Fire Science
There is nothing more regarding than being able to take pride in your work. As a graduate
of Collin College’s Fire Academy program, you will be ready when the alarm sounds,
your instincts kick in and life goes from zero to 100 in a matter of seconds. You
can be proud that you help others, responding to high-stress situations – saving lives
and property.
Collin College's Fire Academy is one of the most highly-regarded programs in the state.
Fire Academy graduates from Collin College can be found throughout Texas – all of
them making a difference in their communities.
This certification program was developed to prepare you for a career as a professional
firefighter and includes Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training for state certification.
Many fire departments require applicants to complete basic firefighter training before
they take a fire department entrance exam.
Collin College’s Fire Academy meets the curriculum requirements for certification
as a basic firefighter for the state of Texas and was developed to prepare students
for a career as a professional firefighter. The program is offered on both full-time
(one semester) and part-time (two semesters) schedules. Students are required to complete
Emergency Medical technician (EMT-B) training either before or after completing fire
training. Credits earned in the Fire Academy can be applied to the AAS – Basic Firefighter
degree plan to help jumpstart a rewarding career in the fire service.
Firefighters with a well-balanced educational background will be better prepared to
serve their communities. Collin College’s Fire Science program is designed to give
you the certifications and experience necessary for effective decision-making and
leadership skills in the fire department. You will receive technical knowledge needed
to combat the fire problems created by modern living and develop leadership skills
required of a Fire Officer.
This certification program was developed to prepare you for a career as a professional
fire officer and includes multiple state certifications often required by fire departments
for promotion to leadership ranks.
Collin College’s Fire Science program meets the curriculum requirements for several
certifications including: Fire Instructor I, II; and Fire Officer I, II. The certification
courses are offered on-line, while other courses are offered face-to-face for optimal
skill practice and application. Credits earned in the Fire Officer certificate program
can be applied to the AAS – Fire Officer Certification degree plan to meet promotional
requirements in area fire departments.
Some courses require a permit for registration. Permits are granted by contacting
the Fire Science Office at 972-548-6836.
Collin’s Fire Academy program is approved by the Texas Commission on Fire Commission,
Certified Training Facilities.
FUNCTIONAL ABILITIES/CORE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS STATEMENT
Regulations governing this program require all applicants to meet specific functional
abilities – some are without accommodations – for admission and/or successful completion
of the program. The specific functional requirements are found in the Functional Abilities/Core
Performance Standards documents provided in the program information and application
packets. Students who think they may not be able to meet the functional standards
and need accommodation are encouraged to contact the ACCESS department or Program
Director as soon as this program is of interest.
ADDITIONAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS FOR FIREFIGHTER CERTIFICATION COURSES:
• 18 years of age
• Provide proof of high school graduation or GED
• Complete Collin College application
• Complete program application
• Complete Accuplacer – Next Generation Reading test (minimum score – 250)
• Complete Accuplacer – Next Generation Arithmetic test (minimum score – 250)
• Complete WritePlacer test (Minimum score 4)
• Complete the physical ability exam and personal interview scheduled through the
Program Director
• Criminal history check
• Applicant must be in academic good standing with a 2.0 or higher GPA
Registration is by permission only. Additional information may be obtained from the
Fire Science Office located at the Public Safety Training Center at 3600 Redbud Blvd,
McKinney, Texas 75069 or at the Fire Science website: http://www.collin.edu/firescience.
Program Options
Certificate Level 1 – Basic Firefighter
Certificate Level 1 – Fire Officer
Department Website
https://www.collin.edu/firescience/