2026 Spring and Summer Schedule
Printable Official SPRING & SUMMER 2026 Schedule Available - HERE
- Official Brochure being mailed to fire departments in the next week or so
- Corrections made to the brochure (above download) and below on 11.10.25.
- 11.12.25 - Page 15 of brochure, under NFPA 1006 Passenger Vehicle Rescue Technician 24 (PVRT-24), corrected Tuition / Material Fee: $130.00 & $125.00
For more information about First Responder classes, contact Marc Jackson, director/Public Safety Training Center, 724.872.2447 or jacksonmarcFREEWESTMORELAND
ESSENTIALS SPRING 2026
- PSTC DRESS CODE FOR ESSENTIALS SERIES
- We are asking that all Essential students, if possible, to wear the following:
- Work Navy Blue cargo, BDU’s or khakis
- Department T-shirt or or matching Navy Blue Shirt
- Black work boots/tactical boots
No open toe-shoes will be accepted
Pennsylvania Entry Level firefighting is comprised of seven different modules. Completion of all modules provides for the basis of more advanced training. Classes must be completed in order. Essentials of Fire Fighting, Seventh Edition by International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) is required. A FREE skill booklet is provided. Students must provide a full set of turnout gear and a 20 ft. piece of rope (min. 7/16” dia.). Certificates are awarded upon successful completion of each course. Junior firefighters (14 & 15) may attend the first two modules. Minimum age for Interior Firefighter is 18+ at the onset of the class. Minimum class size is ten (10), except ELIF, which is sixteen (16) and maximum class size is thirty (30).
Introduction to the Fire Service (EL22-ELIS) Extended with CPR, HMA, & TIM
- This entry level course is designed to introduce new firefighters to basic information including an overview of the fire service, fire service history, it’s mission and organization, firefighter safety, personal protective equipment, tools, communications, work areas, and backing apparatus. This is the first of four levels (courses) in the curriculum. This extended program also includes Hazardous Materials Awareness (HMA), Traffic Incident Management (TIM), and First Aid & CPR.
- Prerequisites: Minimum age: 14 years old at start of course
- Requirements: Turn-Out Gear (TOG), not needed the 1st night of class, Essentials of Firefighting 7th Edition
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19381
- Starts: January 6 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Tuesday & Thursday, January 6, 8, 13, 15, & 22, 6-10 p.m., & Saturday, January 10 & 17, 8 a.m. -4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $120.00 + $35.00 (AHA Cards)
- Optional HMA PRO BOARD/IFSAC Exam on Tuesday, January 20 at 6 p.m., Fee: $45.00
- Class ID: 19383
- Location: Latrobe VFD
- Class ID: 19382
- Starts: January 5 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Monday & Wednesday, January 5, 7, 12, 14, & 21, 6-10 p.m., & Sunday, January 11 & 18, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $120.00 + $35.00 (AHA Cards)
- Optional HMA PRO BOARD/IFSAC Exam on Monday, January 19 at 6 p.m., Fee: $45.00
- Class ID: 19384
Fire Ground Support (EL22-ELFG)
- This entry level course is designed to introduce new firefighters to fire ground operation including fire hose, water supply, hose operations, ropes and knots, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), building construction, and scene lighting. This is the second of four levels (courses) in the curriculum.
- Prerequisites: 14+ & ELIS, HMA
- Requirements: TOG, SCBA, Essentials of Firefighting 7th Edition
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19385
- Starts: Saturday, January 24 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Tuesday & Thursday, January 27, 29, & February 3 & 5, 6-10 p.m., & Saturday, January 24 & 31, 8 a.m. -4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $135.00 & $10.00
- Location: Latrobe FD
- Class ID: 19386
- Starts: Sunday, January 25 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Monday & Wednesday, January 26, 28, & February 2 & 4, 6-10 p.m., & Sunday, January 25 & February 1, 8 a.m. -4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $135.00 & $10.00
Exterior Firefighter (EL22-ELEF)
- This entry level course is designed to introduce new firefighters to fire ground operation including Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), fire dynamics, fire extinguishers, forcible entry, ladders, and fire streams/hose line advancement. This is the third of four levels (courses) in the curriculum.
