Basic Firefighter Academy
Firefighter Application is now open below!
* Applications are still being accepted, and will be considered to fill open seats
or placed on a wait list for next the Fire Academy beginning in September.
Program Overview
The College of the Desert Public Safety Academy FIRE 063A (Basic Firefighter Academy-Part 1) is the first required course of a sequential two semester accredited State Fire Marshal (SFM) Basic Firefighter Academy designed to provide cadets with a basic knowledge of fire service operations and the entry level skills required by the vast majority fire departments nationwide. Completion of this certificate satisfies the manipulative and academic training requirements as established by the SFM to become certified as a Fire Fighter 1.
Successful completion of both FIRE 063A and FIRE 063B (Basic Firefighter Academy-Part 2) are required to be eligible to apply for the State Firefighter I Certificate. The extended Academy amounts to college units and a student completing the academy will receive certificates of achievement through the California State Fire Marshal’s Office and IFSAC / Pro Board, California State Training Institute, the National Wildland Coordinating Group, and FEMA.
This certificate provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to safely perform, under minimal supervision, essential and advanced fire ground tasks. These shall include basic rescue operations, auto extrication, basic fire suppression, prevention and investigation, a basic knowledge of the "Incident Command System" (ICS) and an introduction to the potential dangers of hazardous materials. In addition, students will learn to use, inspect and maintain various types of firefighting and rescue equipment. Completion of this certificate satisfies the manipulative and academic training requirements as established by the SFM to become certified as a Fire Fighter 1. This certificate is also nationally recognized by the IFSAC / Pro Board standard of certification for the Fire Fighter I.
The COD-PSA Basic Fire Academy is accredited through the California State Fire Marshal’s Office and adheres to the SFM’s 2024 Certified Firefighter I requirements.
