Fire Training Certificate Program
Now accepting applications for the September 2, 2025 intake
If you’re passionate about helping others, thrive in both team and solo settings while meeting the challenging needs of fire service, and are physically fit, training to become a firefighter may be the perfect fit for you. Reach out to us to learn more about training for this exciting and rewarding career.
Fire Training Certification Program Overview
Our 23-week full-time Fire Training certificate program is very hands-on and provides instruction on the skills, knowledge and certificates you require to be a strong candidate for entry-level positions in firefighting, industrial safety, medical first response, and more. Along with fire and rescue services, employment opportunities exist in oil and gas, forestry and mining industries.
Based in Cranbrook, BC, this program is delivered primarily at the College’s Gold Creek campus and on-site at the City of Cranbrook fire hall and live-fire training facility, providing a unique and authentic training environment. Your instructors have extensive experience and training as firefighters or emergency services personnel. Upon successful completion of the program you will receive a College of the Rockies Fire Training certificate along with a host of ProBoard-accredited certificates including NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level 1 and 2, NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, Emergency Medical Responder, and more.
This program includes 3 types of courses:
- A. NFPA based courses: The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) is the primary source of consensus codes and standards for the Fire Service in North America. The Pro Board is an internationally-recognized organization for accrediting NFPA standards. Successful completion of NFPA-based courses at COTR merits accreditation by the Pro Board and COTR academic credit.
- B. Other Fire Services-related Courses: These courses, though not Pro Board accredited, are recognized with other COTR and/or industry-standard certifications.
- C. Continuing Education courses: These courses add considerable value to the Firefighter’s resume and knowledge base. Although most of these courses result in industry-recognized certification, they do not earn COTR academic credit.
Program Content:
Program components provide students with recognition for a number of essential fire services certifications. Courses which adhere to the standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are accredited by The Pro Board .
- Fire Fighting Practices Level I and II / NFPA 1001
- Hazardous Materials Awareness / NFPA 1072
- Hazardous Materials at the Core Operations Level: with Product Control & PPE Mission Specific Competencies / NFPA 1072
- Rope Rescue Technician Level I / NFPA 1006
- Vehicle Technical Rescuer Level I/ NFPA 1006
- Confined Space Rescue Technician Level I / NFPA 1006
- Industrial Fire Brigade Member – Incipient / NFPA 1081
- Emergency Vehicle Operation
- Rapid Intervention (NFPA 1407)
- Emergency Scene Traffic Control
- ICS 100 (Incident Command Systems)
- ICS 200 (Incident Command Systems)
- First Responder (Red Cross)
- Emergency Services Workplace Preparation
- Air Brakes
- S100 Basic Fire Suppression & Safety
- S185 Fire Entrapment Avoidance & Safety
- SPP-WFF 1 Wildland Firefighter 1
- TDG – Transportation of Dangerous Goods
- WHMIS – Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
- Basic Chainsaw Operations and Safety
- Occupational First Aid Level 3
- Emergency Medical Responder
Note: Courses subject to change based on Industry requirements.
Course Descriptions
FIRE-127 – Fire Fighting Practices Level 1 and 2
This course complies with the standards set by NFPA 1001 and provides a foundation of theory and practical skill development for students pursuing a career in the fire services. Topics include the organization of the fire department, standard operating procedures, rules and regulations, safety initiatives, personal protective equipment, tools and equipment, ropes and knots, the chain of command and incident management, fire department communications, and teamwork. The course prepares students for entry-level positions as structural Firefighters. Wildland Fire Suppression Workers and Industrial Safety Officers/Firefighters. The course includes both theory and hands-on activities related to fire safety and emergency response-related skills.
- Minimum Credits: 14
- Length: 320 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Note: Though students do not need a prerequisite or corequisite to complete FIRE 127 with College of the Rockies, students require FIRE 111 (Hazardous Materials Awareness) and FIRE 112 Hazardous Materials Operations to receive Pro Board certification as a firefighter.
- Delivery Method: ? Hybrid
- Course Outline
FIRE-111 – Hazardous Materials Awareness
This course complies with the standards set by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1072 (Awareness) and prepares people who may, in the course of their duties, encounter an emergency involving hazardous materials or weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Students learn to recognize the presence of hazardous materials, protect themselves, call for trained personnel, and secure the area. The goal of this course is to enable those on the scene of a hazardous materials or WMD incident to apply essential knowledge in a safe and effective manner.
- Minimum Credits: 0.5
- Length: 8 hours
- Prerequisites:
None
- Delivery Method: ? Hybrid, On-campus
- Course Outline
FIRE-112 – Hazardous Materials Operations
This course meets and exceeds the 2017 Edition NFPA 1072 at the Core Operations (Chapter 5 ) and Mission Specific (Chapter 6.2 and 6.6) ) Standard of Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Emergency Response Personnel & Professional Qualification.
