Retraining ReportJob training public funding can pay for

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Fire academy in California

32 firefighter programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

23 schools offer these firefighter programs, and California has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Firefighters put out fires and answer emergencies that put people, property or the environment at risk. Most need a high school diploma, must pass written and physical tests and an interview, and then train for a few months at a fire academy run by a fire department or the state. Firefighters may also need EMT or paramedic certification.1

In California, 4 of the 32 programs take students without a high school diploma, 16 ask for a diploma or equivalent and 12 ask for earlier courses first.

By kind, the 32 programs here are fire academy (Firefighter I and II, 17 programs), fire science certificate or diploma (7 programs), wildland firefighter course (5 programs) and fire science (associate degree, 3 programs).

See the 32 programs

How much does fire academy cost in California?

$954 to $1,775 is what most firefighter programs in California cost if you pay yourself

That is the middle half of the 32 programs with a price. All of them: $217 to $3,978

In the typical program

Finished the program
96%
Working 6 months later
74%
Earned a year, estimated
about $58,400
Length
16 to 34 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in California may also offer fire academy training. How these figures are made

Is there free fire academy training in California?

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

All 32 firefighter programs in California approved for WIOA funding

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32 programs

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Basic Fire Fighter Academy

    College Of The Desert

    Palm Desert

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    College Of The Desert, Palm DesertFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,200

    6 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Basic Fire Fighter Academy at College Of The Desert
    More details about Basic Fire Fighter Academy at College Of The Desert
    Finished
    88%
    Working at 6 months
    4%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    32 weeks, 20 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,666
    Students counted
    8,692
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,200
    students trained with WIOA funding
    6
    Program website, Basic Fire Fighter Academy at College Of The Desert

  • Fire science (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Fire Technology AS Degree

    College Of The Desert

    Palm Desert

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    College Of The Desert, Palm DesertFire science (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,760
    Program website, Fire Technology AS Degree at College Of The Desert
    More details about Fire Technology AS Degree at College Of The Desert
    Finished
    88%
    Working at 6 months
    4%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    64 weeks, 15 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $69
    Students counted
    8,692
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,760
    Program website, Fire Technology AS Degree at College Of The Desert

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Basic Fire Academy

    Fresno City College

    Fresno

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Fresno City College, FresnoFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,530
    Program website, Basic Fire Academy at Fresno City College
    More details about Basic Fire Academy at Fresno City College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    36 weeks, 33 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,127
    Students counted
    975
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,530
    Program website, Basic Fire Academy at Fresno City College

  • Fire science (associate degree)In personPrerequisite courses

    Public Safety Fire Technology - Fire Technology AS Degree

    Cabrillo College

    Aptos

    Accredited school

    Prerequisite courses

    Cabrillo College, AptosFire science (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,092
    School website, Public Safety Fire Technology - Fire Technology AS Degree at Cabrillo College
    More details about Public Safety Fire Technology - Fire Technology AS Degree at Cabrillo College
    Finished
    96%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    76 weeks, 17 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,769
    Students counted
    584
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,092
    School website, Public Safety Fire Technology - Fire Technology AS Degree at Cabrillo College

  • Fire science certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Fire Technology

    Porterville College

    Porterville

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Porterville College, PortervilleFire science certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$69,200
    Price if you pay yourself$724

    3 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Fire Technology at Porterville College
    More details about Fire Technology at Porterville College
    Finished
    71%
    Working at 6 months
    3%
    Earned in a quarter
    $17,288
    Length
    32 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,145
    Students counted
    310
    Earned a year, estimated
    $69,200
    Price if you pay yourself
    $724
    students trained with WIOA funding
    3
    Program website, Fire Technology at Porterville College

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personPrerequisite courses

    Firefighter I (Academy) Certificate

    Shasta College

    Redding

    Accredited school

    Prerequisite courses

    Shasta College, ReddingFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimated$78,900
    Price if you pay yourself$1,039

    18 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Firefighter I (Academy) Certificate at Shasta College
    More details about Firefighter I (Academy) Certificate at Shasta College
    Finished
    68%
    Working at 6 months
    16%
    Earned in a quarter
    $19,717
    Length
    17 weeks, 39 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $3,603
    Students counted
    276
    Earned a year, estimated
    $78,900
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,039
    students trained with WIOA funding
    18
    Program website, Firefighter I (Academy) Certificate at Shasta College

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Firefighter Academy

    Moreno Valley College CTE

    Moreno Valley

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Moreno Valley College CTE, Moreno ValleyFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$58,400
    Price if you pay yourself$1,045

