Program Overview

Firefighter, Pre-Service Education and Training (FFP)

Overview

This 12-month certificate program prepares students for the challenges and rewards of a career as a firefighter or rescue specialist. The program includes fire ground operations, fire suppression, emergency medical responder (EMR), and fire investigation. Students will also gain hands-on experiential learning in the areas of fire apparatus operation, technical rescue, and hazardous materials.

Program Details

• Campus: Newnham
• Delivery: In-person
• Duration: 3 Semesters (12 Months)
• Credential: Ontario College Certificate
• School: School of Fire Protection Engineering Technology

About the Program

The program is accredited by the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office (OFM) and provides students with several National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) professional qualifications, as well as the professional knowledge and practical skills to work in the fire service field. Graduates of this program have the option to transfer into the Fire Protection Engineering Technician or Fire Protection Engineering Technology programs.

Skills

Throughout this program, students will develop the following skills:

• Perform fire suppression and fireground operations
• Perform inspection and maintenance of firefighting equipment
• Analyze fire development and suppression concepts
• Conduct fire and life safety inspections
• Perform technical rescue support and vehicle extrication operations
• Execute hazardous materials operations and decontamination procedures

Program Availability

• Start in: September 2025, January 2026
• Location: Newnham
• Availability: Waitlist (September 2025), Open (January 2026)

Program and Course Delivery

This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format. Some coursework is online, and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.

Your Career

Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:

• Firefighter
• Technical rescue specialist
• Emergency medical responder
• Hazardous materials responder

Affiliations/Associations

• International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
• Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM)

Professional Certification

• NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level 1 & 2 (IFSAC & Pro Board)
• NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations Level (IFSAC & Pro Board)
• NFPA 1035 Fire & Life Safety Educator Level 1 (IFSAC & Pro Board)
• NFPA 1006 Technical Rescue Awareness Level
• Emergency Medical Responder (Red Cross EMR)
• DZ Truck Driver’s License (additional cost)