NFPA 1010 (1002) Apparatus Operations Training Program

Students may complete the levels individually or consecutively, depending on their existing certifications and professional development goals.

NFPA 1010 Firefighter I, formerly NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I, is a prerequisite for admission into FADO, PADO, or AADO.

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Fire Apparatus Driver Operator (FADO)

The Fire Apparatus Driver Operator course develops the foundational knowledge and practical skills required to inspect, maintain, position, and safely drive fire department apparatus under emergency and non-emergency conditions.

Training includes vehicle inspection, apparatus readiness, vehicle dynamics, defensive driving, safe backing and positioning, road and traffic considerations, emergency response procedures, and operational decision-making.

The practical FADO course includes:

• Two days of in-person instruction and practical training
• A written examination during the training period
• One additional evaluation day shared with PADO students
• Eligibility for an IFSAC seal following successful completion of all requirements

The FADO certification level is available through IFSAC only. Pro Board certification is not available for the FADO level.

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Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator (PADO)

The Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator course prepares students to safely operate fire pumps and manage water supply during fireground operations.

Training includes pump components, apparatus inspection, fire service hydraulics, pump theory, pressure and flow calculations, hydrant operations, drafting, relay pumping, water shuttle considerations, foam systems, troubleshooting, and pumping operations under basic and complex fireground conditions.

The practical PADO course includes:

• Three days of in-person instruction and practical training
• A written examination during the training period
• One additional evaluation day shared with FADO students
• Eligibility for IFSAC and Pro Board certification following successful completion of all requirements

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Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator (AADO)

The Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator course prepares students to safely position, stabilize, and operate fire department aerial apparatus.

Training includes apparatus positioning, site assessment, stabilization systems, outriggers, aerial device limitations, operational safety, load considerations, elevated operations, aerial water delivery, emergency procedures, and the safe deployment of aerial ladders and platforms.

The practical AADO course includes:

• Two days of in-person instruction and practical training
• A written examination during the training period
• One additional AADO evaluation day
• Eligibility for IFSAC and Pro Board certification following successful completion of all requirements

Students must successfully complete the required online training before attending the practical component.

All in-person training is hosted at the Canadian Fire Rescue College campus at 3420 22 Street in Springbrook, Red Deer County, Alberta.

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2026 Course Schedule

The 2026 FADO, PADO, and AADO courses are aligned with NFPA 1002 Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications.

Class 262FADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Fire Apparatus Driver Operator

Weekdays, with final testing on Saturday

Application Deadline: May 29, 2026

First Day of Fire Apparatus Driver Operator: June 29, 2026

Last Day of Fire Apparatus Driver Operator: June 30, 2026

IFSAC Evaluation: July 4, 2026

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Class 262PADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator

Weekdays, with final testing on Saturday

Application Deadline: May 29, 2026

First Day of Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator: July 1, 2026

Last Day of Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator: July 3, 2026

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation: July 4, 2026

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Class 262AADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator

Weekdays, with final evaluation on Wednesday

Application Deadline: June 3, 2026

First Day of Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator: August 3, 2026

Last Day of Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator Instruction: August 4, 2026

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation: August 5, 2026

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Class 263FADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Fire Apparatus Driver Operator

Weekdays, with final testing on Saturday

Application Deadline: August 28, 2026

First Day of Fire Apparatus Driver Operator: September 28, 2026

Last Day of Fire Apparatus Driver Operator: September 29, 2026

IFSAC Evaluation: October 3, 2026

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Class 263PADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator

Weekdays, with final testing on Saturday

Application Deadline: August 28, 2026

First Day of Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator: September 30, 2026

Last Day of Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator: October 2, 2026

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation: October 3, 2026

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Class 263AADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator

Weekdays, with final evaluation on Wednesday

Application Deadline: August 5, 2026

First Day of Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator: October 5, 2026

Last Day of Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator Instruction: October 6, 2026

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation: October 7, 2026

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2027 Course Schedule

The 2027 FADO, PADO, and AADO courses are aligned with NFPA 1010, while continuing to reflect the NFPA 1002 terminology commonly used by departments, firefighters, and recruitment postings.

Class 271FADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Fire Apparatus Driver Operator

Application Deadline: February 5, 2027

First Day of Fire Apparatus Driver Operator: April 5, 2027

Last Day of Fire Apparatus Driver Operator: April 6, 2027

Final Written Examination: April 6, 2027

IFSAC Evaluation: April 10, 2027

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Class 271PADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator

Application Deadline: February 7, 2027

First Day of Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator: April 7, 2027

Last Day of Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator: April 9, 2027

Final Written Examination: April 9, 2027

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation: April 10, 2027

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Class 271AADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator

Application Deadline: February 12, 2027

First Day of Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator: April 12, 2027

Last Day of Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator: April 13, 2027

Final Written Examination: April 13, 2027

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation: April 14, 2027

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Class 272FADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Fire Apparatus Driver Operator

