Firefighter I & II Training Program

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 new Red Deer campus on. Students must pick one scheduled class to attend from the list below: 

_______________________________

Class 262FF: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

5 Days per week - Evaluations on select Saturdays

Application Deadline: March 25, 2026 - CLASS FULL (Accepting Waitlist Applicants*)

First Day of in-person Classes: May 25, 2026

Last Day of in-person Classes: June 22, 2026

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation Dates:  

June 13, 2026 (FF1), June 20, 2026 (FF2), June 23, 2026 (HAZ)

_______________________________

Class 263FF: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

5 Days per week - Evaluations on select Saturdays

Application Deadline: June 24, 2026 - CLASS FULL (Accepting Waitlist Applicants*)

First Day of in-person Classes: August 24, 2026

Last Day of in-person Classes: September 21, 2026

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation Dates:  

September 12, 2026 (FF1), September 19, 2026 (FF2), September 22, 2026 (HAZ)

_______________________________

Class 264FF: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

5 Days per week - Evaluations on select Saturdays

Application Deadline: August 26, 2026

First Day of in-person Classes: October 26, 2026

Last Day of in-person Classes: November 23, 2026

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation Dates:  

November 14, 2026 (FF1), November 21, 2026 (FF2), November 24, 2026 (HAZ)

_______________________________

**Students must successfully complete the online training program prior to attending the practical component.**

The Level II Only program is 6 days in duration, and begins on the 13th class day (weekday) of the program. 

*Students who would like to be added to a waitlist are encouraged to apply for the waitlisted class number in their application. When prompted to enter class number during the application process, simply state something like "Waitlist 261FF, Secondary 262FF". This will tell Admissions that you want to be added to 261FF waitlist, but if no spots open, will attend the secondary option you have chosen. 

Canadian Fire Rescue College maintains a comprehensive admissions policy that all prospective students are encouraged to review prior to applying. Key eligibility requirements for this program include:

• Valid Alberta Class 5 Drivers License (Or equivalent)
• 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 provider) - We offer this on-campus the weekend before each program begins.

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: 

Firefighter I & II: Full Program (NFPA 1001 Level I and II, 470 Awareness and Ops)

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $8,737.50

TOTAL: $8,887.50 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition)

Firefighter II: Firefighter II Only (NFPA 1001 Level II)

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $3,367.80

TOTAL: $3,517.80 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition)

NOTE: Must have NFPA 1001 Level I IFSAC/Pro Board certification in order to be eligible to take the Level II Only program.

These tuition payments must be made by certain deadlines prior to attending the practical component of the course. Students should pay for, and begin the online portion of their training by the enrollment deadline of the program to ensure they have ample time to complete the online learning.

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

The Firefighter I & II 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 176 hours of self-paced online learning
• Provides you with the basic theoretical knowledge of firefighting
• Meets the theory learning requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 and 470 (1072) standards
• You can register and begin the firefighter training program at any time, no registration deadlines or set class dates
• No due dates! You can complete the firefighter 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 firefighter 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. (click banner at top that says "Student Portal Login")

Practical Component:

• Approximately 160 hours of in-person skills-based instruction with 24 hours of formal final skills evaluation.
• Must successfully complete the CFRC Firefighter I&II - Online firefighter 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 firefighting skills.
• Fight real fire inside buildings, vehicles, and outdoors. Perform vehicle extrication, Hazardous Materials Response... and more!
• Stay at the dormitories. Accommodations complimentary for all students. Dormitories are private rooms, with shared bathroom and shower facilities.
• Receive Pro-Board testing. If successful, you will be eligible to receive IFSAC and Pro-Board certifications for NFPA 1001 levels I&II, and NFPA 470 Awareness and Operations levels.

Students who already have their Firefighter I certification may apply to take the Level II portion of the program only if they choose. 

There are four National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) levels covered in this firefighter training program, they are:

NFPA 1001 Level I - Basic Professional Firefighter Qualification

NFPA 1001 Level II - Advanced Professional Firefighter Qualification

NFPA 470 Awareness - Awareness Level Hazardous Materials Response

NFPA 470 Operations - Operations Level Hazardous Materials Response

Successful graduates of the program will be eligible to apply for and receive IFSAC and Pro Board® certifications for each of these four levels. These certifications are accepted at all Fire Departments in North America.

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. Visit our website page about becoming a firefighter to learn more. 

The CFRC Firefighter I & II Training Program is fully licensed by Alberta Advanced Education. 

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.

FiregFrThe 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).

IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting 7th Edition Textbook: 

• Available for purchase from the AFCA Bookstore in E-Book and Print formats - $140 for E-Book, and $155 for print.

IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting 7th Edition Workbook:

• Available for purchase from the AFCA Bookstore in Print format - $75.00.
• This workbook is to be completed in the weeks proceeding a scheduled practical component, and throughout the practical component itself (don't complete it beforehand).

