Firefighter - Pre-Service Education and Training
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code1260
- Credential NamePre-Service Firefighter Education and Training
- Credential TypeOntario College Certificate
- SchoolSchool of Community and Health Studies
- Program TypePost-secondary program
- Program Length1 year/ 3 semesters
- LocationProgress Campus
- Emailcommunitystudiesprogress@centennialcollege.ca
- Telephone416-289-5000
Program Availability
- Program Overview
- Courses
- Career Options and Education Pathways
- Admission Requirements
- How to Apply
- Tuition and Fees
- Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
- Advising Services
Launch Your Firefighting Career with Confidence – Anywhere in Canada or North America
Centennial College’s Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program equips you with the essential knowledge, hands-on experience, and core values to succeed as an operational firefighter in today’s dynamic fire service environment.
The program is rooted in the values of courage, compassion, inclusion and professionalism. You will be empowered to serve all communities with confidence, cultural awareness, and respect. You’ll train alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, learn from dedicated and experienced instructors, and prepare to thrive in a variety of urban and regional fire service environments.
This 11-month, Ontario-standardized graduate certificate program, endorsed by the Fire Marshal of Ontario and the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, is recognized by fire departments across Canada and increasingly throughout North America as a preferred pathway to an exciting career in the fire services.
- Developed in alignment with the standards set by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) and the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM).
- Unique blend of academic learning and hands-on training ensures you’re ready for the realities of fire service work. You’ll learn from experienced fire service professionals at Progress Campus, practice life-saving techniques in a state-of-the-art medical lab at Morningside Campus, and gain practical, live-fire experience at Ajax Fire Services’ training facility.
- Integrates theoretical foundations with practical, real-world training in:
- Fire suppression
- Rescue operations
- Environmental protection
- Emergency patient care
- Hazardous materials response
- Community education and prevention
- Fire Alarm Operation
- Mental Health and Resiliency
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Fire Extinguisher Operation
- Hazardous Materials Air Monitoring
National Certification Opportunities
Graduates are eligible to challenge the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Firefighter Levels I & II and NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations certifications — recognized standards that open doors across jurisdictions in Canada and beyond. Successful completion of all course requirements and assessments will provide the graduate with above noted NFPA certificate seals as well equivalency for IFSAC and ProBoard seals. You will also receive the following certificates:
- Emergency Medical Responder, (EMR) certification.
- A certificate recognized by the Canadian Fire Alarm Association to expand your qualifications as a firefighter.
- A certificate in Mental Health and Resiliency that all fire services are placing added importance upon.
- A certificate in fire extinguisher operation and training.
- Occupational Health and Safety Awareness Certificate.
In addition, we will assist you with guidance to obtain your Class D with Z Endorsement vehicle driving licence.
All of the required NFPA/Ontario Fire Marshal office testing is arranged and included in your 11-month learning calendar. Upon successful completion of the program and the required NFPA testing, you will be ready to start your journey and begin applying to fire service across Canada.
Graduates Will Be Able To:
- Volunteer with municipal fire services across the GTA, working alongside professional firefighters assisting in fundraising events, social activities, public open houses and displays.
- Navigate the firefighter hiring process, including the OFAI Candidate Testing Services Fire Services Ontario (FSO), and York University Firefighter Testing.
- Demonstrate ethical, legal, and safety compliance in high-stakes settings.
- Apply fire service terminology to communicate clearly and effectively.
- Operate firefighting tools and apparatus safely and skillfully.
- Respond to emergencies with confidence, sensitivity, and teamwork.
- Collaborate across emergency services to ensure integrated response.
- Train in live-fire and simulated environments that prepare you for real-world challenges.
Is This Program Right for You?
This program is ideal for individuals who are:
- Committed to public service and community safety.
- Physically fit and mentally resilient.
- Team-oriented with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Motivated to serve diverse populations across North America.
Take the first step toward a meaningful, mobile career as a firefighter. Get ready to serve anywhere your passion takes you.
Program Overview
Launch Your Firefighting Career with Confidence – Anywhere in Canada or North America
Centennial College’s Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program equips you with the essential knowledge, hands-on experience, and core values to succeed as an operational firefighter in today’s dynamic fire service environment.
