WCJC has been certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection as a Fire Fighter training facility.   Our graduates receive 26 college credits for successfully completing the program.

Classes are only offered at the Main Campus in Wharton. Day classes are available, and are limited to 25 students per class.

Texas Commission on Fire Protection website:

http://www.tcfp.texas.gov/

Fire Academy Certificate`

(Basic Fire Fighters Certificate Course)

(26 semester credit hours)

A Certificate Program offered by the Fire Training Program and Vocational Science.

Wharton County Junior College operates a licensed fire academy certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. This approximately 656-hour academy has been divided into 7 college credit classes, Fire Certification I through VII. These topic areas and hours have been approved by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and upon successful completion of all 7 courses the student will be eligible to take the state licensing examination to become a certified paid firefighter in the state of Texas. The students will also be eligible to sit for the state certification exam for Driver/Operator – Pumper, upon successful completion of that portion of the Fire Academy. All courses must be completed as a block.

The Fire Academy currently only offers day classes in the Fall and Spring. Participants must apply and be accepted to the Fire Academy in addition to the WCJC application process.

Persons who wish to enroll in fire training should following the application process linked in the grey box above.

The Fire Training Program also offers in-service training for both paid and volunteer area fire departments.

A minimum passing score in THEA Reading, THEA Reading equivalent test, or Pre-TASP reading is required prior to enrollment into the Fire Academy Program.

Entrance Requirements

1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Successfully complete all entry tests and forms as required by the WCJC Fire Academy.
3. Pass a Physical and Drug Exam.
4. Not have been convicted of any felony offense at any time.
5. Not have been convicted of an offense above a Class C Misdemeanor within the last five (5) years.
6. Be a high school graduate or have passed the GED test.

Academy students will need to register for all 7 courses during one semester. 

Capstone Experience – Upon successful completion of the Fire Academy, a Certification Exam administered by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, will be taken.