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Programs

Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training

PSFPSchool of Emergency Services

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A firefighter student in full gear stands beside a yellow fire truck inside a garage, holding a coiled blue hose.

Key Details

Program Start Dates

September 2025

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Campus / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Certificate

Program Duration

3 Semesters / 1 Year
Currently not available for international students

Program Contacts

Richard Maxwell

Program Coordinator / Professor

Send email
705-566-8101 ext.7254
Thomas Kingston

Program Coordinator / Professor

Send email
705-566-8101 ext.6474

Program Overview

A firefighter student in protective gear holds a ladder outdoors, looking upwards.

Is a career protecting your community in your future?

Get ready for an exciting fire service career with our intensive one-year program in partnership with fire departments and the community, packed with plenty of practical experience and testing. Gain hands-on training in our on-campus firefighter lab and in simulated and controlled live fire training scenarios with the City of Greater Sudbury Fire Services and other partners. Get in shape with full access to the Athletics Centre and weight room. 
 
The curriculum is based on the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards identified as NFPA 1001 and NFPA 1072. Graduates can write the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) Provincial Firefighter test and then apply for standing as Firefighter Level One and Level Two from the Pro Board. 

Program Highlights

Program highlights

  • On-campus training in the firefighter lab 
  • Off-campus simulated and controlled live fire training with the City of Greater Sudbury and Markstay-Warren partners 
  • Full access to the Athletics Centre and weight room 
  • Graduates are eligible to write the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) Provincial Firefighter test and then apply for standing as Firefighter Level One and Level Two from the Pro Board 

Admissions

Admissions requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

  • Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)

Additional admission requirements

Current certificate in CPR (Level C) and First Aid

  • Students must attend a mandatory information session at Cambrian College during the first week of classes, at which time, the content of the program will be outlined, and employment opportunities will be discussed. Students must also participate in a fitness assessment during the first week of classes to demonstrate the required fitness level in order to find employment in the fire service. The assessment will be at a reasonable additional cost to the student. Students do not have to pass the assessment in order to get into the program, but do need to pass the assessment in order to graduate.

Student in a green polo shirt holds a folder in a modern office setting. Two others sit in the background.

Academic Upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!

Program delivery

Program delivery

2025-2026

Fall term start

  • Semester 1: Fall 2025
  • Semester 2: Winter 2026
  • Semester 3: Spring 2026

Program of Study

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
FIT 1006Firefighter Fitness I3
PSF 1003Fire Theory I3
PSF 1004Fire Prevention3
PSF 1006Firefighter Medical I3
PSF 1007Hazardous Materials I3
PSF 1015Career Preparation2
PSF 1016Basic Firefighter Skills6
 Credits23
Semester 2
FIT 1007Firefighter Fitness II3
PSF 1008Fire Theory II3
PSF 1011Firefighter Medical II3
PSF 1220Hazardous Materials II3
PSF 1225Career Development2
PSY 1106Tactical Communication3
PSF 1206Firefighter Skills II6
 Credits23
Semester 3
PSF 1013Firefighter Skills III7
PSF 1014Technical Rescue3
 Credits10
 Total Credits56

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$10,807.14Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

Important Notice

Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.

Tuition and ancillary fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books and supplies

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.

College may be more affordable than you think!

Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!

Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!

Work-integrated learning (WIL)

Take your education beyond the classroom!

Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Field of Study

School of Emergency Services

The demanding emergency services field requires you to possess an exceptional blend of courage, compassion, quick thinking, and unwavering dedication. The paramedic and advanced care paramedic programs provide you with high quality training to excel as a future first responder while making a positive impact on the community. Not only will these programs sharpen your technical skills but also shape your distinct personality to meet the requirements of critical and in-demand emergency services careers.

Learn more

Career Outcomes

Employment opportunities

Graduates may find entry-level opportunities to launch their career in a fire service.

The curriculum is based on the requirements for the NFPA 1001 and NFPA 1072 standards as identified by the National Fire Protection Association. Graduates of the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program are eligible to write the OFM Provincial Firefighter test and, upon successful completion of this test, can apply for standing under NFPA 1001 as Firefighter Level One and Two from the Pro Board.

A bearded individual wearing a cap and safety goggles skillfully works on electrical connections, holding red wires with precision.Person with safety glasses using a wrench on machinery in a workshop.A radiology student Julia working with equipment.

Need a career coach?

Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!

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See where you'll be learning!

Minimum technology requirements

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

Bring your own device (BYOD)

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!

A student in a white shirt smiles while holding a children's book titled "What's My Superpower?" in a room with books and an orange chair.

Ready to take the first step?

Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!

Have Questions?
We are here to help.

If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!

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