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Firefighter Academy

Become a Firefighter

Moreno Valley College's 16-week Basic Firefighter Academy equips students with foundational fire service skills required by most departments. Accredited by the California State Fire Marshal, the program qualifies students for the Firefighter I certificate, and earned credits can apply toward an associate degree.

Application Steps Fire Technology Programs

Fire Academy Application Period: May 1 - 31

To apply for the fall 2025 Fire Academy, complete your application within May 1 - 31. Applicants may apply with pre-requisites in progress. Review the How to Apply process below for additional information and step-by-step guidance.

Launch Application

Before You Apply

Email the Fire Technology program at fire@mvc.edu if you have questions about or are interested in applying to MVC's Basic Firefighter Academy. Provide the following: your name, contact number and email address. You will receive email notifications of application posting and class updates.

Application Periods

Applications are accepted online only during the application period. Your information is not retained from year to year, so you must reapply if you did not qualify prior. You may apply with prerequisites in progress.

The application opens and closes at midnight. 

  • Spring academy applications: Open November 1 - 30
  • Fall academy applications: Open May 1 - 31

Academy Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • FIT-1 (or equivalent)
  • California State EMT Card or current NREMT card
  • Physical Agility Test (CPAT or Biddle)
  • Complete a physical/medical exam prior to starting the FIT-S3A course
  • Complete FIT-S3A Intro to Fire Academy & Physical Conditioning for Fire Academy
RivCo Workforce Development Board fully funds EMT training
Your firefighter training could be fully paid for through the RivCo Workforce Development Center.

Sponsored Learning

Let the Riverside County Workforce Development Center's team of experienced personnel guide you along the path to finding your new career. RivCo's Workforce Development Center can assist qualified Moreno Valley residents with tuition and other expenses such as uniforms and books. That's right, they'll sponsor you!

To become a sponsored learner, call to apply at (951) 791-3504 or email Lelay.Galloway@rivco.org.

How to Apply

  • 1

    Apply to MVC

    The online MVC Fire Academy application requires you to be a current MVC student. If needed, apply to MVC online.
  • 2

    Read the Fire Academy Information Packet

    All applicants are required to read the information packet. The packet contains annual deadlines, agreements and waivers, certification information, cost breakdowns and more.
  • 3

    Complete Your Medical Clearance

    All applicants are required to complete the OSHA Respiratory Medical Recommendation and Physical Results with a licensed physician. You must have your physician complete and sign the last page, scan that page, and include it in your application.
  • 4

    Gather pre-requisite information

    Be ready to provide copies of the following in your application: Fire Protection Organization Transcript, current copy of CA State EMT Certification or NREMT Card, and proof of successful Physical Abilities Test (Biddle or CPAT) within 1 year of Academy start date.
    Applying with Pre-requisites in Progress
    While applicants may apply with prerequisites in progress, applicants with completed prerequisites will be given priority. If you do not have all prerequisites complete, you must commit to completing them prior to the end of your FIT-S3A course and provide a summary of your current progress toward completion.
  • 5

    Complete your application

    The Fire Academy application is open once a year. Students must complete the online application form and provide contact information, an educational background, digitally sign waivers and agreements, as well as upload their medical clearance (and optionally, any prerequisites). To access to the application, you must log into your student email.
  • 6

    Wait for notice of selection or nonselection

    Once you submit your application, your interest is screened. Applicants accepted to MVC's Fire Academy will be notified by email.

     

    Academy Degree and Certificate Rewards

    Offered Degrees

    Students can put the college units earned in the Fire Academy toward any associate degree. An associate degree is rewarded upon completion of general education requirements for a minimum of 60 college units.

    About the Fire Academy Degree  About the Fire Technology Degree

    Offered Certificates

    Upon completion of the Fire Academy program, students will receive certificates for topics in fire control, incident command systems, safety and survival, rescue and more. A full list is as follows:

    • Fire Control 3, 4
    • IFSAC/Pro Board Firefighter 1A, 1B, 1C
    • Complete Firefighter 2A testing
    • NWCG S-130, L-180, S-190
    • FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800
    • Firefighter Safety and Survival
    • Wildland Firefighter Safety and Survival —  Level 1
    • Low Angle Rope Rescue
    • Vehicle Extrication
    • Rapid Intervention Crew Tactics
    • Confined Space Awareness
    • C-212 Basic Chainsaw Safety Awareness — Classroom Portion
    • Behavioral Health & Cancer Awareness 1A

     

     

     

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