Fire Service Technology
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Program Description
Are you interested in learning what it takes to become a firefighter or need fire service technology knowledge to work in a structure fire-related field? The College of Western Idaho’s Fire Service Technology program is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and its curriculum is based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) model, and IFSAC requirements. Local fire department trainers and command staff who assisted in the development of the curriculum will also provide some of the instruction. CWI focuses on teaching students to analyze and solve problems in firefighting based on real-world situations and scenarios.
Students can choose to apply for the Basic Technical Certificate 1, Basic Technical Certificate 2, Intermediate Technical Certificate, or Associate of Arts degree based on their career interests. Please refer to the applicable degree/certificate page for specific course requirements.
- The Basic Technical Certificate 1 (BTC 1) offers an academy-style program designed to be completed in one semester and prepares students for opportunities as full-time or volunteer firefighters. Students will be presented with the highest level of classroom instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and will participate in live burns. In addition, students will enroll in a corequisite physical fitness course designed specifically for firefighters. Upon successful completion of FIRE 101 Fire Fighter, students are afforded an opportunity to take the IFSAC Firefighter I exam, proctored by Idaho Fire Science Technology.
- The Basic Technical Certificate 2 (BTC 2) prepares students of all ages and abilities with fire service technology classroom learning experience without the skills manipulation or live burn. There will be no hands-on demonstrations or live burns and cannot be used for any IFSAC certifications. Students will not be afforded an opportunity to take the IFSAC Firefighter I testing, proctored by Idaho Fire Science Technology.
- The Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC) prepares students with the academic knowledge needed for possible career advancement beyond firefighter to driver/engineer. It also provides an opportunity for students to expand a firefighter's role to fire prevention, fire inspection, and public education.
- The Associate of Arts (AA) degree offers two options for completion. Fire Service Technology Option 1 requires completion of FIRE 101 Fire Fighter, which involves classroom instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and participation in live burns. Additionally, upon successful completion of FIRE 101, students are afforded an opportunity to take the IFSAC Firefighter I testing, proctored by Idaho Fire Science Technology. Fire Service Technology Option 2 provides a classroom learning experience for students of all ages and abilities without skills manipulation or live burn participation.
The CWI Fire Service Technology program is competitive entry; it requires a separate application and has several prerequisites that must be met prior to acceptance. For further details regarding these prerequisites and to access the Fire Service Technology program application, please see the program web page. Information regarding special course fees can also be found on the program web page.
Note: Registrations for Fire Service courses are restricted to students within the major.