Fire Service Technology

Training to Master the Essentials of Firefighting and Fire Safety

Fire fighter coming out of smoke filled container

Program Overview

Aspiring to join the ranks of firefighters or seeking knowledge in fire service technology? College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Fire Service Technology program, accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), offers comprehensive training based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) model. Designed with input from local fire department trainers and command staff, this program immerses you in real-world firefighting scenarios and problem-solving.

Offering various certificate levels and an Associate of Arts degree, the program is tailored to different career interests, from aspiring full-time or volunteer firefighters to those seeking an academic foundation in fire service technology. The Basic Technical Certificate 1 is a fire academy-style program that includes classroom instruction, hands-on demonstrations, live burns, and a physical fitness course specifically designed for firefighters. All of the Fire Service Technology offerings open doors to a rewarding firefighting career. 

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Arts

Intermediate Technical Certificate

Basic Technical Certificate

Time to Complete

0.5 – 2 years

Primary Location

CWI Fire Service Technology

Learning Opportunities

  • Hands-On Training: Engage in real-life scenarios including vehicle extrications and live fire drills, leading to IFSAC accredited certifications.
  • Professional Development: The ability to earn an IFSAC accredited Associate of Arts degree, enhancing your qualifications and promotional opportunities.
  • Nationally Recognized Curriculum: Follow the FESHE Associate of Arts degree model with industry-standard textbooks, preparing for further education.
  • Learning from Current Firefighters and Chiefs: Network with local departments, learn local techniques, and build lasting professional relationships.
  • Academic Credit for Certifications: Convert industry-based certifications into academic credits, aiding in professional development and career advancement.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Fire Service Technology – Associates of Arts Degree

Fire Service Technology – Intermediate Technical Certificate

Fire Service Technology – Basic Technical Certificate 1

Fire Service Technology – Basic Technical Certificate 2

  • Student Outcomes

    Below are passing and retention rates for the Fire Service Technology program at College of Western Idaho. 

    FIRE 101 Certificate Passing Rates

    Year Idaho Firefighter I Idaho Hazmat Awareness Idaho Hazmat Operations
    2019 87% 87% 87%
    2020 100% 100% 100%
    2021 100% 100% 100%
    2022 100% 100% 100%
    2023 100% 100% 100%

    Associate of Arts Degree

    Year Started Graduation Rate
    2019 33%
    2020 71%
    2021 25%
    2022 40%
    Year Retention Rate
    2019 19%
    2020 50%
    2021 70%
    2022 63%
    2023 71%
Person standing in firefighter gear

Career Opportunities

  • Firefighters

    Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.

    90

    Annual Openings*

    $19.14

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $39,811

    Annual Median Salary

    6.94%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Firefighters

    Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.

    46

    Annual Openings*

    $19.14

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $39,811

    Annual Median Salary

    6.94%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers

    Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.

    16

    Annual Openings*

    $29.64

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $61,651

    Annual Median Salary

    7.65%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers

    Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.

    7

    Annual Openings*

    $29.64

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $61,651

    Annual Median Salary

    7.65%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Fire Inspectors and Investigators

    Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.

    3

    Annual Openings*

    $47.01

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $97,781

    Annual Median Salary

    11.14%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Fire Inspectors and Investigators

    Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.

    1

    Annual Openings*

    $47.01

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $97,781

    Annual Median Salary

    11.14%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

"My gratitude to CWI’s Fire Service program, to the firefighters who teach us, and to my fellow classmates is hard to express in words. The instructors are all incredibly hard-working professionals who are passionate about firefighting and dedicated to teaching us and sharing their experiences. I owe a lot of where I am today to them. I gained a lot of great mentors from the program and a lot of great friends, and I feel extremely fortunate to have found a job with my dream department so soon." Read more > about Fire Service Students One Step Closer to Fulfilling Careers
Garrett Morse
Graduate, Fire Service Technology

Admissions

Admission into the Fire Service Technology program is competitive and requires a supplemental application process. 

STEP 1

STEP 2

  • Meet with the Program Director to discuss qualifications, pathways, and steps to apply. 

Academic Calendar New Student Checklist

News

Fire Service Technology Class 5 showcased their skills and 13 weeks of hands-on training intense Burn Day simulation.

Read more about Fire Service Technology’s ’Burn Day’ Ignites Success

College of Western Idaho Fire Service Technology and Law Enforcement students paid tribute and honored the lives affected by the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, at a Memorial Ceremony.

Read more about CWI Fire and Law Enforcement Students Honor Heroes and Victims of 9/11

Seventeen Fire Service Technology students participated in a graduation ceremony at the Nampa Civic Center on Dec. 14.

Read more about Fall 2022 Fire Service Technology Graduation Ceremony

CWI’s Fire Service Technology Program is one step closer to being one of 30 institutions in the nation to have earned an accreditation seal by the International Fire Service Accreditation...

Read more about Fire Service Technology Earns High Marks by International Fire Service Accreditation Congress

College of Western Idaho’s Fire Service Technology and Practical Nursing programs will honor their Fall 2022 graduates with ceremonies.

Read more about Upcoming Program Ceremonies to Celebrate Fall 2022 Graduates

Fire Service Technology students are learning wildland firefighting skills through professional training and hands-on experience in the field.

Read more about BLM Provides Hands-On Training for Fire Service Students

Thank you to the Caldwell Fire Department for their support and dedication to the CWI Fire Service Technology program and its students.

Read more about CWI Partners with Local Fire Department to Elevate Opportunities for Students

Fourteen Fire Service Technology students participated in a graduation ceremony at the Nampa Civic Center on May 6.

Read more about 2021 Fire Service Technology Graduation Ceremony

Congratulations to CWI Fire Service Technology students who passed three IFSAC Certification tests with a 100% pass rate!

Read more about Fire Service Students One Step Closer to Fulfilling Careers

Ten Career Technical Education students, nominated by their instructors, selected to receive $1,000 scholarships.

Read more about 2020 Emerging Professionals

CWI’s Fire Service Technology program provide Renaissance High School students a hands-on, live, fire-behavior training experience.

Read more about College Partners to Provide Live Fire Training to Local High School Students
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