    150 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Firefighter Academy at Moreno Valley College CTE
    More details about Firefighter Academy at Moreno Valley College CTE
    Finished
    97%
    Working at 6 months
    98%
    Earned in a quarter
    $14,604
    Length
    16 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,276
    Students counted
    150
    Earned a year, estimated
    $58,400
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,045
    students trained with WIOA funding
    150
    Program website, Firefighter Academy at Moreno Valley College CTE

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personEducation and courses

    Firefighter I Academy

    Butte College

    Oroville

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Butte College, OrovilleFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$58,400
    Price if you pay yourself$1,358

    3 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Firefighter I Academy at Butte College
    More details about Firefighter I Academy at Butte College
    Finished
    90%
    Working at 6 months
    42%
    Earned in a quarter
    $14,600
    Length
    20 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $3,939
    Students counted
    136
    Earned a year, estimated
    $58,400
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,358
    students trained with WIOA funding
    3
    Program website, Firefighter I Academy at Butte College

  • Fire science (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Fire Science, Associate of Science Degree

    Mendocino College

    Ukiah

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Mendocino College, UkiahFire science (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,760
    Program website, Fire Science, Associate of Science Degree at Mendocino College
    More details about Fire Science, Associate of Science Degree at Mendocino College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    68 weeks, 15 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,617
    Students counted
    123
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,760
    Program website, Fire Science, Associate of Science Degree at Mendocino College

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personPrerequisite courses

    Fire Fighter Academy (Fire Fighter I and II)

    College of the Siskiyous

    Weed

    Accredited school

    Prerequisite courses

    College of the Siskiyous, WeedFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimated$37,900
    Price if you pay yourself$1,352

    7 students trained with WIOA funding

    School website, Fire Fighter Academy (Fire Fighter I and II) at College of the Siskiyous
    More details about Fire Fighter Academy (Fire Fighter I and II) at College of the Siskiyous
    Finished
    79%
    Working at 6 months
    80%
    Earned in a quarter
    $9,467
    Length
    22 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $3,180
    Students counted
    102
    Earned a year, estimated
    $37,900
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,352
    students trained with WIOA funding
    7
    School website, Fire Fighter Academy (Fire Fighter I and II) at College of the Siskiyous

  • Fire science certificate or diplomaHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Applied Fire Training Program

    Feather River College

    Quincy

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Feather River College, QuincyFire science certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$340
    Program website, Applied Fire Training Program at Feather River College
    More details about Applied Fire Training Program at Feather River College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    9 weeks, 36 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,850
    Students counted
    90
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $340
    Program website, Applied Fire Training Program at Feather River College

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Fire Academy

    College of the Sequoias

    Visalia

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    College of the Sequoias, VisaliaFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$967

    4 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Fire Academy at College of the Sequoias
    More details about Fire Academy at College of the Sequoias
    Finished
    99%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    19 weeks, 21 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,690
    Students counted
    78
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $967
    students trained with WIOA funding
    4
    Program website, Fire Academy at College of the Sequoias

  • Wildland firefighter courseIn personEducation and courses

    Fire Technology - Wildland Firefighter I Academy

    Shasta College

    Redding

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Shasta College, ReddingWildland firefighter course · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$319
    School website, Fire Technology - Wildland Firefighter I Academy at Shasta College
    More details about Fire Technology - Wildland Firefighter I Academy at Shasta College
    Finished
    78%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    14 weeks, 16 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $200
    Students counted
    74
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $319
    School website, Fire Technology - Wildland Firefighter I Academy at Shasta College

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy

    ADVANCE at Lake Tahoe Community College

    South Lake Tahoe

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    ADVANCE at Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake TahoeFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$38,600
    Price if you pay yourself$1,632
    More details about Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy at ADVANCE at Lake Tahoe Community College
    Finished
    97%
    Working at 6 months
    100%
    Earned in a quarter
    $9,650
    Length
    24 weeks, 22 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,600
    Students counted
    71
    Earned a year, estimated
    $38,600
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,632

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personPrerequisite courses

    Firefighter II Certificate (FIRS 108 only)

    Shasta College

    Redding

    Accredited school

    Prerequisite courses

    Shasta College, ReddingFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$257
    School website, Firefighter II Certificate (FIRS 108 only) at Shasta College
    More details about Firefighter II Certificate (FIRS 108 only) at Shasta College
    Finished
    85%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    7 weeks, 17 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $435
    Students counted
    66
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $257
    School website, Firefighter II Certificate (FIRS 108 only) at Shasta College

