South Bay Fire Fighter 1 & 2 Academy Information
South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium is an Accredited Regional Training Program that operates the Fire Academy known as the South Bay Regional Fire Academy (SBRFA). South Bay and the SBRFA is an Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP) with State Fire Training (SFT). SBRFA utilizes the most current Fire Fighter Curriculums approved by SFT; the Fire Academy curriculum meets or exceeds the standards for certification by the State Fire Training, State Board of Fire Services, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
SBRFA is a structured “para military” setting with stringent uniform and grooming standards, demanding physical fitness expectations, high academic standards with a focus on professionalism that is expected by the fire service. The SBRFA format is intended to properly prepare our graduates for successful entry into a fire service career.
SBRFA offers our recruits the State Fire Training Fire Fighter Certification Testing based on the most current Fire Fighter 1 & 2 curriculums. The State Fire Training Fire Fighter 1 & 2 Curriculums and Certification Testing process are approved by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress and ProBoard.
Fire Academy Prerequisites
1. Minimum age requirement: 18 years of age
2. Public Safety First Aid, AED, and CPR Certification (CA Health and Safety Code 1797.182)
*Training equivalent to or exceeding the current American Heart Association’s guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care at the Healthcare Provider level or BLS level. Training must include Public Safety First Aid.
3. South Bay Regional Fire Fighter Academy Preparation Class
*This is a required cohort class to attend the Fire Fighter Academy
Firefighter Employment
- Any criminal conviction may inhibit your ability to secure gainful employment in the Fire Services
Fire Academy Training Locations
South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium Gavilan College Campus
560 Bailey Ave., San Jose, CA 95141
Fire Academy Office – E119
Fire Academy Classroom – B113
Other South Bay Fire Academy partnering agency sites and training locations include:
- Milpitas Fire Department
- San Jose Fire Department
- Palo Alto Fire Department
- Hollister Fire Department
- Spring Valley Metro Ed Campus – San Jose
- Gavilan College Campus – Hollister
- Other sites and partnering agencies as required
Fire Academy Dates & Hours
(Part-Time Program)
- Dates: 10/5/2024 – 3/29/2025
- Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- 0700-1800 each day
Certificates Issued Upon Graduation
Certificates issued may vary based on the Fire Academy format, specifics on each of these will be provided during the Preparation Class, typically upon successful completion of the Fire Academy graduates receive the following:
South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium
- Fire Fighter 1 Certificate of Completion (SFT 2019 FF1 Curriculum implementation January 2020)
- Fire Fighter 2 Certificate of Completion (SFT 2019 FF1 Curriculum implementation January 2020)
California State Fire Training (SFT)
- Fire Fighter 1 Certification (SFT 2019 FF1 Curriculum implementation January 2020)
- Fire Fighter 2 Certification
- Confined Space Rescue Awareness
- Fire Fighter Survival
- Common Passenger Vehicle
- Fire Control 3 – Structural Fire Fighting
- Fire Control 4A – Ignitable Liquids
- Fire Control 6 – Wildland Fire Fighting Essentials
- ICS 200 Basic Incident Command System
- Low Angle Rope Rescue Operations
CAL FIRE & National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)
- NWCG – L180 Human Factors in the wildland fire service
- NWCG S-130 Basic Wildland Fire Orientation
- S-110 Basic Wildland Fire Orientation
- NWCG S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
California Specialized Training Institute/Cal OES
- Haz Mat – First Responder Operations
National Incident Management System (NIMS)
- FEMA IS-100B Introduction to Incident Command System
- FEMA IS-200 Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
- FEMA IS-700B NIMS, An Introduction National Incident Management System
- FEMA IS-800B NIMS, National Response Plan
Note: Additional certification may be offered
Fire Fighter Certification Testing
South Bay Regional Fire Academy will conduct Fire Fighter Certification Testing during the course of the Fire Academy. Firefighter Certification Testing fees are included.
State Fire Training Fire Fighter Certification Testing will include:
- Module 1 – Fire Fighter 1A Structure
- Module 2 – Fire Fighter 1B: Hazardous Material/WMD
- Module 3 – Fire Fighter 1C: Wildland
- Module 4 – Fire Fighter 2A: Structure
Fire Academy Estimated Costs & Expenses
Registration Fee | $989 |
Fire Academy Manuals & Study Materials | $612 |
Fire Academy Physical Fitness Uniform | $180 |
Academy Consumables, Supplies & Materials | $1,430 |
State Fire Training Fees | $995 |
Required Safety Gear | $1,425 |
Required Class B Uniform & Safety Equipment | $491 |
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST PER RECRUIT | $6,122.00 |
- Costs and expenses above DO NOT include the Fire Preparation Academy (estimated at $199)
Fire Fighter 1 & 2 Academy Guide to Registration
To register and attend the Fall 2024/2025 South Bay Regional Fire Fighter 1 & 2 Academy, follow the steps below:
Residency, Financial Aid, or VA
If you would like additional information regarding Residency or Financial Aid, CLICK HERE.
Any students using VA Benefits will need to contact the Gavilan College Veteran Resource Center for additional information prior to registration.
Fire Academy Contact Info.
Fire Academy E-mail: fireacademy@theacademy.ca.gov