LEARN HOW TO BECOME A FIREFIGHTER

These are the steps you will need to follow to apply for and be accepted into the
CSRIPS Firefighter I & II training program.

CLICK ON CLASS FOR DETAILS
Fall Semester 2024

There are no class options registering for Fall Semester 2024.

Winter Semester 2025

Part-Time Accel. Class (M, W, F, Sat) – Start Date: Jan 11, 2025

Full-Time Day Class (M-F) – Start Date: Jan 13, 2025

Part-Time Class (T, Thur, Sat) – Start Date: Jan 18, 2025


Open House: In-person October 7th @6pm, Zoom October 26th @ 10am

Practice PAT: Aug 18, Sept 8, Oct 13, Oct 20

Entrance PAT: Sept 22 or Nov 3

Registration: Nov 18 – 22

Notification: Week of Dec 2

Transfer/Drop/Late Registration: Dec 9 – 13

Tuition Due: Dec 6

  • tuition & fees due with late registration application
Spring Semester 2025

Full-Time Day Class (M-F) – Start Date: May 5, 2025


 

Open House: TBA

Practice PAT: TBA

Entrance PAT: Feb 16

Registration: Feb 24 – 28

Notification: Week of March 3

Transfer/Drop/Late Registration: March 10 – 14

Tuition Due: March 7

  • tuition & fees due with late registration application
Summer Semester 2025

Part-Time Accel. Class (M, W, F, Sat) – Start Date: July 12, 2025

Full-Time Day Class (M-F) – Start Date: Aug 25, 2025


 

Open House: TBA

Practice PAT: TBA

Entrance PAT: May 11

Registration: May 19 – 23

Notification: Week of June 2

Transfer/Drop/Late Registration: June 9 – 13

Tuition Due: June 6

  • tuition & fees due with late registration application
FIREFIGHTER I & II
496 HOURS
CLASS SCHEDULES
Full Time Day Class

Class is five (5) days per week

  • Monday – Friday
    • 8am – 5:30pm
  • Approximately 16 weeks
Part Time Accelerated Night Class

Class is four (4) times per week

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday
    • 5:30pm – 10:30pm
  • Saturday
    • 8:00am – 5:30pm
  • Approximately 23 weeks
Part Time Night Class

Class is three (3) times per week

  • Tuesday and Thursday
    • 5:30pm – 10:30pm
  • Saturday
    • 8:00am – 5:30pm
  • Approximately 31 weeks
TUITION AND FEES
Fees

2024 – 2025 (Effective for all classes with a class start date of October 1, 2024 and beyond)

  • Application Fee: $50.00
  • Deposit Fee: $50.00
  • L&M Fee: $360.00
  • Facility Fee: $40.00
Tuition
  • 2024 – 2025  (Effective for all classes with a class start date of October 1, 2024 and beyond)
  • Tuition: $3658.00

Valid forms of payment include:

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • Florida Prepaid
  • Florida 529
  • Sallie Mae
  • VA Benefits
  • Private Scholarship
External Expenses

The following estimated fees are paid directly to the vendor and not CSRIPS.  Prices should be verified with the vendor.

  • Bunker Gear Rental, SCBA Mask & Fit testing: $1200.00
  • Books: $140.00 (information on how to purchase the books will be available after the registration period closes.  Do NOT order books until you view this information.)
  • Fingerprint process (Background check): $47.00
  • State Exam Fee: $30.00
  • InUnison (Uniform package): $120.00
STUDENT SERVICES ADVISOR
FAQ's

Do I need to be EMT-Basic licensed?

All Firefighter I & II students must have at a minimum completed the EMT-Basic program.  Additional admissions points will be granted for licensed EMT-Basic graduates.

Can I use the CPAT instead of the EPAT?

No, we do not accept CPAT completion in place of our Entrance Physical Ability Test (EPAT).

Is there a minimum age for the Firefighter I & II program?

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for the Firefighter I&II program.

Does CSRIPS Supply my bunker gear for Firefighter I&II?

We do not provide bunker gear or SCBA masks for our Firefighter I&II. We do provide non-affiliated resources within the student’s class materials, after they have been accepted into the Program, however students are not required to specifically utilize those companies.

Do I need to be a high school graduate?

You must have at least a high school diploma or GED.  A diploma from college is also acceptable.  For those entering the Firefighter I&II program, diplomas from schools in other countries are not accepted unless approved by the Bureau of Fire Standards.  Contact their office at 352-369-2800.

What if I have been homeschooled?

