Fire Academy Information

The Antelope Valley Fire Academy is accredited as an Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP) by California State Fire Training. The Academy equips students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to meet the California State Fire Training standards for Firefighter 1 certification. This program serves as the initial phase toward achieving Firefighter 1 Certification, integrating both classroom instruction and practical, hands-on training.

The curriculum covers a broad range of essential topics, including the history and evolution of the fire service, organizational command and control, communications, fire behavior, firefighter safety, personal protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), portable fire extinguishers, water supply, fire hoses and related appliances, nozzles, fire streams, and protective systems.

Students may be required to purchase additional supplies not provided by the college.

Estimated costs for the Fire Academy:

• Tuition - 1104.00
• Books - 120.00
• Uniforms and Safety Gear - 1800.00
  • Total: 3023.00

(AVC has programs that may help with the costs of attending the Fire Academy, contact us for details)

Additional requirements to attend the AVC Fire Academy:

• Completion of FTEC-111 (Or Equivalency)
• Current CPAT or Biddle 
• Medical exam (After acceptance)
• Current BLS Certification
• Current Emergency Medical Technician Certification
  • Note: If you do not currently meet all qualifications, you can contact the Academy Director and discuss your options to attend the Academy.

The Antelope Valley College (AVC) Firefighter 1 Academy is a part-time program designed to provide comprehensive firefighter training. Classes are typically held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Academy begins in the Fall semester and continues through the Spring semester.

During the Fall semester, students are enrolled in the following courses: FTEC 295A, FTEC 295AL, and FTEC 290A. In the Spring semester, students will continue their training with FTEC 295B, FTEC 295LB, and FTEC 290B. This structured course sequence ensures students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience necessary for Firefighter 1 certification.

What will I learn?

• You will have the opportunity to learn about vehicle rescue techniques, including using the Jaws of Life, as well as how to ventilate a building, lay fire hose and attack lines, put up a ladder and use rope rescue systems. Building construction and fire prevention will also be covered, culminating in live fire training.

Current Certifications Offered:

• Accredited Firefighter-1 Academy Completion
• HazMat First Responder Operational
• Confined Space Awareness
• Low Angle Rope Rescue
• Fire Control-3 (Live Fire)
• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
• S-110, S-130, S-190, L-180

Who could hire me?

• Antelope Valley College’s Fire Technology program gives you a competitive edge in the fire technology field. However, even with completion of the certificate or degree, firefighter candidates cannot be hired without passing a state-mandated exam given to thousands of candidates each year. This SFT Firefighter-1 Certification Exam is administered as part of the AVC Fire Academy.
   
• Municipal fire departments in the area often hire graduates from this program, we have graduates from the AVC Fire Academy serving in fire departments all over the Western United States.

What's the average pay range for local jobs in this field?

• Most local jobs in this industry start at approximately $74,000 per year.

Who are the Instructors at the Fire Academy?

• The Antelope Valley College Fire Academy Instructors represent hundreds of years of expertise in the fire service. Our full-time faculty and adjunct faculty instructors are both retired and current firefighters from departments such as CalFire, Los Angeles City, San Bernardino County, Bakersfield, Cathedral City and private industry.

Informational Meetings for FTEC Fire Academy Fall 2024:

There are no more informational meetings scheduled for the next academy. But you can contact the Academy Director at mark.gilman@avc.edu with any questions that you may have.