Firefighter I and II 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: 

• 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)

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. 

When you attend the practical component, you will be given the opportunity to stay overnight at our dormitory buildings. The dormitories are clean, but relatively dated buildings. 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.

*Dorm rooms are not equipped with televisions, or internet service. 

If you so choose, you may sign up with the local Fire Departments in the area and respond to emergency callouts under their officer's supervision outside of regular class hours. The Canadian Fire Rescue College encourages, but does not coordinate this on-call volunteerism, and students are encouraged to reach out to the local departments to learn more.

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 251FF: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

5 Days per week - Evaluations on select Saturdays

Application Deadline: December 24, 2024 - CLOSED

First Day of in-person Classes: February 24, 2025

Last Day of in-person Classes: March 24, 2025

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation Dates: 

March 15, 2025 (FF1), March 22, 2025 (FF2), March 25, 2025 (HAZ)

Class 252FF: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

5 Days per week - Evaluations on select Saturdays

Application Deadline: March 26, 2025 - CLOSED

First Day of in-person Classes: May 26, 2025

Last Day of in-person Classes: June 23, 2025

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation Dates:  

June 14, 2025 (FF1), June 21, 2025 (FF2), June 24, 2025 (HAZ)

Class 253FF: 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: September 22, 2025

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation Dates:  

September 13, 2025 (FF1), September 20, 2025 (FF2), September 23, 2025 (HAZ)

Class 254FF: 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: December 22, 2025

IFSAC/Pro Board Evaluation Dates:  

December 13, 2025 (FF1), December 20, 2025 (FF2), December 23, 2025 (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. 

The CFRC Breaks down pricing for the Firefighter I&II 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. 

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

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $7,845.00

TOTAL: $7,995.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition)

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

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $3,048.00

TOTAL: $3,198.00 (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.

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

The 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 an out-of-province supplier 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 CFRC patches sewn on, and pants hemmed - $175-$194 (size dependent) 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 - $120 for E-Book, and $130 for print.

IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting 7th Edition Workbook:

• Available for purchase from the AFCA Bookstore in Print format - $69.46.
• 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 - $45 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. 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.

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.