Fire Science
Advanced Training | Entry-Level Firefighters
From Firefighter to Leader: Training and Degrees That Move You Forward
Advance your career in fire and emergency services with Palm Beach State College’s Fire Science programs. PBSC offers advanced training, certificates, and degree options designed for current and aspiring fire service professionals who want to expand their skills, earn credentials, and move into leadership roles.
Whether you’re entering the field or seeking career advancement, our Fire Science programs provide hands-on training, expert instruction, and industry-aligned coursework. With flexible pathways and strong partnerships with local fire agencies, you’ll gain the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in today’s high-demand fire and emergency services professions.
Training for Current/Returning Fire Service Professionals
A variety of topics of interest to fire service professionals are available. In addition to on-campus offerings, classes may also be held off-campus at local emergency services agency facilities. Customized training programs can also be developed for agencies interested in providing training on a specific fire or EMS topic for their personnel.
Certificates
Overview
For students seeking state certification as a firefighter, classes are offered on both daytime and nighttime schedules in the Fall and Spring terms of each academic year. The program follows the curriculum established by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training of the Florida State Fire College in Ocala.
The CCP firefighter program is a two-part (2) course.
Part I (Firefighter I)
Covers orientation; safety; fire behavior; building construction; protective clothing; SCBA; portable extinguishers; ropes and knots; building search and victim removal; forcible entry tools; construction and techniques; ground ladders; ventilation; water supply; coupling; loading and rolling hose; laying, carrying and advancing hose; water fire streams; Class A, C, D; vehicle and wild land fire control; sprinkler system fundamentals; salvage, overhaul and protecting evidence of fire cause; fire department communications; equipment and techniques; fire prevention and public fire education.
The course also includes Awareness-Level Hazardous Materials Training. Upon completion of the course and a written state certification examination, the student will receive a Certificate of Competency from the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training as a Firefighter I.
Part II (Firefighter II)
Prepares the student to meet the requirements to become a state certified firefighter. Subjects include implementing the incident management system; construction materials and building collapse; rescue and extrication tools; vehicle extrication and special rescue; hydrant flow and operability hose; tools and appliances; foam fire systems; ignitable liquid and gas fire control; fire detection; alarm and suppression systems; fire cause and origin; radio communications and incident reports pre-incident survey and wildlife firefighting - 5130 & 5190.
Those students who successfully complete the program may participate in the state exam for certification as a Firefighter II.
This exam encompasses both written and practical skills tests. Certification is required in the state of Florida for firefighters.
Apply: Limited Access Program
Some programs at Palm Beach State College (PBSC) require an additional program application to be submitted after you've been accepted to Palm Beach State College. These programs are known as limited or controlled access programs.
- The Fire Academy is offered five times a year – three full-time day, two part-time night.
- Day Fire Academy: Monday-Friday, 0830 – 1730. Approx. three months.
- Night Fire Academy: Monday-Wednesday, 1800 – 2200, Saturday 0830 – 1730. Approx. six months.
- Go to www.palmbeachstate.edu/admissions/limited-controlled-access-programs.aspx#SafetyApplications for academy dates and application deadlines.
What are the requirements for the program?
- Must be certified 40-hour First Responder, EMT, or Paramedic.
- Must take CPAT, NFSI, and T.A.B.E.* tests. *Exemptions apply, see below.
- Must be 18 years of age on or before the first day of the program.
- Must be able to complete a background check with the State of Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.
What is the cost for the Fire Academy? Does Financial Aid cover all or part of the costs?
The current in-state costs for Firefighter I (FFP0011) is $675.83 and the in-state costs for Firefighter II (FFP0012) is $724.99 and the in-state costs for Firefighter III (FFP0013) is $405.29. Unfortunately at this time Financial Aid does not usually cover the cost of the Fire Academy.
Do I have to pay for Firefighter I and II at the same time?
Although it is recommended that ALL FFP0011, FFP0012 and FFP0013 be paid together, it is not required. Each course must be paid for before the first day of class, and before the session payment due date.
What campus is the Fire Academy offered on?
The program is only offered at the Lake Worth campus.
How many students are selected for the program? How does the selection process work?
There are 24 students accepted into the Firefighter program. Students are selected on a points-based system, which is listed within the application packet.
Where do I submit the application?
The Fire Academy application, along with all required documents, are to be submitted to the Admissions office on any Palm Beach State College campus. All documentation must be turned in prior to the deadline date or you will be disqualified from the selection pool.
If you are a first time student at Palm Beach State College, you will have to apply for the college before applying to the Fire Academy. You need to send your official high school and college transcripts to the registrar’s office prior to the application deadline.
What documents do I need to submit with my application?
- Proof of passing the CPAT test from any IAFF certified CPAT test provider. High school and college transcripts, sent via U.S. mail from the educational institution or in a sealed envelope.
