Fire Academy

Enrollment Standards

Individuals interested in attending the Basic Fire Suppression Academy must meet all of the below listed enrollment standards set forth by the NFPA 1001-2008 Standards for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications. The Texas Commission on Fire Protection and National Fire Protection Association establishes these standards and does not provide for any exceptions. Please review them carefully.

Tuition and Fees

The tuition and fees for this course covers the cost of uniforms, bunker gear, books and other equipment that a cadet will be responsible for supplying.  Space is limited, so interested parties should register early.

Tuition for the Fire Academy is covered under VA benefits and the Texas Hazlewood Act.

Basic Fire Suppression Academy

Graduates may receive certification in Fire Fighter I, Fire Fighter II, Hazmat Awareness and Hazmat Operations after passing the TCFP Exam administered at the end of the course. They also qualify for national accreditation by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) when all four parts of the exam are mastered.

The application must be submitted on or before the application deadline. You will be notified by mail regarding your status in the Tyler Junior College Fire Academy. Admission to the Fire Academy is based upon a highly competitive process. Preference will be given to an applicant’s level of education, experience and affiliation with a Municipal, volunteer fire department, or rescue unit.

NEW INFORMATION!  We are excited to announce beginning January 11, 2021, we will offer an online academy!  It will be a 16-week course offered in the fall and spring semesters.   The start date for the first online academy is January 11, 2021.  This course will consist of an online curriculum and monthly skills days that must be attended to complete the requirements. 

We are accepting applications for this course for a short period of time.   The deadline is December 11, 2020.   Please contact Jeanine Grimes as soon as possible to reserve your space in the class.   The link to the application is directly below.

Housing is now available for men and women who have been accepted to the onsite Fire Academy.  Two Smith County volunteer fire departments have living quarters.  If you are in need of housing please let us know and we will forward you information on our Bunk In Program.  The cost is $1,200 for the duration of the academy.

How to Apply

Special admission and retention rules apply to all portions of the fire protection technology program. See department chair or department coordinator for details. Admission to the program is selective and prior acceptance to the program is required before enrollment.

After Applying to TJC, please submit the following selective admissions application and Fire Academy application

• Apply to TJC
• Selective Admissions Application
• Fire Academy Application

Class Information and Schedule

For complete information please contact the Fire Academy Director, Andy King, at 903-510-3205 or administrative assistant Jeanine Grimes at 903-510-2404 at TJC West, 1530 SSW Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701-2546 for any questions. You can also visit our Facebook page.

Awarded Credit Hours

Once a student successfully passes the firefighter licensing exam and upon application and enrollment to Tyler Junior College, credit may be awarded for up to 24 hours of college credit. These hours apply to an AAS, Fire Science at TJC and are not transferable.

This course is also offered through the Fire Protection Technology Associates, Applied Science Degree.
You can view the degree plan by visiting the link below: https://www.tjc.edu/directory_record/110/

You may also contact Jeanine Grimes (903) 510-2404 for more information concerning both career paths.