- Prerequisites: 16+ & ELFG, NIMS 700, ICS 100, IS 200
- Requirements: TOG, SCBA, Essentials of Firefighting 7th Edition
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19387
- Starts: Saturday, February 7 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Tuesday & Thursday, February 10, 12, 17, & 19, 6-10 p.m., & Saturday, February 7, 14, & 21, 8 a.m. -4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $185.00 & $20.00
- Location: Latrobe FD
- Class ID: 19388
- Starts: Sunday, February 8 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Monday & Wednesday, February 9, 11, 16, & 18, 6-10 p.m., & Sunday, February 8, 15, & 22, 8 a.m. -4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $185.00 & $20.00
Hazardous Materials Operations (HMO24)
- Provide training for first responders that respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances as part of the initial response for the purpose of protecting nearby persons, property, and the environment. Personnel are trained to respond in a defensive fashion to contain the release from a safe distance, to keep it from spreading, and prevent exposures. They must understand basic hazard and risk assessment, how to select and use proper personnel protective equipment, basic hazardous materials terms, basic control, containment and/or confinement operations within the capabilities of the resources and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available, and basic decontamination procedures and termination procedures.
- Prerequisite(s): 16+, HMA or HMAR
- Requirements: TOG, & SCBA
- 100% Attendance required per PSFA MSA
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19389
- Starts: Tuesday, February 24 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Tuesday & Thursday, February 24, 26, & March 3 & 5, 6-10 p.m., & Saturday & Sunday, February 28 & March 1, 8 a.m. -4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $125.00 & $10.00
Interior Firefighter (EL22-ELIF) Extended
- This entry level course is designed to introduce new firefighters to interior fire ground operations including air monitoring, Search and Rescue, Firefighter Survival, tactical Ventilation, Interior Hose Streams, Fire Suppression, and Overhaul, Salvage & Property Conservation. This is the fourth of four levels (courses) in the curriculum.
- Prerequisites: Exterior Firefighter (ELEF), Hazardous Materials Operations (HMO). Minimum age: 18 years at start of course
- Requirements: TOG, SCBA, Essentials of Firefighting 7th Edition
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19390
- Starts: Saturday, March 7 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Tuesday & Thursday, March 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, & 26, 6-10 p.m., & Saturday March 7, 14, 21, & 28, 8 a.m. -4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $310.00 & $30.00
- Location: Latrobe FD
- Class ID: 19391
- Starts: Sunday, March 8 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Monday & Wednesday, March 9, 11, 16, 18, & Tuesday & Thursday, March 24, & 26, 6-10 p.m., & Sunday, March 8, 15, 22, & Saturday, March 28, 8 a.m. -4 p.m.
- Tuesday & Thursday, March 24, & 26, 6-10 p.m., & Saturday, March 28, 8 a.m. -4 p.m. at the PSTC; additional days may be assigned by the instructor.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $310.00 & $30.00
Firefighter I Prep
- This refresher course is for all experienced firefighters wanting to update or reinforce "rusty" skills or prepare for the next Firefighter I certification test. Students should have previously completed an Essentials of Firefighting course or comparable entry level training. Advancing hose lines, raising ladders, folding salvage covers, working with SCBA, tying knots and hitches and rescuing victims are some of the skills that will be reviewed and practiced. Trained evaluators will lead the course. Students must bring full turnout gear, SCBA, spare cylinder, PASS device and 10 ft. of rope to all classes. Come prepared to refresh your skills in this intensive course. Student Equipment/Supply Needs: Pen/Pencil, Notebook suitable for classroom. Prerequisite: Minimum age of 18+, & ELIF with “Live Fire” or SBS, current approved PSFA HMO/R, all additional requirements for FF I exam per PSFA Certification Department. Course is a Non-PSFA CEU program. Min/Max for class: 10 / 30
- Prerequisites: Age 18+, ELIF with “Live Fire” or SBS, current HMO/R, & all additional requirements for the exam.
