Firefighter Basic Operations

Career Certificate
Cost
$4,599*

Become a firefighter

Fight fires safely

Get to work protecting the people and property in your community. With a Firefighter Basic Operations Certificate, you get the training you need to quickly begin your firefighting career.

This streamlined path includes three semesters of focused learning to prepare you to become a first responder. By completing this certificate, you qualify to sit for the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Basic Operations Firefighters certification examination.

What can you do with a Certificate in Firefighter Basic Operations?

With this certificate, you are prepared for an entry level position in fire science. If you choose to continue your education, the courses you take for this certificate apply toward the Firefighter Basic Operations A.A.S.

Highlights

  • State Certifications

    Earn state certifications upon course completion.

  • Top-Notch Facilities

    Gain practical skills on campus and at the Grayslake Fire Station.

  • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

    Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.

  • Career Certificate

    Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.

  • Program Length: 1.5 Years

    Full-time students can complete in 1.5 years.

Career Outlook

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Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) is your "go-to person" ready to help you get started at CLC.

Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with resources.

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    FST 111

    FST 111 Introduction to Fire Service

    Class Description

    This course provides an overview of fire protection and emergency services, career opportunities in fire protection and related fields. This course further address topics including the culture and history of emergency services, fire loss analysis, along with the organization and function of public and private fire protection services. Additional insight will be provided on the topics of fire departments as part of local government, laws and regulations affecting the fire service, fire service nomenclature, and specific fire protection functions. Other topics will include basic fire chemistry and physics, introduction to fire protection systems, introduction to fire strategy and tactics, and life safety initiatives. Note: Individuals with greater than one year firefighter experience are not eligible for credit.
         		3
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 111
      Course Title

      FST 111 Introduction to Fire Service

      Class Description

      This course provides an overview of fire protection and emergency services, career opportunities in fire protection and related fields. This course further address topics including the culture and history of emergency services, fire loss analysis, along with the organization and function of public and private fire protection services. Additional insight will be provided on the topics of fire departments as part of local government, laws and regulations affecting the fire service, fire service nomenclature, and specific fire protection functions. Other topics will include basic fire chemistry and physics, introduction to fire protection systems, introduction to fire strategy and tactics, and life safety initiatives. Note: Individuals with greater than one year firefighter experience are not eligible for credit.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    FST 130

    FST 130 Basic Operations Firefighter A

    Class Description

    This course focuses on the organization and structure of a fire agency, fire behavior, building construction, safety issues in the fire service, communication procedures and practices, self-contained breathing apparatus, fire extinguishers and fire extinguishing agents, and ropes and knots. The course will include weekly lectures and lab sessions that focus on developing and enhancing practical skills. Students enrolled in this course will become active members of an assigned fire department. NOTE: This is the first of three courses that prepares students to sit for the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Basic Operations Firefighters certification examination.
         		4
    FST 192

    FST 192 Hazardous Materials Operations

    Class Description

    This course is designed for firefighters and other persons who might encounter Hazardous Materials in the course of their occupations. This course will stress identification, site entry, isolations, evacuation, use of Hazardous Safety Data sheets, and how to obtain assistance at the hazardous materials scene. Practical applications and hands-on experiences are required for this course. The course is designed to meet the requirements of Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness, and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations, of the Office of the State Fire Marshal Certification, OSHA 29 CFR 1910, and NFPA 472.
         		3
    • Course Code FST 130
      Course Title

      FST 130 Basic Operations Firefighter A

      Class Description

      This course focuses on the organization and structure of a fire agency, fire behavior, building construction, safety issues in the fire service, communication procedures and practices, self-contained breathing apparatus, fire extinguishers and fire extinguishing agents, and ropes and knots. The course will include weekly lectures and lab sessions that focus on developing and enhancing practical skills. Students enrolled in this course will become active members of an assigned fire department. NOTE: This is the first of three courses that prepares students to sit for the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Basic Operations Firefighters certification examination.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 192
      Course Title

      FST 192 Hazardous Materials Operations

      Class Description

      This course is designed for firefighters and other persons who might encounter Hazardous Materials in the course of their occupations. This course will stress identification, site entry, isolations, evacuation, use of Hazardous Safety Data sheets, and how to obtain assistance at the hazardous materials scene. Practical applications and hands-on experiences are required for this course. The course is designed to meet the requirements of Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness, and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations, of the Office of the State Fire Marshal Certification, OSHA 29 CFR 1910, and NFPA 472.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    FST 131

    FST 131 Basic Operations Firefighter B

    Class Description

    This course focuses on fire service ladders, hose and related appliances, nozzles and streams, water supply, forcible entry and ventilation. The course will include weekly lectures and lab sessions that focus on developing and enhancing practical skills. Students enrolled in this course will be active members of an assigned fire department. NOTE: This is the second of three courses that prepares students to sit for the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Basic Operations Firefighters certification examination.
         		4
    FST 132

    FST 132 Basic Operations Firefighter C

    Class Description

    This course focuses on search and rescue, fire control, loss control, protecting evidence, fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems, prevention techniques, public education, wild land and ground cover firefighting, and firefighter safety and survival. The course will include weekly lectures and lab sessions that focus on developing and enhancing practical skills. Students enrolled in this course will be active members of an assigned fire department. NOTE: This is the third of three courses that prepares students to sit for the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Basic Operations Firefighters certification examination.
         		4
    • Course Code FST 131
      Course Title

      FST 131 Basic Operations Firefighter B

      Class Description

      This course focuses on fire service ladders, hose and related appliances, nozzles and streams, water supply, forcible entry and ventilation. The course will include weekly lectures and lab sessions that focus on developing and enhancing practical skills. Students enrolled in this course will be active members of an assigned fire department. NOTE: This is the second of three courses that prepares students to sit for the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Basic Operations Firefighters certification examination.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 132
      Course Title

      FST 132 Basic Operations Firefighter C

      Class Description

      This course focuses on search and rescue, fire control, loss control, protecting evidence, fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems, prevention techniques, public education, wild land and ground cover firefighting, and firefighter safety and survival. The course will include weekly lectures and lab sessions that focus on developing and enhancing practical skills. Students enrolled in this course will be active members of an assigned fire department. NOTE: This is the third of three courses that prepares students to sit for the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Basic Operations Firefighters certification examination.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

20

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Fire Science Technology at CLC

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Frequently asked questions

*Cost includes tuition and other fees, including books and materials before financial aid is applied, such as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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