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Firefighting is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle!

In the Professional Firefighter program, you will learn the fundamental firefighting skills needed to keep yourself, your colleagues, and the public safe in critical situations. Training at an off-campus site offers you firefighting experience in a controlled environment. You will learn about fire behaviour, motor vehicle extraction, medical first response, and communication in these training simulations.

Field training familiarizes students with equipment, including trucks, pumps, respirators, and hydraulic rescue tools such as Jaws of Life, to deal with fires, automotive accidents and public safety incidents. You will participate in eight weeks of on-the-job training in a career or a composite (career and volunteer firefighters) department of your choosing, with certain restrictions.

  • September 2026

    Milton

    Program Length

    22 Weeks

    Credential

    Certificate, Professional Firefighter

    Canadian Tuition

    Canadian Applicants

    Waiting list

    International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit

    Waiting list

    Other International Applicants

    Waiting list

  • Admissions Requirements

    • Minimum Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level
    • Age 18 by program start date
    • Valid Class 5 (cars and light trucks) driver’s license (students holding restricted or graduated licenses must abide by the conditions of the license). International students require a valid and current international driver’s license.
    • Completion of Immunization Verification Form (this is a PDF and will open in a new window) (required after acceptance)
    • Completion of Vision Examination Form (this is a PDF and will open in a new window)
    • Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector) with no findings of guilt. Find out more about Criminal Record Checks.
    • Physical fitness test set out by the program standard conducted at the Atlantic Police Academy prior to program start date. Find out more here.
    • Completion of Professional Firefighter Medical Examination. (This is a PDF and will open in a new window) Prior to visiting your physician please review this form and if there is any medical condition that you have, or suspect you may have, that is identified on the form as requiring a more detailed medical evaluation, please print the required form and take it with you on your visit to your doctor. If the doctor discovers a medical condition requiring further details, you will need to have them complete the appropriate detailed evaluation form.
    • Resumé including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program.

    NOTES:

    • Accepted students are required to complete their immunization form in their home province or country prior to program start. This helps avoid delays and ensures you're fully prepared for clinical placements, as some required vaccines can take time to complete.

      If you're unable to complete your immunizations before arrival, you can reach out to the Holland College Health Clinic at 902-566-9392 or npclinic@hollandcollege.com.

    • Due to the strenuous training demands, the student must be in excellent physical condition as determined by a thorough medical exam and be able to participate in extremely strenuous physical activity in hostile environments without restrictions.
    • Do you have the attributes a professional firefighter needs? Check out this list.
    • Don’t have the courses you need to get into this program? Upgrade, earn high school credits, or get your high school equivalency credential through Adult Education. It’s free!
    • If your first language is not English, please review our English Language Requirements.

  • Degree Pathways

    This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.

    Partner Institution Credential Details of Agreement
    Columbia Southern University Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration Graduates receive 25 credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration degree.

  • Program courses

    Course Code

    Course Name & Description

    Credit Values

    Course Code:SAFE-1005

    PEI Occupational Health and Safety

    An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.

    Credit Value:0

    Course Code:BASICFF-10100

    Basic Firefighting Level One Theory

    This course covers the theory portion of the sections required for a Fire Fighter I in the NFPA 1001, 2019 edition, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications. Successful completion of this course is required to become certified as a Fire Fighter I.

    Credit Value:7

    Course Code:BASICFF-10101

    Basic Firefighting Level One Practical

    This course covers the practical portion of the sections required for a Fire Fighter I in the NFPA 1001, 2019 edition, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications. Successful completion of this course is required to become certified as a Fire Fighter I.

    Credit Value:5

    Course Code:BASICFF-10200

    Basic Firefighting Level Two Theory

    This course covers the theory portion of the sections required for a Fire Fighter II in the NFPA 1001, 2019 edition, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications. Successful completion of this course is required to become certified as a Fire Fighter II.

    Credit Value:2

    Course Code:BASICFF-10201

    Basic Firefighting Level Two Practical

    This course covers the practical portion of the sections required for a Fire Fighter II in the NFPA 1001, 2019 edition, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications. Successful completion of this course is required to become certified as a Fire Fighter II.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:BASICFF-10310

    Hazardous Materials Awareness Theory

    This course is designed to meet the theory requirements of NFPA 470 - Hazardous Materials Awareness / Weapons of Mass Destruction. Emergency Response Personnel are trained to meet the minimum job performance requirements to appropriately respond to incidents involving hazardous materials / weapons of mass destruction in order to protect the public, responders and the environment.

    Credit Value:1

    Course Code:BASICFF-10311

    Hazardous Materials Awareness Practical

    This course is designed to meet the practical requirements of NFPA 470 - Hazardous Materials Awareness / Weapons of Mass Destruction. Emergency Response Personnel are trained to meet the minimum job performance requirements to appropriately respond to incidents involving hazardous materials / weapons of mass destruction in order to protect the public, responders and the environment.

