Firefighter, Pre-Service Education and Training

Program Description

The FireFighter Pre-Service program provides you with the most comprehensive and current training to meet both local and provincial fire service needs. In addition to theoretical learning, you’ll also benefit from hands-on training in basic firefighting skills on campus and at several fire training facilities. These skills will provide you with an advantage in the highly competitive field of firefighting.

This program is endorsed by The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) and the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM), under the auspices of the Ontario Professional Standards Setting Body. It is a certificate program in firefighting in accordance with approved curriculum jointly developed by the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) and the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC). FFP also reflects the dynamic partnership between Seneca’s School of Fire Protection, the City of Toronto and the City of Richmond Hill.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation (C), University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student status.
• Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U)
• Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C) or (U)
• Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (C) or (U)
• Grade 12 Mathematics*: MCT4(C) Mathematics for College Technology (recommended grade 60% or over) or Grade 12 (U) Mathematics, MHF4(U) (Advanced Functions) or MCV4(U) (Calculus and Vectors)

* Seneca may also consider applicants with good grades in MAP4(C) (80% or over recommended) or MCR3(U) (70% or over). Students with grades lower than these recommended benchmarks and who test below the appropriate level in the skills assessment can expect to be placed into a preparatory mathematics course or will be counseled to enroll in the Applied Science and Technology Fundamentals Certificate Program.

In keeping with the requirements of the OFM/OAFC program endorsement, applicants will be required to attend an orientation session, where they will submit a completed applicant profile and a copy of their resume. Both content and written communication skills will be assessed. Academic achievement, professionalism and community involvement will form the basis of selection.

Note: All applicants who are offered admission to programs in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Technology will have an English and Mathematics skills assessment. The assessments are used for academic placement in English and Mathematics courses that are appropriate to the student’s skill level. In the event a preparatory course is required before enrolling in the standard semester one English or Mathematics, students will automatically be timetabled into the appropriate preparatory course.

The Importance of Learning Skills:

Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills.

Additional Requirements:

Prior to the first day of classes, students who are accepted into the program will require:

• Completion of Health Assessment Form
• Standard First Aid and Basic CPR

Applicant Selection:

• Applicant selection is based on the completion of an Applicant Profile. Applicants may be required to take an aptitude test. Note: At the end of semester one, a Fitness Test will be required for the student to continue in the program. This test requires minimum 20/30 uncorrected vision in both eyes with no colour deficiency.

Your Career

Prepare for an exciting career in Fire Departments across Ontario. Our Firefighter, Pre-Service (Education and Training) certificate program provides you with comprehensive recruit training and equips you to write the OFM (Office of the Fire Marshal) Provincial Test. Upon successful completion of the provincial exam, you’ll be eligible to apply to any Fire Department in Ontario.

Admission Procedures

• Academic strength is calculated from all submitted school grades.
• Additional points are given for academics above the minimum requirements.
• Each candidate must complete a Pre-Service Firefighter profile and points are given for both work and non-work related experience.

Program Information

Please note that the job of fire-fighting requires strenuous physical work. You’ll be required to pass a Physical and Endurance Test during the first semester of the program. Good hearing and vision are requirements in this test.

All competencies specified for this program must be met and therefore attendance is critical at all times.

Curriculum

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