fire structures and treat victims 3 Drive and operate emergency vehicles and pump engines 4 Maintain firefighting equipment 5 Participate in public education

What do you need to know about fire suppression?

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), you’ll be expected to know or be willing to learn how to: Suppress and extinguish fires with hoses, pumps and additional apparatus. Evacuate fire structures and treat victims. Drive and operate emergency vehicles and pump engines. Maintain firefighting equipment.

What is the process of hiring?

Your hiring process will typically include a written examination, oral interview, background investigation, drug screening and physical aptitude/agility exam. You’ll be asked to provide an extensive job history, academic record, credit history, and a list of personal references.

Do firefighters have to be physically fit?

Firefighters work long hours under stressful conditions. They are typically more physically fit than people in profession s other than law enforcement or athletics. Get in shape. You’ll be required to pass a strenuous physical examination at the time you apply for work as a firefighter.

What does FF stand for in firefighting?

FF: Fire Behavior. To be safe and effective in the tasks associated with fire suppression, firefighters must understand how fire behaves. While there is no NFPA standard detailing fire behavior, its principles are reflected in all actions that serve to put out fires.

What are the benefits of being a firefighter?

Features and benefits of this Firefighter course include: 1 A simple, user-friendly interface to ensure that students do not waste time learning how to navigate through material. 2 A safe and self-paced training environment that allows students to learn at their own pace.

Why is ventilation important in firefighting?

Ventilation is an essential part of a coordinated fire attack that, when conducted properly, improves safety, visibility, and tenability for both firefighters and civilians. This course will review the basics of ventilation and how these operations are conducted on the fireground.

Why do firefighters put out fires?

In the course of their duty to protect property and save lives , firefighters put out fires. Fires are normally extinguished by the application of water, but when water is deemed ineffective, a foam product is added to water to improve its extinguishment capability.

What is a firefighter responsible for?

A firefighter is responsible for all actions relating to alarm response including dispatch information and maintaining and donning appropriate PPE including SCBA. This course is designed to prepare a firefighter for entering and riding in a fire apparatus, using the correct methods and arriving on scene ready to work.

Can fires be extinguished?

Fires cannot be extinguished and searches cannot begin until entry is made by firefighters. Forcible entry is a primary task and requires knowledge, skill, and experience. Practiced entry into a building is fast and efficient, minimizing damage and allowing for safe and secure entry by other firefighters.

How long does it take to get a firefighter certification?

Applicants who are unable to pass the examination must wait at least six months before being able to retake it.

How many hours of training is required to become a firefighter in Florida?

The course is divided into 2 parts. The "Firefighter I" coursework comprises 206 of the required 398 hours of total training necessary to certification.

How old do you have to be to be a firefighter in Florida?

Aspiring firefighters must be at least 18 years old, must possess a valid State of Florida driver's license, current CPR/ACLS certification, and able to pass a physical examination designed to test their suitability for working in this physically demanding fields.

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Fire Science Education

EMT Training

  • One of the main duties of firefighters is to rescue the people. To do this, they need to know how to provide certain levels of health care. Very few fire departments accept a normal CPR certification from their applicants. Most departments require the applicants to be certified as an EMT. Some EMT coursescan be undertaken while studying fire science however, they are quite hectic. It con…
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Volunteering

  • Many departments are looking for already experienced people to join their crew. Hence, they are looking for people who have already volunteered as firefighters to save time on training. If you are starting from scratch, try volunteering at the neighborhood fire department. You might not be allowed to work as a professional, but you will get to handle some equipment and get a feel of h…
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Applications and Hiring

  • Fire departments hire intermittently. They might hire every 4 months or even after 5 years. But, most fire departments either hire every year or every other year. Do some research and begin the other processes in such a way that your choice of a fire department is hiring right after you finish your education. After this, the whole application and hiring processwill take about a maximum o…
See more on firefighter.education

Recruit Training

  • Depending on different municipal regulations, the duration of your recruit training varies. Usually, it lasts for about 6 months. Here you are taught the basics of the firehouse, how to handle calls, how to respond to them and some basic skills that you will require later.
See more on firefighter.education

Probation

  • After your recruit training, you become a firefighter but not a professional one. To become one, you must complete your duties with utmost diligence under your supervisor for a period of 6 to 12 months. If he or she finds your performance satisfactory, then you finally get the chance to be a full-fledged firefighter. Summing up, it will take a minimum of 4 years to become a professional f…
See more on firefighter.education