Are you a fire service professional looking to become a leader in the fire and emergency services field? The College of Western Idaho’s Fire Service Management program’s curriculum is based on...
NTN Testing
The annual National Testing Network (NTN) testing period for the Fall 2023 FIRE 101 Academy will be open from Jan. 3 to March 9, 2023. Contact the Fire Service Technology Program for more information and to get started early.
Overview
Are you interested in becoming a full-time or volunteer firefighter or looking to formalize your structural fire training in an accredited program? The College of Western Idaho's Fire Service Technology program will prepare you for opportunities as a full-time or volunteer firefighter and provide professional development for the career firefighter.
The curriculum is based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) requirements, and the National Fire Academy’s (FESHE) Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Model. Local fire department trainers and command staff assisted in the development of the curriculum and will also instruct in the program.
The program focuses on teaching you to analyze and solve problems in firefighting based on real-world situations and scenarios. You will be presented with the highest level of classroom instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and will participate in live burns. Also, you will enroll in a co-requisite physical fitness course designed specifically for firefighters.
Get Started Today
The CWI Fire Service Technology program is where you'll start your career in the firefighting industry. Complete the form, email, or call us to start your future:
Contact us by email
cwifireprogram@cwi.edu
cwifireprogram@cwi.edu
Contact us by phone
208.562.2671
208.562.2671
There are multiple pathways you can choose from to meet your career and educational goals in the Fire Service Technology program:
- Associate of Arts degree, a two year comprehensive program. – AA Plan of Study
- Basic Technical Certificate 1, a six month focused program on analyzing and solving problems in firefighting activities with hands-on training and classroom instruction. – BTC 1 Plan of Study
- Basic Technical Certificate 2, a 12 month program focused the National Fire Academy FESHE curriculum including emergency service operations, building construction, fire prevention, and fire protection systems. – BTC 2 Plan of Study
- Intermediate Technical Certificate, an 18 month program building upon the Basic Technical Certificate 1 and 2 with hands-on and classroom training. – ITC Plan of Study
Application Process and Requirements
The CWI Fire Service program offerings have specific processes, but all start with contacting the program. Below are steps you will complete as you begin your future in the program.
Step 1: Contact the Fire Service Technology program - Complete the form above, Email, or Call 208.562.2671
Step 2: Discuss your career path with the Fire Service Technology program
Associate of Arts:
- Complete the Fire Service Technology Application
Basic Technical Certificate 1:
- Pass the National Testing Network test for "Public Safety Jobs - Firefighter" - Open from January 3, 2022, through March 9, 2023 - CWI Fall 2022 FIRE 101 Test
- Practice tests are available through the National Testing Network and it is recommended that you practice your test-taking skills now.
- Complete the Fire Service Technology Application
Basic Technical Certificate 2:
- Complete the Fire Service Technology Application
Intermidiate Technical Certificate:
- Complete the Fire Service Technology Application
Step 3: Complete the CWI Application for Admissions
For detailed information on the process for acceptance to the program, requirements, and costs, review the Program Resources section.
If you have any questions, need assistance or would like to talk to someone you can email Darrin Raskopf, Program Director at darrinraskopf@cwi.edu or the Fire Service Technology Program at cwifireprogram@cwi.edu.
Mission
The College of Western Idaho’s Fire Service Technology program prepares students for opportunities as a full-time or volunteer firefighter, and professional development for the active firefighter by formalizing your education and work experience.
Why This Program
The curriculum is based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) requirements, and the National Fire Academy’s (FESHE) Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Model. The local fire department trainers and command staff who assisted in the development of the curriculum will also provide the instruction.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Be equipped with the ethical reasoning skills and moral behavior associated with firefighting.
- How to successfully fit into the diverse culture of the Fire Service and understand the value of a firefighter in an organization.
- Possess the information, tools, and knowledge on how to approach the diversity of the work that a firefighter faces.
- Possess the information, tools, and knowledge on how they fit into the para-military organization of a fire department, how to follow as a new firefighter, and grow into leadership positions.
- Possess the information, tools, and knowledge to keep up to date with current tactical practices, national standards, and future advancements in the field of firefighting.
- Use problem solving skills to identify numerous ways to complete tasks with resources available, reflect on outcomes and suggest improvement plans in firefighting.
- Take on challenging tasks to create effective systems and programs in firefighting.
- Be prepared to pass both written and practical skills examinations administered by the College, State, and any appropriate Certification Accreditation Entity (e.g., IFSAC, FST, CPAT).
Additional Opportunities
What Can You Do With a Degree in Fire Science? - Learn more at the Student Training & Education in Public Service website
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Respectful Community
The College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs
Fire Service Technology students are learning wildland firefighting skills through professional training and hands-on experience in the field.
Thank you to the Caldwell Fire Department for their support and dedication to the CWI Fire Service Technology program and its students.
Fourteen Fire Service Technology students participated in a graduation ceremony at the Nampa Civic Center on May 6.
Congratulations to CWI Fire Service Technology students who passed three IFSAC Certification tests with a 100% pass rate!
Ten Career Technical Education students, nominated by their instructors, selected to receive $1,000 scholarships.
CWI’s Fire Service Technology program provide Renaissance High School students a hands-on, live, fire-behavior training experience.