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 unique and intensive one-year program!

Led by NFPA certified, experienced instructors, 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 Markstay-Warren Fire Department. 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.

Our program runs from mid August until the end of April, giving you everything you need to launch your firefighting career. By the end of the program, you will be fully prepared for OFM provincial testing for NFPA certification.

Our program design allows our grads to apply for FireRanger positions with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). To qualify, you must complete the SP100 course during your first semester, which will be hosted right here on campus through an outside provider. Our early program finish date will put you in the unique position of being completed and certified prior to May 1. Please note that SP100 is an optional course and comes at an additional cost.

The curriculum is based on the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards identified as NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I and II and NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations. Grads will be eligible to participate in the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) provincial firefighter certification examinations and practical skills evaluations held on campus. Participating in these examinations and evaluations are optional and are an additional cost.

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 participate in the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) Provincial Firefighter examinations and skill evaluations at NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I & Level Two and NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations certification levels
• Tuition costs include a uniform to be worn during classes and events and use of personal protective equipment (helmet, bunker pants and jacket, SCBA, and mask) 

Program of study for 2027-28 Academic Year 

Program delivery

2027-2028

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2027 
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2028
SEMESTER 3:  Spring 2028

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

• You 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. You 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. You do not have to pass the assessment to get into the program, but do need to pass the assessment to graduate.

Employment opportunities

Graduates who hold both NFPA 1001, NFPA 1072, and Wildland SP100 certifications are well-positioned to pursue careers with municipal fire departments, provincial fire services, and Indigenous community fire programs across Ontario and beyond. Their dual-stream training also opens doors to seasonal and permanent wildland firefighting roles with agencies such as the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, as well as industrial fire brigades operating in forestry, mining, and resource extraction sectors.

The curriculum is based on the requirements for the NFPA 1001 and NFPA 1072 standards as identified by the National Fire Protection Association. Graduates will be eligible to participate in the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) provincial firefighter certification examinations and practical skills evaluations held on campus.