A post-secondary pre-service firefighter program prepares students for careers in fire service industry.

1. Pre Service Firefighter Education and Training in
Ontario
The pre-service firefighter education and training is a one-year post-
secondary program that teaches potential firefighting professionals
theoretical and practical aspects of firefighting. It aims to help students
develop skills in fire suppression, rescue operations and environmental
protection. Graduates of a pre-service firefighter program are capable
of:
 Working with fire-service teams and pre-hospital emergency care
providers
 Providing support as a team member in emergency and non-
emergency situations
 Using problem solving and decision making skills in emergency and
non-emergency situations
 Demonstrating confidence, professionalism and sensitivity in a
variety of emergency and non-emergency situations
 Using safe practices and techniques with apparatus, tools and
equipments of fire department
 Communicating effectively using electronic, written, verbal and
non-verbal methods of communication
 Ensuring ethical, safety and legal requirements for operating in fire
safety industry
 Developing the skills required to suppress fire, educate community,
offer firefighter emergency patient care, protect environment and
conduct special rescue operations
 Working in teams with a strong desire to make a difference in the
lives of others
The profession of firefighting is not for everyone. Those who are
genuinely interested in serving others and having a strong desire to
make a meaningful difference in their lives should consider entering the
fire service industry. The job also demands emotional stability and ability
to work in flexible shifts and stressful situations.
Pre-service Firefighter Courses in Canada

2. The pre-service firefighter courses in Canada typically run for one year
and cover a wide range of subjects including:
 Introduction to fire service
 Fire ground operations
 Emergency patient care
 Fire equipment
 Fire suppression
 Rescue operations
 Environmental protection
 Fire safety inspection
 Professional preparation
 Social analysis to social action
Students also gain practical experience in rescue operations and fire
suppression while utilizing training facilities at Toronto Fire Services and
the state-of-the-art patient care lab.
Enrollment Guide
In order to apply for a pre-service firefighter course, you will need:
 Ontario Secondary School Diploma
 English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent
 Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent
 One Science Grade 11 or 12 (Physics, Chemistry, Biology or
Exercise Science)
 To complete a self-identifying questionnaire
After admission, you will need to submit:
 Clear police check with vulnerable sector screening
 Clear medical report
 Proof of immunization

3.  Complete CPR and First Aid Training
 Class DZ driving licence
In addition, you should also have 20/30 vision in each eye without
corrective lenses and normal unaided hearing.
Choosing the Right College in Ontario
A number of colleges in Ontario offer pre-service firefighter education
and training. Unfortunately, not all are accredited to a state governing
body. While choosing a college in Canada, ensure that the program:
 Curriculum is approved by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs
(OAFC) and the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshall (OFM)
 Combines theory and practical
 Provides field placement
 Makes you eligible to write the Ontario Fire Marshall Provincial
Testing
 Is taught in partnership with Toronto Fire Services
Centennial College’s pre-service firefighter education and training
program meets all these criteria and prepares you for an exciting career
in fire service industry.