Training for Firefighters - What should I take?
It's no secret that becoming a firefighter requires many different firefighter courses, classes and training. While there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to what firefighter courses you should take, in this article, I will break them down into simple to understand categories.
Please note - in this article, we will be concentrating on what firefighter training courses you can take. If you'd like to see a full list of requirements, please take a look at our "How to become a firefighter" article, found here.
Another important thing to mention when acquiring firefighter certifications and training is to pace yourself. It's more beneficial to stretch your training over time than to take everything at once and then stop taking courses.
This is a long and descriptive article, for your convenience - feel free to use the quick navigation to get to the section that matters to you.
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Schooling for Firefighters - Minimum Requirements
Before we can get to selecting firefighter programs that will make us stand out, we must first meet the minimum requirements. We have found these requirements to be the most common courses and training required from municipal fire departments. Let's break them down one by one:
This is usually your first step if you are interested in becoming a firefighter. NFPA 1001 Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualification and the NFPA 472 (or NFPA 1072) Standard for competence of responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction – Operations Level are almost always a minimum requirements for applying to any fire department.
What is NFPA 1001?
NFPA 1001 is a standard issued by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It entails specific guidelines for firefighter training and certification procedures. NFPA 1001 covers other aspects of firefighting, such as fire behavior, fire protection systems, emergency medical operations, and hazardous materials response. The standard is intended for ensuring the provision of necessary skills and knowledge to firefighters so they can safely and effectively perform their duties.
Can NFPA 1001 be completed online?
It depends upon which school you select. Some firefighter schools allow you to complete the theoretical portion of the program online. However, visiting a campus is necessary for the practical skill testing portion of the program.
How long is the NFPA 1001 program?
The length of the NFPA 1001 program varies based on the fire school you choose. It can range from 5 months to a little over a year.
Can I get my NFPA 1001 for free?
The short answer is yes! There is a catch, you need to be fortunate enough to live close to a volunteer, part time or paid-on-call fire department. If you can get into one of these departments, you can get trained for free or very little cost.
Are there some minimum requirements before I can apply for this program?
This will again depends on the fire school you choose, but typically you can expect:
- 18+ years of age
- Completed your post secondary education
Will my NFPA 1001 certification expire?
This certification (and most IFSAC and Pro Board certification) will not expire.
What skills are gained from your NFPA 1001 certification?
Skills gained from NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level 1 & 2 include:
- Knowledge of firefighting techniques, tactics, and procedures
- Understanding of fire safety regulations and codes
- Ability to use and maintain firefighting equipment
- Ability to work with a team and provide leadership in emergency situations
- Understanding of hazardous materials and their containment and disposal
- Skill in operating and maneuvering fire apparatus and equipment
- Ability to assess and control hazardous situations
- Understanding of fire prevention and public education techniques
Providers
Most fire departments will require their personnel to carry some level of medical certification. The medical level certification can range from basic first aid to Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) certification.
Why is medical training important in the fire service?
Medical training is important in the fire service for a number of reasons:
- Firefighters are among the first emergency aid responders, and often provide medical care in emergency situations before paramedics, or other medical professionals arrive. This means they will offer first aid to treat injuries or illnesses before paramedics arrive. Thus, their medical knowledge and skills significantly affect the situation's outcome.
- Fire incidents and similar emergencies may involve fires and other hazardous materials, which can cause serious injuries or illnesses. Firefighters should possess the knowledge and skills to recognize the signs and symptoms of hazardous material injuries and provide appropriate treatment.
- Firefighters have to deal with infectious disease exposure and health hazards. Firefighters equipped with medical knowledge have better chances at personal protection.
- Usually, people call upon Firefighters to provide basic first aid and medical assistance to affected community members after an incident. Firefighters' medical skills and knowledge greatly affect how they provide medical assistance to sensitive victims, including children and older adults. Appropriate Medical training helps firefighters to offer first aid effectively and compassionately.
Overall, medical training is an important part of a firefighter's role, as it enables them to provide life-saving care in emergency situations and to protect their own health and well-being.
What are some common firefighter medical training courses:
- CPR/AED - Level C
- Standard First Aid CPR/AED
- Emergency First Aid CPR/AED
- First Responder
- Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
- Primary Care Paramedic (PCP)
What transferable skills come from this training?
