Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training (PSFP)

Is a career protecting your community and the environment in your future?

Get ready for an exciting fire service career with our intensive one-year program in partnership with fire departments and the community. The program is packed with plenty of practical experience and testing to ensure you’re job ready. Gain hands-on training in our on-campus firefighter lab and in simulated and controlled live fire training scenarios with the City of Greater Sudbury Fire Services and other partners. Get in shape with full access to our on-campus Athletics Centre and weight room to ensure you’re ready to pass industry fitness tests.

The program runs from August 18 to May 1, allowing you to apply to Forest Fire Ranger positions with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) right away (to be eligible you must complete in your first semester the SP100 course, which is an additional cost). 

For semester start dates for the 2025-2026 academic year, and beyond, please contact the Program Coordinator.

The curriculum is based on the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards identified as NFPA 1001 and NFPA 1072. Graduates can write the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) Provincial Firefighter test and then apply for standing as Firefighter Level One and Level Two from the Pro Board. 

Program highlights

• Access to SP100 Forest Firefighting course (additional cost) during first semester to be ready for hire by the Ministry of Natural Resources as a forest firefighter upon graduation
• On-campus training in the firefighter lab 
• Off-campus simulated and controlled live fire training with the City of Greater Sudbury and Markstay-Warren partners 
• Full access to the Athletics Centre and weight room 
• Graduates are eligible to write the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) Provincial Firefighter test and then apply for standing as Firefighter Level One and Level Two from the Pro Board 

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Admissions requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

• Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)

Additional admission requirements

Current certificate in CPR (Level C) and First Aid

• Students must attend a mandatory information session at Cambrian College during the first week of classes, at which time, the content of the program will be outlined, and employment opportunities will be discussed. Students must also participate in a fitness assessment during the first week of classes to demonstrate the required fitness level in order to find employment in the fire service. The assessment will be at a reasonable additional cost to the student. Students do not have to pass the assessment in order to get into the program, but do need to pass the assessment in order to graduate.

Program delivery

2025-2026

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2026
SEMESTER 3:  Spring 2026

Employment opportunities

Graduates may find entry-level opportunities to launch their career in a fire service.

The curriculum is based on the requirements for the NFPA 1001 and NFPA 1072 standards as identified by the National Fire Protection Association. Graduates of the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program are eligible to write the OFM Provincial Firefighter test and, upon successful completion of this test, can apply for standing under NFPA 1001 as Firefighter Level One and Two from the Pro Board.