NFPA 1041 Emergency Services Instructor Training Program

Emergency Services Instructor I

NFPA 1041 Emergency Services Instructor I prepares students to deliver training from approved lesson plans within an established fire, emergency services, industrial, or public-safety training program.

Instructor I focuses primarily on instructional delivery. Students learn how to prepare a learning environment, communicate effectively, adapt instructional methods to student needs, use training aids, maintain safety, and evaluate whether students have achieved the required learning outcomes.

Training may include:

• Roles and responsibilities of an emergency services instructor
• Adult learning principles
• Student-centred learning
• Cognitive and psychomotor instruction
• Preparing the classroom or practical training environment
• Delivering instruction from an approved lesson plan
• Communication and presentation skills
• Questioning and facilitation techniques
• Use of audiovisual and instructional technology
• Training-ground and classroom safety
• Managing student behaviour
• Accommodating different learning needs
• Conducting skills demonstrations
• Coaching student performance
• Administering written and practical assessments
• Evaluating learning outcomes
• Maintaining training records
• Providing constructive feedback
• Conducting actual student instruction

Instructor I is intended for individuals who deliver prepared training content, assist with department training, instruct practical skills, facilitate certification programs, or are preparing for formal instructional responsibilities.

Emergency Services Instructor II

NFPA 1041 Emergency Services Instructor II is designed for experienced instructors who are responsible for developing instructional materials, creating evaluation tools, coordinating training resources, and supervising the delivery of training.

Instructor II moves beyond delivering established lesson plans. Students learn how to develop and revise instructional content, evaluate other instructors, create testing instruments, analyze student performance, manage training resources, and contribute to the administration of a fire or emergency services training program.

Training may include:

• Developing instructional objectives
• Creating and revising lesson plans
• Selecting instructional methods
• Curriculum development
• Developing classroom and practical training activities
• Creating written examinations
• Developing practical skills evaluations
• Validating assessment instruments
• Analyzing examination results
• Evaluating instructor performance
• Supervising instructional delivery
• Coordinating training resources
• Scheduling instructors and facilities
• Maintaining training documentation
• Evaluating training-program effectiveness
• Supporting quality assurance
• Resolving instructional problems
• Managing safety within training programs
• Conducting actual student instruction

Instructor II is intended for department training officers, lead instructors, program coordinators, senior instructors, curriculum developers, and personnel responsible for supervising or managing training delivery.

Emergency Services Instructor I is required before a student may enrol in Emergency Services Instructor II.

Students must successfully complete the applicable online component before attending their scheduled in-person training.

Each student must also complete at least 16 hours of actual student instruction before attending the final evaluation. The teaching practicum may be completed:

• Within scheduled student classes at CFRC
• Within an approved fire department or emergency services organization
• During an approved certification program
• During department training nights
• Through another relevant instructional assignment approved by CFRC

Departmental instruction must be video captured and submitted in accordance with CFRC requirements.

All in-person training and evaluations are hosted at Canadian Fire Rescue College’s campus at 3420 22 Street in Springbrook, Red Deer County, Alberta, unless an approved departmental teaching assignment is arranged.