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Colusa County Office of Education Fire Academy

    Colusa County Office of Education

    Colusa

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Colusa County Office of Education, ColusaFire academy (Firefighter I and II)In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$61,700
    Price if you pay yourself$3,000

    52 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Colusa County Office of Education Fire Academy at Colusa County Office of Education
    More details about Colusa County Office of Education Fire Academy at Colusa County Office of Education
    Finished
    91%
    Working at 6 months
    93%
    Earned in a quarter
    $15,436
    Length
    15 weeks, 20 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,300
    Students counted
    52
    Earned a year, estimated
    $61,700
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,000
    students trained with WIOA funding
    52
    Program website, Colusa County Office of Education Fire Academy at Colusa County Office of Education

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Firefighter I Academy

    Yuba College

    Marysville

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Yuba College, MarysvilleFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,275

    30 students trained with WIOA funding

    More details about Firefighter I Academy at Yuba College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    81%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    20 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,348
    Students counted
    51
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,275
    students trained with WIOA funding
    30

  • Wildland firefighter courseIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    CAL FIRE Academy (Certificate of Accomplishment)

    Lassen Community College

    Susanville

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Lassen Community College, SusanvilleWildland firefighter course · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$55,900
    Price if you pay yourself$840

    3 students trained with WIOA funding

    School website, CAL FIRE Academy (Certificate of Accomplishment) at Lassen Community College
    More details about CAL FIRE Academy (Certificate of Accomplishment) at Lassen Community College
    Finished
    80%
    Working at 6 months
    67%
    Earned in a quarter
    $13,986
    Length
    21 weeks, 14 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $750
    Students counted
    44
    Earned a year, estimated
    $55,900
    Price if you pay yourself
    $840
    students trained with WIOA funding
    3
    School website, CAL FIRE Academy (Certificate of Accomplishment) at Lassen Community College

  • Fire science certificate or diplomaIn personEducation and courses

    Fire Technology

    Merced College

    Merced

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Merced College, MercedFire science certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedLeft out
    Price if you pay yourself$1,411
    Program website, Fire Technology at Merced College
    More details about Fire Technology at Merced College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    43%
    Earned in a quarter
    Left out
    Length
    18 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $3,671
    Students counted
    33
    Earned a year, estimated
    Left out
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,411
    Program website, Fire Technology at Merced College

  • Wildland firefighter courseIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Wildland Firefighting

    Valley ROP

    Sanger

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Valley ROP, SangerWildland firefighter courseIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$40,900
    Price if you pay yourself$1,200
    School website, Wildland Firefighting at Valley ROP
    More details about Wildland Firefighting at Valley ROP
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    82%
    Earned in a quarter
    $10,213
    Length
    6 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $760
    Students counted
    28
    Earned a year, estimated
    $40,900
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,200
    School website, Wildland Firefighting at Valley ROP

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personEducation and courses

    Firefighter II Academy

    Yuba College

    Marysville

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Yuba College, MarysvilleFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$217

    3 students trained with WIOA funding

    More details about Firefighter II Academy at Yuba College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    100%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    20 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,219
    Students counted
    13
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $217
    students trained with WIOA funding
    3

  • Wildland firefighter courseIn personNo diploma needed

    Wildland Firefighting- BC

    Kern Community College District

    Bakersfield

    No diploma needed

    Kern Community College District, BakersfieldWildland firefighter courseIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$400
    School website, Wildland Firefighting- BC at Kern Community College District
    More details about Wildland Firefighting- BC at Kern Community College District
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    16 weeks, 6 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $200
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $400
    School website, Wildland Firefighting- BC at Kern Community College District

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Fire Academy

    Crafton Hills College

    Yucaipa

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Crafton Hills College, YucaipaFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$915
    Program website, Fire Academy at Crafton Hills College
    More details about Fire Academy at Crafton Hills College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    18 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,425
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $915
    Program website, Fire Academy at Crafton Hills College

  • Wildland firefighter courseHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Safety Pro: Chainsaw Tech

    Los Angeles Trade Technical College

    Los Angeles

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Los Angeles Trade Technical College, Los AngelesWildland firefighter course · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,120
    School website, Safety Pro: Chainsaw Tech at Los Angeles Trade Technical College
    More details about Safety Pro: Chainsaw Tech at Los Angeles Trade Technical College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    6 weeks, 6 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $80
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,120
    School website, Safety Pro: Chainsaw Tech at Los Angeles Trade Technical College