Specific skills that are transferable from medical experience to firefighting include:
- Knowledge of basic first aid, CPR, and emergency medical services
- Ability to assess injuries, illnesses, and other medical conditions
- Ability to evaluate the environment and determine the best course of action
- Ability to work with a team and provide leadership in emergencies
- Knowledge of medical terminology and documentation
- Ability to remain calm and collected in high-stress situations
- Ability to stay attentive and conscious of safety protocols and regulations
The terminology changes from one province to the next, but this is a requirement for many departments. If not required during the initial application, you will be required to acquire this shortly after being hired. It is recommended to get this certification as soon as possible.
A Pleasure Craft Operators Card is not required by every department, but it's a very easy certification to acquire. If you don't have this certification, get it.
What is a Pleasure Craft Operators Card, and why is it important for firefighters?
A Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) demonstrates that the holder has completed a boating safety course. It verifies that the holder is familiar with the rules and regulations of operating a pleasure craft (such as a motorboat or personal watercraft) in Canada.
Firefighters' job involves responding to emergencies on or near the water. For example, they may need to rescue people from a sinking boat or help evacuate a flooded area. To do this effectively and safely, firefighters need a PCOC. It familiarizes firefighters with the proper procedures for operating a boat and navigating in water environments.
What transferable skills are gained from obtaining a Pleasure Craft Operator card?
Skills gained from obtaining a Pleasure Craft Operator card that is transferable to firefighting include:
- Knowledge of safety regulations and procedures for operating boats
- Skill in maneuvering boats in a variety of conditions
- Ability to read and interpret maps and navigational aids
- Ability to assess and control hazardous situations
- Knowledge of maintenance and repair of boats and related equipment
- Ability to operate boats safely in high-stress and emergency situations
Schooling for Firefighters - Preferred Requirements
Here are some firefighter courses and training you can take to meet some of the preferred requirements. Again, these desired qualifications vary from one department to the other, so be sure to find out what the department is looking for. You can probably find historical requirements on your desired department here.
Schooling for Firefighters - Miscellaneous
Below you will find training courses that might also be helpful on your journey to becoming a firefighter. They are not your typical "firefighter courses" but are becoming increasingly more important to today's firefighter.
Other Important Things to Consider
Acquiring new firefighter certifications, courses and training are no doubt critical to your success in finding employment as a firefighter, but it's also important to consider the following to help through the recruitment process.
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Alright! The firefighter aptitude test. You sent in your resume and got invited to take part in their testing process, OR in Ontario, you want to pre-qualify with a service such as OFAI or FireOntario what do I need to know?
Well, here's a breakdown of the categories you might find during the recruitment process:
- Reading Ability
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Map Reading
- Writing Ability
- Human Relations (interpersonal skills, teamwork, commitment, honesty, integrity, emotional stability)
- Reasoning Skills (reasoning, vocabulary, mechanical aptitude, and spatial rotation)
To prepare for a test of this nature, I'd recommend an online practice test that you can practice at your own pace.
Make sure you're constantly scoring over 80% before challenging the firefighter aptitude test.
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**BONUS** - 20 Sample Firefighter Interview Questions
Let's face it... Passing the firefighter aptitude test and securing a spot in the fire service isn't easy.
Are you tired of spending countless hours and dollars, only to fall short?
All your hard work, time, and money hinge on your performance in these crucial tests. Wouldn't you want to ensure you have everything you need to succeed?
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- FACT - Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test (Used by OFAI - Ontario Fire Administration Inc.)
- OS - Occupational Skills Assessment
- CPS - Cooperative Personnel Service Test (Used by FireOntario - Firefighter Services of Ontario Ltd)
- NFST - National Fire Select Test
- NTN - National Testing Network (FireTEAM Test)
Ready to Embark on Your Firefighting Career?
Embarking on a career in firefighting is a noble and challenging pursuit, where the competition is tough, and the standards are high.
The journey to becoming a firefighter is filled with questions:
Which courses should you take?
How do you prepare for rigorous testing processes like the OFAI, York, or FSO?
What steps should you follow to stand out?
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How do I get a clear understanding of what a career in firefighting entails?
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Why is a fitness program important for firefighters?
Firefighting is physically demanding work. A fitness program for firefighters helps them maintain their physical fitness and mental health. Firefighters need to be fit to perform their duties safely and effectively. Fit firefighters respond to emergencies with confidence and proficiency. A fitness program aids firefighters in avoiding injuries and fatigue during emergency situations.
Providers
If you're applying for a Fire Department in Ontario, there is a good chance they will require either the Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) or Fire Ontario certification.
Listed below are providers that can help you with the hands-on skills, the medical and the fitness portion of these tests.
Providers
Pulse Point Canada - OFAI Medical Portion
FitbyFire - OFAI Overall Fitness
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