Firefighting Academy

As a firefighter, you often risk your life to protect the public. The St. Petersburg College Firefighting Academy prepares you for a challenging and rewarding career as a firefighter at its cutting-edge Fire and Public Safety Training Center.

Before attending SPC's Fire Academy, you will need to complete Medical First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic training.

Our academy is certified as a fire training center by the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training. Once you complete the academy courses, you receive a certificate of completion and are qualified to take the state Firefighter II certification exams.

Certification

To become a professional firefighter in Florida, you must have:

• Certification as either Emergency Medical Responder, EMT-Basic, or Paramedic
• Firefighter II certification
• Completed Florida Firefighter Minimum Standards training (such as SPC's) OR
• Received an equal amount of training in another state as determined by the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training

Combined Firefighter/EMT program

SPC also offers a combined Firefighter/EMT program for those who want to become certified firefighters and licensed Emergency Medical Technicians but who are not currently certified/licensed as either firefighters or EMTs. Download the Combined Firefighter/EMT Admission Guide

How to apply to the Firefighting Academy

1. Take the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) Administered by SPC Fire Academy
   You need to register in advance for this test. Contact the program office at 727-302-6873 for test dates and registration information. You must pass the PAT to proceed to step 3.
   Need some help preparing for the PAT? Register for a Physical Abilities Prep Class.
2. Apply to SPC
   Complete SPC's online admission application.
   Request your high school and college transcripts.
   Students who are enrolled in the fire academy program must complete an entry-level basic skills examination within the first six (6) weeks after admission into the program. Successful completion of level 10 in one of the two examinations below is required.
   • Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE), Complete Battery or Survey Form, Forms 9 and 10, 2003;
   • Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (P.E.R.T.);
     
     **Candidates accepted into the program must complete this requirement by the sixth week of the fire standards program or they will be withdrawn from the program regardless of their program grade point average. Due to the intense coursework during the fire academy, it is highly recommended that students accomplish the basic level skills requirement before the start of the program.**
     
     Exceptions to the above basic skills requirements:
     • The Student entered a Florida public or charter high school in the 2003-2004 school year, and any year thereafter, and graduated beginning 2007, and any year thereafter, with a Florida standard high school diploma;
     • The Student is serving as an active duty member of any branch of the U.S. Armed Services;
     • The Student has an associate degree or higher;
     • The Student has official "valid" placement test scores that meet the state-designated minimums for college-level English and math courses;
     • The Student has successfully completed college preparatory or developmental education course requirements in English, reading and math;
     • The Student provides proof of successful completion of college-level English and math courses from a regionally accredited college or university;
     • The student has passed a state, national, or industry certification or licensure examination;
     • The student is enrolled in an apprenticeship program that is registered with the Florida Department of Education.
3. Apply for SPC Fire Academy
   Complete the application packet for Firefighter Academy, available after you pass the PAT.
   Submission of the completed application packet will be explained after completing the
   PAT.
4. Verify your level of EMS Certification
   You must provide either:
   Proof that you are a current Emergency Medical Responder, Florida EMT or Paramedic OR
   If you are attending an EMT Program at SPC, you must verify that  you have completed at least 75% of the EMT Program and that there are no scheduling conflicts with your classes at the Firefighting Academy.
5. Register
   If you are accepted into the program, you will complete a registration form at the required
   orientation. You will then be registered and will be contacted regarding tuition payment.