Fire Fighter I/II (Career Certificate)

Career Certificate in Fire Fighter I/II

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 outlined in NFPA 1001 and Florida State Statute 69A-37. This is a 492-hour course that runs for 7 months. The class is broken into Fire I (10 weeks) and Fire II The cost for this course varies due to equipment needs. Approximately $5200 will cover course application, tuition, gear rental (if needed), equipment, uniforms, books, testing, fingerprints, etc.

The Fire Fighter I/II Career Certificate Program is physically demanding. The program includes classroom and practical field components. To ensure that candidates are physically and mentally prepared for the program's challenges, all candidates must pass the Physical Ability Test (PAT) before being fully accepted into the program. The PAT is scheduled after you apply.

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 sent with additional instructions to their FSW email account(@bucs.fsw.edu)

Career Certificate in Fire Fighter I/II is a limited access, standalone program with its own application process.

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.

Additional Application Requirements

  • 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.
  • Pass a physical examination by a licensed Florida Physician (after you apply to program you will receive an email with the form).
2026 Application Acceptance Dates and Program Schedule
Term Apply Start Date End Date
Spring-Summer Sept 1 - Oct 31, 2025 Jan 2026 June 2026
Summer-Fall Feb 1 - Mar 31, 2026 June 2026 Dec 2026

*Application deadlines may be shortened or extended to meet the capacity of class offerings*

The Academy capacity limit is 45 cadets. We will accept applications beyond the initial 45 to maximize enrollment. Applicants must meet all the above requirements to be considered. Applicants who meet the requirements but are not among the first 45 may be selected to fill any openings that arise before the start of the program. If no opening should occur they will be automatically considered for the next scheduled Fire I/II Program without needing to reapply. These applicants will only be required to retake the PAT to ensure they have retained the physical fitness needed for program.

*The final selection of the 45 accepted applicants will be made after the completion of the scheduled Physical Ability Test*

Process and Steps to Complete the Fire Application

  1. Click Apply Now and enter your information

  2. Pay the $350 Application Fee. Application fees are non-refundable and pay for the following:

    • Application Administration Fee
    • Three 2-hour sessions PPAT (Practice Physical Ability Testing)
    • PAT (Physical Ability Test) (See PAT booklet for more information)
  3. IMPORTANT: When your application is reviewed, applicants will receive additional instructions to their FSW email account (@bucs.fsw.edu). Your Bucs email address can be found in your FSW Student Portal Read ALL information carefully and return all requested documents to have your application accepted.
  4. Attached in informational email will be the Physical Exam Form and Google PPAT sign-up sheet link.
  5. Only complete applications will be considered for entry into program.

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

Program Contact Information

For any additional program information, email us at EMS.Fire@fsw.edu

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