Details and Costs for the Firefighter Academy 1 Program
Minimum Requirements
- Age: Applicant must be 18 years old by the end of the second month of term.
- High School Graduate or GED®, verified through transcripts.
- You must first be admitted as an RCC student and have the below placement scores verified through the RCC placement process.
- Students must be eligible for WR115 or higher
- Students must be eligible for MTH20 or higher
- Physical Agility: Physical training is an important component of the Academy. Applicants must pass the Physical Ability Test (PAT). Details can be found on the RCC Physical Ability Test (PDF). You can also watch the informational video.
- Drug Screen/ Background check: If selected, applicant will be required to complete and pass a 10-panel drug screen and a comprehensive criminal background investigation. Persons with a criminal record of crimes against people, violent crimes or multiple convictions may be disqualified. If you have concerns about this, contact the Fire Academy Coordinator.
What to Expect
- Selection process will begin one week after the application deadline.
- Notifications: Successful candidates will receive an email to participate in the testing phase. (Make sure your email on file with RCC is correct; check junk/spam file as well.)
- Testing Phase: Physical agility test and interview.
- Academy/Student FF Paperwork: Candidates who successfully complete the Testing Phase will be given directions to complete the following:
- Registration (only for those enrolling into the RCC Academy)
- Background Check
- Medical Examination
- Drug Screen
- Respiratory Fit Test (to wear Self Contained Breathing Apparatus)
- Turnout Fitting: We will schedule a time to fit you with helmet, coat, pants, boots, and mask. At the time of your fitting, you will be required to submit proof that you have passed the fit test—and have paid your equipment usage fee.
- Academy Orientation
- Academy Begins: Students will show up to class having met the grooming and uniform standards.
ALL STUDENTS WILL PAY FEES BY THE REQUIRED DATES OR WILL BE DISMISSED
2026 Application Process
| APPLICATIONS OPEN | June 2, 2025 |
|---|---|
| APPLICATIONS CLOSE | May 1, 2026-Fall Academy |
| VOLUNTARY PHYSICAL AGILITY PRACTICE | Fire District #3/RCC |
| MANDATORY PHYSICAL AGILITY | Fire District #3/RCC |
| ORAL INTERVIEWS | May 29 & 30, 2026 |
| BACKGROUNDS & MEDICAL RESULTS DUE | August 28, 2026 |
| TURNOUT FITTING & REGISTRATION | September 4 & 5, 2026 |
| ORIENTATION | September 5, 2026 |
| CLASS BEGINS | September 2026 (Exact Date TBD)-Fall Academy |
Estimated Course Costs for the Firefighter 1 Academy
| Service | Essentials | Costs |
|---|---|---|
Tuition(estimated) |
Current tuition information |
$972.00 |
Fees |
Universal Fee |
$192.00 |
Gear Rental Charge |
Helmet, Jacket, Pants, Boots & SCBA |
$750.00 |
Textbook |
IFSTA Firefighter Essentials (free at the library) |
$100.75 |
Nomex Hood |
NFPA-Compliant Structural Hood |
$21.85 |
Water jug |
RTIC 1-gallon |
$27.00 |
Gloves |
NFPA Structural Fire Gloves |
$85.20 |
Safety Glasses |
Anti-fog recommended |
$5.00 |
T-shirt |
RCC Fire Science Blue T-Shirt (3 @ $13.85) |
$41.55 |
Shorts |
RCC Fire Science Blue Shorts (3 @ $17.85) |
$53.55 |
Sweatshirt |
RCC Fire Science Blue Sweatshirts ($29.85) |
$29.85 |
Drug Screen/ Background |
Details provided on acceptance |
$100.00 |
Respiratory Mask Fit Test |
Required for issue of SCBA Face Mask |
$52.00 |
Rental Gear Cleaning |
Students required to launder twice ($24 each @ Weldon's) |
$48.00 |
Medical Exam |
Fee depends on Provider and Insurance |
$214.00 |
|
Total Estimated Costs (FRP251) |
$2604.30 |
Review Costs & Details tab before starting this application!
