OUR PROGRAMS
12-Week Full-Time Firefighter Training Program
Become an IFSAC-certified firefighter through OFA's Full-Time Firefighting program, delivered as an intense, hands-on, in-person set of courses within our training facility in Orangeville, Ontario.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Our full-time program provides recruits with a 12-week comprehensive, entry-level training as a Firefighter.
Recruits will receive hands-on training at our facility that covers:
- Academic Training
- Emergency First Response Course
- Search and Rescue
- Decontamination Training
- Auto Extrication Training
- Mock Emergency Calls
- Firefighter Survival
- Ladder Climbing
- Using a Hose
- Other Controlled Environment Training
See firefighter essential training courses: NFPA 1001 level I & II, NFPA 1072 Hazmat Awareness & Hazmat Operations
Recruits will also train at a burn house and rescue tower.
Recruits will live in a firehouse setting in dormitories with a shared kitchen, bathroom, common space, and student lounge, and are responsible for managing and maintaining all station duties as they would in a real-life fire hall.
Recruits will work alongside professional instructors from Municipal Fire Services & Volunteer Departments.
Join other recruits in an intense boot-camp environment where you’ll learn how to fight fires while performing challenging tasks like daily inspections and firefighting drills. You’ll also have opportunities to respond to progressively more challenging fire scenarios.
REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS
- 18+ Years
- Official Government Photo ID
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, OR pass a qualifying test that has been approved by the Superintendent if you are 18 years+
- Completed Medical Form (Provided upon Application)
- Standard First Aid with Level C CPR
PROGRAM COST
$14,478.00
- $500 Registration Fee is due upon application approval. This will be applied to the full tuition fee once the application has been fully processed.
- We offer flexible payment plans
- Price includes Ontario Fire Marshall (OFM) testing/certification (IFSAC) exam fees
- Accepted Payment Methods: E-Transfer, Cheque, Debit, Credit
PROGRAM INCLUDES
- Ontario Fire Academy Uniform
- Personal Protective Equipment (Yours to Keep)
- Firefighting Helmet
- Firefighting Flash-Hood
- Firefighting Gloves
- Academic Course Materials
- Personal Protective Equipment (Rental)
- Firefighting Boots
- All Other PPE
- Emergency First Responder Course
What’s not included
- Daily Meals
- Room & Board
- Safety shoes/boots with a CSA green tag
2022 cohort dates
| Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|
| January 10, 2022 | April 1, 2022 |
| April 11, 2022 | June 30, 2022 |
| July 5, 2022 | September 23, 2022 |
| September 26, 2022 | December 16, 2022 |
2023 cohort dates
| Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|
| January 9th, 2023 | March 31st, 2023 |
| April 10th, 2023 | June 30th, 2023 |
| July 3rd, 2023 | September 22nd, 2023 |
| September 25th, 2023 | December 15th, 2023 |
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
program HOURS
Course hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Recruits will have 1-hour for lunch.
SMALL CLASS
Recruits will work with a small group of other students, with an optimal student-to-instructor ratio in all practical sessions.
DISCIPLINE
Every recruit must report to OFA on time, wearing a clean uniform, and ready to work alongside fellow recruits in team building exercises.
EFR Training
Recruits will dedicate 40-hours to Emergency First Responder Training.
This program is approved as a vocational program under the Private Career College Act, 2005.
"Attending the Ontario Fire Academy was one of the best decisions I’ve made on my path to becoming a career firefighter. The school gave me all the tools, training, and knowledge I would need in preparation for the job. One of the unique features offered by OFA is the ability to live on campus during the course. I would highly recommend this. It helps me stay focused on what I was learning by surrounding me with like-minded individuals, and gave me a sense of what firehall living was all about. I was fortunate enough to be hired within 8 months of completing the OFA course."
DOMENIC
Brampton Fire
"I got a full time firefighting job with Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency, and just finished my probationary year. The Ontario Fire Academy prepared me very well for the training course out here. It was a 14 week course covering most of the same stuff, with a little more detail and catered to our SOG’s. Coming in with the knowledge base and skills that I learned at your school made it a very easy transition. Thanks for everything!"
BRETT
Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Service
"Deciding to attend the Ontario Fire Academy was one of the best decisions of my life. I was able to attend on a part-time basis, which was not offered anywhere else in the span of time offered by the Ontario Fire Academy. This allowed me to continue working full time and provide for my family while having the ability to pursue my goals. I can without a doubt say, the training I received there gave me a firm foundation to start my career as a probationary firefighter."
SIMON
Markham Fire