Fire Academy Information
The Antelope Valley Fire Academy is accredited as an ARTP by California State Training. The Academy provides the student with the knowledge to meet California State Fire Training requirements for a Firefighter 1 Academy. This coursework is the first step toward Firefighter 1 Certification. It combines classroom coursework with hands on training. Coursework includes but is not limited to the history and development of the fire service, organization command and control, communications and alarms, fire behavior, firefighter safety, personal protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus, portable fire extinguishers, water supply, fire hose and appliances, nozzles and fire streams, and protective systems. Students may have to purchase additional supplies not provided by the college.
Estimated costs for the Fire Academy:
- Tuition - 1104.00
- Books - 120.00
- Uniforms and Safety Gear - 1800.00
- Total: 3023.00
(AVC has programs that may help with the costs of attending the Fire Academy, contact us for details)
Additional requirements to attend the AVC Fire Academy:
- Completion of FTEC-111
- Current CPAT or Biddle
- Medical exam
- Current BLS Certification
- Current Emergency Medical Technician Certification
- Note: If you do not currently meet all qualifications, you can contact the Academy Director and discuss your options to attend the Academy.
The AVC Firefighter 1 Fire Academy is a part time program. We generally meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. and Fridays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The academy starts in the Fall semester and runs through the Spring semester. Students will be enrolled in FTEC 295A and FTEC 295AL as well as FTEC-290A in the Fall and in FTEC 295B and FTEC 295LB and FTEC-290B course in the Spring.
What will I learn?
- You will have the opportunity to learn about vehicle rescue techniques, including using the Jaws of Life, as well as how to ventilate a building, lay fire hose and attack lines, put up a ladder and use rope rescue systems. Building construction and fire prevention will also be covered, culminating in live fire training.
Who could hire me?
- Antelope Valley College’s Fire Technology program gives you a competitive edge in the fire technology field. However, even with completion of the certificate or degree, firefighter candidates cannot be hired without passing a state-mandated exam given to thousands of candidates each year. This Firefighter Certification Exam is administered as part of the AVC Fire Academy.
- Municipal fire departments in the area often hire graduates from this program, we have graduates from the AVC Fire Academy serving in fire departments all over the Western United States.
What's the average pay range for local jobs in this field?
- Most local jobs in this industry start at approximately $74,000 per year.
Who are the Instructors at the Fire Academy?
- The Antelope Valley College Fire Academy Instructors represent hundreds of years of expertise in the fire service. Our full-time faculty and adjunct faculty instructors are both retired and current firefighters from departments such as CalFire, Los Angeles City, San Bernardino County, Bakersfield, Cathedral City and private industry.
Informational Meetings for FTEC Fire Academy Fall 2024:
February 21st 3:00 PM Room DL-110
March 20th 3:00 PM Room DL-110
April 17th 5:15 PM Room DL-110
To sign up for the Info Meetings - Click the Link Info Meeting Sign Up