Other Criteria - Firefighter Basic Operation Certifications

Manage emergencies and disasters

With an Associate in Applied Science in firefighter basic operations, you learn to work with people to mitigate situations, whether EMS related or firefighting, and save lives. Firefighters help people in need daily, hourly and every minute as a firefighter/paramedic. The fire service is all about customer service and meeting the needs of the residents as well as those that come through the community.

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Firefighter Basic Operations?

Whether you’re just starting out or have a background in firefighting, this Associate in Applied Science positions you for success in firefighting and emergency services.

While studying to become a state-certified firefighter, you train to become a nationally registered EMT and earn the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) certification as the (OSFM) hazardous materials operations technician.

Start right away with your associate degree in roles such as:

firefighter
EMT or paramedic
fire training officer
wildland firefighter

With additional education, you can help people as a:

paramedic
fire lieutenant
battalion chief
deputy chief
fire chief

CLC will provide students their own personal protective safety equipment. This equipment consists of:
- firefighter turnouts (coat and pants)
- firefighting footwear
- suspenders
- gloves
- hood
- safety glasses
- fire helmet
- self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) piece that mates to CLC-provided SCBA
All equipment must comply with current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
All students must:
- have a valid NFPA 1001 medical physical
- have a current background investigation
- consult with a Fire Science Technology Advisor to plan and schedule their program
- agree to become a member of the fire department the College assigns them to
- provide your schedule for staffing in your assigned fire department
Students must apply to the department chair in December each year and go through a process to gain admission to this program. Approval requires completion of the firefighter basic operations application and proof of a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test.

Highlights

Other Criteria - Firefighter Basic Operation Certifications

Oct 2, 2023, 15:59 PM

Title : Other Criteria - Firefighter Basic Operation Certifications

Heading : State Certifications

Earn state certifications upon course completion.

Career Outlook

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complete the admission process
choose an academic program
enroll in first-semester classes
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Recommended Pathway

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. View degree requirements in the college catalog.

View program in catalog

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*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Fire Science Technology at CLC: Get the bigger picture

An A.A.S. in firefighter basic operations is just one possible way to study fire science technology. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options. The A.A.S in fire science technology will take you into other fire service career paths such as fire marshal, public educator, fire investigator, as well as a fire protection engineer just to name a few.

Learn about courses, faculty, related programs and more.

View the Fire Science Technology Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

This is a cornerstone program at CLC, started as the only one of its kind offered in Illinois. The program has since become a model for its effectiveness and ability to meet the needs and demands of becoming a firefighter in Illinois.
Your other benefits include:
- 95% placement rate of our students after graduation
- highly qualified instructors passionate about training and student success
- stellar equipment and training facilities donated by former CLC graduates who are now chiefs
Here are some great options:
- Complete your bachelor's degree in Lake County: Continue your education online or in person at the Grayslake Campus through the University Center of Lake County.
- Guaranteed transfer admission: Seamlessly transfer to 30+ four-year partners and get admitted to your transfer school in your first semester at CLC.
- Explore the many more transfer options available such as Southern Illinois University who is aligned with CLC.
Skills you learn in the program include:
- fire investigation
- how to become a fire educator
- how to become a fire marshal
- emergency management
CLC provides the students with the PPE for the Fire Basic Operations (FBO) program
This program prepares you to take the Illinois professional licensure exam. When you pass the exam, you can work as firefighter in the state of Illinois.
You may be able to work elsewhere with this degree.
View professional licensure disclosures

Joshua Cardin
Graduate
“While I was in the Coast Guard, I’d take a class here or there online with other colleges. None of them hold a candle to CLC. It’s unbelievable how far the college is looking forward and how many opportunities are available for the people of Lake County.”
Joshua studied Fire Science Technology at CLC after serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. He now works as a firefighter and is studying Emergency Medical Technology to also become a paramedic.
Read Joshua's story