Starting the Rio Hondo College Fire Academy
The Rio Hondo College Fire Academy is a full-time, 850-hour course that satisfies the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and State Fire Training (SFT) required for the State of California. The Fire Academy is an Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP) that is offered twice a year, one in the Spring semester and one in the Fall semester. Each academy class runs for 16 weeks, Monday through Friday from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Firefighter Cadet/Candidate will receive several certifications from OSFM and will receive a Firefighter 1 certification from the OSFM that is IFSAC and Pro Board certified upon completing and passing the required OSFM cognitive and psychomotor skills. Fire Academy graduates gain the basic skills and knowledge as a first responder to compete for full positions in the fire service.
Below you’ll find more detailed information, simply click on the numbered item to expand and view its contents.
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1. Information Meeting
The Fire Academy Information Meeting is the first step towards starting your career path as a Firefighter. If at some point you plan on attending the Fire Academy program, attendance to the meeting is required.
The meetings are open to everyone.
No registration or early sign-ups are required.
The meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm over ZOOM.
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
- https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/7249996179
- Or iPhone one-tap (US Toll): +16699006833, 7249996179# or +13462487799, 7249996179#
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2. Fire Academy Entry Requirements
- Register with Rio Hondo College. https://www.riohondo.edu/admissions/get-started/
- Schedule an appointment with our Fire Counselor, Ms. Diana Valladares. https://www.riohondo.edu/academics/divisions/administration-justice-fire-technology/contact-us/counselors/
- Complete the 9 required classes to qualify. Classes are scheduled online, in-person, and in hybrid format throughout the year.
Please visit our “Class Schedule” online for class offerings at https://ssb.riohondo.edu:8443/prodssb/pw_pub_sched.p_search
- FTEC 101 – Fire Protection Organization
- FTEC 102 – Princ. of Fire & Emergency
- FTEC 103 – Fire Behavior and Combustion
- FTEC 104 – Fire Prevention Technology
- FTEC 105 – Bldg Constr for Fire Protect
- FTEC 106 – Fire Protect Sys & Equip
- FTEC 044 – Phys Fit & Ability for the FF
- EMT 100 – Emergency Medical Responder (pre-requisite to EMT 093)
- EMT 093 – Emergency Medical Technician https://www.riohondo.edu/academics/divisions/administration-justice-fire-technology/emt-certification/
***FTEC 101-106 can be taken in any order.***
The last semester, when you’re about to complete all of your class requirements, schedule another appointment with our Fire Counselor, Ms. Diana Valladares. https://www.riohondo.edu/academics/divisions/administration-justice-fire-technology/contact-us/counselors/
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3. How to enroll
First, ensure that all 9 required classes are completed. On the last semester, when your about to complete all of your class requirements, schedule an appointment with our Fire Counselor, Ms. Diana Valladares.
Second, the Fire Academy Applications typically become available one (1) semester before its start date.
For example:
If you plan on applying to the FALL Fire Academy, the application becomes available by early April/May (the same year).
If you plan on applying to the SPRING Fire Academy, the application becomes available by early October (the prior year).
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4. Important Dates and Deadlines
***Items below are to be submitted or completed at the Fire Academy located at 11400 Greenstone Ave., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670-4621.
Information Day Dates and time The FALL 2026 Fire Academy Applications will be available online: Monday
March 2, 2026 Completed Applications due date: Must be submitted in person at the Fire Academy (please stay in your car).
***Students who drop off on May 4th DO NOT get priority over those that submit on May 5th. Applications will NOT be reviewed prior to these dates.
Monday
Tuesday
May 4, 2026 from 11am-5pm May 5, 2026 from 9am-3pm
Physical Abilities Test (Biddle) date: Held at the Fire Academy and MANDATORY FOR ALL APPLICANTS.
Monday & Tuesday
June 15 & 16, 2026 Bring Snacks/Water,
Wear PT clothesOnline Registration to open on:
Monday & Tuesday
June 1 & 2, 2026 Orientation Day held at the Fire Academy on: (Bring your Lunch)
Wednesday
June 17, 2026 MANDATORY from 0700 to 1200
First day of the Fall 2026 Fire Academy begins on: Monday
August 17, 2026 Class 107 Graduation: Friday
December 4, 2026 Attendance and completion of the ALL listed events is mandatory. No Exceptions!
Failure to do so may result in your application and/or sponsorship being void and non-acceptance to the Fire Academy.
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5. Fire Academy Application
Fall 2026 – Fire Academy Class 107 – Application
The application requires you to complete a medical physical examination. You can utilize Rio Hondo College’s Student Health Center (562-908-3438) if you do not have your own provider.
Student Health Center MEDICAL PHYSICAL Information
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays only
- 8:30-12:30pm and 1:00-4:00pm
- Student must bring photo ID and know their RHC student ID number
- $0 cost for medical physical
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6. Selection Process
All Fire Academy applicants will be placed into tiers based on qualifications. See below for more information.
Click here for: Rio Hondo Fire Academy Selection Process
How to schedule a Counseling Appointment.
Contact our counselor Diana Valladares at [email protected] by email.
Make an Appointment today! Appointments can be held in person, over ZOOM, and by phone.
To make an appointment email the following information:
SUBJECT: Counseling Appt.
Include these three things in the body of your email:
- Provide your Rio Hondo student ID number (example: 001-##-####)
- Provide 3 options of dates and times that you are available for an appointment
- A good call back phone number