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Admission Requirements

Entrance Requirements

Assessment Process

Physical Ability Test

Cost

FAQ

Application

This certificate program was developed to prepare students for a career as a professional firefighter. The Collin County Community College Fire Academy meets the curriculum requirements for certification as a basic firefighter for the state of Texas. Most fire departments require applicants to complete basic firefighter training before they take a fire department entrance exam. Students accepted into the Fire Academy will also complete Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training for state certification.

The Fire Academy program at CCCCD was the first to conduct the training for full college credit (29 credits).

Admission Requirements

1. All prospective students must meet admission requirements to Collin County Community College as outlined in the current college catalog. Admission requirements include one of the following categories:

• 18 years of age or older
• Graduation from high school or completion of a General Education Degree (GED) If neither of the above applies, a student may be admitted on a probationary basis (if 18 years or older and whose high school class has graduated) by giving evidence of ability to profit from college instruction.

2. Prospective students applying to the Basic Firefighter Certificate program (Fire Academy) are classified into one of two categories: sponsored and non-sponsored. A sponsored applicant refers to applicants who are full-time (40 hours per week), paid employees of a sponsoring fire department, having successfully completed entrance requirements equivalent to those required by the Fire Academy. Non-sponsored applicants include all other individuals applying to the Fire Academy.

3. All non-sponsored applicants must complete the Basic Firefighter Certificate Program (Fire Academy) entrance assessment process. The assessment process consists of the college board descriptive tests for mathematics and reading comprehension, a physical ability performance task evaluation and a personal interview. The combined score of these tests will assist in determining candidacy for the Fire Academy. Selection for the Fire Academy is conducted on a competitive basis. Test scores will be considered active for one year. Applicants should note that assessment tests are also required for any student enrolling in any college level math or English courses. There are no fees involved for the assessment process.

4. A sponsoring fire department must submit a letter of sponsorship containing the applicant’s name, address, phone number, social security number, and statement of equivalent entrance requirements certification within the cut-off date. The letter must be written on fire department letterhead stating that the applicant is a full-time, paid employee of the sponsoring fire department with a chief’s signature. The fire chief is certifying that the individual has successfully completed departmental entrance requirements equivalent to the reading, math, and physical ability skills required for admission into the Fire Academy.

5. New students enrolling at Collin County Community College are required to submit official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended along with a New Student Application for Admission form. Students on academic suspension may not be eligible for the Fire Academy.

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Entrance Requirements

Acceptance into the Fire Academy is on a competitive basis. The typical class size for the Fire Academy is 24 students. Students interested in the Fire Academy must complete the application process to the Fire Academy. Applicants must complete the following:

Reading Assessment Test
Math Assessment Test
Physical Ability Exam
Personal Interview

The Physical Ability Test represents activities and tasks common to the fire service. Included in the test is a stair climb, sledge hammer swing, equipment carry, rescue, ladder raise and extension, and a 1-3/4" hose drag. All non-sponsored applicants for the Fire Academy must take the physical ability test.

Scheduling Fire Academy classes are offered in both an evening and day-time format. The evening academy requires two semesters for completion. The day academy requires 16 weeks for completion. The classes are conducted at the Central Park Campus in McKinney, Texas.

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The Assessment Process

1. Report to the Admissions Office and complete the Application for Admission form.

2. Report to the Testing Center located in Room B342 on the Central Park Campus in McKinney, Texas. Please Call (972) 548-6888 to confirm testing center hours. NOTE: The last test will be given out three (3) hours before closing time. All applicants must take the Fire Science Math I Assessment Test, even if you already have college credit for math, or have taken other Math Assessment Tests. Your cumulative score must include your performance on Math Assessment (Fire Science) taken at Collin County Community College.

