Firefighter

Program Overview

Be an essential part of the workforce that communities lean on in times of need. Palm Beach State College's Firefighter Career Certificate Program (CCP), also known as PBSC's Fire Academy, prepares students to become certified firefighters.

This career-focused program incorporates real-world learning both on-site and off-campus at local emergency services facilities, where students learn fire department procedures, ventilation practices, proper use of equipment and more. The curriculum is offered in two parts:

Firefighter I: Learn foundational knowledge of being a firefighter — from safety procedures, equipment basics and victim removal to fire prevention methods and hazardous materials training.
Firefighter II: Advance your skills in rescue and extrication, hose operations and implementing incident management systems. Upon completing, you'll be prepared to pursue certification.

Program Details

Admission requirements:
- 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED
- 40-hour certified first responder, EMT or paramedic
- Pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
- Pass the National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NFSI) Placement Exam
Location: On-site at Lake Worth campus
Clock hours: 492
Program length: Three-month daytime program or six-month evening program
Start terms: Fall, Spring and Summer
Cost: About $4,300 for Florida residents or $5,500 for non-Florida residents, including tuition, fees, books, gear and uniforms. View tuition details.
Financial aid and scholarships: Available to qualified students. Learn about financial aid options.

This program is part of the Public Safety Pathway. Learn More

Career Outlook

Firefighters are in demand across the country — and this program equips you to enter the field with confidence. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles as firefighters and fire inspectors and investigators. This program also lays the foundation for long-term career growth, opening doors to advanced, higher-paying positions, such as first-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers.

Stackable Credentials

With a Firefighter certificate, you can:

Transfer credits seamlessly to PBSC's Associate in Science in Fire Science Technology.
Take a state certification exam to become a firefighter.

Why Choose PBSC?

High Standards: Learn practices established by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training of the Florida State Fire College in Ocala.
Affordable Tuition: PBSC offers some of the lowest tuition rates in Florida, making a cutting-edge fire education accessible to all.
Career-Ready Mindset: Learn from expert faculty and graduate with the skills employers need in today's firefighter industry.
Supportive Community: Access industry networking and daily interaction with faculty dedicated to your success.

How to Apply

Select Program Code 5043 for the Firefighter CCP when you fill out PBSC’s general application on the Admissions webpage.
Take the National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NFSI) Placement Exam.
Take the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).
Take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) exam if not exempt from TABE testing.
Submit a limited-access program application for the Firefighter certificate before the deadline listed on the application page.

Take the Next Steps

Palm Beach State College's Firefighter certificate is your affordable, flexible and direct route to a rewarding career in a vital field. Gain the technical, ethical and problem-solving skills employers want. Start your journey today!

Program Contact

Monique Sheriffe
sheriffm@pbsc.edu
561-868-3368

Career Certificate Program (Program Code: 5043)

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