_______________________________

2026 Course Schedule

Class 263ESI1: EMERGENCY SERVICES INSTRUCTOR I

Weekend schedule with a separate teaching practicum and final evaluation

Application Deadline: June 15, 2026

In-Person Instruction: August 15, 2026

Written Examination: August 16, 2026

Required Teaching Practicum: Minimum 16 hours completed before final evaluation

IFSAC/Pro Board Final Evaluation: September 5, 2026

_______________________________

Class 254ESI2: EMERGENCY SERVICES INSTRUCTOR II

Weekend schedule with a separate teaching practicum and final evaluation

Application Deadline: August 10, 2026

In-Person Instruction: October 10, 2026

Written Examination: October 11, 2026

Required Teaching Practicum: Minimum 16 hours completed before final evaluation

IFSAC/Pro Board Final Evaluation: November 7, 2026

_______________________________

2027 Course Schedule

Class 271ESI1: EMERGENCY SERVICES INSTRUCTOR I

Weekend schedule with a separate teaching practicum and final evaluation

Application Deadline: January 6, 2027

In-Person Instruction: March 6, 2027

Written Examination: March 7, 2027

Required Teaching Practicum: Minimum 16 hours completed before final evaluation

IFSAC/Pro Board Final Evaluation: April 15, 2027

_______________________________

Class 272ESI2: EMERGENCY SERVICES INSTRUCTOR II

Weekend schedule with a separate teaching practicum and final evaluation

Application Deadline: March 29, 2027

In-Person Instruction: May 29, 2027

Written Examination: May 30, 2027

Required Teaching Practicum: Minimum 16 hours completed before final evaluation

IFSAC/Pro Board Final Evaluation: July 8, 2027

_______________________________

Wait List Options

Due to the specialized nature of Emergency Services Instructor training, scheduled classes may have limited capacity.

Applicants may select a Wait List option when a scheduled course is unavailable or full. Additional sessions may be organized when there are enough qualified applicants and instructors are available.

Applicants selecting a Wait List option will be contacted if another course can be scheduled. Placement on the wait list does not guarantee that a course will run during a specific period or that the resulting schedule will work for every applicant.

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:

Emergency Services Instructor I

No firefighting certification is required.

Applicants do not need to hold:

• NFPA 1001 Firefighter I or II
• NFPA 1010 Firefighter I or II
• Hazardous Materials certification
• Apparatus operator certification
• Fire Officer certification
• Any other firefighter professional qualification

Applicants must meet CFRC’s general admission and registration requirements, which may include:

• Valid Alberta Class 5 Drivers License with Airbrake Endorsement (Or equivalent)
• Proof that the applicant is at least 18 years of age
• Legal right to study and participate in the program
• English-language proficiency in accordance with CFRC policy
• High school diploma, GED, or approved mature admission
• Standard First Aid and CPR Level C (or equivalent/higher - from an approved training proider)
• Completion of required application documentation
• Ability to participate in instructional and evaluation activities
• Access to a computer and reliable internet for online learning
• Ability to complete the required 16-hour teaching practicum

Prior experience in firefighting, emergency medical services, industrial response, public safety, education, or workplace training may be beneficial but is not required unless specified by CFRC Admissions.

Emergency Services Instructor II

Emergency Services Instructor I is the only instructional certification prerequisite for Emergency Services Instructor II.

Applicants must provide proof of successful completion of:

• NFPA 1041 Emergency Services Instructor I through IFSAC, Pro Board, CFRC, or another credential accepted by CFRC

No firefighter certification is required for admission into Instructor II.

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

ESI Level I: NFPA 1041 Level I

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $1,110.00

TOTAL: $1,260.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition)

ESI Level II: NFPA 1041 Level II

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $1,110.00

TOTAL: $1,260.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition)

2027 Pricing

ESI Level I: NFPA 1041 Level I

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $840.00

TOTAL: $990.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition)

ESI Level II: NFPA 1041 Level II

Application Fee: $150.00

Remaining Tuition: $840.00

TOTAL: $990.00 (Application Fee forms part of overall tuition)

The 2027 tuition amounts above do not include a separate application fee unless confirmed by CFRC.

Tuition must be paid by the applicable deadline before students attend the in-person component.

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

Each level of the Emergency Services Instructor program is delivered in a blended format. Students complete online theory before attending scheduled in-person instruction, completing a written examination, delivering at least 16 hours of actual student instruction, and attending a separate final evaluation.

Emergency Services Instructor I

Online Component

The Instructor I online component includes:

• Approximately 40 hours of self-paced online learning
• Foundational theory required to deliver emergency services education
• Cognitive and psychomotor instructional methods
• Adult learning principles
• Communication and classroom-management concepts
• Theory aligned with NFPA 1041 Emergency Services Instructor I
• Interactive visual and audio learning activities
• Required textbook-based study
• Preparation for in-person instruction, teaching assignments, written testing, and final evaluation

Students must successfully complete the Instructor I online component before attending the scheduled in-person class.

In-Person Instruction and Written Examination

The scheduled campus component includes:

• One day of in-person instruction
• Instructor demonstrations and guided practice
• Lesson-delivery exercises
• Classroom and practical training activities
• Preparation for the teaching practicum
• One separate written-examination day
• Complimentary on-campus accommodation
• Required 16-Hour Teaching Practicum

Every Instructor I student must deliver at least 16 hours of actual instruction to real students.

