NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Awareness, Ops & Technician

Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations

The NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations program prepares students to recognize hazardous materials incidents and respond safely within the limits of the Awareness and Operations levels.

At the Awareness level, students learn to recognize the presence or potential presence of hazardous materials, identify available information and reference resources, initiate required notifications, and support the establishment of a safe and controlled incident scene.

At the Operations level, students build on that foundation by learning to assess hazards, select appropriate protective actions, establish control zones, support decontamination, protect exposures, and perform defensive control activities using the resources and personal protective equipment available to them.

Training may include:

• Hazard and risk recognition
• Product and container identification
• Emergency reference resources
• Scene isolation and control zones
• Incident command and responder accountability
• Personal protective equipment
• Detection and monitoring fundamentals
• Defensive control and confinement strategies
• Decontamination procedures
• Emergency and technical decontamination
• Evidence preservation and incident termination
• Simulated hazardous materials response scenarios

Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations training is commonly required or preferred for firefighters, industrial emergency responders, and other personnel who may encounter hazardous materials incidents as part of their duties.

Hazardous Materials Technician

The NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Technician program is advanced training intended for responders who may be required to work directly within the hazardous area and perform offensive actions to control a hazardous materials release.

Technician-level responders operate beyond the defensive scope of the Operations level. They require a more advanced understanding of chemical and physical properties, incident behaviour, monitoring, protective equipment, decontamination, rescue, recovery, and product control.

Training may include:

• Advanced hazard and risk assessment
• Chemical and physical properties
• Detection, monitoring, and sampling
• Predicting incident behaviour and potential outcomes
• Container assessment
• Advanced personal protective equipment
• Technician-level decontamination
• Rescue and recovery considerations
• Product-control strategies
• Leak and release-control operations
• Advanced incident planning
• Demobilization and termination procedures
• Hands-on technician response scenarios

NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations certification is a prerequisite for the Technician program. Applicants must provide proof that they meet the prerequisite before being accepted.

The Technician program includes five days of in-person training and evaluation. Based on the 2027 schedule, students complete four days of instruction and practical training followed by a separate final evaluation day.

The Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations program includes online coursework that must be successfully completed before students attend practical training.

The Technician program is delivered through scheduled in-person instruction and evaluation. Students must hold NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations certification before attending.

All practical training and evaluations take place at the Canadian Fire Rescue College campus at 3420 22 Street in Springbrook, Red Deer County, Alberta.

_______________________________

2026 Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations Schedule

Class 261HM: Full-Time Schedule - CLASS FULL (accepting waitlist applications)

Weekdays - 5 days per week

Application Deadline: January 19, 2026

First Day of Class: March 19, 2026

Last Day of Class: March 23, 2026

IFSAC/Pro Board Skills Evaluations: March 24, 2026

_______________________________

Class 262HM: Full-Time Schedule

Weekdays - 5 days per week

Application Deadline: April 18, 2026

First Day of Class: June 18, 2026

Last Day of Class: June 22, 2026

IFSAC/Pro Board Skills Evaluations: June 23, 2026

_______________________________

Class 263HM: Full-Time Schedule

Weekdays - 5 days per week

Application Deadline: August 17, 2026

First Day of Class: September 17, 2026

Last Day of Class: September 21, 2026

IFSAC/Pro Board Skills Evaluations: September 22, 2026

_______________________________

Class 264HM: Full-Time Schedule

Weekdays - 5 days per week

Application Deadline: October 19, 2026

First Day of Class: November 19, 2026

Last Day of Class: November 23, 2026

IFSAC/Pro Board Skills Evaluations: November 24, 2026

_______________________________

2027 Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations Schedule

Class 271HZA/HZO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: January 29, 2027

First Day of Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations Training: March 29, 2027

Last Day of Instruction and Written Testing: March 31, 2027

IFSAC/Pro Board Skills Evaluations: April 1, 2027

_______________________________

Class 272HZA/HZO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: April 21, 2027

First Day of Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations Training: June 21, 2027

Last Day of Instruction and Written Testing: June 23, 2027

IFSAC/Pro Board Skills Evaluations: June 24, 2027

_______________________________

Class 273HZA/HZO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: July 20, 2027

First Day of Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations Training: September 20, 2027

Last Day of Instruction and Written Testing: September 22, 2027

IFSAC/Pro Board Skills Evaluations: September 23, 2027

_______________________________

Class 274HZA/HZO: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: September 29, 2027

First Day of Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations Training: November 29, 2027

Last Day of Instruction and Written Testing: December 1, 2027

IFSAC/Pro Board Skills Evaluations: December 2, 2027

_______________________________

2027 Hazardous Materials Technician Schedule

Class 271HZT: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Five days of in-person training and evaluation

Application Deadline: March 10, 2027

First Day of Hazardous Materials Technician Training: May 10, 2027

Last Day of Instruction: May 13, 2027

IFSAC/Pro Board Skills Evaluation: May 14, 2027

_______________________________

Class 272HZT: FULL-TIME SCHEDULE

Five days of in-person training and evaluation

Application Deadline: June 2, 2027

First Day of Hazardous Materials Technician Training: August 2, 2027

Last Day of Instruction: August 5, 2027

IFSAC/Pro Board Skills Evaluation: August 6, 2027

Students must successfully complete all required online training before attending the Awareness and Operations practical component.

Application deadlines for the 2027 courses are two months before the first scheduled day of each course. Applicants are encouraged to apply and order their required course materials as early as possible.

*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 254HM, Secondary 261HM". This will tell Admissions that you want to be added to 254HM 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. 

