Your First Step Toward a Fire Service Career

Qualifying cadets earn their EMT or Paramedic course completion certificate — a free, mentor-guided pathway into the fire service.

Start here

EMT Academy

Earn your EMT certificate with no prior experience required. A tuition-free, ~5-month pre-apprenticeship and your first step toward the fire service.

The next step

Paramedic Academy

Advance from EMT to paramedic in a rigorous 10-month program. Builds on your existing EMT certification toward a career as a firefighter-paramedic.

Why the Academy

Cadets complete the entry-level steps needed to launch a career as a firefighter — with support the whole way.

Firefighter mentorship

Guidance on interviews and the path into the fire service.

CPAT & exam prep

Physical training for the CPAT and prep for the Cal-JAC written exam.

Statewide eligibility

Graduates land on the FCTC list used by 175+ California departments.

Barriers removed

A direct, supported path designed to open the fire service to more people.