- Requirements: TOG, SCBA, Essentials of Firefighting 7th Edition
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19392
- Starts: Tuesday, March 31 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Tuesday & Thursday, March 31, & April 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, & 23, 6-10 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $155.00 & $25.00
- Firefighter I Exam
- Exam Registration ID: 19393
- Written Exam: Friday, April 24, Report Time of 6:00 p.m.
- Skills Exam: Saturday, April 25, Report Time of 7:30 a.m.; Exam Skills Overflow Day (if needed) – Sunday, April 26, Report Time 7:30 a.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $200.00 & $50.00
- Application Deadline: Tuesday, April 14 by 6 p.m. at the PSTC; see Certification Exam section for application details and requirements.
- Min/Max for class: 10 / 30
FIREFIGHTER II SERIES
Firefighter II Prep
- Allows currently certified Firefighter I students to review various firefighting skills and equipment issues in preparation to take the Firefighter II certification test. The subjects include: Communications, Fire Behavior, Safety, Water Supply, Hose Testing, Fire Streams and Foam, Protective Systems, Building Construction, Ladder Testing, Rescue Practices, Ventilation, Fire Cause Determination, Fire Suppression and Pre-incident Planning. First night of class is a walk-through of the application process and how to properly prepare the residential and commercial pre-plans; no TOG/SCBA is required that evening. In addition, the first night of class is spaced out from the other classes to permit the candidate time to work on their application, while potentially completing other required courses of completion for the Firefighter II exam, such as the vehicle rescue series & HMOR. Student Equipment/Supply Needs: Pen/Pencil, Notebook suitable for classroom, & TOG/SCBA (not needed first night of class). Prerequisite: Minimum age of 18+, & Firefighter I certification, all additional requirements for FF II exam per PSFA Certification Department. Course is a Non-PSFA CEU program. Min/Max for class: 6 / 30
- Prerequisites: Age 18+, FF-I Certification, current HMO/R, & all additional requirements for the exam.
- Requirements: TOG, SCBA, Essentials of Firefighting 7th Edition
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19394
- Starts: Wednesday, April 1 at 6 p.m. (Application Review Night)
- Runs: Wednesdays, April 1, & 29, & May 6, 13, & 20, 6-10 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $115.00 & $25.00
- Firefighter II Certification Exam
- Exam Registration ID: 19403
- Written & Skills: Saturday, May 30, Report Time 7:30 a.m.
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, May 13 by 6 p.m. at the PSTC; see Certification Exam section for application details and requirements.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $200.00 & $50.00
- Min/Max for class: 6 / 30
Required Programs for Firefighter II Certification:
FREE Traffic Incident Management (PA version)
- See Operational Support area for course description.
- Sponsored By PennSTART
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19395
- Starts: Sunday, March 29 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Sunday, March 29, 8 a.m. to Noon
- Min/Max for class: 6 / 30
- Optional: Traffic Incident Management Personnel Certification Exam
- FREE, except $10.00 Material Fee
- Sponsored By PennSTART
- Exam Registration ID: 19396
- Starts: Sunday, March 29 at Noon
- Runs: Sunday, March 29, Noon to 5 p.m.
- Application Deadline: Day of exam, but YOU MUST PREREGISTER FOR THE EXAM; see Certification Exam section for application details and requirements.
- Min/Max for Exam: 6 / 30
- Optional: Traffic Incident Management Personnel Certification Exam
Hazardous Materials Operations – Refresher (HMOR24)
- See Hazardous Materials area for course description.
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19397
- Starts: Sunday, March 22 at 9 a.m.