IFSAC and Pro Board Certification fees: 

• Payable to the Province of Alberta - $60 per certificate (4 certificates in this program)

Food during your stay: 

• The College kitchen provides 3 meals per day if you subscribe to a meal-plan. The meal plan for the full Firefighter I & II program costs $990. For individuals enrolling in the Firefighter II only program, the meal subscription will cost $270. You can register and pay for meal cards after being accepted into a program.
• NOTE* There is no meal-service provided by the college on weekends or holidays.
• Purchase your Meal Subscription here
• Firefighter II ONLY: Purchase your Meal Subscription here

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. 

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.

Click here to learn more

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. 

Students must begin the online training at least two months before the start of practical training. The full Firefighter I & II program should be understood as an approximately three-month training pathway, beginning with online theory and concluding with the in-person practical training and evaluation period. Students must pick one scheduled class to attend from the list below: 

_______________________________

Class 271FF: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

5 Days per week - Evaluations on select weekdays

Application Deadline: December 24, 2026

Check-in, Orientation & Career Prep: February 24, 2027

Standard First Aid and CPR Level C: February 25–26, 2027

First Day of Firefighter I & II Practical Training: March 1, 2027

Last Day of in-person Classes / Graduation: April 2, 2027

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation Dates: March 17, 2027 (FF1), March 26, 2027 (FF2), April 1, 2027 (HAZ)

_______________________________

Class 272FF: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

5 Days per week - Evaluations on select weekdays

Application Deadline: March 19, 2027

Check-in, Orientation & Career Prep: May 19, 2027

Standard First Aid and CPR Level C: May 20–21, 2027

First Day of Firefighter I & II Practical Training: May 24, 2027

Last Day of in-person Classes / Graduation: June 25, 2027

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation Dates: June 9, 2027 (FF1), June 18, 2027 (FF2), June 24, 2027 (HAZ)

_______________________________

Class 273FF: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

5 Days per week - Evaluations on select weekdays

Application Deadline: June 18, 2027

Check-in, Orientation & Career Prep: August 18, 2027

Standard First Aid and CPR Level C: August 19–20, 2027

First Day of Firefighter I & II Practical Training: August 23, 2027

Last Day of in-person Classes / Graduation: September 24, 2027

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation Dates: September 8, 2027 (FF1), September 17, 2027 (FF2), September 23, 2027 (HAZ)

_______________________________

Class 274FF: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

5 Days per week - Evaluations on select weekdays

Application Deadline: August 27, 2027

Check-in, Orientation & Career Prep: October 27, 2027

Standard First Aid and CPR Level C: October 28–29, 2027

First Day of Firefighter I & II Practical Training: November 1, 2027

Last Day of in-person Classes / Graduation: December 3, 2027

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation Dates: November 17, 2027 (FF1), November 26, 2027 (FF2), December 2, 2027 (HAZ)

_______________________________

**Students must successfully complete the online training program prior to attending the practical component.**

The Level II Only program is 6 days in duration, and begins on the 13th class day (weekday) of the program. 

*Students who would like to be added to a waitlist are encouraged to apply for the waitlisted class number in their application. When prompted to enter class number during the application process, simply state something like "Waitlist 271FF, Secondary 272FF". This will tell Admissions that you want to be added to 271FF waitlist, but if no spots open, will attend the secondary option you have chosen. 

Canadian Fire Rescue College maintains a comprehensive admissions policy that all prospective students are encouraged to review prior to applying. Key eligibility requirements for this program include:

• Valid Alberta Class 5 Drivers License (Or equivalent)
• 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 (The 2027 Firefighter I & II program also includes Standard First Aid and CPR Level C, Basic Life Support, and ICS Canada I-100)

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.

2027 Pricing: 

NFPA 1010 Firefighter I and II, formerly NFPA 1001 Level I and II, NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, Standard First Aid and CPR Level C, Basic Life Support, and ICS Canada I-100.

Firefighter I & II: Full Program

Application Fee: $150.00
Remaining Tuition: $10,800.00

TOTAL: $10,950.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition)

Firefighter II: Firefighter II Only - NFPA 1010 (formerly 1001) Level II

Application Fee: $150.00
Remaining Tuition: $4,423.00

TOTAL: $4,573.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition)

NOTE: Students must have NFPA 1001 Level I / NFPA 1010 Firefighter I IFSAC and/or Pro Board certification in order to be eligible to take the Firefighter II Only program.

These tuition payments must be made by certain deadlines prior to attending the practical component of the course. Students should pay for, and begin the online portion of their training by the enrollment deadline of the program to ensure they have ample time to complete the online learning.

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

The Firefighter I & II program is delivered in a blended format, meaning that a portion of the course is completed online before students attend Canadian Fire Rescue College for in-person practical training.

Online Component

The online component provides students with the theoretical knowledge required before beginning hands-on firefighter skills training.

