Welcome to ACCFTA
Austin Community College Fire Training Academy (ACCFTA) is an intensive semester-long program that includes classroom and hands-on instruction to give you the skills you need to become a certified firefighter in Texas.
ACCFTA is authorized by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) to provide all required Basic Firefighter training. Upon successful completion, graduates receive a Firefighter Level 1 Certificate from ACCFTA, and are eligible to take the TCFP Basic Fire Suppression certification exam to become certified firefighters.
17 Week Certificate Program
The 17 week certificate program is rigorous but rewarding. Online classes are Monday and Friday. In-person classes are held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. In addition, required Firefighter Agility classes meet either before or after class depending on the semester. (In the Fall, before class from 6:30-7:30am, and in the Spring after class from 5-6pm.) Attendance is MANDATORY.
New Summer–Fall Evening Fire Academy Pathway
The ACCFTA is excited to offer a flexible new Summer–Fall evening Fire Academy pathway designed for motivated future firefighters. This innovative format breaks the TCFP Basic Structure Firefighter Certification into two phases: 12 weeks of Firefighter I/II during the summer, followed by 8 weeks of HazMat Awareness and Operations in the fall (days/times TBD). All coursework (reading, quizzes, discussion posts, etc) is done online, while the hands-on skills-only portions will be done at the academy. Summer classes meet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6:00–10:00 pm, plus four all-day Saturdays, making it ideal for working adults. Fall HazMat courses will meet two nights per week. Firefighter Physical Fitness will be required (schedule to be announced). EMT-certified applicants will be given priority, and enrollment is limited to 20 students to ensure focused, high-quality training in a supportive academy environment.
Watch ACCFTA Videos
Use the link below to view videos about our program including retention, graduation, and our purpose.
Read more about the program in the ACCFTA Handbook.
Connect with Us
For any questions please contact:
Captain Ryan Grinnell
512-223-9762
Things to Know Before You Apply
All Cadets enrolling in the ACCFTA must be the age of eighteen (18) on or before the first day of class.
Background Check
All students seeking certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) will need to pass a criminal background check during their application for the certification process with the state. The Austin Community College Fire Training Academy (ACCFTA) will not advise or inform students of which criminal offenses are permissible by the state. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are eligible for certification prior to accepting admission into the ACCFTA. Students may wish to contact TCFP if there is concern as to whether they will pass the required criminal background check. Here is a link to TCFP’s FAQ page.
Physical Examination
If selected, each Cadet must pass a physical examination by a licensed Texas physician prior to the first scheduled day of training in the ACCFTA. No Cadet shall be admitted to the ACCFTA with a Category A Medical Condition.
Additional Fees
In addition to tuition, fees and books, Cadets will incur some additional costs (ie. pants, boots etc.). Questions about financial aid, scholarship, use of the GI bill or other funding should be directed to Kristi Elliott. Note: State certification exam costs are included in the fees.
How to Apply
We are currently accepting applications. See below for details. In addition to completing the ACC general application, prospective students must submit a separate application to the ACCFTA. Admission to ACC does not guarantee acceptance into the ACCFTA program.
Step 1 – Become an ACC Student
Complete the ACC Application. Find out information about ACC Admissions.
Link to the ACC Application
Select the following when prompted:
- Area of Study: Public and Social Services
- Program: Fire Protection Technology
- Certificate or Degree: Fire Protection Technology: Firefighter – Certificate
Step 2 – Apply to ACCFTA
Once you become an ACC Student, complete the ACCFTA Application. Note you must use your ACCEid and ACC email to access and fill out this application:
Fall Application
Spring Application
Summer Application
- Fall deadline is April 1st.
- Spring deadline is October 1st.
- Summer deadline is April 1st.
Requirements: All cadets must be 18 years or older on or before the first day of class.
Selection Process
The selection committee evaluates each application individually using a very specific selection process. Selections are made in the following order:
- All currently certified EMT-B (or higher) applicants will be selected first. (Proof of certification is required.)
- Applicants currently enrolled in an EMT-B program will be selected next. ACC EMT students are given priority. (Proof of enrollment is required.)
- Applicants who will be sponsored by a fire department will be considered next. (Proof of sponsorship is required.)
- Applicants who are currently enrolled in the AAS Fire Protection Technology program at ACC will be offered admission next. (Enrollment proof required.)
- If there are remaining slots available after this list of applicants has been exhausted, consideration will be given to applicants who have applied based on their date of application on a first-come-first-served basis.
What Happens Next
Applicants will automatically receive a copy of their online ACCFTA Application Form upon submission. After the application deadline (see above) has passed, the selection committee will review applications. If selected, you will be notified by email. (Until the deadline passes, you will not be notified.) The Fire Academy does not maintain a waiting list or retain applications once a semester has begun. If you are not selected in this process, you will need to reapply.
Registration: Admitted Cadets will be registered for required courses by the ACCFTA team. Do not register for courses yourself.
SAS: Cadets with documented disabilities who need classroom, academic, or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS) at least three weeks before the start of the semester. Cadets who have received approval for accommodations from SAS must provide ACCFTA and the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.