View programs
Ministry-approved title: Pre-service Firefighter Education and Training
Entrance Award Available
Step into a career where courage, teamwork, and service make a real difference. Firefighters are highly trained professionals who respond to fires, medical emergencies, accidents, and community incidents while also delivering life saving public fire safety education. They are trusted, resilient, and calm under pressure, prepared to perform in demanding public safety environments.
In this program students:
Prepare for more than a job. Build the skills, confidence, and experience needed to serve the community as a firefighter.
View full requirements
View full costs
View all courses
View all career options
Fill out the form to get more information on your program of interest, upcoming events, and how to become a Durham College student. By submitting your information below, you consent to Durham College contacting you via email and/or SMS with a minimum of 4 messages per month. You may withdraw consent at any time.
Please contact the international office.
This program provides the knowledge and practical skills required to pursue a career as a firefighter. The curriculum is based on current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and is recognized across North America.
The program is delivered in a professional learning environment, and students are expected to meet the behavioural and performance standards of the fire service. Self-directed study and additional practice outside of scheduled class time are essential for success.
All program competencies must be achieved. As a result, full attendance in classes, labs, and off-site practicums is required.
The program includes a strong classroom foundation that progresses to hands-on practical application. Students develop skills through simulated and controlled live fire training scenarios on campus and at partner fire training facilities. Support is also provided to assist students in preparing for the firefighter hiring process.
Upon successful completion of the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program, students may be eligible to challenge provincial firefighter certification testing through the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM), including:
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s), i.e. Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 Math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Further details regarding the items below will be communicated directly to confirmed students following the deposit deadline.
Please note that the purchase costs below reflect current information and are subject to change.
This fee will be charged to your Student Account sometime during the first semester of your program.
Students are required to wear black, matte, leather CSA certified station boots to every class.
$200-350 plus HST
(approximately)
per month*
*this fee is not pro-rated for periods of less than a month
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
Students engage in skills development within controlled environments at a variety of accredited training facilities. Live fire training evolutions are designed to replicate evolving incident conditions and enhance practical learning. Instructional activities will include, but are not limited to, fire behavior and fire progression, Class A and Class B fire scenarios, vehicle fires, auto extrication, fire streams and application techniques, and methods of fire control.
Qualified graduates can go on to take Durham College's Fire Prevention & Technology program or 911 Emergency and Call Centre Communications program.
Graduates may also be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study through Durham College’s partnerships with many Canadian and international colleges and universities. Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
To help students have the best learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i7 RAM: 16GB Storage: 256GB SSD Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1 Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version) Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter Camera: Webcam/built-in camera Internet connection
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the school office.
The Whitby Fire and Emergency Services Inclusivity Excellence Award will be given to two racialized or economically challenged students from Whitby who have been accepted into this program.
Learn more today.
App Store
Google Play