Fire Training Certificate Program (Academy)

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 fire fighting, industrial safety, medical first response, and more. Along with fire and rescue services, employment opportunities exist in oil and gas, forestry and mining industries.

Delivered in partnership with the City of Kimberley Fire Department, the program is delivered primarily on-site at the City of Kimberley Fire Hall and live-fire training facilities, 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 the a College of the Rockies Fire Training certificate along with a host of individual certificates including NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level 1 and 2, NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, and many more.

Why Consider a Firefighting Career?

• Enter into a challenging, yet rewarding career that gives you a real opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.
• According to Work BC, the provincial hourly rate for a firefighter is $17.63 - $50.00 per hour
• Training opens up a wide variety of career opportunities

Program Content:

Program components provide students with the opportunity to earn 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 National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications (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
• Emergency Services Workplace Preparation
• Airbrakes
• S100 Basic Fire Suppression & Safety
• S185 Fire Entrapment Avoidance & Safety
• SPP-WFF 1 Wildland Firefighter 1
• TDG - Transportation of Dangerous Goods
• WHMIS
• Basic Chainsaw Operations and Safety
• Occupational First Aid Level 3
• Emergency Medical Responder

Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a College of the Rockies Fire Training Certificate, as well as Pro Board certification for all applicable NFPA-based courses. Industry certifications are provided for other related courses.

Note: Courses subject to change based on Industry requirements.

View official program outline.

NFPA Based Courses

Other Fire Services Related Courses

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Continuing Education Courses

PVHE 300: Occupational First Aid Level 3

This comprehensive first aid course is recognized in both Alberta and BC. OFA-3 prepares students to take on the responsibilities of the first aid attendant providing emergency care and covers a variety of emergency medical techniques. Participants must be 16 years of age to take the course. A certificate, granted for successful completion, is valid for 3 years.

The course is completed over 10 training days plus one day for exam.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Academic Requirements:

• Secondary school graduation or equivalent

Non Academic 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 College of the Rockies' Fire Advisory Committee
• Complete a written aptitude exam
• Complete a comprehensive interview

Physical Fitness Testing may include the following:

Up to seven events, approximately 45 minutes per person (four timed events plus three agility events)

• Timed event: running (or stair climb), sit-ups, push-ups and mannequin/weight drag
• Agility events: hose drag, rope/hose raise, confined space crawl

Testing Phase:

After the application deadline, qualified applicants with complete packages submitted, may be eligible to move on to the testing phase held in Spring/Summer in Kimberley, BC. After the testing phase, applicants who are accepted into the program will be notified within approximately two weeks of the testing date and are required to pay a $500 non-refundable commitment fee which will go towards the tuition balance.

Testing consists of a written aptitude test, physical fitness test and an interview.

Tuition and Fees:

_{*These prices are for domestic students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change.}

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 a variety of 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
Amount Class 3 optional training if offered (tentative)	$1,000.00 - $1,500.00 (approximately)
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, Class 3)	Various amounts - Insurance Corporation of BC
First Aid - EMR Licensing	$ 450.00 (approximately) - EMA Licensing Branch of BC