The online component includes:

• Approximately 176 hours of self-paced online learning, which must be completed before the practical training block begins
• Theoretical instruction aligned with NFPA 1010 Firefighter I and Firefighter II, formerly NFPA 1001 Level I and II
• Theory learning aligned with NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations
• Interactive visual and audio learning aids developed in partnership with Action Training Systems Inc.
• Required textbook and workbook-based learning using the current course materials
• Preparation for in-person skills training, practical application, and final evaluations

Students must begin the online portion at least two months before the start of their in-person training. Students must successfully complete the required online portion before beginning practical training at CFRC. Because the online component includes approximately 176 hours of learning, students should not delay starting once they are accepted into the program.

Unlike a fully open-entry course, the 2027 Firefighter I & II program follows scheduled intake dates. Students should apply, pay tuition, order required textbooks and workbooks, and begin online training by the program enrollment deadline to ensure they have enough time to complete the online requirements before arriving on campus.

Students must purchase the required textbooks and workbooks for this program. Required materials include the updated IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting, 8th Edition, Firefighter I and Firefighter II Textbooks, 8th Edition Workbook, as well as HazMat for First Responders, 6th Edition.

Students may also try out the sample course in the student portal to make sure the online training format works for them. Click the banner at the top of the website that says “Student Portal Login.”

Practical Component

The practical component is delivered in person at Canadian Fire Rescue College’s Red Deer County, Alberta campus. This portion of the program focuses on hands-on skills development, practical application, scenario-based training, career preparation, and final skills evaluations.

The practical component includes:

• In-person demonstration and instruction of firefighter skills
• Skills-based training aligned with NFPA 1010 Firefighter I and Firefighter II, formerly NFPA 1001 Level I and II
• NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations practical training
• Standard First Aid and CPR Level C
• Basic Life Support
• ICS Canada I-100
• Firefighter career preparation, including resume, interview, and recruitment test preparation
• Opportunities to connect with firefighter employers invited to campus during training
• Final IFSAC and Pro Board testing, where applicable

Students will develop and perform practical firefighter skills including PPE and SCBA use, hose handling, ladders, ropes and knots, search and rescue, forcible entry, ventilation, fire control, vehicle fire response, hazardous materials response, and other core skills expected of entry-level structural firefighters.

Students must successfully complete the CFRC Firefighter I & II online program before attending practical training. There are also admission requirements that must be met prior to attending, including medical clearance and any other required documentation. Students are responsible for ensuring all admission and attendance requirements are completed before the in-person portion of the program begins.

Students may stay in the CFRC dormitories during their practical training. Accommodations are complimentary for Firefighter I & II students and include private rooms with shared bathroom and shower facilities.

Students who successfully complete the program and final testing may be eligible to receive IFSAC and Pro Board certifications for Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations.

Students who already have their Firefighter I certification may apply to take the Firefighter II portion of the program only. Proof of Firefighter I IFSAC and/or Pro Board certification is required to be eligible for the Firefighter II Only program.

The Firefighter I & II Training Program covers four primary firefighter and hazardous materials certification levels:

• NFPA 1010 Firefighter I - formerly NFPA 1001 Level I, Basic Professional Firefighter Qualification
• NFPA 1010 Firefighter II - formerly NFPA 1001 Level II, Advanced Professional Firefighter Qualification
• NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Awareness - Awareness Level Hazardous Materials Response
• NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Operations - Operations Level Hazardous Materials Response

Successful graduates of the program may be eligible to apply for and receive IFSAC and Pro Board® certifications for each of these four levels.

IFSAC and Pro Board® certifications are widely recognized by fire departments and emergency services organizations across North America and internationally. Students should note that individual fire departments, provinces, states, municipalities, and other hiring organizations may set their own recruitment, certification, licensing, medical, fitness, and employment requirements.

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. Visit our website page about becoming a firefighter to learn more. 

The CFRC Firefighter I & II Training Program is fully licensed by Alberta Advanced Education. 

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. 

CFRC offers newly renovated dorm rooms to rent for alumni at a reduced price of $500/month for individuals who would like to remain at the CFRC for unpaid internships, or to act on job offers received while at the CFRC (meant to be temporary to help improve skills/resume, or transition into a new position).

Click here to learn more about student accommodation at CFRC.

The 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).

IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting 8th Edition, Firefighter I Textbook: 

• Available for purchase from the AFCA Bookstore: $113.63

IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting 8th Edition, Firefighter II Textbook: 

• Available for purchase from the AFCA Bookstore: $68.74

IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting 8th Edition Workbook:

• Available for purchase from the AFCA Bookstore in Print format - $77.86
• This workbook is to be completed in the weeks proceeding a scheduled practical component, and throughout the practical component itself (don't complete it beforehand).

IFSTA Hazardous Materials for First Responders 6th Edition

• Available for purchase from the AFCA Bookstore: $138.88

IFSAC and Pro Board Certification fees: 

• Payable to the Province of Alberta - $60 per certificate (4 certificates in this program)

Food during your stay: 

• The College kitchen provides 3 meals per day if you subscribe to a meal-plan. The meal plan for the full Firefighter I & II program costs $250 per week. 
• NOTE* There is no meal-service provided by the college on weekends or holidays.
• Purchase your Meal Subscription here
• Firefighter II ONLY: Purchase your Meal Subscription here

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. 

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.

Click here to learn more

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.