At this (Responder) level, students learn the skills and additional knowledge necessary to respond to hazardous materials or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents and protect nearby persons, the environment, and property from the effects of the release.
- Minimum Credits: 2
- Length: 32 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Completed the following:
- FIRE111 – Hazardous Materials Awareness (.5)
- Or NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness.
- Completed the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Delivery Method: ? Hybrid
- Course Outline
FIRE-123 – Industrial Fire Brigade Member – Incipient
This course complies with the standards set by NFPA 1081 (Industrial Fire Brigade Member – Incipient), and covers the general knowledge necessary to understand basic fire behaviour and the skills necessary to function as a member of an Industrial Fire Brigade. Students learn how to operate within an incident management system and emergency response operations plan for a site. Topics include the standard operating and safety procedures for a site, including site-specific hazards. Learning activities include initiating communications, using facility communications equipment to effectively relay oral or written information, responding to alarms, returning equipment to service, and completing incident reports.
- Minimum Credits: 2
- Length: 32 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Note: Though students do not need a prerequisite or corequisite to complete FIRE 123 with College of the Rockies, students require FIRE 111 (Hazardous Materials Awareness) to receive Pro Board certification for NFPA 1081 standards for Industrial Firefighter.
- Delivery Method: ? Hybrid
- Course Outline
FIRE-130 – Fire Driver Pumper Operator
This is a one-week course. 40 hours of instruction will be delivered face-to-face or combined with online activities, quizzes, and other assessments. 8 hours of certification evaluation will be performed through face-to-face sessions scheduled for a 1-day period at the end of the course. The course prepares the student for the Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator certification process.
- Minimum Credits: 2
- Length: 40 hours
- Prerequisites:
None
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Hybrid
- Course Outline
FIRE-102 – Rapid Intervention Awareness
This course prepares students to participate as a member of a rapid intervention crew (RIC), with the goal of recruiting fire fighters who become lost, injured, trapped, incapacitated, or disoriented in the course of an emergency scene or training operation. Course curriculum is based on the objectives as set by NFPA 1407 (Standard for Training Fire Service Rapid Intervention Crews): topics include appropriate search techniques, rescue access; air supply and air management; use of ropes, slings and harnesses for rescue operations; methods to protect and move endangered firefighters; and self-rescue techniques.
- Minimum Credits: 1
- Length: 16 hours
- Prerequisites:
None
- Delivery Method: ? Hybrid
- Course Outline
FIRE-103 – Emergency Scene Traffic Control
Successful completion of this course earns a certificate from the BC Municipal Safety Association (BCMSA).
- Minimum Credits: .5
- Length: 8 hours
- Prerequisites:
None
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Hybrid
- Course Outline
FIRE-113 – Incident Command Systems 100
This course introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. Students learn about the history, features, principles, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System.
- Minimum Credits: .5
- Length: 8 hours
- Prerequisites:
None
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Hybrid
- Course Outline
FIRE-114 – Incident Command Systems 200
Incident Command Systems (ICS) 200 builds on the knowledge acquired in ICS 100 (COTR FIRE 113), and defines the unique qualities of ICS as an event or incident management system. This course provides an introduction to leadership and management, delegation of authority and management by objectives, functional areas and positions, briefings, organizational flexibility, and transfer of command within an ICS. The focus is on the management of single resources, and the training needs of personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within the ICS.
- Minimum Credits: .5
- Length: 16 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Completed the following:
- FIRE113 – Incident Command Systems 100 (.5)
- Completed the following:
- Delivery Method: ? Hybrid
- Course Outline
FIRE-117 – Emergency Services Workplace Preparation
This course helps Fire Services students understand the job application process, write a convincing cover letter and resume, present him/herself favorably during the interview process, and approach aptitude testing with confidence. Students review job ads, identify desirable traits for this vocation, participate in mock interviews, and discuss typical aptitude test questions.
- Length: 24 hours
- Prerequisites:
None
- Delivery Method: ? Hybrid
- Course Outline
FIRE-135 – Rope Rescuer (Awareness/Operations)
This course is based on NFPA 1006: Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications, Chapter 5, 2021 Edition. Designed for both fire department personnel and private industry, this course provides responders with an understanding of incidents involving technical rope rescue. This course teaches the responder how to package and rescue patients using rope rescue systems.
- Minimum Credits: 2
- Length: 40 hours
- Prerequisites:
None
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Course Outline
FIRE-134 – Confined Space Rescuer (Awareness and Operations)
This course is based on NFPA 1006: Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications, Chapter 7, 2021 Edition. Designed for both fire department personnel and private industry, this course provides responders with a comprehensive understanding of accidents involving a confined space. This course teaches the responder how to test atmospheres, package and rescue patients, use SCBA and rescue systems.
