The Standard Operating Guidelines. ACCFTA Handbook

It is critical that you meet the baseline standard:

• Age: Must be 18 years or older on or before the first day of class.

• Medical Clearances: If selected, you must pass a physical examination by a licensed Texas physician prior to Day 1.

  No Category A Medical Conditions allowed.

• Background Check: You must be able to pass a TCFP criminal background check to be state-certified. ACCFTA does not determine eligibility. [Review TCFP Background FAQ here].

• Financials: Austin Community College Tuition. Additional gear costs (boots, pants) are out-of-pocket.

  For Government Issue (GI) Bill, scholarships, or financial aid aid, contact [Kristi Elliott].

Admission to ACC does not guarantee acceptance into the Fire Training Academy. You must complete both steps.

Slots are highly competitive. The selection committee evaluates applications individually and fills seats in the following strict priority order:

1. EMT-B Certified (or higher) applicants.

2. Current EMT-B Students (ACC EMT students receive priority).

3. Fire Department Sponsored applicants.

4. Active ACC Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Fire Protection Technology degree students.

5. General Applicants (First-come, first-served based on application date for any remaining slots).

⚠️ What Happens Next? You will receive an automated copy of your application upon submission. The committee reviews applications after the deadline closes. If selected, you will be notified via your ACC email. We do not maintain a waiting list; if you are not selected, you must reapply for the next cycle.

Course Registration

• Hands Off: Admitted Cadets will be automatically registered for all required courses by the ACCFTA team.
• Do not attempt to register for Fire Training Academy courses yourself.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

If you require academic, classroom, or physical accommodations due to a documented disability, you must coordinate with the SAS office to secure your official paperwork before training begins.

• The Timeline: Requests must be submitted to the SAS office at least three weeks before the start of the semester.

• The Requirement: You must hand-deliver your official “Notice of Approved Accommodations” document from SAS to the ACCFTA staff and your lead instructor before any accommodations can take effect.

• The Rule: Accommodations will not be applied retroactively. Get your paperwork locked down early.