California State Fire Marshal Accredited Firefighter I Academy

When is it offered?

The Porterville College Fire Academy is accredited by the Office of the California State Fire Marshal and is delivered each Fall. Potential Academy Cadets should be aware that the Academy typically starts about three weeks prior to the other “Fall Semester” classes at Porterville College. (It normally begins in early August and ends in mid-December).

What days does it meet?

The 360 hour Academy is delivered in an intensive 20-week format that meets three nights a week (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) and all day Saturday.  Each evening class session includes a 30 minute block of physical fitness, beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by classroom or field instruction from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.    Saturday sessions begin with one hour of physical fitness at 7:00 a.m., followed by instruction from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Are there prerequisites or other requirements?

Academy prerequisites include current certification in Public Safety First Aid and CPR.  New Cadets must present current certificates or cards the first night of class. (Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician I or Paramedic both exceed this requirement).  

Potential Academy Cadets should also be aware of these other requirements:

  • Cadets must possess, or be able to obtain, medical clearance to be fit-tested and wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus per OSHA regulations.  

  • Cadets must be in top physical condition and active participation in the physical fitness program and all hands-on training activities is mandatory. 

What about uniforms and personal protective equipment?

Each Cadet must purchase and wear approved Academy uniform items.  These include such things as shirts, t-shirts, pants, shoes/boots and gym wear.  The cost of uniforms may exceed $400.

Cadets must also provide their own Wildland and Structural Personal Protective Equipment. Cadets may not share these items.

Cadets who are employed in the fire service may use structural and wildland personal protective equipment (PPE) issued by their fire department.  Students not affiliated with a fire department must borrow, rent or purchase PPE (excluding helmets). The rental cost for this gear varies, but is generally around $700.  The purchase price of PPE also varies, depending on brand, style and other factors, but potential Cadets can expect to pay at least $1,000 to be adequately outfitted.  

The College will issue structural and wildland firefighting helmets for use during the Academy, however, no other personal protective equipment is available from, or provided by, the College.

Who instructs the Academy?

Academy instructors are full-time professional Firefighters, Company Officers or Chief Officers (or recent retirees) selected for their expertise in the various aspects of fire department operations, firefighting, rescue and other topics taught in the Academy.

Who may enroll in this Academy?

This course is open to anyone who meets the minimum prerequisites and is otherwise  eligible to attend Porterville College. However, it is highly recommended that Academy Cadets be affiliated with a fire department as a Full-time, Reserve, Volunteer, Paid-Call or Seasonal firefighter, or as a Fire Explorer. 

Current employment in the fire service allows Cadets the opportunity to have fire department equipment available for use in practicing skills and preparing for both written and manipulative exams.  Current employment also helps ensure that a Cadet has access to appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, at no cost, and that they have the necessary medical clearance to wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.

How to enroll...

We do not take early applications.  Students must enroll on-line at www.portervillecollege.edu when registration for FALL semester classes opens.  This class typically fills very rapidly and slots are awarded on a first-come, first serve basis. Watch the College website for FALL semester enrollment dates. Those who sign up the day registration opens will have the best chance of securing a seat.  If you need enrollment assistance, please call the Porterville College Admissions Office at (559) 791-2220.

Will I graduate as a certified State Fire Marshal Firefighter I?

No!  You will meet all of the training requirements, however, potential Academy Cadets should understand that successful completion of this, or any similar Academy, DOES NOT result in automatic certification by the California State Fire Marshal’s office as a “Firefighter I”. Academy graduates must also have full-time or part-time fire department experience and meet other certification requirements.

Will I get a CAL FIRE (CDF) "Basic 67" certificate?

This Academy is not intended to fulfill requirements of the CAL FIRE (CDF) “Basic 67 hour” or the Federal “Basic 32” wildland firefighter training courses. Those certifications are offered in the Porterville College Basic Wildland Firefighter Academy” which is conducted during the Spring semester each year. More about the Wildland Academy...

Will completion of the Academy guarantee a job?

Though past graduates of this Academy have been highly successful in getting jobs, there is no guarantee, expressed or implied, that completion of this Academy will result in employment by any fire agency.  In addition to completing this training, students will have to meet other pre-employment requirements established by the various fire agencies. 

Contact Information …

For more information, contact:
Rich Stover - rstover@portervillecollege.edu
559-791-2449  (Voicemail)

Please limit inquiries to essential questions. Due to the volume of phone calls and emails received about our Fire Academies, response to inquiries may be delayed. Email is preferred.