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Firefighter Program

Answer the call. Train to serve your community.

A full slate of firefighter training, from Volunteer and Firefighter 1 to Firefighter 2 and transition courses. Get the certifications fire departments require and step into one of the most respected careers there is.

Firefighters in training
Clock hours
24.00–160.00 hours by course
Days & times
Varies by course
Tuition
$300–$2,000 by course
Location
Main Campus
Format
In-person

What you'll learn

  • Volunteer & Firefighter 1
  • Firefighter 1 & 2 transitions
  • Firefighter 2
  • State-recognized certifications

What you'll earn

  • State of Ohio firefighter certifications (NFPA 1001 / 1041)

Before you enroll

  • Most levels require an NFPA 1582 physical and a BCI/FBI background check

Where it can take you

Volunteer firefighterCareer firefighter

Courses & upcoming classes

Straight from Penta's registration catalog, kept current every term.

Firefighter Instructor Live Burn – NFPA1403

Prepare to lead safe and effective live-fire training with Penta Career Center’s Live Fire Instructor course. This advanced course is designed for certified fire instructors who plan, supervise, and conduct live-fire training evolutions.

Students learn how to apply NFPA 1403: Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions, with an emphasis on planning, instructor responsibilities, risk management, student supervision, fuel selection, emergency procedures, and firefighter safety.

Training prepares instructors to manage live-fire exercises in accordance with applicable standards and their chartered fire training program’s operating procedures.

Prerequisites

  • Current Ohio Firefighter II certification in good standing

  • Current Ohio Fire and Emergency Services Instructor I or II certification in good standing

  • All additional admission requirements established by the Ohio Division of EMS and Penta Career Center

Before the First Day of Class

Students are responsible for completing registration and submitting all required forms and supporting documents listed in the Firefighter Academy Student Required Packet, including copies of their current firefighter and instructor certifications.

Review the packet early to allow enough time to complete all requirements that apply to your course.

Submitting Your Documents

Upload documents as directed by Adult Education, or bring paper copies with your completed packet. You may bring your packet to your scheduled background check and drop it off at the Adult Education office on the east end of the building, at entrance E5.

Background checks require an appointment. Scheduling instructions are included in the packet.

Firefighter Academy Student Required Packet

Upcoming classes

2/4/2027 to 3/1/2027$300
Thu · 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
24.00 clock hours
Jason Francis

Firefighter 1

COE APPROVED PROGRAM

Begin your career in the fire service with Penta Career Center's Firefighter I program. This entry-level course gives students the knowledge and hands-on skills to safely and effectively work as a Firefighter I in Ohio.

Students receive classroom instruction, practical skills training, and live-fire experience while learning fire behavior, personal protective equipment (PPE), self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), ladders, hose operations, ventilation, search and rescue, forcible entry, water supply, salvage and overhaul, fireground communications, and firefighter safety.

This 160+ hour program meets the current NFPA 1001 Firefighter I standard and prepares eligible students to test for Ohio Division of EMS Firefighter I certification.

Before the First Day of Class

Students are responsible for completing registration and submitting all required forms and supporting documents listed in the Firefighter Academy Student Required Packet, including:

  • A completed and signed NFPA 1582 medical evaluation

  • An Ohio BCI and FBI background check

  • A copy of their driver’s license

  • Required education documentation

  • FEMA certificates for NIMS IS-100, IS-200, and IS-700

  • Completed and signed student packet forms

Submitting Your Documents

Upload documents as directed by Adult Education, or bring paper copies with your completed packet. You may bring your packet to your scheduled background check and drop it off at the Adult Education office on the east end of the building, at entrance E5.

Background checks require an appointment. Scheduling instructions are included in the packet.

Please review the packet early to allow time for your medical evaluation, background check, and required coursework.

This course includes live-fire training.

Firefighter Academy Student Required Packet

Upcoming classes

1/6/2027 to 5/5/2027$2,000
Mon & Wed · 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
160.00 clock hours
William Montrie

Firefighter 2 Transition

COE APPROVED PROGRAM

Advance your Firefighter I certification to Firefighter II, the highest level of firefighter certification offered by the Ohio Division of EMS. This program is designed for currently certified Firefighter I personnel who want to expand their knowledge, strengthen their practical firefighting skills, and qualify for Ohio Firefighter II certification.

 

Students receive classroom instruction and hands-on skills training in advanced firefighting operations, including fireground leadership, rescue techniques, fire suppression, incident operations, firefighter safety, and other competencies required of a Firefighter II.

This 84+ hour program meets the current NFPA 1001 Firefighter II standards and prepares eligible students to test for Ohio Division of EMS Firefighter II certification.

Before the First Day of Class

Students are responsible for completing registration and submitting all required forms and supporting documents listed in the Firefighter Academy Student Required Packet, including:

  • A completed and signed NFPA 1582 medical evaluation

  • An Ohio BCI and FBI background check

  • A copy of their driver’s license

  • Required education documentation

  • FEMA certificates for NIMS IS-100, IS-200, and IS-700

  • Completed and signed student packet forms

Submitting Your Documents

Upload documents as directed by Adult Education, or bring paper copies with your completed packet. You may bring your packet to your scheduled background check and drop it off at the Adult Education office on the east end of the building, at entrance E5.

Background checks require an appointment. Scheduling instructions are included in the packet.

Please review the packet early to allow time for your medical evaluation, background check, and required coursework.

This course includes live-fire training.

Firefighter Academy Student Required Packet

Upcoming classes

2/23/2027 to 5/6/2027$1,300
Tue & Thu · 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
84.00 clock hours
Dillon Flick

Volunteer Firefighter

Begin your service to your community with Penta Career Center's Volunteer Firefighter program. This entry-level course is designed for individuals serving or planning to serve with volunteer fire departments, particularly those protecting small and rural communities throughout Ohio.

Students receive classroom instruction and hands-on training focused on firefighter safety, fireground support operations, personal protective equipment (PPE), basic fire suppression techniques, hose handling, ladders, tools and equipment, communications, and other essential skills needed to safely assist at emergency incidents.

This 36-hour program follows the curriculum established by the Ohio Division of EMS and prepares students to perform essential fireground support functions as a Volunteer Firefighter.

Before the First Day of Class

Students are responsible for completing registration and submitting all required forms and supporting documents listed in the Firefighter Academy Student Required Packet, including:

  • An Ohio BCI and FBI background check

  • A copy of their driver’s license

  • Required education documentation

  • FEMA certificates for NIMS IS-100, IS-200, and IS-700

  • Completed and signed student packet forms

Submitting Your Documents

Upload documents as directed by Adult Education, or bring paper copies with your completed packet. You may bring your packet to your scheduled background check and drop it off at the Adult Education office on the east end of the building, at entrance E5.

Background checks require an appointment. Scheduling instructions are included in the packet.

Please review the packet early to allow time for your background check and required coursework. 

Firefighter Academy Student Required Packet

Upcoming classes

1/19/2027 to 2/18/2027$700
Tue & Thu · 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
36.00 clock hours
Michael Szafarowicz