Fire Fighter I/II (Career Certificate)

Career Certificate in Fire Fighter I/II

Prior to applying to the Fire Fighter I/II program you need to apply for admissions to Florida SouthWestern State College and complete all the necessary admission requirements, which includes taking the placement test or being exempt from taking the placement test.

Requirements for applying:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have no felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude. (Contact the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training with any questions.)
  • Have a High School Diploma or GED. You will submit a copy of your High School Diploma or GED to Michael.Knoop@fsw.edu once you have completed the Fire I/II application and paid the $325 application fee.
  • Ensure college readiness by achieving college level test scores or by obtaining an exemption - please visit https://www.fsw.edu/testing/placementhold for more information.
  • Confirm all of your holds have been resolved on your student account - https://www.fsw.edu/admissions/newbucs#enroll.
  • Pass a physical examination by a licensed Florida physician (after you apply to program you will recieve an email with the form).
  • Submit fingerprints for background check (during Firefighter II class - about 3 months into the program).

Application Acceptance Dates

The Spring-Summer 2024 application will open on September 1st – November 1st 2023 or until filled

The Fire Fighter I/II career certificate program is 7 months long and is offered twice a year: spring (Jan to July) and summer (June to Dec). The classes are held on Tues/Thurs night from 5-10 pm and all-day Saturday from 8am - 7pm at the North Collier Fire Training Center, 1885 Veterans Park Drive, Naples, FL 34109.

This program is designed to prepare students to be eligible to sit for the State of Florida Firefighter II Certification exam. Students must satisfy the requirements set forth in NFPA 1001 and Florida State Statute 69A-37. This is a 492-hour course that runs for 7 months. Classes are held in Naples on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and on Saturdays. The cost for this course varies due to equipment needs. Approximately $4500 will cover course application, tuition, gear rental (if needed), uniforms, books, testing, fingerprints, etc.

The Fire Fighter I/II Career Certificate Program is a physically challenging course that includes extensive classroom and practical field components. To ensure candidates are physically and mentally prepared for the vigor’s of the program, all candidates must successfully pass the Physical Ability Test (PAT) prior to being accepted into the program.

Included in the application fee are three (3) two (2) hour sessions of the Practice Physical Ability Testing (PPAT). The PPAT is not mandatory but, will allow the applicant to be better prepared and become familiar with the components of the PAT (Physical Ability Test). The PPAT sign-up sheet will be emailed to you once you apply to the program.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 239-985-3495

Program Contact Information

Cassie Billian Director, Emergency Services Email: Cassie.Billian@fsw.edu Phone: (239) 985-3446

Michael Knoop EMS Support Specialist Email: michael.knoop@fsw.edu Phone: (239) 985-3495