A career built on courage.
Blaze a career in firefighting.
The Fire Academy Certificate prepares students for entry-level firefighter careers through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training and real-world experience. Students develop the skills needed to respond to fires, hazardous materials incidents, rescues and other emergencies while earning certifications through the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
As part of the program, students complete a supervised internship with a local fire department, gaining valuable field experience before entering the workforce. Graduates are qualified for firefighter hiring eligibility lists and can apply their coursework toward Moraine Valley’s Fire Service Operations A.A.S. degree, creating a seamless pathway for continued education and career advancement.
Request Information
Have questions? Request information and get personalized guidance.
"*" indicates required fields
Save lives with a Career in Firefighting
Students learn about fire service through classroom and hands-on instruction.
A Fire Academy Certificate prepares you to pursue entry-level firefighter positions with municipal and regional fire departments. Through classroom instruction, hands-on training and a supervised internship, you’ll gain the technical skills and real-world experience needed to qualify for firefighter hiring eligibility lists and begin your career in emergency response.
The Fire Academy Certificate at Moraine Valley is designed to be completed in about one semester.
Program Length: Complete the Fire Academy in 10 weeks of full-time training, followed by a required internship the next semester that provides supervised, real-world experience with a local fire department.
Fire Academy training:10 weeks of full-time instruction, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Required internship: Completed during the following semester, with a minimum of 16 hours per week at a local fire department.
Moraine Valley’s Fire Academy prepares aspiring firefighters with the training, experience and certifications needed to become eligible for initial fire department hiring lists. The academy is one of the few programs offered by an Illinois community college that is open to students who are not already affiliated with a fire department, making it an excellent pathway into the profession.
The academy consists of eight courses offered twice each year. Students who successfully complete the program earn 22 college credit hours, covering most of the core coursework required for Moraine Valley’s Fire Service Operations Associate in Applied Science degree. The academy is approved by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
Fire Academy classes meet Monday through Friday for 10 weeks, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Instruction takes place at Moraine Valley’s Palos Hills campus as well as several off-campus training locations, providing students with a variety of classroom and hands-on learning experiences.
After successfully completing the Fire Academy, students participate in a required internship during the following semester. Working alongside professional firefighters at a local fire department, students gain supervised, real-world experience while further developing their skills and knowledge. Internship schedules are coordinated with the participating fire department, with students completing at least 16 hours each week. During the internship, students also have the opportunity to challenge the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s written certification exams.
Applicants must have an Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) EMT or Paramedic license or proof of passing the NREMT exam to be offered admission to the fire academy.
Only complete applications are reviewed for admission.
Applicants offered a spot in the Fire Academy, but decline within 14 calendar days of the beginning of the semester or once the semester begins are unable to reapply for the Fire Service Operations A.A.S. program in the next admission cycle.
Applications are only valid for the very next Fire Academy. After applicants have been seated for each Fire Academy all applications are destroyed. To apply for a new Fire Academy, students must fill out a new application.
Documents needed for a complete file include:
- to Moraine Valley if not currently enrolled at the college.
- A completed Fire Academy application.
- A completed high school transcript showing date of graduation or a high school equivalency certificate
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
- Copy of current Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) EMT or Paramedic license. Alternatively, proof of passing the NREMT exam will be accepted.
- .
Enroll at 好色先生
Submit the Moraine Valley . You must apply for admission to be eligible to submit an application to the Fire Academy. Your Moraine Valley student email address is used for all communications regarding the admissions process, including acceptance and denial letters. Applicants must check their student email address. You may enroll online or in person at the Registration Office in the Student Services Center, Building S.
Fire Academy Application
Fire Academy applications are available in the B-150 or T-942 offices. Those offices are open Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the spring and fall semesters, and Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the summer semesters.
Applications for the fall academy classes (August – November) are available March 1 through the second Monday in June. The deadline for submitting completed applications for the fall academy classes is 12 p.m. on the second Monday of June. Completed applications must be dropped off in the B-150 office.
Applications for the spring academy (February – May) are available from October 1 through the second Monday in January. The deadline for submitting completed applications for the spring academy classes is 12 p.m. on the second Monday in January. Completed applications must be dropped off in the B-150 office.
Minimum Academic Requirements
- A minimum grade point average of 2.0 based on a four-point system. The high school GPA is used only if students have attempted less than 12 college hours. A GPA of 2.0 is assigned if the student took the high school equivalency.
- Math placement test score or exemption must qualify applicant to take MTH-095
- English placement test score or exemption must qualify applicant to take COM-101
- Reading placement test score or exemption must qualify applicant for courses above RDG-088/089
Ranking and Selection
Selection Criteria
All applicants must submit a complete application by the designated deadline for the semester they wish to enroll. Applicants for the program are considered in the following order:
- Qualified residents of the district who possess an Illinois paramedic license or a NREMT paramedic certification.
- Qualified residents of the district who completed a paramedic class but do not currently possess the paramedic license.
- Qualified residents of the district who possess an EMT license.
- Qualified non-residents who possess an Illinois paramedic license or a NREMT paramedic certification.
- Qualified non-residents who possess an EMT license.
