While the Firefighter I and II Training program is an excellent place to start when lookin into becoming a professional firefighter, we do have one other course type that is reserved for the best of the best. This Enhanced Firefighter Training Program is the only firefighter training program that offers a fully licensed and formal practicum as part of the requirements. In order to be considered for this elite fire fighter training program, applicants must complete several additional tests that check morality, ethics, cognitive ability, criminal record, and physical ability.
As with our other programs, this one is delivered in a blended delivery format. This means that a portion of the program is delivered online, and a portion is delivered in person. After students complete the online training, they attend in-person training at our new campus in Red Deer County. Upon successful completion of their formal training, students are placed at three different fire stations over the course of 3 months. During practical placement, students are assigned to a preceptor who evaluates their performance on real emergency scenes, and provides constructive feedback as needed.
The Enhanced Firefighter Training Program is a pre-service firefighter training program that has been specifically designed for individuals who intend on pursuing a career as structural firefighters. Most departments in Canada require or at least prefer applicants to have these levels of training before they can apply, and all fire departments in Canada prefer applicants with experience in the emergency services field. The firefighting certificates received upon graduation are accepted universally by all departments in Canada and the United States regardless of Province/State.
Click throught the menu's below to learn more about this firefighter training program.
NOTE: THIS PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING LICENSING AND IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. PLEASE CHECK BACK LATER.
The CFRC has a pretty comprehensive admissions policy which students should review before applying. The highlights of the requirements for this program are:
The Enhanced Firefighter Training 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:
Practical Component:
Practicum Placement:
There are 11 different courses covered in this diploma program, they are:
With the exception of the FADO course, successful completion of all NFPA courses and third-party evaluations will make the student eligible to apply for and receive IFSAC and Pro Board certifications. The FADO level of training is only eligible for IFSAC certification.
For further information regarding the Pro Board®, visit www.theproboard.org
This firefighter education program provides students with the knowledge needed to become professional structural firefighters. Most Fire Departments in Canada require applicants to have these certifications before they can apply. Some departments don't require applicants to already have these certificates, however they all prefer applicants who do.
The CFRC Enhanced Firefighter Training Program is not currently licensed by Alberta Advanced Education. The CFRC will not be accepting applications for this program until it is fully licensed in accordance to Advanced Education Requirements.
When you attend the practical component, you will be given the opportunity to stay overnight at our campus dorms. 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. Students who are assigned to overnight practicum placements should expect similar living arrangments at fire stations throughout the province.
This program requires the student to successfully complete 3 practicum placements at three of several active fire stations. Students will be expected to perform the duties of a firefighter with a relatively high degree of proficiency prior to receiving permission to attend practicum placements. If at any time during the formal training that preceeds the practicum the instructor deems that the student has not reached this level of proficiency, this permission will not be given. If permission to attend a practicum placement is withheld, the student will not be eligible to recieve a Diloma.
Students will be placed at various departments throughout the province at the discretion of the instructor and director of the college. Students will be informed during their formal training what their practical component schedule will be, and what stations they will be reporting to.
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 251EFF: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE
5 Days per week - Evaluations on select Saturdays
Application Deadline: December 24, 2024
First Day of in-person Classes: February 24, 2025
Last Day of in-person Classes: April 18, 2025
First Day of Practicum Placement: April 19, 2025*
Last Day of Practicum Placement: July 18, 2025*
IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation Dates:
March 15, 2025 (FF1), March 22, 2025 (FF2), March 25, 2025 (HAZ), March 29, 2025 (WF1), April 5, 2025 (FADO and PADO).
*Practicum shift schedules vary depending on placement department. Students typically mirror the shift of their assigned preceptor.
Class 252EFF: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE
5 Days per week - Evaluations on select Saturdays
Application Deadline: March 26, 2025
First Day of in-person Classes: May 26, 2025
Last Day of in-person Classes: July 18, 2025
First Day of Practicum Placement: July 19, 2025*
Last Day of Practicum Placement: October 17, 2025*
IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation Dates:
June 14, 2025 (FF1), June 21, 2025 (FF2), June 24, 2025 (HAZ), June 28, 2025 (WF1), July 5, 2025 (FADO and PADO)
*Practicum shift schedules vary depending on placement department. Students typically mirror the shift of their assigned preceptor.
Class 253EFF: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE
5 Days per week - Evaluations on select Saturdays
Application Deadline: June 25, 2025
First Day of in-person Classes: August 25, 2025
Last Day of in-person Classes: October 17, 2025
First Day of Practicum Placement: October 18, 2025*
Last Day of Practicum Placement: January 23, 2026*
IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation Dates:
September 13, 2025 (FF1), September 20, 2025 (FF2), September 23, 2025 (HAZ), September 27, 2025 (WF1), October 4, 2025 (FADO and PADO)
*Practicum shift schedules vary depending on placement department. Students typically mirror the shift of their assigned preceptor.
Class 254EFF: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE
5 Days per week - Evaluations on select Saturdays
Application Deadline: September 24, 2025
First Day of in-person Classes: November 24, 2025
Last Day of in-person Classes: January 23, 2025
First Day of Practicum Placement: January 24, 2026*
Last Day of Practicum Placement: April 17, 2026*
IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation Dates:
December 13, 2025 (FF1), December 20, 2025 (FF2), December 23, 2025 (HAZ), January 3, 2026 (WF1), January 10, 2026 (FADO and PADO)
*Practicum shift schedules vary depending on placement department. Students typically mirror the shift of their assigned preceptor.
Students must successfully complete the online training program prior to attending the practical component.
The CFRC Breaks down pricing for the Enhanced Firefighter Training program into five payments so students don't have to pay a large sum all at once:
Payment 1: $3,640*
Payment 2: $3,640
Payment 3: $3,640
Payment 4: $3,640
Payment 5: $3,640
TOTAL: $18,200.00
Payment 1 must be made on the day students intend to begin the online portion of their training. This should be prior to the enrollment deadline to allow ample time to complete the training prior to attending in-person courses. The remaining payments must all be made prior to the first day of in-person classes.
Tuition payments cannot be made until a student has submitted an application and been accepted into the program.
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The fees that students may encounter that not included with their tuition are:
2 Class B uniforms:
Textbooks:
IFSAC and Pro Board Certification fees:
EMR Post Graduate Fees (optional - only required for professional practice):
Food during your stay:
Travel costs to and from campus:
The Canadian Fire Rescue College is a Designated Learning Institution authorized by HIS MAJESTY THE KING IN RIGHT OF ALBERTA as represented by the Minister of Advanced Education to review applications and admit international students into licensed training programs.
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.