Application Deadline: April 28, 2027

First Day of Fire Apparatus Driver Operator: June 28, 2027

Last Day of Fire Apparatus Driver Operator: June 29, 2027

Final Written Examination: June 29, 2027

IFSAC Evaluation: July 3, 2027

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Class 272PADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator

Application Deadline: April 30, 2027

First Day of Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator: June 30, 2027

Last Day of Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator: July 2, 2027

Final Written Examination: July 2, 2027

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation: July 3, 2027

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Class 272AADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator

Application Deadline: May 5, 2027

First Day of Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator: July 5, 2027

Last Day of Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator: July 6, 2027

Final Written Examination: July 6, 2027

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation: July 7, 2027

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Class 273FADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Fire Apparatus Driver Operator

Application Deadline: July 27, 2027

First Day of Fire Apparatus Driver Operator: September 27, 2027

Last Day of Fire Apparatus Driver Operator: September 28, 2027

Final Written Examination: September 28, 2027

IFSAC Evaluation: October 2, 2027

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Class 273PADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator

Application Deadline: July 29, 2027

First Day of Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator: September 29, 2027

Last Day of Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator: October 1, 2027

Final Written Examination: October 1, 2027

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation: October 2, 2027

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Class 273AADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator

Application Deadline: August 4, 2027

First Day of Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator: October 4, 2027

Last Day of Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator: October 5, 2027

Final Written Examination: October 5, 2027

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation: October 6, 2027

Canadian Fire Rescue College maintains a comprehensive admissions policy that prospective students are encouraged to review before applying.

Key eligibility requirements for this program include:

• NFPA 1010 Firefighter I or legacy NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I certification through IFSAC, Pro Board, or CFRC
• Firefighter I certification is required before admission into FADO, PADO, or AADO
• Valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s licence with an air brake endorsement, or an accepted equivalent
• Legal right to work in Canada
• Physical ability to perform the required firefighter and apparatus operator duties
• Physician’s medical clearance
• English-language proficiency in accordance with the CFRC Language Proficiency Policy
• High school diploma, GED, or approved mature admission
• Proof that the applicant is at least 18 years of age
• Standard First Aid and CPR Level C, or an accepted equivalent or higher certification

CFRC does not currently accept international students into this program.

Canadian Fire Rescue College offers payment plan options across all training programs, allowing students to manage tuition costs without paying the full amount upfront. Eligible students may apply for a payment plan as part of the program application process.

Our programs are considered part-time and are not currently eligible for government-funded student loans or grants. Students typically arrange financing through personal savings or private loans from banks or financial institutions.

2026 Pricing:

Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator: Full Program (NFPA 1002 Chapters 4 & 5) 

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $2,065.00

TOTAL: $2,215.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition) 

Fire Apparatus Driver: NFPA 1002 Chapter 4 - Driving Only

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $1,080.00

TOTAL: $1,230.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition) 

Pumping Apparatus Operator: NFPA 1002 Chapter 5 - Pumping Only

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $1,470.00

TOTAL: $1,620.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition) 

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2027 Pricing:

Fire Apparatus Driver Operator: NFPA 1010 Driver, formerly NFPA 1002 FADO

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $840.00

TOTAL: $990.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition)

Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator: NFPA 1010 Pumper, formerly NFPA 1002 PADO

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $840.00

TOTAL: $990.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition)

Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator: NFPA 1010 Aerial, formerly NFPA 1002 AADO

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $840.00

TOTAL: $990.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition)

Tuition must be paid by the applicable deadlines before students attend the practical component.

Students cannot make tuition payments until they have submitted an application and been accepted into the program.

The Apparatus Operations Training Program is delivered in a blended format, meaning that students complete required theory online before attending CFRC for practical training and final evaluations.

Online Component

The online component:

• Provides the foundational theoretical knowledge required for the apparatus operator level or levels selected
• Aligns with NFPA 1002 requirements for 2026 courses
• Aligns with NFPA 1010 Driver, Pumper, and Aerial Apparatus Operator requirements for 2027 courses
• Continues to incorporate NFPA 1002 terminology for legacy recognition and searchability
• Uses interactive visual and audio learning aids developed in partnership with Action Training Systems Inc.
• Prepares students for practical apparatus driving, pump operations, aerial operations, written testing, and skills evaluations
• Requires the applicable textbook and course learning materials
• Must be successfully completed before the student attends the practical component

The program follows scheduled practical training dates and application deadlines. Students should apply, pay tuition, purchase the required textbook, and begin their online training early enough to complete all required coursework before arriving on campus.

Students may try the sample online course through the CFRC Student Portal before enrolling.

Practical Component

The practical component is delivered at Canadian Fire Rescue College’s Red Deer County campus and includes hands-on apparatus operations, scenario-based instruction, written examinations, and formal skills evaluations.

