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Working for the fire department in most large cities these days requires a great deal of training, including a four year bachelor’s degree from a traditional college or university. Smaller fire departments may not require a degree, but having a degree will give you a better chance of being hired by the department that you want to work for the most.

Going to School

There are many four year colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees in fire control and maintenance. These programs are highly respected by fire departments throughout the country. You will learn everything you need to learn about the science of fires as well as how to put them out most effectively. Some community colleges also offer fire training courses in a two year format. The two year certificates can involve training that is just as intensive as that offered by the four year schools.

Training From the Department

In some smaller cities and towns the fire department itself will give you the training you need. There are fire departments that have their own training facilities and offer a focused curriculum of hands-on fire training. To qualify for these on-site trainings you usually need to pass a physical test as well as a written examination. Fire department training is a bit more limited than the training offered from established institutions like community colleges or universities, but it will teach you exactly what you need to know in order to work for that particular fire department.

Rising Through the Ranks

The more training you have, the more likely you will earn regular promotions. People who are higher in the ranks tend to have four year college educations, which provide them with some management training as well as the practical fire control training. If you aspire to becoming a high ranking fire fighter, a four year degree is the best way to begin working toward your goal. Some higher ranking officers earn their positions through years of service, but most are elevated because of their extra training and management skills. Training will also get you promoted faster than if you rely on years of service to gain seniority in the department.

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15y ago

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