    Credit Value:2

    Course Code:BASICFF-10320

    Hazardous Materials Operations Theory

    This course is designed to meet the theory requirements of NFPA 470 - Hazardous Materials Operations / Weapons of Mass Destruction. Emergency Response Personnel are trained to meet the minimum job performance requirements to appropriately respond to incidents involving hazardous materials / weapons of mass destruction in order to protect the public, responders and the environment.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:BASICFF-10321

    Hazardous Materials Operations Practical

    This course is designed to meet the practical requirements of NFPA 470 - Hazardous Materials Operations. Emergency Response Personnel are trained to meet the job performance requirements to appropriately respond to incidents involving hazardous materials / weapons of mass destruction in order to protect the public, responders and the environment. Learn to effectively use personal protective equipment in cases of hazardous material releases, and how to implement control measures.

    Credit Value:1

    Course Code:BASICFF-10500

    On-the-Job Training

    On-the-job training provides students with an opportunity to apply skills and knowledge acquired in the Professional Firefighter program to a relevant work environment. OJT participants are expected to assume, with appropriate supervision, the duties and responsibilities normally expected of an entry-level firefighter. Using their own observations and initiative, students are expected to acquire and apply new skills as may be expected of a new employee in their respective workplace setting.

    Credit Value:6

    Course Code:BASICFF-11000

    Fitness and Lifestyle

    This course is designed to prepare students for the firefighting profession and the various physical tests that are required. Students learn and are challenged to lead a healthy lifestyle by improving their fitness level and nutrition.

    Credit Value:2

    Course Code:NCPR-1002

    Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems

    Students complete Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training and certification.

    Credit Value:0

    Course Code:NCPR-1400

    Medical First Responder

    Pre-hospital care and CPR skills for professional first responders or those wanting to become first responders. This course teaches techniques for sustaining life, preventing further injuries, and caring for illnesses and injuries until the next level of medical personnel arrives. Includes CPR level HCP and AED. Successful participants will receive a 3-year certification in First Responder, CPR Level HCP, and AED.

    Credit Value:0

    Course Code:NCPR-1500

    Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS) 100

    Introduction to ICS is intended for personnel assigned to an incident or event who have a minimum requirement for understanding ICS. Students learn about the ICS organization, basic terminology, and common responsibilities, and are provided with basic information about the Incident Command System to enable them to work in a support role at an incident or event, or to support an incident from an off-site location.

    Credit Value:0

    Course Code:NCPR-1505

    Incident Command System 200 (ICS-200)

    ICS 200 focuses on smaller, less complex incidents and events and is an awareness-level course on the Incident Command System. The course builds on concepts learned in ICS 100, providing more detail on the features, principles, responsibilities and organizational structure of the system. It also provides the foundation for higher level ICS training.

    Credit Value:0

    Course Code:PROF-1050

    Professional Ethics and Deportment

    The purpose of this course is to examine and practice ethical and professional behaviors to prepare students for making ethical choices during their time at the academy and in their professional public safety careers. Students are required to produce and follow a personal code of ethics, work as a team, and to exhibit behaviors and values that are consistent with the expectations of the profession and the public.

    Credit Value:1

All Firefighting cadets are required to live in residence at the Atlantic Police Academy for the duration of their training, except when they are in on-the-job training. No additional residence application is required; accepted applicants will be assigned a room automatically after paying a tuition deposit.

Are you physically ready for this program? In this video, Coach Corey Arsenault tells you what to expect and how to prepare before you get here!

English version     Version française

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate ethical and professional deportment required of professionals in the fire service. 
  • Demonstrate firefighter knowledge and duties of performance in areas including fire dynamics, fire suppression, fire safety education and fire prevention, emergency patient care, environmental protection, and special rescue operations.
  • Apply safety best practices and techniques in the use and maintenance of fire department equipment, tools, and personal protective clothing and equipment.
  • Use effective and appropriate problem-solving and decision-making skills in emergency and non-emergency situations.
  • Communicate effectively using verbal, non-verbal, written, or electronic methods using recognized and appropriate fire service terminology.
  • Work effectively with other members of the fire service team, pre-hospital emergency care providers, and other emergency service-related groups to provide comprehensive service in emergency and non-emergency situations.
  • Demonstrate physical fitness required in the execution of duties and explain the importance of wellness strategies to deal with occupational stress.
  • Identify the importance of ongoing personal and professional development, that will lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities, and to keep pace with industry changes.

Graduates receive a certificate with the designation Firefighter Level I, Firefighter Level II, Haz-mat Awareness, and Haz-mat Operations, and can work internationally as professional, full-time firefighters and industrial firefighters.

This program obtained its accreditation from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) in 2006 and is maintains its accreditation in accordance with IFSAC guidelines. The Professional Firefighter program was established in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association Standard (NFPA1001) for fire service professional qualifications.

The program is also accredited by the Canadian Forces College Opportunities Program through the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), and has an established partnership with the Prince Edward Island Firefighters Association.

NOTE: Obtain IFSAC logo from other site

Did you know?

Students take part of their training at the PEI Firefighter Association Fire School, where they learn to use a variety of equipment, including fire engines, pumps, respirators, and hydraulic rescue tools such as Jaws of Life in a live fire training simulator and a ladder tower.

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