Rio Hondo College Fire Academy
Next Fire Academy: Class 108
Spring 2027
January 25, 2027 – May 21, 2027
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
- Apply with Rio Hondo College.
- Schedule an appointment with our Fire Counselor, Ms. Diana Valladares.
- Complete the 9 required classes:
- 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 110)
- EMT 110 – Emergency Medical Technician Academy (formerly EMT 093)
***FTEC 101-106 can be taken in any order.***
Classes are scheduled online, in-person, and in hybrid format throughout the year.
Please visit our online CLASS SCHEDULE to view classes offered.
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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
Information Day Dates and time SPRING 2027, Class 108 Fire Academy Applications will become available online September 1, 2026 Completed applications are due in-person at the Fire Academy on: Note:
• Students who drop off applications on October 19th DO NOT get priority over those that submit on October 20th.
• Applications will NOT be accepted/reviewed prior to these dates.October 19, 2026 from 9 am – 4 pm October 20, 2026 from 11 am – 5 pm
Acceptance Letters will be sent via email by November 20, 2026 First day of the SPRING 2027, Class 108 Fire Academy January 25, 2027 SPRING 2027, Class 108 Graduation May 19, 2027 Applicants who advance in the selection process will be invited to attend Pre-Academy Events. Dates, times and details to follow. Pre-Academy events are designed to give the future cadet instruction and foundational techniques that help prepare for the demands of the Fire Academy.
Pre-Academy Events:
- Ladder Academy – ONLY FOR ACCEPTED STUDENTS
- Mandatory Fitness and Biddle – ONLY FOR ACCEPTED AND WAITLISTED STUDENTS
- Mandatory Orientation – ONLY FOR ACCEPTED AND WAITLISTED STUDENTS
Attendance and completion of ALL listed events is mandatory. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Failure to do so may result in your application being withdrawn and or/sponsorship being void. -
5. Fire Academy Application
SPRING 2027 – Fire Academy Application -Class 108
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
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7. Questions
If you have additional questions, email [email protected]
