FIREFIGHTER I & II (FIREFIGHTER
MINIMUM STANDARDS) (450 Hours)
This Minimum Standards Certification
Course for firefighters is a
mentally, physically, and
emotionally challenging program that
includes extensive classroom and
practical elements. The 450-hour
course runs for thirteen consecutive
weeks for the day course, meeting
Monday-Thursday, 7 A.M. - 5 P.M.
The night course runs Monday &
Thursday, 6 P.M. - 10 P.M. and
Saturday, 7 A.M. - 5 P.M. at the
Ridge Career Center campus, located
on State Road 544 located in Polk
County. All class sessions are
presented regardless of weather
conditions and no absences are
permitted.
For more information, please
contact the Academy Secretary for
further information.
Tentative Course Schedules
Day Courses:
January - April
August - November
Night Course:
September - April
Pre applications for the MSC
August 2008 Full-time Fire Standards Program will start
Beginning the first week of February from 7am to 2pm everyday.
A mandatory meeting for anyone interested in the Part-time
Fire Standards Program will be given to the
applicant at the time of
application.
Thank you for your interest in the Fire Training
Program. To sign up for courses and for information
on our program such as: start dates, costs, requirements,
etc., you must come directly to the Ridge Fire &
Emergency Services Academy or call us at 863-419-3060
ext. 4501. Please inquire about specific pre application
dates for the Fire program.
Requirements:
- You must be 18 years of
age or older.
- High School Diploma or
GED required
- Valid Driver's License
- Pass TABE test with 10.0
or better in Reading,
Language and Math
- Pass Agility test
- Pass Drug test
- Complete Medical
Physical - EKG and hearing
exam required
- Meet all required
deadlines
- You must attend the
mandatory meetings.
Lateness will result in
automatic dismissal.
TABE - Full Battery
Level A: The TABE test
is valid for only 2 years
The cost of the TABE
test is fifteen dollars
($15). The test is
given Monday through
Thursday at 7:45am.
Please call the
receptionist for an
appointment. A
score of 10.0 or better
is required to enter the
Fire Training Course and
the application will not
be processed until you
have demonstrated a
passing score. You
do not have to take the TABE test if you have a
College Degree. If
you do not pass the TABE
test by our deadline,
you will have to
re-apply for the
next available program.
AGILITY Test:
This is a timed test
of your physical
abilities in running,
climbing, pushing, and
pulling. This test
must be passed in order for you
to be accepted into the
Fire Training Program.
All of the above areas
are described in the
Student Packet the you
will receive at the
initial mandatory
meeting.
LETTER of ACCEPTANCE
and ADMISSIONS:
Once you have successfully completed the pre application,
TABE test, medical physical, agility test and have
attended the mandatory meetings and have met all of
the deadlines and requirements, you may receive a
Letter of Acceptance. Twenty-four students will be
accepted into each program. We DO NOT retain a waiting
list for the following and upcoming programs. If you
are not accepted into the current program, you will
have to reapply for the upcoming program.
Complete an On-Line Ridge Application:
You may register at the main office upon receipt
of your Acceptance Letter. Please call Tina Scott
at 863-419-3060 ext. 4102 to register. A $161.00 seat
deposit and registration fee is required at time of
registration.
Financial Aid:
You are advised to begin working on financial aid
as soon as the Letter of Acceptance is received. This
letter is used to confirm your acceptance into the
program. Information can be obtained from RCC’s
Financial Aid Coordinator, Ms. Jean Baker, concerning
application for financial aid.
Payment:
Be advised that full payment of the program is required
before the first day of class. Cash, checks, Visa
and Master Card are accepted at the school bookstore.
Failure to pay for the program before the start date
will result in dismissal.
Criminal Background Check:
If you have a felony conviction or any misdemeanor
convictions involving moral turpitude, you may not
be permitted to take the State Licensure Exam at the
end of the program. If there are any problems, you
will be notified. Again, persons with a felony conviction
may not be permitted to take the State exam. If you
have any questions in regards to criminal backgrounds,
please come see us or call us at the fire academy
The Fire Technical Certificate Program for Firefighting
is a comprehensive course consisting of lectures,
practical, and “LIVE” fire training. This
is a very intense program, physically as well as academically
designed to prepare the student to become a State
Certified Firefighter.
