Fire Service Technology

Training to Master the Essentials of Firefighting and Fire Safety

Fire fighter coming out of smoke filled container

Program Overview

Aspiring to join the ranks of firefighters or seeking knowledge in fire service technology? College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Fire Service Technology program, accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), offers comprehensive training based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) model. Designed with input from local fire department trainers and command staff, this program immerses you in real-world firefighting scenarios and problem-solving.

Offering various certificate levels and an Associate of Arts degree, the program is tailored to different career interests, from aspiring full-time or volunteer firefighters to those seeking an academic foundation in fire service technology. The Basic Technical Certificate 1 is a fire academy-style program that includes classroom instruction, hands-on demonstrations, live burns, and a physical fitness course specifically designed for firefighters. All of the Fire Service Technology offerings open doors to a rewarding firefighting career.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Arts

Intermediate Technical Certificate

Basic Technical Certificate

Cost

$2,612 – 11,550

Additional cost may apply.

Time to Complete

0.5 – 2 years

Primary Location

Canyon County Center

CWI Fire Service Technology

Learning Opportunities

Hands-On Training: Engage in real-life scenarios including vehicle extrications and live fire drills, leading to IFSAC accredited certifications.
Professional Development: The ability to earn an IFSAC accredited Associate of Arts degree, enhancing your qualifications and promotional opportunities.
Nationally Recognized Curriculum: Follow the FESHE Associate of Arts degree model with industry-standard textbooks, preparing for further education.
Learning from Current Firefighters and Chiefs: Network with local departments, learn local techniques, and build lasting professional relationships.
Academic Credit for Certifications: Convert industry-based certifications into academic credits, aiding in professional development and career advancement.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Fire Service Technology – Associates of Arts Degree

YEARS

Degree Requirements

Cost: $11,550

Fire Service Technology – Intermediate Technical Certificate

YEAR

ITC

Certificate Requirements

Cost: $7,464

Fire Service Technology – Basic Technical Certificate 1

0.5

YEARS

BTC

Certificate Requirements

Cost: $5,324

Fire Service Technology – Basic Technical Certificate 2

YEAR

BTC

Certificate Requirements

Cost: $2,612

View Catalog Preview Classes Cost of Attendance

Student Outcomes

Below are passing and retention rates for the Fire Service Technology program at College of Western Idaho.

FIRE 101 Certificate Passing Rates

Year	Idaho Firefighter I	Idaho Hazmat Awareness	Idaho Hazmat Operations
2019	87%	87%	87%
2020	100%	100%	100%
2021	100%	100%	100%
2022	100%	100%	100%
2023	100%	100%	100%

Associate of Arts Degree

Year Started	Graduation Rate
2019	33%
2020	71%
2021	25%
2022	40%

Year	Retention Rate
2019	19%
2020	50%
2021	70%
2022	63%
2023	71%

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Career Opportunities

Firefighters
Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.
167
Annual Openings*
^$18.21
Hourly Median Wage*
^$37,877
Annual Median Salary
0.44^%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.
25
Annual Openings*
^$33.07
Hourly Median Wage*
^$68,786
Annual Median Salary
2.63^%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.
10
Annual Openings*
^$40.45
Hourly Median Wage*
^$84,136
Annual Median Salary
19.07^%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*

*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.

Testimonial Carousel

“My gratitude to CWI’s Fire Service program, to the firefighters who teach us, and to my fellow classmates is hard to express in words. The instructors are all incredibly hard-working professionals who are passionate about firefighting and dedicated to teaching us and sharing their experiences. I owe a lot of where I am today to them. I gained a lot of great mentors from the program and a lot of great friends, and I feel extremely fortunate to have found a job with my dream department so soon.” Read more > about Fire Service Students One Step Closer to Fulfilling Careers

Garrett Morse
Graduate, Fire Service Technology

Admissions

Admission into the Fire Service Technology program is competitive and requires a supplemental application process.

STEP 1

Request more information to be contacted by a representative.

STEP 2

Meet with the Program Director to discuss qualifications, pathways, and steps to apply.

Academic Calendar New Student Checklist

Program Accreditation

College of Western Idaho’s Fire Service Technology degree and certificates are accredited through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).

Learn More

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Cost & Aid

As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.

Enrichment Opportunities

Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.

Advising

Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.

Transfer Information

Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.

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News

Student Success

Fall 2024 Fire Service Technology Graduation Ceremony

Seventeen Fire Service Technology students participated in a graduation ceremony at the Nampa Civic Center on Dec. 11.

Community

A firefighter puts out a simulated car fire.

Rock On! Metallica Scholars Initiative Awards $75k Grant to CWI

The Fire Service Technology students will benefit from a $75k grant, awarded to College of Western Idaho by Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands.

Community

Fire and Police first responders bow their heads in remembrance of 9/11.

Remembering 9/11: CWI Fire and Law Enforcement Students Honor the Fallen

Early on Sept. 11, students from CWI and members of the Nampa Fire and Police Depts. honored those who have fallen.

Student Success

Group of 2023 graduates standing together

Fall 2023 Fire Service Technology Graduation Ceremony

Seventeen students graduate from Class 5.

Student Success