How do I get into the Academy?

Persons who are already enrolled in Porterville College and pursuing a degree are considered "priority" students and are given the opportunity to enroll earlier than the general public. Veterans and others may also qualify for priority enrollment.  New students and those who have not attended college continuously are eligible to sign up when "Open" enrollment begins.  For this reason, our Fire Academy may be full before enrollment opens to persons who are not current college students.  To have the best chance of getting one of the limited slots in our Fire Academy you should enroll in other classes and start working toward an Associate degree BEFORE you get too serious about trying to enroll in the Fire Academy. 

Before deciding to enroll in this Academy, it is important that you read the information posted at the  "Career Information" link on this website. 

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?

Beginning with the 2012 Academy, the 360 hour Academy will be delivered in  an intensive 15-week format that meets three nights a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), all day Saturday, AND EVERY OTHER SUNDAY.  Each evening class session begins with Cadets lining up in formation for inspection at 5:45 p.m., followed by classroom or field instruction from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.    Saturday and Sunday sessions begin with formation and inspection at 7:45 a.m., followed by instruction from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.   Additionally, Cadets will participate in facility and equipment clean up and maintenance following class each day.

Are there prerequisites or other requirements?

Academy prerequisites include completion of Emergency Medical Technician 1 and the course "Fire Protection Organization" (Fire P101) or its equivalent at another community college.    If this training was not completed at Porterville College, students must present written proof of completion the first night of class or they will be dropped.  National Registry as an EMT is not required.

Completion of EMT 1 and Fire P101 will be REQUIRED before you can enroll in the Academy!

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

• As outlined at the "FAQs" link on this website, Cadets can expect to pay between $2,500 and $3,000 to attend this Academy . Individuals who are already affiliated with a fire department as a permanent or part-time employee may have substantially reduced costs.

• 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 able to actively participate in all hands-on training activities. 
• Cadets must have good transportation as they will be expected to drive to various training sites, and must provide their own drinking water, meals and incidentals as needed.

What about uniforms and personal protective equipment?

Each Cadet must purchase and wear the approved Academy uniform including such things as shirts, t-shirts, pants, shoes and boots,  jackets or sweatshirts. Specific uniform requirements are posted at the "UNIFORM STANDARDS" link on this website. The cost of uniforms may exceed $400.

Cadets must also provide their own Structural Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Cadets may not share these items. Wildland PPE is optional, but not required for this Academy.

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 $750.00 for the semester.  The purchase price of PPE also varies, depending on brand, style and other factors, but potential Cadets can expect to pay at least $1,500 to be adequately outfitted.  

The College will issue structural firefighting helmets for use during the Academy, and Cadets will use Self-contained Breathing Apparatus supplied by the College.  However, no other personal protective equipment is available from, or provided by, the College.  Detailed information about PPE may be found at the "PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT" link on this website.

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.  Additional information about our instructors may be found at the "FACULTY" link at this website.

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.  Academy registration opens the same day as other Fall semester classes.

Students who complete EMT 1 and Fire P101 at Porterville College may enroll online.  All others must bring proof of completion of prerequisite classes and enroll IN PERSON at the Porterville College Admissions Office.

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.