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Fire Academy Program

The program at the MJC School of Public Safety, Regional Fire Training Center has been approved by the State Fire Marshal's Office and the State Board of Fire Services as an Accredited Regional Training Program & Fire Science training center.

The California State Fire Marshal and State Fire Training have developed the certification path to become a State Certified Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2. The Fire Fighter 1 Certification is issued to those who have completed the Fire Fighter 1 academic training and certification exams (psychomotor skills exams and cognitive exams). Students currently enrolled in training at the MJC Fire Academy program will automatically be registered for the certification exams and automatically issued certification upon successful completion of the Academy and examinations. Final certification as a Firefighter 2 is verified by the State Fire Marshal's office after the student completes the Academy, works as a volunteer firefighter for one year or a full-time paid firefighter for six months. Students completing this program will receive numerous stand alone certificates.

The MJC Fire Academy includes the following subjects
  • Ground Ladders
  • Low Angle Rope Rescue Operations
  • Career Development
  • Portable Fire Extinguishers
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Firefighter Rescue
  • Ropes & Knots
  • Salvage & Overhaul
  • Truck Company Operations
  • Ventilation
  • Wildland Firefighting
  • Auto Extrication
  • Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
  • Building Construction
  • Communications
  • Fire Behavior
  • Fire Investigation
  • Fire Protection Systems
  • Forcible Entry
  • Hazardous Materials FRO & Decon
  • High Rise Firefighting
  • Incident Command System
The MJC Fire Academy program if offered twice per year, during the Fall & Spring semesters at MJC

Acceptance in to the Accredited Regional Training Program is by an application process only. The Fall 2024 application period has closed. The next Fire Academy will be offered in the Spring 2025 semester. Please check back for the application period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fire Academy Certificate of Achievement

The MJC Regional Fire Training Center Fire Academy is a premier, intensive and physically strenuous 1 semester program to prepare students for careers in Fire Service. The Fire Academy provides students with the opportunity to achieve a full breadth of State Fire Marshall certifications inclusive of the Fire Fighter I, LARRO, RS1, Auto Extrication, Hazmat Fro & Decon, Wildland Firefighting, Low Angle Rope Rescue, etc.

Fire Science A.S. Degree

The Fire Science Program of the Modesto Junior College Regional Fire Training Center has been approved by the State Fire Marshal's Office and the State Board of Fire Services as an accredited Regional Academy & Fire Science training center and offers several paths for those who have an interest in the fire service. Students desiring a career in the fire service are strongly encouraged to obtain either a Certificate or A. S. Degree in Fire Science. The Associate of Science Degree in Fire Science at Modesto Junior College meets the same goals of the Certificate program but more importantly, also serves to provide a foundation for higher learning and transfer capabilities to a four year institution. The Fire Science Major has six required core courses. To fulfill the balance of degree units, students must complete 12 additional electives units as found in the program electives and meet the General Education requirements. The total number of these units will vary depending upon the General Education Pattern option you select.

Fire Science Certificate of Achievement

The Fire Science Program of the Modesto Junior College Regional Fire Training Center has been approved by the State Fire Marshal's Office and the State Board of Fire Services as an accredited Regional Academy & Fire Science training center and offers several paths for those who have an interest in the fire service. Students desiring a career in the fire service are strongly encouraged to obtain either a Certificate or A. S. Degree in Fire Technology. A certification of completion in Fire Technology is designed for the student who wishes to make the fire service a career but does not intend to pursue a 4 year degree and is granted upon fulfillment of the 18 unit core courses and the completion of 12 additional program electives.