3. All applicants must also take the Reading Comprehension Test, even if you already have college credit for reading or have taken the reading test at another institution of higher education. Cumulative score must include your performance on the Reading Comprehension Test taken at Collin County Community College. Upon completion of the tests, ask the Testing Center proctor to record your scores on the enclosed Fire Academy Application Form. Be sure to allow three hours to complete these tests. Testing Center proctors may require additional time for grading tests.

4. Obtain a physician’s signature on the release form on the application. Applicant’s failing to submit a physician’s release signature will not be allowed to participate in the required physical ability performance tasks.

5. The next step in the Fire Academy application process is to schedule a time for the Physical Ability Exam. For information on the Physical Ability Exam dates, call (972) 548-6836. The Physical Ability Exam is part of the entrance requirements for the Basic Firefighter Certification program (Fire Academy). Each task related to typical fire department activities. Applicants should wear suitable athletic attire for the Physical Ability Exam. Gloves will be provided to be worn during the exam. The Physical Ability Exam is evaluated by proctors from Collin County Community College. The exam has a maximum time limit. Failure to complete the task within the time limit will result in a failure. The exam is timed by a stopwatch.

6. A candidate for the Basic Firefighter Certificate Program (Fire Academy) must meet or exceed the minimum score in each area to qualify for the personal interview. The personal interview is conducted in the presence of fire service professionals. Applicants will be notified at the conclusion of the physical ability exam of available dates and times for the personal interview. The scores, along with the personal interview, will be used to determine acceptance into the Basic Firefighter Certificate Program. Successful candidates accepted into the Basic Firefighter Certificate Program will be notified in writing.

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Physical Ability Test

Task Description: The applicant shall climb a 5-story stairwell for a total of two times.

Time allowed: 4 minutes.

Cost

Students are advised to budget approximately $3,000 for costs associated with the Fire Academy. This amount is based on a student residing within Collin County and includes: Tuition, Books, Uniform, Protective clothing (NFPA approved), EMT insurance, State registration/testing fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Fire Academy approved by the state?

Yes, the program at CCCCD is approved by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection for certification as a Basic Firefighter (576 hrs.)

Yes, you will earn 29 credit hours upon completion of the program.

Yes, the points scored on each exam are used to determine acceptance into the Fire Academy. These two exams are created specifically for our program. Students may only take the reading and math assessment tests twice a semester.

EVENING ACADEMY: This program requires two semesters to complete. Students attend three nights per week and every Saturday during both semester.  (This estimate is only for the Fire Academy, please estimate an additional 12 weeks for EMT-Basic.)

DAY ACADEMY: This program requires 16 weeks to complete. Students attend classes Monday through Friday, 8a.m.-5p.m. (This estimate is only for the Fire Academy, please estimate an additional 10 weeks for EMT-Basic.)

How do I enroll?

Students are accepted into the Fire Academy on a competitive basis. Students may print off an application packet from on the Fire Science website, or pick up an application at either the Fire Science Office or Advising, or receive an application by mail.

A typical Fire Academy class includes 24 students. Is there a minimum age? The Texas Department of Health requires EMT students to be at least 18 years of age for certification. Most fire departments have a minimum age requirement of 21. How much does it cost? Applicants should budget approximately $2,600 for a student residing within Collin County.

May I use my own personal protective equipment?

Each student is required to have his or her own NFPA approved helmet, hood, gloves, boots and gear bag. Firefighting pants and coats are provided by the college. In all cases, the equipment must be inspected and approved by the Fire Academy director.

May I use training from other schools, departments or seminars toward my certification?

No.

May I receive credit by exam for any portion of these courses?

No.

Will the college conduct a criminal background check?

Yes. we do background checks on all academy students.  In addition, state agencies issuing firefighter and EMT certifications will conduct background checks and may refuse to let you take the certification exams. Also, employers are likely to conduct a background investigation.

Where are the classes conducted?

Classes are held at the Fire Science Training Facility located adjacent to the McKinney No. 2 Fire Station on the Central Park Campus and at our Fire Training.