Firefighter - Pre-Service Education and Training
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code1260
- Ministry NamePre-Service Firefighter Education and Training
- SchoolSchool of Community and Health Studies
- CredentialOntario College Certificate
- Program TypePost-secondary program
- Program Length1 year/ 3 semesters
- LocationProgress Campus
- Emailcommunitystudiesprogress@centennialcollege.ca
- Telephone416-289-5000, ext. 52375
Program Availability
- Program Overview
- Courses
- Career Options and Education Pathways
- Admission Requirements
- How to Apply
- Tuition and Fees
- Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
- Advising Services
The Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program meets the fundamental skill requirements and preferences of Fire Services for employment as an operational firefighter. Possessing these skills will make you a highly eligible candidate to gain employment.
Centennial College's School of Community and Health Studies will deliver the Ontario-standardized Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training graduate certificate program. The offering was designed in accordance with the approved curriculum developed by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) and the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM).
By combining theory and practical learning, the one-year college firefighter training program will help you to develop skills in exciting areas such as fire suppression, rescue operations and environmental protection. At Progress Campus, experienced fire service instructors will deliver the knowledge-based aspects of the offering. You'll also utilize the training facilities at Ajax Fire Services and your Emergency Patient Care/EMR course will be taught at Morningside Campus, taking advantage of the location's state-of-the-art medical lab.
"Courage and compassion" is the credo of Centennial's Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program. When you successfully complete the program, you'll embody these qualities, receive a certificate from Centennial College, and be eligible to write the National Fire Protection Association 1001 Firefighter 1 and 2 as well as the 472 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations testing. Many fire departments now require or prefer the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program and/or NFPA 1001. It's expected that the program will increasingly become a minimum criterion for fire service hiring in Ontario.
Once you complete the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program, you'll be able to:
- Identify the steps required to apply for employment through the Candidate Testing Service;
- Identify and use personal and professional developmental resources and activities that promote growth and contribute to lifelong learning;
- Meet the knowledge and skill outcomes required by the OFM curriculum in fire suppression, community education and fire prevention, firefighter emergency patient care, environmental protection and special rescue operations;
- Meet the ethical, legal and safety requirements of professionals in the fire service industry;
- Use safe practices and techniques with fire department apparatus, tools and equipment;
- Communicate effectively using verbal, non-verbal, written or electronic methods including recognized and appropriate fire service terminology;
- Interact with others in a variety of emergency and non-emergency situations in a manner that demonstrates confidence, professionalism, and sensitivity to others and to the situation;
- Demonstrate respect when effectively communicating with diverse communities and their members;
- Use effective and appropriate problem-solving and decision-making skills in emergency and non-emergency situations;
- Effectively work with fire service team members, pre-hospital emergency care providers and other emergency service-related groups to provide comprehensive service in emergency and non-emergency situations;
- Participate in practical and live fire training at Fire Services training facilities.
Successful program candidates should have a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of others, have excellent teamwork skills and be physically fit.
Program Overview
The Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program meets the fundamental skill requirements and preferences of Fire Services for employment as an operational firefighter. Possessing these skills will make you a highly eligible candidate to gain employment.
Centennial College's School of Community and Health Studies will deliver the Ontario-standardized Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training graduate certificate program. The offering was designed in accordance with the approved curriculum developed by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) and the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM).
By combining theory and practical learning, the one-year college firefighter training program will help you to develop skills in exciting areas such as fire suppression, rescue operations and environmental protection. At Progress Campus, experienced fire service instructors will deliver the knowledge-based aspects of the offering. You'll also utilize the training facilities at Ajax Fire Services and your Emergency Patient Care/EMR course will be taught at Morningside Campus, taking advantage of the location's state-of-the-art medical lab.
"Courage and compassion" is the credo of Centennial's Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program. When you successfully complete the program, you'll embody these qualities, receive a certificate from Centennial College, and be eligible to write the National Fire Protection Association 1001 Firefighter 1 and 2 as well as the 472 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations testing. Many fire departments now require or prefer the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program and/or NFPA 1001. It's expected that the program will increasingly become a minimum criterion for fire service hiring in Ontario.
Once you complete the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program, you'll be able to:
- Identify the steps required to apply for employment through the Candidate Testing Service;
- Identify and use personal and professional developmental resources and activities that promote growth and contribute to lifelong learning;
- Meet the knowledge and skill outcomes required by the OFM curriculum in fire suppression, community education and fire prevention, firefighter emergency patient care, environmental protection and special rescue operations;
- Meet the ethical, legal and safety requirements of professionals in the fire service industry;
- Use safe practices and techniques with fire department apparatus, tools and equipment;
- Communicate effectively using verbal, non-verbal, written or electronic methods including recognized and appropriate fire service terminology;
- Interact with others in a variety of emergency and non-emergency situations in a manner that demonstrates confidence, professionalism, and sensitivity to others and to the situation;
- Demonstrate respect when effectively communicating with diverse communities and their members;
- Use effective and appropriate problem-solving and decision-making skills in emergency and non-emergency situations;
- Effectively work with fire service team members, pre-hospital emergency care providers and other emergency service-related groups to provide comprehensive service in emergency and non-emergency situations;
- Participate in practical and live fire training at Fire Services training facilities.
Successful program candidates should have a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of others, have excellent teamwork skills and be physically fit.
Courses
Career Options and Education Pathways
Program Highlights
- This Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training certificate program will be taught in three consecutive semesters. During the first two semesters, you'll receive one full day of practical training at one of two locations each week. In Semester 3, practical training will be scheduled twice per week.