The program is rooted in the values of courage, compassion, inclusion and professionalism. You will be empowered to serve all communities with confidence, cultural awareness, and respect. You’ll train alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, learn from dedicated and experienced instructors, and prepare to thrive in a variety of urban and regional fire service environments.
This 11-month, Ontario-standardized graduate certificate program, endorsed by the Fire Marshal of Ontario and the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, is recognized by fire departments across Canada and increasingly throughout North America as a preferred pathway to an exciting career in the fire services.
- Developed in alignment with the standards set by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) and the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM).
- Unique blend of academic learning and hands-on training ensures you’re ready for the realities of fire service work. You’ll learn from experienced fire service professionals at Progress Campus, practice life-saving techniques in a state-of-the-art medical lab at Morningside Campus, and gain practical, live-fire experience at Ajax Fire Services’ training facility.
- Integrates theoretical foundations with practical, real-world training in:
- Fire suppression
- Rescue operations
- Environmental protection
- Emergency patient care
- Hazardous materials response
- Community education and prevention
- Fire Alarm Operation
- Mental Health and Resiliency
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Fire Extinguisher Operation
- Hazardous Materials Air Monitoring
National Certification Opportunities
Graduates are eligible to challenge the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Firefighter Levels I & II and NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations certifications — recognized standards that open doors across jurisdictions in Canada and beyond. Successful completion of all course requirements and assessments will provide the graduate with above noted NFPA certificate seals as well equivalency for IFSAC and ProBoard seals. You will also receive the following certificates:
- Emergency Medical Responder, (EMR) certification.
- A certificate recognized by the Canadian Fire Alarm Association to expand your qualifications as a firefighter.
- A certificate in Mental Health and Resiliency that all fire services are placing added importance upon.
- A certificate in fire extinguisher operation and training.
- Occupational Health and Safety Awareness Certificate.
In addition, we will assist you with guidance to obtain your Class D with Z Endorsement vehicle driving licence.
All of the required NFPA/Ontario Fire Marshal office testing is arranged and included in your 11-month learning calendar. Upon successful completion of the program and the required NFPA testing, you will be ready to start your journey and begin applying to fire service across Canada.
Graduates Will Be Able To:
- Volunteer with municipal fire services across the GTA, working alongside professional firefighters assisting in fundraising events, social activities, public open houses and displays.
- Navigate the firefighter hiring process, including the OFAI Candidate Testing Services Fire Services Ontario (FSO), and York University Firefighter Testing.
- Demonstrate ethical, legal, and safety compliance in high-stakes settings.
- Apply fire service terminology to communicate clearly and effectively.
- Operate firefighting tools and apparatus safely and skillfully.
- Respond to emergencies with confidence, sensitivity, and teamwork.
- Collaborate across emergency services to ensure integrated response.
- Train in live-fire and simulated environments that prepare you for real-world challenges.
Is This Program Right for You?
This program is ideal for individuals who are:
- Committed to public service and community safety.
- Physically fit and mentally resilient.
- Team-oriented with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Motivated to serve diverse populations across North America.
Take the first step toward a meaningful, mobile career as a firefighter. Get ready to serve anywhere your passion takes you.
Courses
Career Options and Education Pathways
Program Highlights
- This Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training certificate program will be taught in three consecutive semesters. During the first two semesters, you'll receive one full day of practical training at one of two locations each week. In Semester 3, practical training will be scheduled twice per week.
- You'll benefit from simulation training under the guidance of qualified instructors, while enjoying ample time in smaller group-teaching scenarios.
- This School of Community and Health Studies offering will allow you to gain practical experience in various activities.
Career Outlook
- Firefighter
- Rescue firefighter
- Hazmat firefighter
- Industrial firefighter
- Airport firefighter
Education Pathways
Graduates of the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training certificate program have the opportunity to apply their learning for credits toward further study. Listed below are institutions offering pathways for this program.
Please note that each receiving institution has minimum admission requirements in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the receiving institution.
| Region | Institution |
|---|---|
| Ontario | Nipissing University |
For more detailed pathways information, visit our website at //centennial.adv-pub.moveonca.com/outgoing-home/.
Use the following Education Pathways Checklist as a guide as you explore your options.