Point System
Applications for the fire academy are numerically ranked within each applicant group by a score made up of three factors:
- Cumulative high school or college GPA
- Number of college credit hours completed
- Grades and credit hours in success classes
- These classes include EMS-101, up to three PEH courses, MTH-120 or higher or any course in BIO, CHM, EAS, GEL, NAT, PHS or PHY.
- Five bonus admission points are awarded for applicants who possess current Illinois EMT-P licensure.
| Weighted Factors | GPA | Points | College Hours | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Factor | Max Points | 2.5-2.75 | 5 | 1-15 | 2 |
| GPA | 15 | 2.751-3.0 | 7 | 16-29 | 4 |
| College Hours | 10 | 3.01-3.25 | 9 | 30-45 | 6 |
| Success Courses | 57 | 3.251-3.5 | 11 | 46-60 | 8 |
| Total | 82 | 3.51-3.75 | 13 | 60+ | 10 |
| 3.751-4.0 | 15 | ||||
Students are required to list all colleges attended on the intent form. Students must select one of the following options on the intent form for calculating their college GPA for admission.
- Students may use only their Moraine Valley hours as the college GPA for admission. If students choose this option, they cannot use other college credit toward the degree requirements or for points towards admission.
- Students may use other college credit toward the degree requirements and points towards admission. When the GPA is calculated all college credit will be used. These hours may then be used as regular transfer credit.
Ties are broken based on the total number of college credit hours completed. Students who submit an application are contacted, via Moraine Valley student email address, within two weeks after the deadline date. Students are given a tentative acceptance letter or a letter stating they were not accepted and the reason for not being accepted.
National Fire Protection Association Physical
Upon acceptance into the Fire Academy courses, students must complete a medical exam from an occupational doctor designated by the Moraine Valley Fire Science Coordinator.
The licensed physician must certify students comply with National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 1582 鈥� Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Programs for Fire Departments.
Students must also be medically approved to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The student is given a 10-panel drug screen. The student must not test positive for any tested drugs.
The Occupational Physician submits their findings to the Fire Science Coordinator. The Occupational Physician鈥檚 findings are final. If the applicant is deemed 鈥渘ot qualified鈥� the applicant is no longer eligible to participate in the Fire Academy.
All applicants must provide evidence of personal health insurance within 30 days. History and Physical Forms are distributed upon acceptance into the Fire Academy.
Criminal Background Checks
In order to comply with certain state statutes and/or clinical affiliation agreements, students are asked to successfully complete a criminal background check. Applications for criminal background checks are distributed upon acceptance into the Fire Academy.
Basic Life Support CPR cards
All candidates must have a valid Basic Life Support CPR card from the American Heart Association within the first month of starting the Fire Academy. Candidates must maintain a valid CPR for Basic Life Support card throughout the internship experience. CPR Basic Life Support courses are made available to the candidates.
HIPAA Training
All candidates must show proof of HIPAA (patient confidentiality training) within one month of beginning the Fire Academy. HIPAA training courses will be made available to the candidates.
Physical Requirements
- Work effectively for long periods of time. This requires sustained physical activity and intense concentration, under stressful conditions. This must be done both as a member of a team and independently.
- Use all fingers and both hands to handle, move, lift, twist and turn objects of all shapes and sizes
- Perform the job in environments with extreme noise, limited mobility, above or below ground heights, poor visibility, high humidity and closed or confined spaces for unknown lengths of time.
- Perform job responsibilities while carrying up to 80 pounds of additional weight
- Lift, climb, and move while carrying up to 100 pounds of equipment and tools
- Drag and carry up to 200 pounds
- Perform a variety of tasks for unknown durations of time on level surfaces and a variety of hazardous surfaces. This includes slippery, wet and freezing surfaces, while under adverse conditions with increased weight loads using a variety of body positions, including standing, sitting, crouching, crawling, climbing, kneeling, stooping and bending over.
- Have near and far vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.
- Receive, interpret and respond efficiently, appropriately and safely to instructions issued by commanding officers. The instructions are delivered in a variety of formats, including written, oral, diagrammatic or scheduled formats.
- Smell smoke and other odors that might indicate hazardous conditions.
- Use sight, hearing, smell, and touch to assess the nature of emergency situations, maintain personal safety, and make critical decisions in a confused, chaotic, and potentially life-threatening environment.
- Be free from frequent episodes of pain resulting in the inability to perform manual work, or sudden incapacitation.
- Make rapid transitions from rest to near maximum exertion without warm-up.
Potential careers in Culinary Arts
Moraine Valley鈥檚 culinary arts programs prepare you for careers in restaurants, hotels, catering, healthcare, corporate kitchens, and more. You鈥檒l learn to create beautifully presented dishes, meet specialized dietary needs, and understand essential business skills like marketing and cost control.
Photo Gallery
Discover similar programs
You may also be interested in these programs with similar focus areas and career opportunities.
Program Details
View the catalog to explore program requirements, a suggested course sequence and prerequisite information.
| Program | Type of Credential | Curriculum Code | Department or Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | 1334 | Public Service |
Faculty Spotlight
Celebrating the passionate instructors who inspire, support, and engage our students every day inside and outside the classroom.
Dr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications Department
Get Started