Program Overview

Aspiring to join the ranks of firefighters or seeking knowledge in fire service technology? Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø's (CWI) Fire Service Technology program, accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), offers comprehensive training based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) model. Designed with input from local fire department trainers and command staff, this program immerses you in real-world firefighting scenarios and problem-solving.

Offering various certificate levels and an Associate of Arts degree, the program is tailored to different career interests, from aspiring full-time or volunteer firefighters to those seeking an academic foundation in fire service technology. The Basic Technical Certificate 1 is a fire academy-style program that includes classroom instruction, hands-on demonstrations, live burns, and a physical fitness course specifically designed for firefighters. All of the Fire Service Technology offerings open doors to a rewarding firefighting career. 

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Arts

Intermediate Technical Certificate

Basic Technical Certificate

Cost

$2,918 – 12,815

Additional cost may apply.

Time to Complete

0.5 – 2 years

Primary Locations

Canyon County Center

Learning Opportunities

  • Hands-On Training: Engage in real-life scenarios including vehicle extrications and live fire drills, leading to IFSAC accredited certifications.
  • Professional Development: The ability to earn an IFSAC accredited Associate of Arts degree, enhancing your qualifications and promotional opportunities.
  • Nationally Recognized Curriculum: Follow the FESHE Associate of Arts degree model with industry-standard textbooks, preparing for further education.
  • Learning from Current Firefighters and Chiefs: Network with local departments, learn local techniques, and build lasting professional relationships.
  • Academic Credit for Certifications: Convert industry-based certifications into academic credits, aiding in professional development and career advancement.

Areas of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Fire Service Technology – Associate of Arts Degree
2 Years

AA

Cost:
$12,815
Fire Service Technology – Intermediate Technical Certificate
1 Year

ITC

Cost:
$8,161
Fire Service Technology – Basic Technical Certificate 1
0.5 Years

BTC

Cost:
$5,766
Fire Service Technology – Basic Technical Certificate 2
1 Year

BTC

Cost:
$2,918

Below are passing and retention rates for the Fire Service Technology program at Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø. 

FIRE 101 Certificate Passing Rates

Year Idaho Firefighter I Idaho Hazmat Awareness Idaho Hazmat Operations
2019 87% 87% 87%
2020 100% 100% 100%
2021 100% 100% 100%
2022 100% 100% 100%
2023 100% 100% 100%


Associate of Arts Degree

Year Started Graduation Rate
2019 33%
2020 71%
2021 25%
2022 40%

 

Year Retention Rate
2019 19%
2020 50%
2021 70%
2022 63%
2023 71%

Let's Get Started

Person standing in firefighter gear

Career Opportunities

Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.

81

Annual Openings*

$
22.71

Hourly Median Wage*

$
47,236

Annual Median Salary

6.76
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.

14

Annual Openings*

$
34.18

Hourly Median Wage*

$
71,094

Annual Median Salary

6.96
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.

3

Annual Openings*

$
30.64

Hourly Median Wage*

$
63,731

Annual Median Salary

12.48
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

*Data sourced from Lightcastâ„¢ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.

Admissions

Admission into the Fire Service Technology program is competitive and requires a supplemental application process. 

STEP 1

STEP 2

  • Meet with the Program Director to discuss qualifications, pathways, and steps to apply. 

New Student Checklist

Program Accreditation

IFSAC seal

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍøâ€™s Fire Service Technology degree and certificates are accredited through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).

Let's Get Started

Let's Get Started

News

Graduates raising their hand and taking an oath

Graduates from CWI Fire Service Technology Class 7 walked across the Nampa Civic Center stage on Dec. 10, taking the Firefighter Code of Ethics oath to mark the completion of their...

Read more about Fall 2025 Fire Service Technology Graduation Ceremony
Firefighting student standing next to fire truck

After a major injury sidelined his training, Fire Service Technology student Kaden Bryant fought back stronger. Now he is steps away from achieving his dream of becoming a firefighter.

Read more about Bryant Turns Setback into Firefighting Dream
Kemper Hessing stands in front of a CWI fire truck

Kemper Hessing is pursuing his passion for firefighting through the Fire Service Technology program, where hands-on training, mentorship, and scholarships like the Metallica Scholars...

Read more about Metallica Scholars Initiative Fueling Hessing’s Firefighting Journey
CWI Fire Service Program students saluting the American flag during a ceremony, with uniformed firefighters standing nearby.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø Fire Service Technology and Law Enforcement students joined local first responders in Nampa to honor the heroes and victims of 9/11.

Read more about Future First Responders Honor 9/11 in Nampa
Jessica Gillmore

Jessica Gillmore turned a childhood passion for firefighting into a career path through Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍøâ€™s Fire Service Technology program, where she’s now preparing for a future...

Read more about Fueling Her Fire: Jessica Gillmore’s Journey Toward Fire Investigation
A firefighter poses for a photo in front of a firetruck.

Joey Zumwalt, a graduate of Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍøâ€™s Fire Service Technology program, is continuing his family’s firefighting legacy with support from the Metallica Scholars Initiative.

Read more about For Joey Zumwalt, Firefighting Runs in His Blood
A firefighter poses for a photo in front of a firetruck.

Carson Baker, a graduate of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍøâ€™s Fire Service Technology program, is now a full-time firefighter with Donnelly Fire Department thanks to hands-on training...

Read more about Metallica Scholar Carson Baker Finds His Station
A firefighter poses for a photo in front of a firetruck.

Justin Zieska, a second-year Fire Service Technology student at the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø, is preparing for a career in firefighting with support from the Metallica Scholars Initiative...

Read more about How CWI and Metallica Helped Justin Zieska Find His Fire

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URL: /academics/career-technical-education/fire-service-technology<br>