- Proof of age (copy of driver’s license) or similar government issued ID.
- EMT/First Responder/Paramedic Certificate.
What is the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)?
Applicants must register for the CPAT online at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/index.cfm and successfully complete the test prior to consideration for placement into the
selection pool. CPAT Certificates are valid for one year prior to the application
deadline. There is a $50.00 fee for a practice session and a $150.00 fee for a test
session. CPAT information can be found on this web page. A valid CPAT Certificate
will be acceptable from other IAFF Certified CPAT providers and must be submitted
prior to program deadline.
What is the National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NFSI) - Test?
Applicants must take the I/O Solutions NFSI Test (National Firefighter Selection Inventory – Form 3 Test) within the past two years of application deadline date and score at least a 75% in all subject areas (Reading, Language and Math) in order to be eligible for consideration for selection. The Palm Beach State College Lake Worth book store will have a study guide in stock. The test is conducted at the Palm Beach State College testing center. Check with the testing center on the campus near you for availability as not all testing centers offer the NFSI test. There is a $50.00 fee for this test. See www.palmbeachstate.edu/testing.
Do I have to take the T.A.B.E. (Test of Adult Basic Education)?
All enrolled students who do not possess an A.S. or A.A. degree or higher must take and pass the TABE Full Battery Level (A) with a score of 10th grade level or higher in reading, language and math to be eligible to graduate. There is a $25 fee for this exam. Please pay the cashier and report to the Testing Center (with photo ID) to arrange to take the exam.
The Candidate Physical Ability Test is a minimum requirement for the Fire Academy.
The job of a Firefighter is one of the most physically demanding jobs, it requires a high level of cardiopulmonary endurance, muscular strength and muscular endurance.
The CPAT consists of eight critical physical tasks that simulate actual job duties on the fire ground. They are:
- Stair Climb
- Hose Drag
- Equipment Carry
- Ladder Raise & Extension
- Forcible Entry, Search
- Rescue and Ceiling Breach & Pull.
Registration for CPAT Exam
The fee for a Practice Session is $55.00.
The fee for a Testing Session is $150.00.
NOTE: Registration fees are non-refundable. Because of this, we urge you to be thorough while registering.
Rescheduling your CPAT Exam
Registration closes one day prior to the Test or Practice date. If you wish to reschedule, you must reschedule with NTN at least seven days in advance of your scheduled session. To reschedule, please contact NTN Customer Service at 1-866-563-3882.
CPAT exams - Do's & Don'ts
- Register for an Orientation, Practice or Test Session online via the registration link.
- Bring a valid picture ID.
- Dress Code: long pants, closed-toe shoes with a back, single shirt (no double clothing), no head wear, no jewelry other than wedding ring, no shorts.
- Students MUST arrive 15 minutes PRIOR to scheduled start time. Anyone arriving late will not be allowed to participate or test.
Overview
This program academically prepares the firefighter to assume the responsibility as a first line fire officer, and to challenge the state certification exam.
This program is geared for the sitting and prospective company officer. It trains the firefighter to lead in-service company fire safety inspections, use proper strategies and tactics to fight fire, be an effective incident commander, and serve as a trainer, mentor and middle manager.
Degrees
Overview
This degree program is designed for the current firefighter who wishes to advance
in various fire service areas.
Course content includes tactics & strategies, fire prevention, fire investigation,
company officer, and fire apparatus & equipment.
Mission
The U.S. Fire Administration established the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) as an organization of post-secondary institutions to promote higher education and to enhance the recognition of the fire and emergency services as a profession to reduce loss of life and property from fire and other hazards.
Goals
- To establish a formal network for post-secondary institutions that offer degree programs in fire and life safety and emergency response.
- To assist institutions in establishing relationships between degrees and professional certifications.
- To provide national models for a college curriculum leading to career tracks in fire protection, life safety and emergency services including associated allied professional fields.
- To encourage the establishment of partnerships between individual education institutions, and other local, state, and federal fire and emergency related training agencies and organizations.
- To promote quality assurance through mechanisms such as accreditation.
- To further the concept of higher education and its positive effect in the overall mission of the fire protection, life safety and emergency service providers.
- To promote the concept of integrated life-long education and training for fire protection, life safety and emergency services providers.
- To collaborate with the National Fire Academy in meeting the goals stated in America Burning and other national initiatives that involve degree-granting institutions.
- To enhance the professional qualifications and development of the faculties at institutions offering courses related to these programs.
- To encourage ongoing development of the quality, content and delivery of these programs.
- To encourage the exploration of innovative program enhancements.
- To explore and facilitate the integration of technology in all aspects of the educational programs.
- To impact the mission of the participating educational institutions.
- To promote inter-institutional recognition of courses.
