Fire Academy
The GTCC Fire Academy is dedicated to equipping you with the vital skills needed to excel in a firefighting career. Many of our cadets receive employment opportunities before program completion.
88% of the last four Fire Academy graduating classes have full-time jobs as firefighters, and 27% of those also serve as volunteer firefighters at their local departments.
Before starting at the academy, it's important to keep in mind that rigorous physical fitness training is a core focus in preparing for the physical demands of the fire service. You'll also be able to develop and refine essential skills necessary for success in this field. The program is demanding, requiring a significant time commitment, including strict training hours.
You must complete a GTCC Fire Academy application and pass a physical agility evaluation to gain admission. Additionally, a mandatory medical examination is required before starting the academy. It's important to note that you'll be responsible for obtaining your uniforms, books, and personal protective equipment.
All applicants must be at least 18 years old before participating in the live fire portion of the academy.
Need Help Paying?
Scholarships may be available to help cover your training costs. Apply for a Scholarship
Decisions take 3-5 business days. Your seat is not guaranteed while you wait.
Upon completion of the academy, you will have obtained the following N.C. State certifications:
- IFSAC Firefighter I and II
- IFSAC Rope Rescue Awareness and Operations
- IFSAC Passenger Vehicle Awareness, Operations, and Technician
- IFSAC Hazardous Materials Operations
Fire Academy Application Periods
GTCC offers multiple Fire Academy sessions throughout the year. Review the upcoming academy start dates and application periods below.
| Academy | Academy Begins | Application Period |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | January 11, 2027 | Closed; students have been selected |
| Summer 2027 | May 17, 2027 | October 28, 2026 - January 15, 2027 |
| Fall 2027 | September 27, 2027 | February 1 - April 30, 2027 |
| Spring 2028 | January 2028 (tentative) | February 1 - April 30, 2027 |
Important: Applicants should indicate their preferred academy when applying.
Fire Academy Orientation Sessions
Passing the physical agility test is required for Fire Academy admission. GTCC offers two testing sessions each year, with opportunities to practice before each test.
January 2027 Session
| Activity | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Practice | Tuesday, January 5, 2027 | 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. |
| Practice | Thursday, January 14, 2027 | 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. |
| Practice | Saturday, January 16, 2027 | 9:00 a.m. - Noon |
| Agility Test | Saturday, January 23, 2027 | 9:00 a.m. - Noon |
May 2027 Session
| Activity | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Practice | Tuesday, April 20, 2027 | 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. |
| Practice | Thursday, April 29, 2027 | 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. |
| Practice | Saturday, May 1, 2027 | 9:00 a.m. - Noon |
| Agility Test | Saturday, May 8, 2027 | 9:00 a.m. - Noon |
Important: Passing results remain valid for one year from the conclusion of the testing session and may be used for admission to an academy during that period. All other admission requirements must also be met.
Fire Academy Orientation Sessions
Selected students will attend an orientation session before their Fire Academy begins.
| Academy | Orientation Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | November 9, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. |
| Summer 2027 | Tuesday, January 26, 2027 | 6:00 p.m. |
| Fall 2027 | Tuesday, May 11, 2027 | 6:00 p.m. |
| Spring 2028 | Tuesday, August 3, 2027 | 6:00 p.m. |
Selected students will receive orientation details and instructions for ordering uniforms.
Students attending GTCC's optional EMT course should have their academy uniforms ready for the first day of EMT. PT clothing and turnout gear are not required until the Fire Academy begins.
EMT Training
GTCC offers three Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) courses each year for Fire Academy students. These courses are scheduled before the academies begin.
| Academy | EMT Course Dates |
|---|---|
| Summer 2027 | March 8 - May 7, 2027 |
| Fall 2027 | July 12 - September 10, 2027 |
| Spring 2028 | October 1 - December 3, 2027 |
Important: EMT training is available but is not required for Fire Academy admission.
Departments may choose their preferred EMT provider and schedule. Not successfully completing EMT does not prevent a student from attending the Fire Academy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fill out and submit the Fire Academy Application form. Fire Academy students must have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
Interested in learning more about the program? Sign up for a Public Safety program tour.
F. Perry Hall
Coordinator, Fire Academy
(336) 334-4822, ext. 50192
fphallv@gtcc.edu
Firefighter Academy
- Upon successful completion of the Firefighter Academy, participants will receive certifications including Firefighter I & II, HazMat Level 1 Responder, Technical Rescuer – General, and Technical Rescuer – Vehicle Rescue, provided by the N.C. Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Fire Protection Technology Program
- The Fire Protection Technology Program offers a two-year associate degree program, a significant step toward career advancement. Graduates are awarded an associate degree in Fire Protection Technology, a testament to their enhanced skills and knowledge.
- The skills acquired in the Fire Academy are considered fundamental for a career in firefighting by most fire service personnel. The associate degree program is seen as a complementary "next level" learning opportunity, enhancing the foundation laid by the Fire Academy. It's important to note that these are distinct programs, and one is not a prerequisite for the other.
The average cost of the Academy, if you are not affiliated with a fire department in North Carolina, is about $3,100. If you are affiliated with a North Carolina fire department, you will be exempt from paying the registration fees and normally can use the turnout gear from your fire department with approval from the chief of the department. Understand that these figures are estimates for planning purposes only. This includes the following:
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Registration fees | $885 |
| Books | $233 |
| Uniforms | $363 |
| PT/Workout Clothes | $354 |
| Medical Physical | $525 |
| Turnout Gear Rental | $608 |
| Background check / Drug Test | $124 |
The daily schedule begins promptly at 7 a.m. with physical training consisting of running, push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, weight training, and job-specific agility exercises. Classes commence at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m., although occasional extensions may occur based on the day's requirements.
Subsequently, you will be responsible for station duties, such as cleaning and equipment maintenance before being excused. You are expected to remain on-site until all tasks are finished. This regimen will continue for about 20 weeks at the Fire Training Center.
- Everyone gets two attempts at each written and practical skills test.
- You will be dismissed from the academy if you are unsuccessful at both attempts. However, you will not lose credit for any of the previous courses you have taken.
- Practical skills testing is completed during the course of the class.
- Written examinations are given at the end of each course of study.
Yes. You must pass a medical physical before admittance to the Academy. The details of this physical will be provided by the Fire Academy Coordinator. This is not a typical physical, as it must include elements from OHSA and NFPA.
Background Check. You will be required to complete a background check prior to the first day of the Academy. Failure to complete will mean removal from the Academy.
Drug Screening. You will have to pass a drug screening test prior to the first day of the Academy. Failure to complete will mean removal from the Academy.
"I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a fireman."
— Edward F. Croker, Chief, New York Fire Department (1899-1911)
About GTCC Fire Academy
