Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training

Your Career

At last count, there were 478 fire departments in Ontario made up of more than 10,000 full-time firefighters and more than 19,000 volunteer firefighters. With their skills, physical abilities and knowledge of fire prevention and fire suppression techniques, firefighters are essential to public safety and protection.

Our Program

Humber has been offering firefighter education and training since 1997. Program faculty are certified fire service trainers and active firefighters who bring their wealth of experience and expertise to the classroom. The program combines basic-level theoretical firefighting knowledge with considerable practical skills development, including emergency medical procedures, fire apparatus operations, and approximately six days of live firefighting in a burn tower. Unique to Humber's program is the opportunity for students to obtain their D-Z rated driver's licence. Students also receive assistance with resumés and mock interview sessions in preparation for the job application process.

Work Placement

An unpaid placement (approximately 192 hours) in an active fire station offers students experience in suppression, fire prevention and communication practices. The placement is arranged by Humber, depending on space availability in a fire hall. We cannot guarantee all students will have completed their placement by the program's official end date.

Our Industry Partnerships

Through the Endorsement Review Board, the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and the Office of the Fire Marshal endorse the content of the program. The board expressly does not endorse the delivery of the program, tools and/or equipment used in the delivery of the program.

Note: FPRE 108 DZ Driver's Licence is not part of the OFM-endorsed curriculum.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U). If English is not your first language refer to the English Language Proficiency Policy in this publication.
Grade 12 Mathematics (MAP4C, MCT4C, MDM4U, MCB4U, MGA4U, MCV4U or MHF4U)
Grade 11 or Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH3U, SCH4C or SCH4U) or equivalent
Grade 11 or Grade 12 Biology (SBI3C, SBI3U or SBI4U) or equivalent
Attendance at a testing session (Fee: $55), which includes:
- firefighter aptitude test, including math
- completion of a writing sample
- a biology and chemistry test.
Applicants are rank ordered based on the testing results and the best qualified are invited in for an information meeting where the final selection is made for admission into the program.

Note: Refer to the Selection Procedures for more information

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

Additional Requirements

Candidates who do not pass the York University Fitness Evaluation must re-test (at student's expense) and pass prior to the end of the first semester in order to proceed to semester two.
Minimum 20/30 uncorrected vision in both eyes with no significant colour deficiency is a normal fire department requirement but will not prevent your acceptance in this course. Students not meeting this requirement are required to sign a letter of understanding stating they're aware of fire department requirements.
Complete immunization record including immunization against Hepatitis B
Valid CPR-C for HCP and Standard First Aid certificates. Documentation must be submitted to the program co-ordinator one month prior to the start of semester one.
Police Record Check: Students in programs or occupations involving direct contact with vulnerable persons are required to undergo a Police Record Check. Refer to the Admission Information section in this publication. Humber reserves the right to deny admission to this program based on an unpardoned criminal record that would be relevant to the academic or placement requirements of the program. The Police Record Check may have to be renewed every three to six months thereafter. For more information and application instructions regarding the Police Record Check, visit oesc-cseo.org.

Fees

The 2010/2011 fee for two semesters is
- domestic $10,002.28
- international $11,730.

For further information, refer to Fees and Financial Assistance in this publication.

Financial Aid

Additional Costs

$55 for testing session; approximately $175 for York University Fitness Evaluation (on a date scheduled by Humber) and approximately $700 for firefighter-related books/equipment. Psychology and Humanities books are extra.

Curriculum

Semester 1
COURSE Code	Course	Credits
FPRE 101	Introduction to the Fire Service	2
FPRE 102	Fire Behaviour and Chemistry of Combustion	2
FPRE 103	Fire Ground Operations 1	6
FPRE 106	Firefighter Fitness Training	2
FPRE 109	Specialized Rescue 1	4
FPRE 205	Role of the Firefighter in the Community 2	3
HUMA 024	Humanities: An Introduction to Arts and Science	3
LANG 129	Writing Skills – Firefighters	3

Semester 2
COURSE Code	Course	Credits
FPRE 105	Role of the Firefighter in the Community 1	3
FPRE 107	Introduction to Computers	2
FPRE 201	Fire Apparatus Operations	2
FPRE 203	Fire Ground Operations 2	6
FPRE 210	Firefighter Emergency Patient Care	6
FPRE 301	Live Fire Evolutions	5
FPRE 303	Fire Ground Operations 3	6
FPRE 305	Work Placement	4
FPRE 309	WHMIS/Hazardous Materials - Awareness	2
PSYC 001	Psychology: Introduction	3

Application Program Code: 21701

Certificate