Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator Training Program

The CFRC has a pretty comprehensive admissions policy which students should review before applying. The highlights of the requirements for this program are: 

• NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I (IFSAC, Pro Board, or CFRC certification)
• Valid Alberta Class 5 Drivers License with Airbrake Endorsement (Or equivalent)
• Legal Right to work in Canada (we do not currently accept international students into this program)
• Physical ability to perform firefighting duties (require doctors medical clearance)
• English Language Proficiency (in accordance to the CFRC Language Proficiency Policy)
• High School Diploma, GED, or letter requesting Mature Admission
• Proof of age (minimum 18 years of age)
• Standard First Aid and CPR Level C (or equivalent/higher - from an approved training provider)

The PADO program is delivered in a blended format, meaning that a portion of the course is delivered online, and a portion is delivered in person.

Online Component:

• Approximately 64 hours of self-paced online learning
• Provides you with the basic theoretical knowledge required to drive and operate an apparatus equipped with a fire pump.
• Meets the theory learning requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1002 standard, Driver and Pumper levels (now consolidated in the NFPA 1010 standard)
• You can register and begin the Pump Operator training program at any time, no registration deadlines or set class dates
• No due dates! You can complete the Pump Operator training program at your own pace
• Interactive visual and audio learning aids developed in partnership with Action Training Systems Inc.
• You must purchase the required Pump Operator training textbook for this program. Textbooks are available in print or electronic versions.
• Try out our sample course in the student portal to make sure this training works for you.

Practical Component:

• Approximately 56 hours of in-person skills-based instruction with 8 hours of formal final skills evaluation.
• Must successfully complete the CFRC Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator - Online program before attending
• There are admission requirements to this program that must be met prior to attending, such as a doctors medical clearance. Ensure all requirements are met before attending.
• Involves in-person demonstration and instruction of Pump Operator skills.
• Drive a wide variety of firefighting vehicles during your training, and learn how to operate various types of firefighting pumps in basic and complex firefights.
• Apply your Driver Operator skills to actual 911 calls! Yes, the CFRC encourages students to respond to emergencies with the local Fire Department. 
• Stay at the college dorms. Accommodations are included with tuition. 
• Receive Pro-Board testing. If successful, you will be eligible to receive IFSAC and Pro-Board certifications for NFPA 1002 Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator. 

There are two National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) level covered in this Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator training program, they are:

NFPA 1002 Fire Apparatus Driver Operator (FADO)

NFPA 1002 Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator (PADO)

These levels are intended to be taken consecutively, but can be taken individually.

Successful graduates of the program will be eligible to apply for and recieve IFSAC and Pro Board® certifications for the Pumping Apparatus Operator level credential, and may also apply to receive an IFSAC credential for the Fire Apparatus Driver certification level (not available through the Pro Board). These certifications are accepted at all Fire Departments in North America, and can be an asset on your resume when applying for career structural firefighter job postings.

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

This Pumping Apparatus Training program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to safely operate an emergency vehicle equipped with a fire pump. These qualifications may be required for certain emergency response personnel in municipal settings, and may also be required for certain industrial firefighter job postings. Some departments require this training before a firefighter may be eligible for further promotion.

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

When you attend the practical component, you will be given the opportunity to stay overnight at the college dormitories. While there is no fee for this living arrangement, expect to not be staying at the Ritz! Students who demand a more luxurious living arrangement will have to seek it out at their own expense. The dormitories feature private rooms, with shared washroom and kitchen facilities. 

If you so choose, you may sign up with the local Fire Department and respond to emergency callouts under their officer's supervision. Our college works closely with this department to ensure all students receive adequate supervision and mentorship.

If you're scared of responding to calls, don't worry! This is completely optional and won't negatively affect your education or certification.

Students can begin the online course at any point in time, but the practical component does have set dates that students must apply before, and select dates they must attend our campus on. Students must pick one scheduled class to attend from the list below: 

Class 251FADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE - (Driving Level)

Weekdays

• Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
• First Day of Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator: March 28, 2025
• Last Day of Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator: April 1, 2025
• IFSAC/Pro-Board Testing: April 5, 2025

Class 251PADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE (Pumping Level)

Weekdays

• Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
• First Day of Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator: April 2, 2025
• Last Day of Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator: April 4, 2025
• IFSAC/Pro-Board Testing: April 5, 2025

Class 252FADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE - (Driving Level)

Weekdays

• Application Deadline: May 27, 2025
• First Day of Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator: June 27, 2025
• Last Day of Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator: July 1, 2025
• IFSAC/Pro-Board Testing: July 5, 2025

Class 252PADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE (Pumping Level)

Weekdays

• Application Deadline: May 27, 2025
• First Day of Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator: July 2, 2025
• Last Day of Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator: July 4, 2025
• IFSAC/Pro-Board Testing: July 5, 2025

Class 253FADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE - (Driving Level)

Weekdays

• Application Deadline: August 26, 2025
• First Day of Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator: September 26, 2025
• Last Day of Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator: September 30, 2025
• IFSAC/Pro-Board Testing: October 4, 2025

Class 253PADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE (Pumping Level)

Weekdays

• Application Deadline: August 26, 2025
• First Day of Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator: October 1, 2025
• Last Day of Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator: October 3, 2025
• IFSAC/Pro-Board Testing: October 4, 2025

Class 254FADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE - (Driving Level)

Weekdays

• Application Deadline: November 31, 2025
• First Day of Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator: December 31, 2025
• Last Day of Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator: January 6, 2026 (Jan 1-2 off)
• IFSAC/Pro-Board Testing: January 10, 2026

Class 254PADO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE (Pumping Level)

Weekdays

• Application Deadline: November 31, 2025
• First Day of Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator: January 7, 2026
• Last Day of Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator: January 9, 2026
• IFSAC/Pro-Board Testing: January 10, 2026

All in-person training is hosted at our Red Deer County campus located at 3420 22 Street, Springbrook.

The CFRC Breaks down pricing for the Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator Training program into a few different payment plan options so students don't have to pay a large sum all at once. Students will be given the opportunity to apply for a payment plan as part of their program application. 

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

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $1,950.00

TOTAL: $2,100.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition) 

Fire Apparatus Driver: NFPA 1002 Chapter 4 - Driving Only

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $1,035.00

TOTAL: $1,185.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition) 

Pumping Apparatus Operator: NFPA 1002 Chapter 5 - Pumping Only

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $1,405.00

TOTAL: $1,555.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition) 

These tuition payments must be made by certain deadlines prior to attending the practical component of the course. 

Tuition payments cannot be made until a student has submitted an application and been accepted into the program.

Need a loan? We have partnered with Loans Canada to provide financial options to students. Take a look at our tialored financial solutions.

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

2 Class B uniforms: 

• Available for purchase via the college IN ADVANCE - they are custom ordered and shipped out from BC so 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 now come with patches sewn on, and pants hemmed - $175-$194 (size dependent) for each full set (not including black work/station boots)

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.

IFSAC and Pro Board Certification fees: 

• Payable to the Province of Alberta - $45 per certificate (2 certificates in this program)

Food during your stay: 

• The College kitchen provides 3 meals per day if you subscribe to a meal-plan. Weekly meal-cards cost $225 per week. You can register and pay for meal cards after being accepted into a program via the tuition payment portal.

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.

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.