If you dream of becoming a firefighter, one of the biggest steps on your journey will be attending a fire academy. The fire academy is where raw recruits transform into trained professionals ready to protect their communities. Whether you’re just starting your research or getting ready to apply, understanding how the fire academy works can set you up for success.
This guide covers everything you need to know — from how to become a firefighter to what it takes to survive the challenges of fire academy.
How to become a firefighter
Becoming a firefighter in the U.S. typically involves several key steps:
- Meet basic requirements: Most departments require candidates to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and hold a valid driver’s license.
- Earn an EMT certification: Many fire departments require firefighters to be certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) before or during their fire service career.
- Pass a physical ability test: Candidates must demonstrate strength, stamina and agility through tests like the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test).
- Apply to fire departments: Once you meet the minimum requirements, you can begin applying to fire departments, many of which require you to pass written exams, interviews and background checks.
- Attend fire academy: Once hired, or sometimes even before applying, you will need to complete a fire academy program.
What is fire academy?
The fire academy is a professional training program designed to prepare recruits for the real-world demands of firefighting. Basically, it’s firefighter school.
At fire academy, recruits learn both the science and practice of firefighting, including:
- Fire behavior and suppression techniques
- Search and rescue operations
- Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) awareness
- Vehicle extrication
- First aid and emergency medical skills
- Equipment handling and maintenance
- Building construction and fire prevention codes
Fire academy combines classroom instruction with hands-on physical training, ensuring recruits are ready for the high-pressure situations they will face in the field.
How to get into the fire academy
To get into a fire academy, you must:
- Meet minimum qualifications: These often include age, education, a clean background check and often an EMT certification.
- Pass entrance exams: Many academies require candidates to pass a written test covering math, reading comprehension and mechanical reasoning.
- Demonstrate physical fitness: You may be required to complete a physical agility test.
- Submit an application: Applications typically include your resume, proof of certifications and medical clearance.
- Interview: Some academies conduct interviews to assess motivation, teamwork skills and commitment.
Some fire academies are open to the public (meaning you can apply independently), while others require you to be hired by a fire department first.
How to join the fire academy
Joining a fire academy can happen in two main ways:
- Department-sponsored academy: You first apply to a fire department. If hired, the department will send you to their own academy or a partner training center.
- Open enrollment academy: Some community colleges and fire training centers allow individuals to enroll directly into a fire academy, sometimes referred to as a “pre-service” academy. Completing this type of program can make you a stronger candidate when applying to departments.
Research your local area to find out which path is more common where you live.
Fire academy requirements
Each fire academy may have slightly different entry requirements, but generally, you will need:
- To be at least 18 years old
- A high school diploma or GED
- A valid driver’s license
- U.S. citizenship or legal right to work
- A clean criminal background
- Medical clearance from a doctor
- Physical fitness readiness
- EMT certification (sometimes optional but highly recommended)
Departments may also require additional screening, like drug testing or psychological evaluations.
How hard is fire academy?
Fire academy is intense — and for good reason.
You can expect:
- Daily physical training: Activities include running, weight lifting, climbing stairs in full gear, and dragging heavy hoses.
- Rigorous academic work: Classroom sessions include fire science, hazardous materials, building construction and incident command systems.
- Stressful simulations: Recruits perform live fire training, rescue drills and timed drills designed to test performance under pressure.
- Strict discipline: Expect a military-style environment with high standards for punctuality, respect and teamwork.
Many recruits find fire academy to be one of the toughest experiences they’ve faced — but also one of the most rewarding.
How can I get ready for fire academy?
Preparation is key to surviving and thriving at fire academy.
Here are a few ways you can get ready:
- Start physical training early: Build your strength and cardiovascular endurance. Focus on functional fitness, including climbing, carrying and dragging exercises.
- Earn your EMT certification: Many academies expect you to already have basic emergency medical knowledge.
- Learn about fire science: Read about fire behavior, building construction and hazardous materials.
- Practice time management: Fire academy demands balancing classroom studies, physical drills and homework.
- Develop a strong mindset: Mental toughness, discipline and a positive attitude will carry you through tough days.
The journey begins at the fire academy
The fire academy is a challenging but essential part of becoming a firefighter in the U.S. It prepares you physically, mentally, and emotionally for the demands of the job. By understanding how the process works — from meeting initial requirements to surviving academy training — you’ll be well-positioned to start a meaningful and rewarding career in public safety.
If you’re passionate about serving your community and ready to put in the hard work, the fire academy is where your firefighting journey truly begins.
This article, originally published June 13, 2011 has been updated with additional information.