- Runs: Sunday, March 22, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $45.00 & $10.00
- Min/Max for class: 6 / 24
NFPA 1006 Passenger Vehicle Rescue Awareness 24 (PVRA-24)
- See Rescue Operations area for course description.
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19398
- Starts: Monday, April 6 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Monday & Wednesday, April 6 & 8, 6-10 p.m., & Saturday, April 11, 8 a.m. -4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $100.00 & $125.00
- Min/Max for class: 10 / 24
BLS CPR & First Aid for Firefighter I and Vehicle Rescue Series
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19399
- Starts: Monday, April 13 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Monday, April 13, 6 – 10 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $35.00 & $35.00
- Min/Max for class: 6 / 24
NFPA 1006 Passenger Vehicle Rescue Operations 24 (PVRO-24)
- See Rescue Operations area for course description.
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19400
- Starts: Sunday, April 12 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Wednesday, April 15, 6-10 p.m., & Saturday & Sunday, April 12, 18, & 19, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $150.00 & $125.00
- Min/Max for class: 10 / 24
NFPA 1006 Passenger Vehicle Rescue Technician 24 (PVRT-24)
- See Rescue Operations area for course description.
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19401
- Starts: Sunday, April 26 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Sunday, April 26 & May 3, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $130.00 & $125.00
- Min/Max for class: 10 / 24
- Vehicle Rescue Certification Exam
- Exam Registration ID: 19402
- Written Exam: Friday, May 8, Report Time 6 p.m.
- Skills Exam: Saturday, May 9, Report Time 7:30 a.m., Exam
- Skills Overflow Day (if needed) – Sunday, May 10, Report Time 7:30 a.m.
- Application Deadline: Friday, April 24 by 6 p.m. at the PSTC
- Tuition / Material Fee: $250.00 & $225.00*
- *Retests requiring additional vehicles, to include the day of testing is an additional $250.00 fee per vehicle; price can be split amongst additional candidates retesting.
ESSENTIALS SUMMER 2026
SPECIAL NOTE: Essentials starting in June 2026 is changing to the EL26 version by the PSFA. Introduction to the Fire Service (ELIS) and Fire Ground Support (ELFG) will be combined to form a new Level 1 – Fireground Support (ELFS), and Exterior Firefighter (ELEF) & Interior Firefighter (ELIF) will no longer be offered, and instead be replaced with a new Level 2 - Firefighter I Training (ELFF1). In addition, the book is changing to the following: Fundamentals of Firefighter Skills, 5th Edition, by Jones & Bartlett. The entire new program is slated to be the following, and in series:
- Fireground Support (EL26-ELFS)
- Hazardous Materials Awareness (HMA24)
- Firefighter I Training (EL26-ELFF1)
- Firefighter II Training (EL26-ELFF2)
A bridge course may be offered for those that have completed ELEF, but not ELIF – however, we do not have all that information at the time of printing. Hazardous Materials Operations (HMO24) would be completed post Firefighter I Training (EL26-ELFF1) and in association with the Firefighter I certification exam. Unfortunately, the committee is still finalizing the details of this new program, and are subject to change post printing. We recommend you check the website for updates as the program rolls out.
Fireground Support (EL26-ELFS) - Extended with CPR, HMA, & TIM
- Prerequisites: Minimum age: 14 years old at start of course
- Requirements: Turn-Out Gear (TOG), not needed the 1st night of class, Fundamentals of Firefighter Skills, 5th Edition
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19404
- Starts: June 8 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Monday & Wednesday, June 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, & July 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29, & August 3, 6-10 p.m.
- Min/Max for class: 10 / 24
- Tuition / Material Fee: $235.00 + $45.00 (AHA Cards)
- Optional HMA PRO BOARD/IFSAC Exam on Tuesday, July 14 at 6 p.m., Fee: $45.00
- Class ID: 19405
EMS PROGRAMS
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Please see our EMT page for details; located HERE.
