Firefighter, Pre-Service Education and Training (FFP)

Starts in January, September

Campus

Newnham

Delivery

In-person

Duration

3 Semesters (12 Months)

Study Option

Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Certificate

School

School of Fire Protection Engineering Technology

About the Firefighter, Pre-Service Education and Training (FFP) Program

Are you interested in pursuing a career in firefighting? This 12-month certificate program prepares you for the challenges and rewards of a career as a firefighter or rescue specialist. Your studies will include fire ground operations, fire suppression, emergency medical responder (EMR) and fire investigation. You will also gain hands-on experiential learning in the areas of fire apparatus operation, technical rescue and hazardous materials.

This program is accredited by the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office (OFM) and provides you with several National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) professional qualifications, as well as the professional knowledge and practical skills to work in the fire service field.

Graduates of this program have the option to transfer into the Fire Protection Engineering Technician or Fire Protection Engineering Technology programs.

Skills

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

Perform fire suppression and fireground operations
Perform inspection and maintenance of firefighting equipment
Analyze fire development and suppression concepts
Conduct fire and life safety inspections
Perform technical rescue support and vehicle extrication operations
Execute hazardous materials operations and decontamination procedures

Start in	Location	Availability
Sept. 2026	Newnham	Closed
Jan. 2027	Newnham	Open

Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.

Start in	Location	Availability
Jan. 2027	Newnham	Open

Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.

Program and Course Delivery

This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.

Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.

International students applying for a Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Studying online will impact your PGWP eligibility. Please review the in‑person requirements related to PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.

Your Career

Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:

Firefighter
Technical rescue specialist
Emergency medical responder
Hazardous materials responder

Affiliations/Associations

International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM)

Professional Certification

NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level 1 & 2 (IFSAC & Pro Board)
NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations Level (IFSAC & Pro Board)
NFPA 1035 Fire & Life Safety Educator Level 1 (IFSAC & Pro Board)
NFPA 1006 Technical Rescue Awareness Level
Emergency Medical Responder (Red Cross EMR)
DZ Truck Driver’s License (additional cost)

The Seneca Polytechnic Difference

This is where university meets college. Where theory meets practice. Where ambition meets flexibility.

Fire Training Centre

You will gain hands-on, practical experience in our state-of-the-art Fire Training Centre, preparing you for your in-demand career.

Academic Pathways

As a graduate of this program, you have options to build on your credential through a pathway to one of our partner institutions.

Prior Experience

Earn credit for previous studies, work experience or training through Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition and transfer credits.

Career Support

Seneca Works offers students and graduates lifelong access to an exclusive job board, career coaching, networking and more.

Student Works and Experiences

What Our Graduates Say

Andrea Bondi

Graduate, Firefighter, Pre-Service Education and Training

“I graduated from Seneca's Pre-Service Firefighter Program in 2013 and aside from the obvious - learning the basic skills, knowledge and techniques in preparation for my firefighting career, Seneca provided me with much more: job application guidance, resources and opportunities for additional job certifications, instructors with current experience in the field, and administration and staff who cared about helping me every step of the way until I got hired. I was able to start my career with confidence and transition smoothly through recruitment and ranking classes thanks to the foundation that I received at Seneca.”

Andrew Boyce

Graduate, Firefighter, Pre-Service Education and Training

“Seneca has the most relevant and up-to-date training and equipment, and they have staff who prepare you with the knowledge you need to not only get the job but be successful in your career. The education and advice I received at Seneca ensured that I was ready for all aspects of the hiring process and allowed me to excel in recruit class and beyond.”

Benedict Lopes

Graduate, Firefighter, Pre-Service Education and Training Graduate

“I took the Seneca program because it has a reputation for producing solid recruit firefighters. As a student, I received focused training from instructors who were all professional firefighters, with real experience. Seneca prepared me well for the wide variety of tasks that we perform: medical response, hazmat, fire suppression, prevention and public education. The program was absolutely key to my success.”