Hazardous Materials Responder 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 training provider)

The Hazardous Materials Responder 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 100 hours of self-paced online learning
• Provides you with the basic theoretical knowledge of Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations
• Meets the theory learning requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1072 standard (now consolidated in the NFPA 470 standard)
• You can register and begin the Hazmat training program at any time, no registration deadlines or set class dates
• No due dates! You can complete the Hazardous Materials Responder 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 Hazmat 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 24 hours of in-person skills-based instruction with 4-8 hours of formal final skills evaluation.
• Must successfully complete the CFRC Hazardous Materials Responder - Online  program before attending
• Involves in-person demonstration and instruction of Hazmat Responder skills.
• Respond to various simulated and life-like Hazardous Materials releases.
• Stay at the college dorms. Accommodations are complimentary. You will be staying in a private dorm room located right next to the main college building.
• Receive Pro-Board testing. If successful, you will be eligible to receive IFSAC and Pro-Board certifications for NFPA 470 Awareness and Operations levels.

There are two National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) levels covered in this Hazardous Materials Responder training program, they are:

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 recieve IFSAC and Pro Board® certifications for each of these two levels. These certifications are accepted at all Fire Departments in North America, and many hazardous materials mitigation and response agencies as well.

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

This Hazardous Materials Responder education program provides students with the knowledge needed to become professional Hazardous Materials Responders. These qualifications may be required for certain emergency response personnel in industrial settings, or may be required by specialized hazardous materials response and mitigation companies. 

The Hazrdous Materials Responder Program is a part of the CFRC Firefighter I&II Training Program, which is fully licensed by Alberta Advanced Education. 

When you attend the practical component, you will be given the opportunity to stay overnight at the college 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. Dorm rooms are private, however bathroom and kitchen facilities are shared.

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 251HM: Full-Time Schedule

Weekdays - 5 days per week

• Application Deadline: January 20, 2025
• First Day of Class: March 20, 2025
• Last Day of Class: March 24, 2025

IFSAC/Pro Board Skills Evaluations: March 25, 2025

Class 252HM: Full-Time Schedule

Weekdays - 5 days per week

• Application Deadline: April 19, 2025
• First Day of Class: June 19, 2025
• Last Day of Class: June 23, 2025

IFSAC/Pro Board Skills Evaluations: June 24, 2025

Class 253HM: Full-Time Schedule

Weekdays - 5 days per week

• Application Deadline: July 18, 2025
• First Day of Class: September 18, 2025
• Last Day of Class: September 22, 2025

IFSAC/Pro Board Skills Evaluations: September 23, 2025

Class 254HM: Full-Time Schedule

Weekdays - 5 days per week

• Application Deadline: October 18, 2025
• First Day of Class: December 18, 2025
• Last Day of Class: December 22, 2025

IFSAC/Pro Board Skills Evaluations: December 23, 2025

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

All practical components take place at the Canadian Fire Rescue College Red Deer Campus located at 3420 21 Street, Springbrook.

The CFRC Breaks down pricing for the Hazardous Materials Responder 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. 

Hazardous Materials Responder: NFPA 470 Awareness and Operations

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $1,449.00

TOTAL: $1,599.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition)

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:

1 Class B uniform: 

• 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 CFRC patches sewn on, and pants hemmed - $175-$194 (size dependent) for each full set (not including black work/station boots)

Hazardous Materials for First Responders 5th Edition Textbook OR IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting 7th Edition Textbook: 

• Hazmat 5th Edition: Available for purchase from the AFCA Bookstore in Print format - $135. The E-Book version may be purchased directly from IFSTA - $115. 
• Hazmat 

OR

• Essentials 7th Edition: Available for purchase from the AFCA Bookstore in E-Book and Print formats - $120 for E-Book, and $130 for print.

Note: When paying tuition for online course, ensure you select the course that requires the textbook you desire to use.

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.