Fire Academy (Cert)
Certificate —18 credit hours
Curriculum Code 1334
The Fire Academy prepares students for entry-level firefighter employment by providing the knowledge and skills required to earn Illinois State Fire Marshal certifications. The Fire Academy certification combines technical instruction with hands-on training in firefighting operations, hazardous materials response, emergency procedures, fireground safety, and rescue techniques.
Prospective students must have completed EMS-101 Emergency Medical Technician course/Emergency Medical Technician program or hold a current EMT certification prior to admission to the Fire Academy.
Upon completion of the training sequence, students participate in a required internship with a local fire department, gaining supervised experience in real-world emergency response environments.
Earning the certificate qualifies students for firefighter hiring eligibility lists and prepares them for employment with municipal and regional fire departments. The certificate also provides 18 credit hours applicable toward the Fire Service Operations A.A.S. degree, creating a stackable credential for continued education in fire service and emergency management. The Fire Academy is also completed in the third semester of the Fire Service Operations A.A.S. degree program.