Fire Certification
Program Overview
The Fire Certification Program at Johnston Community College begins January 6, 2026, with evening classes designed to fit your schedule.
Through this program, you will complete NC International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) courses that meet all requirements set by the NC Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM). When you finish these courses, you will be eligible for state-recognized fire and rescue certifications in North Carolina.
How To Get Started
Courses begin January 6, 2026, and end October 3, 2026. We look forward to seeing you at the first class.
Fire Department Affiliation is not required.
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To enroll in the Fire Certification Program,
- You must be at least 18 years of age.
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent recognized by the State Department of Public Instruction (i.e., GED).
The NC IFSAC Accredited Fire Rescue Training courses are required for IFSAC Certifications from NC Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM).
Certification Requirements
To become a certified Firefighter in the State of North Carolina, you must successfully complete the following sections:
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Emergency Medical Care (EMC) – Learn the basic medical skills needed to provide emergency care before EMS arrives.
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General and Communications (Gen/Comms) – Learn how to communicate clearly and safely using radios, signals, and command procedures.
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Hazardous Materials Operations (HAZMAT Ops) – Learn how to identify hazardous materials, understand their risks, and respond safely during spills or leaks.
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Firefighter Fireground Operations 1–9 (FF Fireground Ops 1–9) – Learn core Fireground skills, from basic tasks to advanced firefighting operations.
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Life Safety Initiatives – Learn safety practices that protect firefighters and the public during emergency operations.
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Mayday / Safety and Survival – Learn how to stay safe during dangerous situations and call a mayday when you are in trouble.
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Rescue Ops 1 – Learn basic rescue skills for a variety of emergency situations.
What You'll Learn
In these IFSAC-accredited courses, you will build the essential skills needed to work safely and confidently in fire and rescue operations. Across all courses, you will learn how to:
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Provide basic emergency medical care, including patient assessment, CPR, bleeding control, and stabilizing injuries until EMS arrives.
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Use radios and communication systems to relay information, follow command procedures, and support emergency operations.
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Identify hazardous materials, understand their risks, and follow the correct steps for containment, protective actions, and safe response.
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Perform core Fireground operations such as hose handling, ladder use, ventilation, fire attack, search and rescue, and water supply.
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Follow life safety practices that prevent injuries, reduce risks, and support a strong safety culture within the fire service.
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Recognize dangerous conditions, call a mayday, and use firefighter survival and self-rescue techniques during life-threatening situations.
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Perform basic rescue operations, including victim search and removal, rope and knot skills, tool use, and scene stabilization.
These skills prepare you for certification testing and help you respond effectively during real emergencies.
Career Opportunities
After completing all IFSAC requirements, you will be prepared to become a Certified Firefighter in the State of North Carolina.
You may also qualify for related roles in emergency response and rescue operations.
Have Questions?
Jeff Collier
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