Watch the four-part video series about how to become a firefighter, explaining what you can expect from a career in the fire service as you navigate the path and complete the critical steps along the way.
By Chris Meyer
Starting a career in firefighting begins with quality training, and choosing the right firefighter school is an important first step. While firefighter hiring needs vary by region, many departments across the U.S. continue to seek well-prepared candidates who have completed a certified fire academy program.
Whether you’re looking to serve your local community or pursue opportunities in another state, attending a top-tier fire academy helps ensure you’re ready for the physical, technical and operational demands of the job. Training standards, costs and schedules can vary widely — and so can the recognition of your credentials depending on where you apply.
To help you navigate your options, we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the most respected firefighting schools across the country. These academies offer strong reputations, nationally recognized certifications, and proven success rates for launching firefighting careers.
1. Ohio Fire Academy
The Ohio Fire Academy is the only academy in Ohio recognized by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress and Pro Board. The Ohio Fire Academy also offers online training for individual firefighters and departments to further their education.
Enrollment requirements:
- Meet requirements outlined by OAC4765-20-02
- Take and pass the COMPASS Test or have taken a COMPASS Test within the last two years. Previous SAT or ACT scores or a college degree may be eligible to be used as a substitute for taking COMPASS.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Submit FBI/BCI background checks
- Students must undergo a medical evaluation by a physician that meets the requirements of the NFPA 1582: Standard on Medical Requirements for Firefighters
- Valid driver’s license
- Proof of medical insurance
- Complete National Incident Management System NIMS IS-100.b and NIMS IS-700
Cost:
- $1,550 (not including dorm and gear fees).
- Students are responsible for providing turnout gear and course textbooks. Self-contained breathing apparatuses are available for rent.
Length of program:
- 360 hours over 40 days.
- Runs weekdays from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. with multiple evening sessions scheduled.
2. Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety
The Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety (CSRIPS) is an accredited training center, recognized by the State of Florida as the Training and Educational Provider of the year 4 times (2007,2011, 2013, 2017). Coral Springs offers numerous courses for individuals seeking a career as a firefighter, EMT or paramedic. The institute also offers Driver, Officer and Truck/Engine Company Operations classes.
CSRIPS offers three different academy schedules for Firefighter I & II, six times a year.
Enrollment requirements:
- Entrance Physical Ability Test (e-PAT) — mandatory requirement, prior to registration for Firefighter I & II
- Paramedic or EMT license or certificate of completion for EMT or EMR
- Medical exam
- Tobacco affidavit
- Florida driver’s license
- Diploma (high school, college, transcript or GED)
- Background check
Cost:
- $3,412.35 for tuition, registration, supplies and uniforms.
- Students are required to purchase books. In addition, students must rent or purchase bunker gear, boots, hood, helmet and gloves.
- Accepts veterans benefits, Florida pre-paid, Florida 529, Sallie Mae & Scholarships
Length of programs:
- 496 hours
- Full-time: 15-17 weeks, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Part-time: 35-37 weeks, every Tuesday/Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 pm and Sat. 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Part-time accelerated: 23-25 weeks, every Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Success rate:
- 84% of students graduate the program.
- 99% receive a state license on their first attempt.
3. Broward Fire Academy
Broward Fire Academy in South Florida offers Firefighter I and II programs. The program meets the requirements of the Bureau of Fire Standards for firefighters. They offer both night and day classes.
Enrollment requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High school diploma from a regionally accredited institution (or equivalent)
- Take and pass the TABE (if applicable)
- Have a current BLS Healthcare Provider (CPR & AED) card
- Must have completed EMT training
- Must have a current BFA physical agility test on file
Cost:
- Day Class: $2,129*
- Night Class: $2,149*
- Students are required to purchase books, uniforms and supplies, including bunker gear, boots, hood, helmet and gloves.
*In-state tuition. Out-of-state tuition is slightly higher. To receive resident tuition, your legal residence must be issued or filed 12 months before the first day of classes.
Length of program and course schedule:
- 398-hour course offered as full-time and part-time.
- Full-time schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and takes approximately 3 months.
- Part-time is Tuesday and Thursday 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and takes approximately 6 months.
4. TEEX, also known as Recruit Fire Academy
An extension of Texas A&M, TEEX offers a 12-week traditional academy program and an online academy with a four-week boot camp onsite at Brayton Fire Training Field. After finishing the course, cadets are eligible for IFSAC and Pro Board certifications in Firefighter I and II. Their programs meet or exceed most state requirements.