  • Fire science certificate or diplomaIn personNo diploma needed

    Fire Technology Program

    Mt. San Jacinto Community College

    San Jacinto

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Mt. San Jacinto Community College, San JacintoFire science certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,272
    Program website, Fire Technology Program at Mt. San Jacinto Community College
    More details about Fire Technology Program at Mt. San Jacinto Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    34 weeks, 18 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,200
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,272
    Program website, Fire Technology Program at Mt. San Jacinto Community College

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personEducation and courses

    Firefighter I Academy Certificate of Achievement

    City College of San Francisco

    San Francisco

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    City College of San Francisco, San FranciscoFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,274
    More details about Firefighter I Academy Certificate of Achievement at City College of San Francisco
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    18 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,200
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,274

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personEducation and courses

    Basic Fire Academy (Accredited Local Academy) Certificate of Achievement

    City College of San Francisco

    San Francisco

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    City College of San Francisco, San FranciscoFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,366
    More details about Basic Fire Academy (Accredited Local Academy) Certificate of Achievement at City College of San Francisco
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    70 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,366

  • Fire science certificate or diplomaIn personEducation and courses

    Fire Protection Certificate of Achievement

    City College of San Francisco

    San Francisco

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    City College of San Francisco, San FranciscoFire science certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,366
    More details about Fire Protection Certificate of Achievement at City College of San Francisco
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    34 weeks, 12 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,366

  • Fire science certificate or diplomaIn personNo diploma needed

    Fire Technology

    Kern High School District-Rop

    Bakersfield

    No diploma needed

    Kern High School District-Rop, BakersfieldFire science certificate or diplomaIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,700
    School website, Fire Technology at Kern High School District-Rop
    More details about Fire Technology at Kern High School District-Rop
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    41 weeks, 9 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,700
    School website, Fire Technology at Kern High School District-Rop

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personPrerequisite courses

    Fire Fighter I Academy- BC

    Kern Community College District

    Bakersfield

    Prerequisite courses

    Kern Community College District, BakersfieldFire academy (Firefighter I and II)In person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,000
    School website, Fire Fighter I Academy- BC at Kern Community College District
    More details about Fire Fighter I Academy- BC at Kern Community College District
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    16 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,000
    School website, Fire Fighter I Academy- BC at Kern Community College District

  • Fire science certificate or diplomaOnlineNo diploma needed

    Fire Technology- BC

    Kern Community College District

    Based in Bakersfield, CA

    No diploma needed

    Kern Community College District, based in Bakersfield, CAFire science certificate or diplomaOnline · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,200
    School website, Fire Technology- BC at Kern Community College District
    More details about Fire Technology- BC at Kern Community College District
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    48 weeks, 17 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,300
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,200
    School website, Fire Technology- BC at Kern Community College District

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Fire Science Internship Program - Valley ROP

    Fresno City College

    Fresno

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Fresno City College, FresnoFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,978
    Program website, Fire Science Internship Program - Valley ROP at Fresno City College
    More details about Fire Science Internship Program - Valley ROP at Fresno City College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    90 weeks, 24 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $3,057
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,978
    Program website, Fire Science Internship Program - Valley ROP at Fresno City College

How to pay for fire academy training in California

WIOA funding can pay for fire academy training in California

Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?

Financial aid and grants for fire academy training

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.67

GI Bill for fire academy training

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.8

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Quick facts: Fire academy in California

programs with a price cost under $1,000
9 of 32
lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare
3rd of 15
other states where the typical program's graduates earned less
9 of 9
most firefighter programs of any state, after Ohio
2nd

State comparisons use the same figures as the fire academy training by state table: the middle program of each state, and only states with three or more schools for prices. Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).

Fire academy in Riverside, Fresno, Redding and other California cities

Choosing an area filters the program list above. 9 more programs are in 8 other areas, 3 in smaller cities and towns and 1 online.

Other training in California

How fire academy training compares with the rest of public safety: First responder training in California

Where the California firefighter program numbers come from

Which California firefighter programs are on this list?

These are the firefighter programs California approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).9 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what California offers.

How the prices and results of California firefighter programs are measured

Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.

Sources for the facts about fire academy training in California

Show the 9 sourcesHide the sources
  1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Firefighters
  2. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
  3. US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
  4. Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220, 680.230 and 680.310: career services before training, other grants such as Pell Grants first, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
  5. US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
  6. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
  7. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
  8. US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
  9. US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List