Firefighter I Basic Training Academy

Fire Academy Update and Cadet Expectations

Due to limited academy staff availability, it is imperative that prospective cadets read the information found on this page and on the application before attempting to contact an academy staff member. Most of the answers to your questions can be found here. As a potential cadet and future member of the fire service, initiative is critical and is stressed in this academy. If you have any questions or need additional clarification, we are happy to help.

Overview of the Academy

Crafton Hills College Fire Academy

The Crafton Hills Regional Fire Academy is one of the premier fire academies in Southern California designed to meet the State Fire Marshal’s Basic Skills requirements for Firefighter 1 & 2 Certifications. In most cases, the Firefighter 1 certification and Firefighter 2 Testing is a requirement to apply for the position of Firefighter. The Crafton Hills Regional Fire Academy is accredited through the California State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The 18-unit fire academy includes FIRET-115 (Firefighter 1 & 2 Basic Training Academy). The corequisite KIN/F-049 (“Basic Firefighter Physical Fitness”) will account for 2 of these 18 units. You must pass KIN/F-049 to pass the fire academy. You will earn the following diplomas in the academy: S-190, Fire Control 3, Fire Control 4, Vehicle Extrication, Confined Space Awareness, and Firefighter Survival. Upon successful completion of testing, you will also receive your Firefighter I Certificate, and will have tested to the Firefighter 2 curriculum.

Week 1 of the academy consists of the Enhanced Skills and Performance Program (ESPP). This week places an emphasis on leadership, communication, physical fitness, and is designed to better prepare you for the rigorous academy ahead.

We hold two full-time academies per year. Spring academies will begin in mid-January and fall academies in mid-August. Each is 18 weeks long and the dates roughly match that of our college’s spring and fall semesters. The academy starts at 0600 and ends at approximately 1700 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and occasional Wednesdays. You will not be excused from the academy to test with hiring departments.

 

Academy Prerequisites

Applications are accepted year-round. Acceptance into the academy is on a first-come, first-served basis. Unless otherwise specified, students with completed application packets will be placed immediately into the next available academy. Application packets must be complete and contain all documents when submitted.

The academy prerequisites are:

  1. Completion with a “C” grade or better for the following:
    • Fire Protection Organization – CHC FIRET 100 or Equivalent
    • Fire Prevention Technology – CHC FIRET 101 or Equivalent
  2. National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) card or California State License EMT Card that is valid through the graduation date of your academy.
  3. Successful completion of either a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or Biddle Physical Agility Test. Results are valid for one year from the time of the test and must remain valid through the graduation date of your academy.
  4. Completed Physician Clearance Form found in the "Documents" section of this page. This form is valid for two years from your examination date and must remain valid through the graduation date of your academy.
  5. Resume. A resume is required for your application to be considered “complete,” but its content does not factor into your acceptance. Chief Alder will use the resumes to gauge experience levels and build squads.
  6. Completed questionnaire found in the application packet. Your responses are required for your application to be considered “complete,” but the content does not factor into your acceptance. Chief Alder will use these responses to gauge experience levels and build squads.

Physical Training Requirements

You must enter the academy in top physical condition. If accepted into the academy, you will be tested on the criteria below. If you cannot meet these standards, you may be dropped and asked to return to a future academy.

Run = 1 mile within 8 minutes 30 seconds
Pull-ups = 8 within 1 minute
Push-ups = 25 within 1 minute (rest in plank position but both hands must maintain contact with ground)

Documents

 

Academy # Term Vendor Day Day 1 of Academy Graduation Date Spots Remaining # on Waitlist
Academy 108 Spring 2023 January 10, 2023 January 17, 2023

May 19, 2023

 0  0
Academy 109 Fall 2023 August 8, 2023 August 14, 2023 December 15, 2023 30 0

*In order to be considered for a particular academy, you must submit an application by 1200 one day prior to the Vendor Day for that academy.

*When a space becomes available in the academy and you are the next person to be called from the waitlist, please be informed that you have 48 hours to call us back to confirm that you want that space. If you do not call within 48 hours, we will call the next person and you will return to your original spot in the waitlist.

If you have any specific questions regarding the Fire Academy, contact the Operations Chief, Ryan Harold, at 951-808-2510 or via email at rharold@craftonhills.edu  

Past Degree/Program Requirements

Course Offerings

Fire Technology courses are offered during the Summer 2023 semester.
Fire Technology courses are offered during the Spring 2023 semester.
Fire Technology courses are offered during the Fall 2023 semester.

Please see the College Catalog for additional information and requirements.