TEEX does not offer housing.
Enrollment requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Valid motor vehicle driver’s license without pending actions of suspension or revocation
- Physical and Proof of Meningitis vaccination within last five years
Cost:
- Traditional Academy and Online Academy both cost $5,400
Length of program and course schedule:
- 545 hours
- The traditional Academy is a 12-week program held at Brayton Fire Training Field.
- The online academy allows scheduling flexibility through online training followed by a 21-day boot camp at Brayton Fire Training Field.
5. Seminole State College Fire Academy
More than 90% of Seminole State fire science students have achieved certification on the first attempt at the state exam. A course grade of 80% is required to successfully complete the class and receive Firefighter I & II certification in the State of Florida.
Enrollment requirements:
- Complete or be enrolled in a State of Florida EMT program or EMT/Fire combined program. Successfully complete EMT program prior to the start of the Fire Academy term
- Attend a mandatory information session
- Submit application (obtained at info session)
- Attend mandatory orientation session, held two to three weeks after application deadline
- More information provided at info sessions
Cost:
- $3,000, which includes course fees, textbooks, supplies, bunker gear rental, a physical exam and state of Florida bureau of fire standards and training fees.
Length of program and class schedules:
- 450 hours, 22 weeks
- Day classes: Monday and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Night classes: Monday – Thursday 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
6. New York State Frederick L. Warder Academy of Fire Science
The Frederick L. Warder Academy of Fire Science offers the Recruit Firefighter Training Program (RFFT), a 15-week intensive course designed for both volunteer and career firefighters. The academy provides hands-on training using state-of-the-art facilities.
Enrollment requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Must be affiliated with a fire department
Cost:
- Varies; options available for lodging and meals
Length of program and class schedules:
- 15 weeks
- Monday - Thursday
7. FDNY Fire Cadet Academy
The FDNY Fire Cadet Academy is a two-year program aimed at preparing young adults for a career with the New York City Fire Department. Cadets receive classroom instruction, field training, and fitness conditioning, gaining firsthand experience with FDNY operations.
Enrollment requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Must have attended a NYC high school
- Pass background check and physical assessment
Compensation:
- Cadets earn $15.67 per hour
- Health benefits are available for cadets who work 20+ hours/week
Length of program and class schedules:
- 2 years
- Part-time, including two Saturdays per month
8. Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA)
The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy provides training to municipal fire service personnel. The academy offers a 10-week Recruit Firefighter Training Program, which includes both classroom instruction and practical exercises.
Enrollment requirements:
- Complete Civil Service Commission’s Physical Ability Test (PAT)
- Must be appointed as a firefighter by a Massachusetts fire department
Cost:
- Free for cities and towns in Massachusetts
Length of program and class schedules:
- 10 weeks
- Daily classes and drills
9. Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Training Academy
The LAFD Training Academy offers a rigorous program at the Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center. Recruits undergo intensive physical training, classroom instruction and hands-on exercises to prepare for the demands of firefighting in Los Angeles.
Enrollment requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Pass the Firefighter Candidate Assessment (FCA)
- Meet physical fitness standards
Cost:
- Covered by the department upon hiring
Length of program and class schedules:
- 18 weeks
- Full-time, Monday – Friday
10. Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy
Located at Goodfellow Air Force Base, the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy is the largest fire academy in the U.S. It provides training to all branches of the U.S. military and offers 17 advanced fire protection courses.
Enrollment requirements:
- Must be a member of the U.S. military or affiliated civilian personnel
Cost:
- Covered by the Department of Defense
Length of program and class schedules:
- Varies by course
- Full-time programs with both classroom and field training
Advanced education options
The National Fire Academy wasn’t included in this list because it’s not a traditional fire academy in the sense that it only offers advanced education. That said, for mid- to senior-level firefighters, the National Fire Academy is a great resource for further learning that offers classes all over the country and online. The FireRescue1 Academy is also a great resource for NFPA-based training and CAPCE accredited EMS courses.
You give yourself the best chance of success by attending a fire academy in the location you plan to apply. However, this list of top schools should at least give you an indication of what features and course offerings to look for in a fire academy closer to your desired work area.
This article, originally published in June 2017, has been updated with aditional resources.