CPR & FIRST AID
- Spring
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19399
- Starts: Monday, April 13 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Monday, April 13, 6 – 10 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $35.00 & $35.00
- Min/Max for class: 6 / 24
- Summer
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19408
- Starts: Wednesday, July 22 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Wednesday, July 22, 6 – 10 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $35.00 & $35.00
- Min/Max for class: 6 / 24
- If you are registered in the ELIS Essentials class, you are automatically in this class, and do not need to register again.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRAINING
Hazardous Materials Awareness (HMA24)
- If you are registered in the ELIS or Summer Essentials class, you are automatically in this class, and do not need to register again.
- The primary target audiences for this course are the First Responders (fire, rescue, emergency medical, police, etc.) who will witness or discover a hazardous substance/materials release or a terrorist/criminal incident. Students will be trained to initiate an emergency response sequence by notifying the proper authorities of the incident. They shall have sufficient training or have had sufficient experience to objectively demonstrate competency to understand what hazardous substances are, the risks, potential outcomes, the ability to recognize and identify their presence, their role, including site security, safe scene management and how to use the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) Emergency Response Guidebook during a hazardous materials/WMD or a terrorist/criminal emergency.
- Prerequisite(s): 14+
- Requirements: Note taking material
- Spring HMA
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19409
- Starts: Saturday, January 17 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Saturday, January 17, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $35.00 & $10.00
- Optional: HMA PRO BOARD/IFSAC Exam - Spring
- Exam Registration ID:
- Written Exam: Tuesday, January 20 at 6 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $45.00 + $10.00; see Certification Exam section for application details and requirements.
- Application Deadline: Day of exam, but YOU MUST PREREGISTER FOR THE EXAM
- Summer HMA
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19410
- Starts: Wednesday, July 27 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Monday & Wednesday, July 27 & 28, 6-10 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $35.00 & $10.00
- Optional: HMA PRO BOARD/IFSAC Exam - Summer
- Exam Registration ID: 19405
- Written Exam: Wednesday, August 5 at 6 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $45.00 + $10.00; see Certification Exam section for application details and requirements.
- Application Deadline: Day of exam, but YOU MUST PREREGISTER FOR THE EXAM
Hazardous Materials Operations (HMO24)
- Provide training for first responders that respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances as part of the initial response for the purpose of protecting nearby persons, property, and the environment. Personnel are trained to respond in a defensive fashion to contain the release from a safe distance, to keep it from spreading, and prevent exposures. They must understand basic hazard and risk assessment, how to select and use proper personnel protective equipment, basic hazardous materials terms, basic control, containment and/or confinement operations within the capabilities of the resources and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available, and basic decontamination procedures and termination procedures.
- Prerequisite(s): 16+, & HMA or HMAR
- Requirements: TOG, & SCBA
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19388
- Starts: Tuesday, February 24 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Tuesday & Thursday, February 24, 26, & March 3 & 5, 6-10 p.m., & Saturday & Sunday, February 28 & March 1, 8 a.m. -4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $125.00 & $10.00
Hazardous Materials Operations – Refresher (HMOR24)
- Provide refresher training for first responders that respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances as part of the initial response for the purpose of protecting nearby persons, property, and the environment. Personnel are trained to respond in a defensive fashion to contain the release from a safe distance, to keep it from spreading, and to protect exposures.
- Prerequisite(s): 16+, & HMO/R
- Requirements: TOG, & SCBA
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19397
- Starts: Sunday, March 22 at 9 a.m.
