Tallahassee Fire Academy
Become a Firefighter
Earn your State of Florida Firefighter certificate at the Tallahassee Fire Academy, where you will be prepared for a challenging and rewarding career as a firefighter. Our graduates are men and women who are action-oriented individuals who thrive on the physical challenges of firefighting and saving lives. Tallahassee Fire Academy understands its approach to learning and has developed a rigorous fire training program that emphasizes hands-on experience and quality.
The Tallahassee Fire Academy is certified as a fire training center by the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training and offers the Fire Academy/EMT Combined Program Career Certificate. This certification prepares graduates for the state Firefighter II certification examination and the ability to join a department as a Firefighter EMT.
Firefighting I and II is a 492-hour course and meets the requirements set forth by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Division of State Fire Marshal for certification as a firefighter. The Firefighter I and II Program is a physically and academically challenging course that includes extensive classroom and practical field components.
The program focuses on:
- Chemistry, behavior, and control of fire
- Fire service history
- Firefighter safety and health
- Fire department communications
- Building construction
- Tactical ventilation
- Fire streams
- Personal protective equipment
- Portable extinguishers
- Drills and exercises
- Ropes and knots
- Water supply
- Ladders, hose, sprinkler systems,
- Forcible entry, search, rescue, and vehicle extrication
- Salvage and overhaul
- Fire prevention
- Fire origin and cause determination
- Loss control
- First responder
- Fire alarms
- Incident Management System
- Tactics and legal aspects
- Fire and life safety initiatives
- Hazardous materials identification and mitigation
- Wildland firefighting
Under Florida Statute Chapter 633, individuals seeking employment as a professional firefighter in Florida must possess a firefighter certification. Evaluations are written and practical tests. County and City fire departments employ most firefighters. Firefighting I & II/EMT qualifies for financial aid and grants, and many scholarships are available now. Visit Scholarships - Tallahassee Community College (fl.edu) for more information.
The Bureau of Fire Standards and Training is the governing body of all certified fire training centers. Visit the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Website.
Upcoming Courses
The Tallahassee Fire Academy course requires 492 hours of training (including 1st Responder) and up to 350 hours of Emergency Medical Technical (EMT) training. This academy is offered three times a year and lasts approximately 37 weeks.
Fire Spring Semester 2024
- 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday
- Start Date: January 8, 2024
- End Date: June 8, 2024
- Application Deadline: Closed
Fire Day Class 2024
- 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday
- Start Date: June 10, 2024
- End Date: September 10, 2024
- Application Deadline: April 1, 2024.
Fire Fall Semester 2024
- 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday
- Start Date: July 1, 2024
- End Date: December 7, 2024
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2024
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
After completing the fire academy, recruits will enter the Emergency Medical Technician program and learn to perform safely and efficiently as part of a medical team. It takes two semesters to become certified as an EMT, and evening classes are available. Completion of the EMT Applied Technology Certificate Program at TCC qualifies graduates to sit for the EMT registry examination.
Firefighter FAQ
What equipment will I need?
None, all equipment is provided.
When can I expect to know if I have been accepted into the Fire Academy?
There will be individual interviews approximately 30 days prior to the beginning of class. You will be notified at the completion of the interview.
When are fees due?
Fees are due on or before the first day of class.
Do I have to become an EMT or Paramedic too?
Different fire departments have different requirements so you must contact the department you are interested in. Many local departments now require that you be a minimum firefighter and EMT before they will employ you.
What types of physical activities will I be involved in?
Students are engaged in physical activities to develop their cardiovascular capabilities and strength, as well as activities required of firefighters, such as lifting and carrying as well as raising ground ladders, using heavy equipment to perform forcible entry, directing fire hose streams, and other tasks.
Will a past criminal conviction prevent me from becoming a firefighter?
The state of Florida will not allow you to hold a certification if you have been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor directly related to the position you are applying for. If you are not sure if you qualify, you may call the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training at (352) 369-2800.
I took the TABE or PERT test already. Do I have to take it again?
TABE or PERT results are good for a 2-year period. If you have not successfully completed college-level English and Math and it has been more than 2 years since your last TABE test then the answer is YES.
Does the academy have a job placement service?
No. However, the academy routinely invites representatives from agencies statewide to recruit from each class.
More Information
Contact Us
Kermit Washington
CJ Instructional Coordinator - Firefighter Program