- You'll benefit from simulation training under the guidance of qualified instructors, while enjoying ample time in smaller group-teaching scenarios.
- This School of Community and Health Studies offering will allow you to gain practical experience in various activities.
Career Outlook
- Firefighter
- Rescue firefighter
- Hazmat firefighter
- Industrial firefighter
- Airport firefighter
Education Pathways
Graduates of the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training certificate program have the opportunity to apply their learning for credits toward further study. Listed below are programs from partnering institutions that are available for this program.
Please note that each partner has minimum admission requirements to be met in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the receiving partner institution.
| Partner Institution | Degree Program |
|---|---|
| Nipissing University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts (college to university program) |
Please visit our website at //centennial.adv-pub.moveonca.com/outgoing-home/ for more information on articulation agreements.
For pathways to other Ontario post-secondary institutions, please visit ONTransfer.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)
- Grade 12 English (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take the Centennial English Admission Test
- Grade 11 Mathematics (C, M, or U) or Grade 12 Mathematics (C, M, or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take the Centennial College Math Skills Assessment for Admission
Additional Requirements
- English language proficiency
- Provide a clear medical report
- Complete/update CPR and First Aid training
- Assume the cost for your uniforms, personal protective equipment, study materials and mandatory tests, including but not limited to physical fitness testing, and other provincially required testing
- Though not required for this program, you should be aware that in order to secure employment with a municipal fire service, you must, among other things, have 20/30 vision, pass a physical and medical fitness test and have no criminal record.
Field Placement Requirements
After admission but prior to beginning each Field Placement, students must:
- Provide a clear medical report
- Complete/update CPR and first aid training
- Assume the cost for their uniforms, personal protective equipment, study materials and mandatory tests
How to Apply
1. Apply Online
If you are applying through the Second Career Strategy, please apply at the Employment Training Centre for Second Career (Progress Campus). Second Career Strategy is a funding initiative for those who have been laid-off and are in need of training. For more information go to Second Career Strategy.
If you have previously attended a full time program at Centennial College, you may be eligible for a Program Transfer. Visit Enrolment Services at any Campus for information.
All other applicants must apply online at Ontariocolleges.ca. A non-refundable application fee of $125 must accompany applications. The fee is payable online, by telephone, online banking, by mail, or in person to Ontariocolleges.ca. For more information go to Ontariocolleges.ca Application Fees.
2. Submit Documents
Current Ontario high school students and graduates from Ontario high schools: Notify your guidance counsellor that you have applied to college and your school will forward transcripts to Centennial College via Ontariocolleges.ca.
Graduates of college/university, or high school outside Ontario but within Canada: You are responsible for requesting that your educational institute sends any required documents and transcripts to Ontariocolleges.ca.
Applicants who attended school outside of Canada: If you are submitting transcripts to meet admission requirements, you must have the transcripts assessed by an independent credential assessment agency such as World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS).
For more information go to Submitting your Transcripts.
3. Confirm Your Offer of Admission
Offers of Admission are sent by mail to eligible applicants. When you receive your offer, you must login to your account at Ontariocolleges.ca and confirm before the Deadline to Confirm noted in your offer letter.
You may confirm only one college and one program offer at a time.
You must confirm your offer by the Deadline to Confirm noted in your Offer of Admission letter or your seat may be given to another applicant.
When you confirm your Offer of Admission at Centennial College you are given access to your personal myCentennial account where you can check your email, grades, register for courses, pay tuition fees, and see your class timetable.
4. Pay Fees
Centennial fees statements are sent by email to your personal email account and to your myCentennial email account. Fees statements are not mailed.
You must make a minimum payment by the Fees Deadline noted in your Fees Statement or your seat may be given to another applicant.
5. Build Your Timetable (Register for Courses)
Build your timetable (web-register for courses) at my.centennialcollege.ca.
Fall registration begins mid-July
January registration begins mid-December
May registration begins mid-April
Your web-registration will not open if:
You have not submitted your minimum fee payment by the deadline
You received a Conditional Offer of Admission and you have not met the conditions of your offer.
Once you have paid your fees or have made appropriate arrangements, register for your courses online through myCentennial.
Tuition and Fees
Fees noted below are estimates only. Tuition is based on three semesters, beginning Fall 2024.
| Student | Tuition (3 Semesters) | Ancillary Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | $12,169.50 | $1,977.86 | $14,147.36 |
| International | $29,111.00 | $2,374.04 | $31,485.04 |
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform these outcomes before graduating.
- Demonstrate the culminating role performance in the following areas: Fire suppression, community education and fire prevention, firefighter emergency patient care, environmental protection, and special rescue operations.
- Identify and use the personal and professional developmental resources / activities that promote growth and contribute to lifelong learning.
- Meet the ethical, legal, and safety requirements of a professional in the fire service.
- Use safe practices and techniques with fire department apparatus, tools and equipment.
- Communicate effectively using verbal, non-verbal, written, or electronic methods including recognized and appropriate fire service terminology.
- Interact with others in a variety of emergency and non-emergency situations in a manner that demonstrates confidence, professionalism, and sensitivity to others and to the situation.
- Demonstrate respect when communicating effectively with diverse communities and their members.
- Use effective and appropriate problem-solving and decision-making skills in emergency and non-emergency situations.
- Work effectively with other members of the fire service team, pre-hospital emergency care providers, and other emergency service-related groups to provide comprehensive service in emergency and non-emergency situations.
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