- Minimum Credits: 2
- Length: 40 hours
- Prerequisites:
None
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Course Outline
FIRE-133 – Common Vehicle Rescue Technician (including Awareness and Operations)
This course is based on NFPA 1006: NFPA 1006: Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications, 2021 Edition – Chapter 8 Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue, 2021 Edition. This course offers a combination of classroom and practical evolutions that allow the student to learn advanced techniques to size-up and create access and egress openings for rescue at a complex common passenger vehicle incident.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 56 hours
- Prerequisites:
None
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Course Outline
FIRE-116 – First Responder
This course provides comprehensive first aid and CPR skills for professional first responders or those training to become first responders. The course teaches the patient assessment model, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, hemorrhage control, and care for a variety of acute and chronic conditions. Participants will be engaged in dynamic training techniques including video, media presentations, skills demonstrations, practice sessions, discussions and scenarios based on real-life situations. Basic Life Support, Airway Management and Oxygen Therapy course modules are also provided.
- Minimum Credits: 2
- Length: 46 hours
- Prerequisites:
None
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Course Outline
FIRE-106 – Emergency Vehicle Operation
This course develops driver skills through knowledge of both physical and vehicle dynamics in relation to vehicle operations. Through a progressive series of driving exercises, students experience conditions often experienced while driving at higher speeds and under emergency conditions. They also learn to respond safely and efficiently to a variety of driving conditions. Both mental and physical driving skills are emphasized.
- Minimum Credits: 1
- Length: 16 hours
- Prerequisites:
None
- Delivery Method: ? Hybrid
- Course Outline
Continuing Education Courses
PVHE 315: Emergency Medical Responder
The Emergency Medical Responder course is for BC Occupational First Aid Level 3 attendants who wish to upgrade their skills to become an EMR attendant for the ambulance service and prepares the candidate for the provincial examination. This course meets the NOCP guidelines as set out by the Paramedics Association of Canada. Note that most employers in the North are asking for minimum of EMR. Candidates must be 19 years of age, hold a valid Level 3 OFA certificate or equivalent, preferably issued within the previous 6 months.
The course is completed over 6 training days plus one day for exam.
PVHE 700: Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS)
WHMIS training is required to meet the Federal Hazardous Products Act requirements for handling hazardous materials in the workplace. This is a half-day course.
PVHE 701: Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
TDG certification is required by Transport Canada for anybody transporting dangerous goods. The course helps students understand shipping documentation, labels and packaging; complete driver documentation and information regarding an accident or emergency. This is a half-day course.
PVIN 131: Airbrakes
This course is a comprehensive study of commercial vehicle air brake systems and a presentation of pre-trip inspection and brake adjustment to prepare for the Motor Vehicle Branch Air Endorsement exam.
This 20 hour course requires a valid BC Drivers’ License. (Can be taken with a learner’s license).
PVNR 107: SPP-WFF 1 Wildland Firefighter Level 1
This course develops sound wildland firefighting observations, suppression techniques, and avoidance of fire entrapment. It is designed for firefighters with structural firefighting experience to apply their learning to the special circumstances of wildland firefighting. The SPP-WFF 1 curriculum is designed by the Office of the Fire Commissioner as part of the Structure Protection Program, and replaces F1-110 (Wildland Fire Observation & Origin Science Protection) and S-215 (Fire Operations in the Wildland Urban Interface). SPP-WFF 1 is a required component in British Columbia intended for Structure Firefighters only, as per the Fire Fighter Playbook. It does NOT replace S-100 for those intending to qualify for employment with Wildland Fire Fighting agencies.
PVNR 125: Basic Chainsaw Operations and Safety
This course, designed for entry-level chainsaw operators, focusses on proper saw maintenance and safe use of chainsaws. The course begins with approximately 4 hours of instructor-led presentation, discussion with group and individual assignments, review of relevant OH&S regulations, hands-on work assignments including essential saw maintenance and correct chain filing, proper use of PPE gear, and procedures and techniques for safe chainsaw operation. Following the classroom session, students spend approximately 4 hours in the field reviewing and implementing procedures learned in the classroom. Fieldwork includes recognition of bucking hazards, discussions of saw binds, and practice using proper bucking techniques. Student learning is assessed by a field examination of each student for basic chainsaw operating competency.
PVNR 170: S100 Basic Fire Suppression & Safety
This course, offered by the British Columbia Forest Service, provides participants with a basic knowledge of the wildland fire suppression organizational structure, the wildland fire environment, suppression and safety procedures and equipment used in British Columbia to effectively and safely respond as a basic wildland firefighter. The two-day training session includes one day of classroom work and one day of field work. Basic Fire Suppression & Safety is the minimum training standard required for any person to participate as a wildland fire fighter in the province of British Columbia.