For pathways to other Ontario post-secondary institutions, please visit ONTransfer.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)
- Grade 12 English (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take the Centennial English Admission Test
- Grade 11 Mathematics (C, M, or U) or Grade 12 Mathematics (C, M, or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take the Centennial College Math Skills Assessment for Admission
Additional Requirements
- English language proficiency
- Provide a clear medical report
- Complete/update CPR and First Aid training
- Assume the cost for your uniforms, personal protective equipment, study materials and mandatory tests, including but not limited to physical fitness testing, and other provincially required testing
- Though not required for this program, you should be aware that in order to secure employment with a municipal fire service, you must, among other things, have 20/30 vision, pass a physical and medical fitness test and have no criminal record.
Field Placement Requirements
Field Placement RequirementsHow to Apply
1. Apply Online
If you are applying through the Better Jobs Ontario Program, please work with an Employment Ontario service provider. For more information go to Better Jobs Ontario Program.
If you have previously attended a full time program at Centennial College, you may be eligible for a Program Transfer. Visit Enrolment Services at any Campus for information.
All other applicants must apply online at Ontariocolleges.ca. A non-refundable application fee of $125 must accompany applications. The fee is payable online, by telephone, online banking, by mail, or in person to Ontariocolleges.ca. For more information go to Ontariocolleges.ca Application Fees.
2. Submit Documents
Current Ontario high school students and graduates from Ontario high schools: Notify your guidance counsellor that you have applied to college and your school will forward transcripts to Centennial College via Ontariocolleges.ca.
Graduates of college/university, or high school outside Ontario but within Canada: You are responsible for requesting that your educational institute sends any required documents and transcripts to Ontariocolleges.ca.
Applicants who attended school outside of Canada: If you are submitting transcripts to meet admission requirements, you must have the transcripts assessed by an independent credential assessment agency such as World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS).
For more information go to Submitting your Transcripts.
3. Confirm Your Offer of Admission
Offers of Admission are sent by mail to eligible applicants. When you receive your offer, you must login to your account at Ontariocolleges.ca and confirm before the Deadline to Confirm noted in your offer letter.
You may confirm only one college and one program offer at a time.
You must confirm your offer by the Deadline to Confirm noted in your Offer of Admission letter or your seat may be given to another applicant.
When you confirm your Offer of Admission at Centennial College you are given access to your personal myCentennial account where you can check your email, grades, register for courses, pay tuition fees, and see your class timetable.
4. Pay Fees
Centennial fees statements are sent by email to your personal email account and to your myCentennial email account. Fees statements are not mailed.
You must make a minimum payment by the Fees Deadline noted in your Fees Statement or your seat may be given to another applicant.
5. Build Your Timetable (Register for Courses)
Build your timetable (web-register for courses) at my.centennialcollege.ca.
Fall registration begins mid-July
January registration begins mid-December
May registration begins mid-April
Your web-registration will not open if:
You have not submitted your minimum fee payment by the deadline
You received a Conditional Offer of Admission and you have not met the conditions of your offer.
Once you have paid your fees or have made appropriate arrangements, register for your courses online through myCentennial.
Tuition and Fees
Fees noted below are estimates only. Tuition is based on three semesters, beginning Fall 2025.
| Student | Tuition (3 Semesters) | Ancillary Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | $12,169.50 | $2,267.79 | $14,437.29 |
| International | $30,246.00 | $2,671.90 | $32,917.90 |
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform these outcomes before graduating.
- Demonstrate the culminating role performance in the following areas: Fire suppression, community education and fire prevention, firefighter emergency patient care, environmental protection, and special rescue operations.
- Identify and use the personal and professional developmental resources / activities that promote growth and contribute to lifelong learning.
- Meet the ethical, legal, and safety requirements of a professional in the fire service.
- Use safe practices and techniques with fire department apparatus, tools and equipment.
- Communicate effectively using verbal, non-verbal, written, or electronic methods including recognized and appropriate fire service terminology.
- Interact with others in a variety of emergency and non-emergency situations in a manner that demonstrates confidence, professionalism, and sensitivity to others and to the situation.
- Demonstrate respect when communicating effectively with diverse communities and their members.
- Use effective and appropriate problem-solving and decision-making skills in emergency and non-emergency situations.
- Work effectively with other members of the fire service team, pre-hospital emergency care providers, and other emergency service-related groups to provide comprehensive service in emergency and non-emergency situations.
- Personality TestSTARTMatch your personality to a career
- Career ExplorerLEARN MOREExplore your future career