Practical training includes:

• Two days of FADO instruction, followed by a shared FADO/PADO evaluation day
• Three days of PADO instruction, followed by the shared FADO/PADO evaluation day
• Two days of AADO instruction, followed by a separate AADO evaluation day
• In-person instruction and demonstration of apparatus operator skills
• Practical operation of fire department vehicles
• Pumping operations using different fire pumps and water supply configurations
• Aerial apparatus positioning, stabilization, deployment, and operation
• Written examinations and formal practical evaluations
• On-campus accommodation included with tuition

Students must complete all applicable admission requirements before attending practical training, including medical clearance and required documentation.

The Apparatus Operations Training Program covers three NFPA certification levels:

• NFPA 1010 Fire Apparatus Driver Operator, Driver level, formerly NFPA 1002 FADO
• NFPA 1010 Fire Apparatus Driver Operator, Pumper level, formerly NFPA 1002 PADO
• NFPA 1010 Fire Apparatus Driver Operator, Aerial level, formerly NFPA 1002 AADO

Students completing 2026 courses will train and be evaluated under the applicable NFPA 1002 standard. Students completing 2027 courses will train and be evaluated under the applicable NFPA 1010 standard.

These levels are designed to complement one another and may be taken consecutively or individually, provided the student meets the applicable prerequisites.

Successful FADO graduates may be eligible to receive an IFSAC seal. The FADO level is not available through Pro Board®.

Successful PADO and AADO graduates may be eligible to apply for and receive IFSAC and Pro Board certifications for the applicable levels.

IFSAC and Pro Board®certifications are widely recognized by fire departments and emergency services organizations. Individual departments, municipalities, provinces, states, and other employers may establish their own certification, licensing, experience, medical, and recruitment requirements.

For further information regarding the Pro Board®, visit www.theproboard.org 

The Apparatus Operations Training Program provides students with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely drive and operate emergency vehicles, manage fire pumps and water supply systems, and operate aerial apparatus.

These qualifications may support:

• Apparatus operator assignments within municipal, regional, industrial, volunteer, paid-on-call, and composite fire departments
• Department driver/operator qualification processes
• Pump operator responsibilities
• Aerial apparatus operator responsibilities
• Professional development and internal promotion
• Increased operational versatility
• Stronger qualifications for firefighter recruitment and emergency response employment

Some fire departments require apparatus operator certification before firefighters can operate department vehicles independently, perform specialized apparatus assignments, or advance into certain positions.

This program is exempt from licensing through Alberta Advanced Education because it is intended to improve existing occupational skills and is not considered the minimum education required to enter a field of employment.

Canadian Fire Rescue College provides free, on-site student accommodation to support enrolled students during their firefighter and emergency services training. Single-occupancy rooms and shared facilities are available on campus, allowing students to focus on learning, rest, and performance without the added stress of securing housing.

Click here to learn more about student accommodation at CFRC.

The only fees that students may encounter that not included with their tuition are:

Class B uniforms: 

• Available for purchase via the college IN ADVANCE - they are custom ordered and shipped from a third-party supplier so they cannot be purchased on the day you arrive. Orders must be placed at least 30 days prior to the start date of your practical component. Uniforms come with CFRC patches sewn on, and pants hemmed - $178.75 for each full set (not including black work/station boots).

2026 Textbook: Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 3rd Edition Textbook: 

• Available for purchase from the AFCA Bookstore in E-Book format - $96. The Print version can also be purchased there for $127.

2027 Textbook: Pumping & Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator, 4th Edition Textbook:

• Available for purchase from the AFCA Bookstore in E-Book format - $145.16. The Print version can also be purchased there for $158.52.

IFSAC and Pro Board Certification fees: 

• Payable to the Province of Alberta - $60 per certificate (2 certificates in this program)

Food during your stay: 

• CFRC offers an optional weekday meal plan at a cost of $50 per day.
• Students should submit meal orders and communicate allergies, dietary restrictions, and food preferences directly to the CFRC culinary team.
• NOTE* There is no meal-service provided by the college on weekends or holidays.

Travel costs to and from campus: 

• Travel to and from the Edmonton International Airport or the Calgary International Airport, the cost of flights, or if you travel directly to the school via car or bus will all cost you money. The nearest airport to the CFRC campus is the Calgary Airport (YYC), however the Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is only a few kilometers further away. These airports are both approximately a 1 hour drive from the college facility. One-way travel via Red Arrow bus-lines costs from $40 - $64, however a rideshare or taxi from Red Deer to the Campus will need to be purchased as well which will cost from $30-$50 ($70-$114 one-way total). The Red Arrow Pick-up and Drop-off location in Red Deer is 7150 50 Ave, Red Deer, Alberta (in front of the Quality Inn), and the college address is 3410 21 Street, Springbrook, Alberta.  
• If you need to book a flight, click here to see what is available and for pricing.

Computer Access:

• The online component of the program requires use of a computer with high speed internet connection. Most students utilize a laptop, and bring it with them to the practical component for further study. Laptops can range in price from $150 to $3,000. 

Before you apply, it is a good idea to reach out to an admissions specialist. 

You can book a video chat appointment with one, or send them an email. Click here to get started.

Ready to apply? Click on the link here to begin the application package.