PVNR 174: S185 Fire Entrapment Avoidance & Safety
Fire Entrapment Avoidance &Safety, offered by the British Columbia Forest Service, provides participants with a basic knowledge of fire entrapment avoidance and fire entrapment survival techniques. This 2-3 hour classroom training session is recognized by the BC Ministry of Forests as required training for any person to participate as a wildland firefighter in the province of BC.
Recommended Admission Requirements
- 18 years of age or older
- BC Class 5 driver’s license or equivalent, valid at time of application
- Completion and submission of Fire Training Certificate Program package
- Meet a minimum physical fitness standard in areas of strength, endurance, and mobility – the testing criteria are determined by the College in consultation with COTR’s Fire Advisory Committee
- Complete a written aptitude exam
- Complete a comprehensive interview
Physical Fitness Requirement:
Applicants must be physically capable and required to perform in physical fitness and firefighting training activities during the program.
Activities may include but are not limited to:
- Timed – running, pushups, sit-ups, stair climb, mannequin/weight drag
- Agility – hose drag, rope/hose raise, confined space crawl, ladder climb
Completion of a Physical Fitness form with a Doctor recommendation is required during the application process.
Qualified applicants will receive the Physical Fitness form in the Fire Training Admissions Package.
Testing Phase:
The test phase consists of an online, entry-level firefighter aptitude test. Test candidates will be emailed a link to complete the test by the deadline stated.
After the test phase, successful applicants will be sent an Admissions Package to be completed and returned by the deadline stated. Applicants who have successfully completed the aptitude test and submitted a completed admissions package will be invited to a virtual interview with the program instructor and coordinator.
After the interview, applicants who are accepted into the program will be notified by the Admissions Department, and are required to pay a $500 non-refundable commitment fee which will go towards the tuition balance.
Tuition and Fees for Domestic Students
For the 2025/26 academic year (2025/SU, 2025/FA, 2026/WI, 2026/SP)
| Application Fee: | $30.00 |
| Tuition: | $15,779.85 |
| Student Association Fee: | $52.90 |
| Health and Dental Fee: | $240.00 |
*Tuition and Fees for domestic students are estimates and are subject to change. Depending on course electives there may be additional lab fees. Tuition and Fees do not include textbook costs or supplies. Tuition fees include student technology fees, student activity fees, and alumni fees. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.
Additional Costs:
Additional costs listed below are approximate and are subject to change. Living and transportation costs are additional. Reliable transportation is required. A laptop computer is strongly recommended.
This program includes a number of off-site training activities in various locations (e.g. live fire training grounds, EVO driving practice, ropes training. Students are required to supply their own transportation for such trips. Students are expected to follow all college policies and procedures when participating in off-campus activities.
| Fees paid to College of the Rockies up front | Amount |
|---|---|
| Uniform Fee | $ 350.00 |
| Personal supplies required up front – purchased on your own | Amount |
|---|---|
| Uniform accessories (Belt, socks, station shoes) | Various amounts |
| Basic school supplies (paper, pens, backpack, etc.) | Various amounts |
| Other supplies/gear as needed | Various amounts |
| Fees paid to College of the Rockies during the program | Amount |
|---|---|
| First Aid Remedial Testing (if needed) | $100.00 (approximately) |
| Fees paid to other agencies during the program | Amount |
|---|---|
| Driver’s License Fees (i.e. Air Brakes) | Various amounts – Insurance Corporation of BC |
| First Aid – EMR Licensing | $ 450.00 (approximately) – EMA Licensing Branch of BC |
Bursary Information
The National Police Federation Benevolent Foundation bursary program was established to provide financial assistance to post-secondary students studying in a field relative to public safety in four regions across Canada (Atlantic, Central, Prairies/North, and Pacific). Twelve regional bursaries totaling $2,500 each will be awarded to eligible students, and a single national bursary totaling $5,000 – the Gordon Clarke Bursary – will be awarded annually to one student who has shown exceptional leadership, compassion, and support for their community. Please see eligibility criteria and how to apply here: https://foundation.npf-fpn.com/bursaries/.
Career Info and Pathways
The Fire Services Training certificate prepares you for a challenging, yet rewarding career making a difference in people’s lives. Completion of the certificate can prepare you for careers like:
- Firefighter (for municipal, provincial and federal governments, as well as for large industrial organizations with internal firefighting services) *
- Forestry Technologist / Technician
With additional education and experience, you may be eligible for a career as:
* High Opportunity Occupation
Fire Training Certificate – Block Transfer Agreements
| To Institution | Program | |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia Southern University | Associate of Science in Fire Sciences or Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration | Transfer Agreement |
Contact Us
Fire Training Certificate Program
Gold Creek Campus
1305 24th Ave. S.
PO Box 8500, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 5L7
Phone: 250-428-5332
Email: mhuscroft@cotr.bc.ca