For individuals who have completed a homeschool program, we require documentation that the education program has met the requirements of Section 1002.41. F.S., of the Department of Education from the state where the home school program was completed.

What if I do not have a Social Security card, can I still apply?

Your SSN is required in order to complete the required background check.

I had a physical recently. Can I submit this with my application?

You must use the forms that are part of our application. Medicals for Firefighter I & II are only valid for a six month period. This application must be completed by a physician, surgeon, or physician’s assistant per ch. 459; or an advanced registered nurse practitioner per ch. 464. Information is on the application.

What if I have a DUI from years ago?

You would need to contact The Bureau of Fire Standards for an answer to this question. 352-369-2800.  Your ability to be employed may be limited.

I have a green card. Can I apply?

Yes.

Can I get college credits for these courses and are they transferable?

We do not assign credits to our courses.  We do offer transcripts for our accredited courses for a fee. Other schools may assign credits to our courses, but you must check with that school.

Am I guaranteed a job after graduation?

It is your responsibility to investigate the job market. South Florida is very competitive. You increase your chances of finding a position if you are a certified EMT, Paramedic and Firefighter.

I am licensed in another state. Do I need to go to school here again?

You may contact the Bureau of Fire Standards at 352-369-2800 and discuss this with them. However, most people do need to re-certify in Florida.

BECOMING A FLORIDA FIREFIGHTER

Deciding to enroll at the Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety to pursue your dream of becoming a Firefighter/EMT/Paramedic in the State of Florida is a huge step. It can be an overwhelming journey if not planned out properly. To help you succeed we will provide information on a career path that may work best for you.

We offer all the required courses that you will need in order to become a successful candidate for a position as a Firefighter in Florida. Most agencies located in southeast Florida (Broward, Dade & Palm Beach) will require candidates to be Firefighter/Paramedic certified as a minimum however other regions will hire Firefighter/EMT’s or just Firefighters.  This means that you will need to complete EMT-Basic, EMT-Paramedic and Firefighter I & II and become state certified in all three courses. This can be accomplished at CSRIPS.

FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW

PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY

Acceptance into the CSRIPS Firefighter I & II program is a first come first serve process.  Only students that have a fully completed application, including application fee, will proceed in the application process.  If your application is not complete in any way, your application will not be reviewed and will not be accepted.

1. OPEN HOUSE (strongly suggested)

Open House offers 2 options!  You may attend either the in-person Open House or the virtual option.  Each one has it’s benefits and you get to select which one is best for you.  Please refer the home page for details.

2. COMPLETE THE ENTRANCE PAT

What is the Entrance Physical Ability Test (EPAT)?

Click here for a written description of our EPAT, or here for our EPAT Youtube video.

 

Entrance PAT’s are valid for 6 months and must be valid on Day 1 of class.   Successfully passing the EPAT does not guarantee enrollment into a Firefighter I & II class.

 

Medical Examination: Students must have a medical examination completed by a physician to determine fitness for firefighter training (Entrance PAT and Firefighter I&II). Both sides of the State Medical Examination form (DFS-K4-1022) must be signed. Page 1 requires a stamp from the medical office. Medical exams must be current within six months of the first day of class.

The EPAT will be offered once per quarter.  Please click the links below to see the description and schedule.

 

The Practice PAT will be held monthly.  Please click on the link below for the schedule.

3. GATHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

In order for your application to be submitted for review, you must complete all of the required information and upload during the application registration period.  This is a first come first serve process; so, in order to increase your chances of being accepted, you are strongly encouraged to have all information ready when you begin your application.  Below is everything you will need to have on hand for the application.  You will need to have a PDF or picture for certain file uploads. 

  1. FCDICE Number
  2. Social Security Number
  3. Tobacco Affidavit (notarized)
  4. Proof of Age; Driver’s License or birth certificate (Picture or PDF)
  5. Transcripts *UPDATED* Please see the blue button below “5. How to send CSRIPS your Transcripts” for details. 
  6. VA Information  (if applicable; Picture or PDF)
  7. IEP Information (if applicable; Picture or PDF)
  8. Completed State Medical Exam Form
  9. Emergency Contact Information
  10. EMT-Basic or EMT-Paramedic Certificate of Completion

Please see above for specific details in regards to the Entrance PAT.

*Individuals who have been arrested or convicted for any crime are strongly urged to inquire directly with the licensing board in the jurisdiction in which they intend to practice.

