Basic Fire Academy
Collin College’s Fire Academy is one of the most highly regarded programs in the state. Fire Academy graduates from Collin College can be found throughout Texas - all of them making a difference in their communities. This certification program was developed to prepare you for a career as a professional firefighter and includes Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training for state certification. Many fire departments require applicants to complete basic firefighter training before they take a fire department entrance exam. Credits earned in the Fire Academy can be applied to the AAS - Basic Firefighter degree plan to help jumpstart a rewarding career in the fire service.
Contact Us
Explore Application RequirementsPublic Safety Training Center
3600 Redbud Blvd.
McKinney, TX 75071
Program Information
The Fall 2026 Fire Academy application is now open. The application deadline is May 28, 2026, at noon. Please note that our application process and requirements have changed.
Applicants must be in academic good standing with a 2.0 or higher college GPA. Alternatively, military service may be used as a substitute by submitting a DD-214.
Collin College offers Associate Degrees and Certificates for the Basic Firefighter and Officer programs. Please consult the Collin College Catalog for program details.
Certificates and Degree Programs
Tuition and Fees
The Fire Academy will cost approximately $2,539.00 (in-county tuition and lab fees for both certificates) to $4,459.00 (out-of-county tuition and lab fees for both certificates), plus additional costs for uniform and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees page to learn more about tuition and lab rates.
Please note that all costs are approximate due to supply costs, uniform size, tax rates, and individual insurance. Tuition and costs are subject to change.
| Supply Requirements | Retailer | Approximate Cost | Recommended Quantity | Approximate Total Cost | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Academy | |||||||||
| Navy Blue Flying Cross 85 R5456 Uniform Shirt | Uniform Supply | $56.95+ Depending on Size (DOS) | 2 | $113.90 | |||||
| Black Uniform Tie | Uniform Supply | $11.95 | 1 | $11.95 | |||||
| Black Leather Belt | Any Retailer | $25.00 | 1 | $25.00 | |||||
| Black Uniform Shoes or Boots | Any Retailer | $85.00 | 1 | $85.00 | |||||
| Dickies Uniform Pants | Any Retailer | $29.99+ Depending on Size (DOS) | 2 | $59.98 | |||||
| Fire Academy Athletic Shorts | Collin Bookstore | $19.98+ (DOS) | 2 | $39.96 | |||||
| Fire Academy T-Shirts | Collin Bookstore | $29.98+ (DOS) | 2 | $59.96 | |||||
| Fire Academy Sweat Shirt | Collin Bookstore | $25.98+ (DOS) | 1 | $25.98 | |||||
| Fire Academy Sweat Pants | Collin Bookstore | $26.98+ (DOS) | 1 | $26.98 | |||||
| Uniform Shirt Patch | Collin Bookstore | $4.98 | 2 | $9.96 | |||||
| Blue Clear View “D” ring binder | Collin Bookstore | $7.98 | 1 | $7.98 | |||||
| Textbook | Collin Bookstore | $124.95+ | 1 | $124.95+ | |||||
| NFPA Approved Helmet, Gloves, Hood, Gear Bag | Information provided during orientation session | $445.00 | 1 | $445.00 | |||||
| NFPA Approved Firefighting Coat and Pants | Provided by the Fire Academy | No Charge to Student | 1 | $0.00 | |||||
| Total Supplies for Non-Sponsored Students: $1,036.60 +tax | |||||||||
| Supply Requirements | Retailer | Approximate Cost | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMT costs for Fire Academy students | |||||||||
| Fees and supplies - Bluestar Diagnostic background inquiry, drug screening and lab fees, liability insurance, textbooks, uniforms and equipment such as blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, etc. | Collin Bookstore | $932.00 | |||||||
| Total EMT Fees and Supplies: $932.00 | |||||||||
| Program | Cost | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Costs for Uniforms and Supplies | |||||||||
| Fire Academy Uniform and Supplies | $1,036.60 | ||||||||
| EMT Uniform and Supplies | $932.00 | ||||||||
| Fire Academy and EMT Uniform and Supplies Total | $1,968.60 + tax | ||||||||
| Program | In-county | Out-of-county | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Total Cost for Tuition, Uniform, and Supplies | |||||||||
| Fire Academy only | $2,764.60 | $4,144.60 | |||||||
| Fire Academy and EMT | $4,507.60 | $6,427.60 | |||||||
Event 1: Stair Climb
Task Description: The applicant shall climb a two-story stairwell for a total of five times. Time allowed: Four minutes.
Event 2: Sledge Swing
Task Description: The applicant shall repeatedly swing a sledge hammer in a chopping motion at a weighted object using enough force to move the object a total distance of approximately 5 feet.
Event 3: 1 ¾” Hose Drag
Task Description: Four connected lengths of 1 ¾” dry hose with a nozzle attached will be folded in a standard manner on the ground. The applicant will grasp the hose line and advance 75ft. in a straight line, make a 90 degree turn and continue an additional 25 ft. The applicant shall stop within the marked area and dropping to one knee, pull the hose line until 50ft. of hose is within the marked area.
Event 4: Equipment Carry
Task Description: The applicant shall remove two saws from a tool cabinet and place them on the ground. The applicant shall then pick up both saws and carry them while walking 75ft., turn 180 degrees and continue walking back to the starting point where the applicant shall return the saws back into the tool cabinet.
Event 5: Ladder Raise and Extension
Task Description: The applicant shall approach the top rung of a 24ft. extension ladder, lift the unhinged end from the ground, and walk it up hand over hand until it is stationary against a wall. The applicant shall then immediately proceed to a secured 24ft. ladder, and using the ladder Halyard rope extend the fly section to the top and then back down in a controlled hand over hand fashion.
Event 6: Rescue
Task Description: The applicant shall grasp a mannequin approx. 165lbs and drag it 35ft. to a pre-positioned drum, make a 180 degree turn around the drum and return 35ft. to the finish line.
Total time allowed for Events 2-6: 5 minutes, 30 seconds.
*The applicants shall walk 85 ft. along an established walkway to and between each event. Time continues to run during the walk between events. Remaining time from Event 1 may not be applied to Events 2-6. Applicants will wear a 50 lb. vest and two 12.5 lb. shoulder weights during Event 1, applicants will wear a 50 lb. vest during Events 2-6.