Awareness & Operations Admission Requirements

Key eligibility requirements include:

• Valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s licence or accepted equivalent
• Physical ability to safely perform the required practical skills
• Physician’s medical clearance
• English-language proficiency in accordance with the CFRC Language Proficiency Policy
• High school diploma, GED, or approved mature admission
• Proof that the applicant is at least 18 years of age
• Standard First Aid and CPR Level C, or an accepted equivalent or higher certification
• Ability to successfully complete the required online training before practical instruction begins

Technician Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Hazardous Materials Technician program must meet the general CFRC admission requirements and provide proof of:

• NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Awareness certification
• NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Operations certification
• Physical and medical ability to participate safely in advanced hazardous materials practical training
• Any additional documentation identified by CFRC Admissions

Applicants with older or alternative hazardous materials certifications should contact Admissions to determine whether their credentials satisfy the prerequisite requirements.

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: 

Hazardous Materials Responder: NFPA 470 Awareness and Operations

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $1,608.90

TOTAL: $1,758.90 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition)

2027 Pricing:

Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $1,350.00

TOTAL: $1,500.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition)

Hazardous Materials Technician

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $1,350.00

TOTAL: $1,500.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition)

Tuition payments must be made by the applicable deadlines before students attend the practical component.

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

The delivery method depends on the Hazardous Materials training level selected.

Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations

The Awareness and Operations program is delivered in a blended format, meaning that students complete a portion of the course online before attending CFRC for practical training and final evaluations.

Online Component

The online component includes:

• Approximately 100 hours of self-paced online learning
• Foundational theoretical knowledge for Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations
• Theory instruction aligned with NFPA 470
• Interactive visual and audio learning aids developed in partnership with Action Training Systems Inc.
• Preparation for in-person practical instruction, written examinations, and final skills evaluations
• Required textbook-based study
• Access to a sample course through the CFRC Student Portal

Students must purchase the required textbook for the program.

Students must successfully complete the CFRC Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations online program before attending the practical component.

Although the online learning is self-paced, the practical component has fixed dates and application deadlines. Students should begin the online course early enough to complete all requirements before their selected practical training date.

Practical Component

The practical component includes:

• In-person demonstration and instruction of Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations skills
• Practical application of hazard recognition and risk assessment
• Use of personal protective equipment
• Scene-control and decontamination activities
• Defensive hazardous materials response operations
• Simulated and realistic hazardous materials incidents
• Written examinations
• Formal IFSAC and Pro Board skills evaluations
• Complimentary on-campus accommodation

Students must meet all admission requirements, including medical clearance and required documentation, before attending practical training.

Hazardous Materials Technician

The Technician program includes five days of in-person training and evaluation at the CFRC campus.

The Technician component includes:

• Four days of advanced in-person instruction and practical training
• One separate final evaluation day
• Advanced hazard and risk assessment
• Detection, monitoring, and sampling activities
• Technician-level personal protective equipment
• Advanced decontamination
• Rescue and recovery scenarios
• Offensive product-control operations
• Written and practical testing
• Formal IFSAC and Pro Board skills evaluation
• Complimentary on-campus accommodation

Students must hold NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations certification before attending the Technician program.

Students are expected to complete all assigned preparation and required textbook study before arriving on campus.

The Hazardous Materials Training Program provides training for three NFPA 470 certification levels:

• NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Awareness
• NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Operations
• NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Technician

Awareness & Operations Certifications

Successful graduates of the Awareness and Operations program may be eligible to apply for and receive IFSAC and Pro Board certifications for:

• NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Awareness
• NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Operations

Technician Certification

Successful graduates of the Technician program may be eligible to apply for and receive IFSAC and Pro Board certification for:

• NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Technician

IFSAC and Pro Board certifications are widely recognized by fire departments, emergency response organizations, and industrial employers. Individual departments, jurisdictions, and employers may establish their own certification, licensing, medical, experience, and hiring requirements.

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

The Hazardous Materials Training Program provides students with knowledge and practical skills that support hazardous materials response roles within emergency services and industrial environments.

These qualifications may support:

• Municipal and regional fire service operations
• Industrial fire and emergency response teams
• Hazardous materials response organizations
• Transportation and logistics emergency response
• Oil, gas, energy, and manufacturing emergency-response operations
• Departmental professional development
• Specialized HazMat team selection and advancement
• Broader firefighter recruitment qualifications

Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations certification is commonly expected for structural firefighters and other emergency responders who may encounter hazardous substances.

Technician certification supports more specialized roles involving advanced assessment, entry, monitoring, decontamination, rescue, and product-control responsibilities.

Certification does not guarantee employment. Individual employers may require additional training, experience, medical testing, fitness testing, licensing, or department-specific qualifications.

The Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations program is also delivered as part of the CFRC Firefighter I & II Training Program.

Students seeking information about the licensing or regulatory status of a standalone Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations or Hazardous Materials Technician course should contact CFRC Admissions before applying.

 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.

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

Class B uniform: 

• 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).

_______________________________

Required Awareness & Operations Textbook for 2027:

Hazardous Materials for First Responders, 6th Edition, IFSTA:

• Available for purchase from the AFCA Bookstore in Print format - $138.88. 

_______________________________

Required Technician Textbook for 2027:

Hazardous Materials Technician, 3rd Edition, IFSTA:

• Available for purchase from the AFCA Bookstore in Print format - $141.68. 

_______________________________

IFSAC and Pro Board Certification fees: 

• Payable to the Province of Alberta - $60 per certificate (2 certificates in this program)

Food during your stay: 

• CFRC offers an optional weekday meal plan at a cost of $50 per day.
• Students should submit meal orders and communicate allergies, dietary restrictions, and food preferences directly to the CFRC culinary team.
• NOTE* There is no meal-service provided by the college on weekends or holidays.
• HazMat Ops & Awareness: Purchase your Meal Subscription here
• Hazmat Tech: 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. 

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.