The SD Miramar College Accredited Regional Firefighter 1 Academy consists of courses taken together in a sequential cohort model. Students are selected via lottery and are required to enroll in all courses in the sequence. In the table below is the list of courses that meet the requirements for the State Fire Academy and Category 1 Hiring Requirements for CAL FIRE.
***Note: Complete the Fire Academy Interest Form if interested in applying to the Fall of 2026 Fire Academy and would like to be notified and receive the Fire Academy Application (dates below). Once you complete the interest form, you will receive the application electronically the morning of the 1st day of the application period (dates below) via the email address you submit on the interest form. Please be sure to check your junk mail if you do not receive the application.***
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Fall AND Spring Schedule:
Fall Semester: Starts Mid-August and runs through the end of December
Spring Semester: Starts in January and runs through the end of May
For both Fall AND Spring semesters the days and hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday (7am to 5pm)
Prerequisites for the Fire Academy
The prerequisites to attend the academy include: (***You may apply to the academy while in progress with these prerequisites. The applications that have prerequisites fully completed will be considered first prior to the applications with prerequisites in progress***):
Completion of an EMT course.
If you have questions about your EMT eligibility, license or recertification; please contact EMT Program Director Mary Kjartanson at [email protected].
You can also see more information about the SD Miramar College EMT program by going to: https://sites.google.com/view/miramaremtprogram/home
FIPT 101 - Fire Protection Organization or equivalent college course with a grade of C or better.
Successful completion of FACD 100D - FIRE ACADEMY PREPARATION course with a grade of B or better. Notice that we are no long accepting a CPAT card starting Fall 2026.
The Application Period:
- Fall Fire Academy is April 1st-30th
Spring Fire Academy is September 2nd-30th.
Mandatory Orientation:
Fall Fire Academy is in May
Spring Fire Academy is in October
General College Registration:
Make sure to register as a student at Miramar College first. A student ID number is required to enroll in the academy.
Fire Academy Cohort Course List:
Students who complete the required Fire Academy Training are eligible to participate in the FACD 173 - FIREFIGHTER I ACADEMY SKILLS REVIEW AND CERTIFICATION exam to meet Firefighter I Exam requirements for State Fire Training. Students who successfully complete/pass the requirements for the SFT Firefighter I Certification Exam are eligible for the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) & Pro Board seal.
- FACD 100F - FIRE ACADEMY FITNESS, CONDITIONING, HEALTH AND WELLNESS
- FACD 170 - FIREFIGHTER 1A - STRUCTURAL FIREFIGHTING
- FACD 171 - FIREFIGHTER 1B - HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
- FACD 172 - FIREFIGHTER 1C - WILDLAND OPERATIONS
- FACD 173 - FIREFIGHTER I ACADEMY SKILLS REVIEW AND CERTIFICATION
- FACD 174 - COMMON PASSENGER VEHICLE RESCUE TECHNICIAN
Fire Academy Cost Estimates
Please review the student fees associated with the Fire Academy. Student fees include the costs of Tuition, Books, Uniforms, State Fire Training Certification Fees, Equipment Rental and miscellaneous academy needs. Please review the cost sheet for the Fire Academy:
Turnout Rental Package:
Uniform Spec from Cal Uniforms: (The first table below is the minimum uniform purchase quantities and the 2nd table below is the recommended uniform purchase quantities)
Perspective Fire Academy Students
Waiting for the next academy to start? What should you do to prepare physically and mentally for the next academy?
Ensure you are working on the prerequisites identified above
Purchase the latest edition of the Jones and Bartlett Fundamentals of Firefighter Skills and Hazardous Materials Response
By enrolling in the FIPT 100D Fire Department Testing Procedures course; it will help prepare you for the physical demands of the Firefighter Academy. Review the CPAT Preparation Guide. These exercises will prepare you for the academy along with established running goals. Goal should be to run three miles under 30 minutes, a recommended goal during the academy.
If you are 21 or younger consider joining a Fire Cadet or Fire Explorer Program. San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has a wonderful Cadet Program. Please go to https://www.sdfdcadets.com/page/ to explore their requirements and opportunities.
***Due to safety concerns, as well as minimum requirements by regulatory agencies, potential students should be aware applicable courses may require participants to demonstrate physically demanding skills, evolutions and fitness requirements along with both verbal and nonverbal communication. If you have any concerns as to your ability to safely participate in these courses, please contact the Dean of Public Safety at 619-388-7860.***
FIRE ACADEMY & EXERCISE SCIENCE DISCLAIMER - Participation in physical activities involves certain inherent risks. Risks may include, but are not limited to, neck and spinal injuries that may result in paralysis or brain injury, injury to bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons and other aspects of the muscular skeleton system; and serious injury, or impairment, to other aspects of the body and general health, including death. Students are strongly advised to consult a physician prior to participating in any physical education activity. If you have any questions regarding the course or exercise demos, please email the instructor before performing any of the drills, hands on activities, exercises and/or workouts. The San Diego Community College District, its officers, agents and employees are not responsible for the inherent risks associated with participation in physical education or Fire Academy classes.