The teaching practicum may be completed:

• In CFRC student classes
• In an approved departmental certification course
• During approved department training nights
• Through another relevant instructional activity approved by CFRC

Departmental teaching must be video captured so the student’s instructional performance can be reviewed.

The 16-hour requirement must be completed before the final evaluation. Students who have not completed and documented all required teaching hours will not be permitted to complete the final certification evaluation.

Final Evaluation

Students complete a separate formal evaluation after the online learning, in-person instruction, written examination, and teaching practicum have been completed.

Successful students may be eligible for IFSAC and Pro Board certification at the Instructor I level.

Emergency Services Instructor II

Online Component

The Instructor II online component includes:

• Approximately 28 hours of self-paced online learning
• Advanced theory related to lesson-plan and curriculum development
• Test-question and evaluation development
• Supervision and evaluation of instructional delivery
• Training-resource and program management
• Theory aligned with NFPA 1041 Emergency Services Instructor II
• Interactive visual and audio learning activities
• Required textbook-based study
• Preparation for in-person instruction, teaching assignments, written testing, and final evaluation

Students must successfully complete the Instructor II online component before attending the scheduled in-person class.

In-Person Instruction and Written Examination

The scheduled campus component includes:

• One day of advanced in-person instruction
• Lesson-plan and curriculum-development exercises
• Test-development activities
• Instructor-evaluation exercises
• Training-program management activities
• Preparation for the teaching practicum
• One separate written-examination day
• Complimentary on-campus accommodation
• Required 16-Hour Teaching Practicum

Every Instructor II student must complete at least 16 hours of actual instruction within a real student-learning environment.

The practicum may include:

• Delivering instruction in CFRC certification programs
• Delivering approved department certification training
• Leading department training nights
• Providing other relevant instruction approved by CFRC

Instruction completed within a department or external organization must be video captured for review.

All 16 hours must be completed and documented before the Instructor II final evaluation.

Final Evaluation

Students complete a separate formal evaluation after satisfying the online, classroom, written-examination, teaching-practicum, and prerequisite requirements.

Successful students may be eligible for IFSAC and Pro Board certification at the Instructor II level.

The Emergency Services Instructor Training Program covers two NFPA certification levels:

• NFPA 1041 Emergency Services Instructor I
• NFPA 1041 Emergency Services Instructor II

Successful graduates may be eligible to apply for and receive IFSAC and Pro Board® certification for the level completed.

Emergency Services Instructor I is required before a student may enrol in or receive certification for Emergency Services Instructor II.

No NFPA firefighter certification is required for either Instructor level.

IFSAC and Pro Board® certifications are widely recognized by fire departments, emergency services agencies, industrial organizations, and training institutions. Individual employers and jurisdictions may establish their own certification, experience, education, and promotional requirements.

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

Emergency Services Instructor training develops instructional, evaluation, curriculum, and training-program skills that may support a wide range of fire, emergency services, industrial, and public-safety roles.

Emergency Services Instructor I

Instructor I may support roles involving:

• Department training delivery
• Skills instruction
• Certification-program instruction
• Company-level training
• Recruit instruction
• Workplace emergency-response training
• Industrial emergency-services instruction
• Public-safety education
• Practical skills evaluation
• Training support within fire and emergency services colleges

Emergency Services Instructor II

Instructor II may support roles involving:

• Lead instructor responsibilities
• Department training officer duties
• Curriculum and lesson-plan development
• Test and evaluation development
• Supervision of Instructor I personnel
• Training-program coordination
• Quality assurance
• Instructor evaluation
• Training-resource management
• Emergency services college instruction
• Promotional and leadership development

Some departments require Emergency Services Instructor certification before personnel may provide formal training, participate in certification delivery, serve as a training officer, or qualify for promotion.

Certification does not guarantee employment or promotion. Individual organizations determine their own experience, educational, certification, and operational requirements.

This program is exempt from licensing via Alberta Advanced Education due to the short duration of the program, and its skills-updating nature.

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).

 Fire and Emergency Services Instructor: Principles and Practice, Third Edition: 

• Available for purchase from the AFCA Bookstore in print format - $156.17.

IFSAC and Pro Board Certification fees: 

• Payable to the Province of Alberta - $60 per certificate (1 certificates per level of 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.
• 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.

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.