Firefighter I Academy

About the Program

The Firefighter I Academy is a special admission academy that is offered twice each year (Fall and Spring) as a 20 week program, 8 hours daily. Accredited by the California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) and the State Board of Fire Services as an Accredited Regional Fire Academy, the Butte College Firefighter I Academy is considered to be one of the premier fire academies in the country. Our Academy graduates have secured fire service positions in agencies from coast to coast. The majority of fire agencies in California require both a CSFM Firefighter I certificate and an EMT-Basic certificate to qualify for a position as a firefighter. The Butte College Firefighter I Academy far exceeds these requirements. Physical conditioning is an important concern in the fire service. During the Academy, cadets receive more than 100 hours of combined physical fitness and agility course training by certified physical fitness instructors, Graduates will not only be in good physical condition, but will also be prepared for the difficult, varied and competitive fire service physical agility entry-level testing. For more detailed information or to apply to the Butte College Firefighter I Academy, please visit our website at: http://www.butte.edu/departments/careertech/publicsafety/fire_academy.html.

The Firefighter I Academy prepares students for successful completion of the Firefighter I Certificate issued by the California Office of State Fire Marshal and to enter into the workforce as entry level firefighters.

Students should be in good physical condition. Academy applicants are required to pass reading and writing tests. A basic understanding of chemistry and competence in mathematics is desirable. Students who are still enrolled in high school and considering a career in fire science are encouraged to take classes in reading, writing, mathematics and chemistry.

Admission to the Program:
Completion of all prerequisite courses (prerequisites may be in progress at the time of application but must be completed prior to the start of the academy).

Prerequisites:

1. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Card, (CPR).
2. Attend (1) mandatory Orientation. 
3. Beginning in Fall 2024 students will be required to have completed EMS 111 or equivalent.

Students are admitted by application only. Contact the Public Safety Education Center (AHPS 144) or visit http://www.butte.edu/careers/public safety for application dates and materials. Admission to the program is based on academic and general requirements. The program will accept the first 50 applicants who complete all the required steps.

Requirements for Application and Admission: Age 17 years or older with a 12th grade education or equivalent.

A cumulative GPA of 2.6.

Current Basic Life Support CPR card equivalent to the current American Heart Association’s guidelines (no online CPR).

Completion of all application forms including: Personal History Statement, Health History Statement, Immunization Record, and Physical Examination.

Fingerprinting through the California Department of Justice is required. Applicants’ conviction and incarceration history must be reviewed and evaluated for clinical eligibility, based on state standards

Program Requirements