EMT Academy
A tuition-free, 5-month pre-apprenticeship — your first step toward a career in the fire service. Here are the answers to what people ask most.
Is it really free?
Yes — completely. Accepted candidates attend at no cost. The program is built to remove the everyday expenses that keep people out of the fire service.
- Books & supplies
- Uniforms
- Course & test fees
- Childcare help
- Transportation help
- Background & drug screen
Am I eligible?
No experience needed. You’ll need to meet these:
- 18 years or older
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver’s license
- Proof of up-to-date vaccinations
- CPAT within 6 months, or complete an Academy Physical Ability Review
Proof of financial status isn’t required, but priority goes to candidates with demonstrated need.
Will I actually become an EMT?
You’ll earn your EMT-Basic course completion certificate, which lets you take the NREMT exam to become a certified EMT. Along the way you’ll also take Cal-JAC’s CPAT and the FCTC written exam, with a firefighter mentor to guide you.
When & where are classes?
Academies rotate between Livermore, Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego. The current academies are in Sacramento (classes begin January 2027) and Los Angeles County (classes begin February 2027).
Two evenings a week · 6–10 PM
One full day a week · 8 AM–5 PM
5 months
What happens after I graduate?
Graduates land on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center’s Statewide Eligibility List — used by more than 175 California fire departments to hire. It’s a real, direct path into the fire service.
A few more questions
The Academy is for candidates who still need their EMT certificate. If you’re already certified, visit fctconline.org to get onto the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List directly.
If you’ve passed a CPAT within the last 6 months, you’re set. If not, you’ll complete an Academy Physical Ability Review — it is not timed and not a fitness test. It simply reviews your range of movement so training can be planned safely.
Sacramento EMT Academy 27-1: applications close November 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Los Angeles County EMT Academy 27-2: applications close November 29, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Each academy’s page has the full application schedule and requirements.
At a glance
- Cost: Free
- Length: ~5 months
- Classes begin: Jan 2027 (Sacramento), Feb 2027 (LA County)
- Locations: Sacramento & Los Angeles County
Applications close
Nov 15 & 29, 2026
(916) 648-1717