4. POINTS-BASED ADMISSION SYSTEM

CSRIPS implements a Point-based selection system designed to assist in determining which applicants will be admitted into the EMT-Basic, Paramedic or Firefighter I&II (limited access) Programs. Our goal is to select applicants that will have the best opportunity to successfully complete our Programs and achieve Industry Certification/Employment.

If there are more qualified applicants than seats available in the current class offering, those applicants that are not initially selected will remain on the list as an “alternate” and will only be used to fill the remaining spots in the event one becomes available before the start of the Program. Once the Program starts, the remaining applicants will have to reapply for future class offerings, we DO NOT form “wait-lists” for future class offerings.

Information reviewed for points:

  • Highest level of education completed (transcript or diploma required)
  • Member in Good Standing of a Fire Explorer Program (letter required)
  • Certificate of Completion from a CSRIPS EMT, Paramedic or Firefighter I&II Program (documentation required)
  • National/State Certified EMT or Paramedic (national or state license required)
  • Honorably Discharged Veteran (DD214 required)
  • Legacy and Residence (up to 3 per application):
      1. City of Coral Springs/Parkland Employee, CSRIPS Intern (self/spouse/dependent/sibling – documentation required)
      2. Current First Responder (Non-CSPFD) – Firefighter/Police Officer/ Medical (self/spouse/dependent/sibling –documentation required)
      3. CSRIPS EMT, Fire or Paramedic Alumni Dependent/Spouse (documentation required)
      4. Established Resident of Coral Springs or Parkland (documentation required)
      5. Recommendation Form from a current Fire Department Chief or Deputy Chief along with a Release of Information Form (provided below)

If an applicant does not have any of the additional documentation listed above, there is still a chance to be accepted into the applied program based on the overall applicant pool of that current registration.

5. APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process is a 2 step process.

  • Step 1 – Basic student information along with payment of the application fee.
  • You will receive an email within 24 hours after completing Step 1 with instructions for completing Step 2 within your MyCSRIPS student portal.  Step 2 must be completed within 24 hours.
  • Step 2 –
    • Submit Required Application
    • Submit Optional Information

The student should only complete Step 2 after paying the application fee.  (If you are unable to complete Step 1, the course may be full or registration has closed.  Do not contact the office.)  Once Step 2 has been completed, the student’s application is considered complete and will be reviewed for consideration.

6. NOTIFICATION PROCESS

Email is the primary means of communication.  It is the students responsibility to check email daily.  We will not track you down.  If the assignments or tasks listed below do not get completed by the assigned date, you will be dismissed from the class.

All applications are submitted electronically and the admissions staff is reviewing and notifying students accordingly.  Each term has a notification period.  Please do not call the office asking about your application status.  You will be notified about your status during the notification period via email.

  • Accepted
    1. Complete instructions on acceptance letter
    2. Pay the Lab & Materials fee and Facility fee on MyCSRIPS invoice
    3. Accept Student Enrollment Agreement within MyCSRIPS record
    4. Pay tuition
  • Alternate List
    1. If there are more qualified applicants than seats available in the current class offering, those applications not initially selected will remain on the list as an Alternate and will only be chosen to fill the remaining spots in the event one becomes available before the start of the Program. Once the Program starts, the remaining applicants will have to reapply for future class offerings.
  • Denied
    1. Reapply next registration period
7. COURSE PRE-WORK

Should a student be accepted into Firefighter I & II, an email notification will be received welcoming the student and providing instructions for the next steps.  The student will be provided information for books, Day 1 expectations, dress code, and more.

Some of these items will have due dates.  It is extremely important the student review the information and plan their time accordingly.  Any item not getting done by the due date will result in the student being dismissed from class.

ARE YOU READY?

Have you read all 7 steps above?

Do you have all of your files saved in the proper format and ready to upload?

Do you understand how you will be notified of your status?

Do you understand you will be responsible for items after you submit your application and if you are accepted?

If you are a returning student, please read this carefully.  When you apply, please enter your name and email that is currently on record.  Once you do that, you will be presented a screen that will direct you to your email for a personalized link to complete your application.  Do NOT share this link with anyone.  This is your personal information.  When you click on the provided link, your application will appear and the information in your student record will be automatically populated.  Do NOT create a new student record if you are a current student with us.  Duplicate records may cause you to be removed from the program.

Winter 2025 Application Information 

CSRIPS recently implemented changes to our application process.  Ensure that you have reviewed all of the steps above.

Registration will open November 18th @ 7:00am

Firefighter I & II Outcomes

Based on 2023 Accreditation Reporting

Graduating

86%

License Pass Rate

99%

Placement

74%