Fire Certification Courses
Many fire training courses require lower level certifications prior to moving onto
additional certifications. Check prerequisite certifications.
Learn, develop and practice the practical skills required to perform as a firefighter, while also receiving the didactic theory required to support those skills and related firefighting functions. This course extends past the entry-level courses to better prepare the student to function as a firefighter while also providing the necessary education and skills to be eligible for WTCS Firefighter I certification testing.
- This one-semester program runs in summer, fall and spring. Courses are typically posted three months prior to the start date.
- This course meets the NFPA 1001 Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications training requirements for WTCS Firefighter I certification.
- The WCTC Fire I Certification course sign-up includes both Firefighter I (503-720) – substitute for Fire Fighting Principles (503-142), and Hazardous Materials Operations (503-780) – substitute for HazMat Awareness and Ops (503-153). Students must complete the both courses to be eligible for WTCS Firefighter I certification testing.
- This program includes a Mandatory Program Expectation Session, chosen during sign-up.
- If you are not affiliated with a fire department, gear rentals are available.
Through classroom and practical skills instruction, learn to apply advanced firefighting skills and education to mitigate various emergencies.
- This one-semester program runs in summer, fall and spring. Courses are typically posted three months prior to the start date.
- This course meets the NFPA 1001 Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications training requirements for WTCS Firefighter II certification.
- Students must also have completed the Hazardous Materials Operations course, in addition to holding WTCS Firefighter I certification to be eligible for WTCS Firefighter II certification testing.
- The WCTC Fire II Certification course sign-up includes both Firefighter II (503-730) – substitute for Fire Fighting Principles II 503-159, and Rapid Intervention Training (503-460A). Students must complete the both courses to be eligible for WTCS Firefighter II certification testing.
- This program includes a Mandatory Program Expectation Session, chosen during sign-up.
- If you are not affiliated with a fire department, gear rentals are available.
Explore fire apparatus, maintenance, driving principles, emergency vehicle operation, fire apparatus positioning, water supply, sprinkler systems, fire pump theory, hydraulics terminology, hydraulics math, hydraulic principles, operating fire pumps and pump testing. Hands-on training will be provided. Students will need to complete fire department-proctored out-of-class driving time.
- This course meets the NFPA 1002 Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications, Pumping Apparatus, and educational requirements for WTCS Driver/Operator-Pumper certification.
- Driver/Operator Certification (503-743) – substitute for Driver/Operator Principles (503-116) is a one-semester program that runs in summer, fall and spring. Courses are typically posted three months prior to the start date.
- Students must have a valid driver's license.
- Students not affiliated with a fire department must take this course in summer and obtain DOT drug testing for CDL temps. Gear rentals may be available for this course.
- This course meets the NFPA 1002 Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications, Aerial Apparatus, and educational requirements for WTCS Driver/Operator-Aerial certification.
- To sign up for this course and to be eligible for certification testing upon successful completion, students must have WTCS Driver/Operator-Pumper certification.
- Driver/Operator Aerial Certification (503-747) is a one-semester program. Times and schedules vary throughout the year. Courses are typically posted three months prior to the start date.
- Students must have a valid driver's license.
- Fire Department affiliation required.
This WTCS-approved course meets all objectives of the National Fire Protection Association's 1031 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector, Level 1. Upon successful completion of this course, students are eligible to seek WTCS Fire Inspector I certification.
- Fire Inspector I Certification (503-750) – substitute for Fire Prevention (503-151) is a one semester program. Times and schedules vary throughout the year. Courses are typically posted three months prior to the start date.
Fire and Emergency Services Instructor I (FESI I) Certification
This course will train the student in the techniques of instruction. The course was designed to provide the ESI I candidate with the information needed to meet the job performance requirements (JPRs) in NFPA 1041, Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications, Chapter 4. (This course was formerly known as Fire Instructor I.)
- Emergency Services Instructor Certification (503-457) is a 40-hour course that is offered in a variety of formats. Courses are typically posted three months prior to the start date.
- Students must complete 30 hours of required teaching within two years of completion of course in order to earn the certification.
- Students must complete Firefighter II Certification prior to starting the ESI certification process.
Fire and Emergency Services Instructor II (FESI II) Certification
In this 32-hour course, learn to develop individual lesson plans for a specific topic, including learning objectives, instructional aids and evaluation instruments; schedule training sessions based on the overall training plan of an AHJ; and supervise and coordinate the activities of other instructors. This course is designed to provide Fire and Emergency Services Instructor II candidates with the information and skills needed to meet the job performance requirements (JPRs) in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1041, Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Professional Qualifications, 2019 Edition, Chapter 5.
Fire Officer I Certification
Demonstrate skills, abilities and knowledge through activities designed for fire service organization officers. To be eligible for certification testing upon successful completion of this course, the student must also hold current WTCS Firefighter II certification along with having successfully completed the WTCS Instructor I course.
- This course meets the NFPA 1021 Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications training requirements for WTCS Officer I certification.
- Fire Officer I Certification (503-763) is a 40-hour course that is offered in a variety of formats. Courses are typically posted three months prior to the start date.
- Students must complete Emergency Services Instructor course prior to earning the Fire Officer I Certification.
Fire Officer II Certification
This course meets Wisconsin requirements and National Fire Protection Association standards for Fire Officer Level II. Upon successful completion, the student will be eligible to participate in the exam process for Wisconsin State Certified Fire Officer Level II.
Prerequisite: Certified Fire Officer I
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WCTC periodically offers National Fire Academy direct-delivery courses on the WCTC main campus. These courses are offered in collaboration with Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and are free of charge to participants.
Explore resources for fire certification courses:
- Textbook List
- Dress Code
- Tuition and Fees
- WTCS Fire Training Site - Includes:
- Student Resources - Certification Testing Prep Guides
- Prerequisites for Fire Certification
- Look Up Fire Certification Status
- Certification Exam Schedule
- Process for Replacement Certificates