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Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training

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Program Code: 21701
Credential: Ontario College Certificate
Start Dates: January, September
Program Length: 2 semesters
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Outcomes:
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Humber is proud to have the highest graduate employment and employer satisfaction rate of the GTA colleges based on Colleges Ontario’s key performance indicators for college graduates in 2022-2023.

Program Overview

Humber’s Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training certificate program will help prepare you for the demands and rewards of becoming a firefighter. At the start of the program, you will learn how fire departments operate and the kind of equipment used on the job. You will then go more in depth studying fire behaviour and combustion chemistry, firefighting techniques, rescue strategies, emergency care for patients, hazardous materials awareness, and firefighter health and wellness. You’ll also experience the everyday reality of firefighting by practising your skills in a burn tower. Faculty, who are certified fire service instructors and active firefighters, will prepare you for the field by sharing their extensive experience and expertise. Gaining employment as a firefighter is very competitive. Completion of this program does not guarantee employment.

This is a two-semester program in which the semesters must be done consecutively.

This program is not available to international applicants.

The Humber Advantage

Industry and Community Partnerships

In the second semester, our students continue to enhance their practical learning taught by Humber College Fire instructors at a Greater Toronto Area Fire Department Training Centre. Students will utilize propane props, auto extrication pads, and access a burn building to develop their skills.

We Know What It Takes

The Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program at Humber is designed, developed and delivered extensively through hands-on experiences. Curriculum is delivered by professional and passionate instructors, who one day, might be standing next to you as a firefighter team member. Their goal is to teach you thoroughly and reinforce the learning through drills.

The Humber Experience

The Right Fit

In the latest program video current professor and retired Chief, Dave Sadler, comments on what makes a good firefighter: I think what makes a good firefighter is the same thing that makes you a good person. If you're caring, compassionate, committed, dedicated and professional, there's a good chance you'll be a good firefighter. But you also need to be curious. You also want to meet a challenge and overcome obstacles. Ultimately what you need to be is driven to succeed.

Testimonials

Interested in Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training at Humber College yet want to know more before enrolling?

Your Career

After graduation and becoming certified, you are eligible to apply for a municipal firefighter position. Firefighters work in the interest of public safety and are responsible for rapidly and efficiently performing various duties under emergency conditions. Duties can include responding to fires, medical emergencies, public education, training activities, post-fire salvage and cleanup, pre-planning activities, as well as equipment and station maintenance. You will also gain knowledge in fire prevention and public education that will help keep communities safe.

Graduates have been hired by municipal fire departments across the province and the country, as well as by the Canadian Forces.

Professional Accreditations & Recognition

Certification Exams

Graduates of the program are eligible to write the NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I & II and NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations certification exams. Humber College will host these exams after graduation.

Additional requirements may apply.

Note: The requirements for the additional credential(s) are determined by the granting body, which is independent from the College. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements directly from the granting body before enrolling.

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based North Open
Jan 2025 Course-Based North Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based North Not Available
Jan 2025 Course-Based North Not Available

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students in Canada who apply for May 2024 start could be eligible for a $1,000 Scholarship*. Apply now

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based North Not Available
Jan 2025 Course-Based North Not Available

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

Recruitment Events

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Experience Humber Virtually  

Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Program

student firefighters walking with hoses and a ladder

Watch the video below to find out more about the Pre-Service Firefighter Education & Training program and see our state-of-the-art facilities.


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Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Dave Sadler , program co-manager
dave.sadler@humber.ca


Graham Carter, program co-manager
graham.carter@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following five requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent)
      • Grade 12 Mathematics (MAP4C, MCT4C, MDM4U, MCB4U, MGA4U, MCV4U or MHF4U) or Grade 11 C, M or U Mathematics (MBF3C, MCF3M or MCR3U)
      • Two Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, M or U course in addition to those listed above

    or

    or

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • Written Statement of Interest

  • Applicants must submit a one-page statement of interest (350 words) that answers the following questions - "What interests you about the field of firefighting and what do you feel you have to offer this field?"

  • Standard First Aid and CPR

  • Applicants must submit proof of valid certification in Standard First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - Level C.

    Submission Instructions

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

Program Requirements

  • Throughout the program, students will be required to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). To wear the SCBA properly, students must be able to achieve a proper seal with the face piece. This can only be accomplished if the student is clean shaven. Humber College follows the requirements in CSA Z94.4 Standard on the Selection, Use and Care of Respirators to ensure the health and safety of our students.
  • Prior to the end of the first semester, students must pass a fitness evaluation, which consists of an Encapsulated Treadmill Test (ETT). The test will be scheduled for each student as part of the program. The cost of the test is $100 and is to be paid by the student. A retest is permitted for those who are unsuccessful. The fitness evaluation will be administered by Ontario Fire Administration. Passing the fitness test is a requirement to enter into Semester 2. Individuals are encouraged to read the description of the test in advance of enrolling. If you wish to explore your fitness capabilities prior to program enrollment, taking the test in advance is an option, along with any ETT pre-requisite(s), however a test is mandatory during semester 1. https://www.ofai.ca/assessments/stage-two-encapsulated-treadmill-test/

  • Minimum 20/30 uncorrected vision in both eyes with no significant colour deficiency is a normal fire department requirement but will not prevent admission into this program. Students not meeting this requirement are required to sign a letter of understanding stating that they are aware of fire department requirements.

Equipment & Device Requirements

Semester 1

Details and Specifications Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications
Processor Intel i5-8300H (PC)
4-core or higher 64bit (Mac)
Intel i5-8300H (PC)
4-core or higher 64bit (Mac)
OS Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)
Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)
Memory 8GB of RAM 8GB of RAM
Storage 256GB 256GB
Monitor Laptop Laptop
Other Built-in microphone and webcam, Software: Adobe creative and Microsoft office Suite Built-in microphone and webcam, Software: Adobe creative and Microsoft office Suite

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Dave Sadler , program co-manager
dave.sadler@humber.ca


Graham Carter, program co-manager
graham.carter@humber.ca

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters is:

  • domestic: $12,083.92
  • international: N/A

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

Approximately $200 - $300 - Fitness Evaluation, depending on the location; approximately $700 - firefighter-related textbooks/equipment. Psychology and humanities books are extra.

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
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