- Runs: Sunday, March 22, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $45.00 & $10.00
- Min/Max for class: 6 / 24
Hazardous Materials Operations Exam Prep
- Hazardous Materials Operations Exam (PSFA Pro Board/IFSAC) Professional Certification Program(s) are designed to recognize emergency service personnel that have demonstrated proficiency and an ability to do the job in accordance with nationally recognized peer-developed standards via the NFPA standards for Fire Service Professional Qualifications. An individual certified to one of the many levels offered will have demonstrated competency in the knowledge and skills required to perform at a particular fire service professional qualification level. Obtaining a certification will augment the professional competency of you and your department. Please note application deadlines! Your completed application with required certificates of training AND payment must be received no later than 4 p.m. per the deadline dates to be considered! All prices for certification are based on required candidate to evaluator ratios. Additional costs may be applied based on number of candidates testing. PSFA Professional Certification Programs are both National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) and the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). Candidates must meet the requirements per the PSFA Certification Department to sit for the exam.
- Prerequisite(s): 18+, current HMO/R, and requirements for exam
- Requirements: TOG, SCBA, & Spare cylinder
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19411
- Starts: Sunday, May 17 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Sunday, May 17, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $75.00 + $10.00
- Hazardous Materials Operations Exam - Summer
- Exam Registration ID: 19412
- Written/Skills: Saturday, June 6 with report time of 7:30 a.m.
- Application Deadline: May 17 by 4 p.m.; see Certification Exam section for application details and requirements.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $200 + $50.00
APPARATUS TRAINING
FREE Emergency Vehicle Driver Training (EVDT)
- Sponsored By PennSTART
- $35 Material Fee applies
- The role of the emergency vehicle driver carries great responsibility. The penalty for not adequately training an emergency vehicle driver also carries legal consequences for the emergency service organization and its personnel. Emergency vehicle drivers have been held both criminally and civilly responsible for their actions. VFIS developed this program to teach emergency vehicle drivers proper driving techniques that include the mental as well as the physical aspects of the driving task. The program stresses the long-term impact of a collision involving an emergency vehicle on the emergency vehicle driver, the emergency service organization and the community. NOTE: This course replaces Emergency Vehicle Operator Training (EVOT). Prior EVDT/EVOT certificates will still be honored by the PA State Fire Academy. Lecture is 8-hours, while skills day is subject to vehicles being tested and number of students; each student will drive the course until they show proficiency or up to three (3) times. Students will receive a certificate for lecture, while receiving a separate certificate for each vehicle tested in. Min/Max for class: 6 / 24
- Prerequisite(s): Minimum age of 18 by first day of class and a valid driver license
- Requirements: Student is responsible for providing apparatus(s) to test in.
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19413
- Starts: Tuesday, March 17 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Tuesday & Thursday, March 17 & 19, 6-10 p.m., & Sunday, March 22, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Sunday, March 22 skills will be at ATC, details provided on the first night of class.
- Tuition / Material Fee: FREE & $35.00 Material Fee
Pump Operations I (PUOP)
- This course provides the fire fighter with an introduction to basic pump construction and theory as well as operating techniques. Emphasis is placed on getting water to the pump, getting water from the pump for hose streams, and prevention of common mistakes in pump operations. Min/Max for class: 10 / 24
- Prerequisites: 18+, ELFG or EBM
- Requirements: TOG & Pumper (not needed first night of class)
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19414
- Starts: Tuesday, March 31 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Tuesday & Thursday, March 31, & April 2, 7, & 9, 6-10 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $85.00 & $10.00
Pump Operations II (PUOA)
- This course is designed to instruct the student in advanced techniques of operating pumps. Topics covered include friction loss, relay pumping, master streams, elevated master streams. Min/Max for class: 10 / 24
- Prerequisites: 18+, PUOP
- Requirements: TOG & Pumper (not needed first night of class)
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19415
- Starts: Tuesday, April 14 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Tuesday & Thursday, April 14, 16, 21, & 23, 6-10 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $85.00 & $10.00
Driver/Operator – Pumper Skills Preparation
- Prerequisites: 18+, Recommend EVDT, PUOA, 18+
- Requirements: TOG & Pumper (not needed first night of class)
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19416
- Starts: Tuesday, April 28 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Tuesday & Thursday, April 28, 30, & May 5, 6-10 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $65.00 & $10.00
- Min/Max for class: 10 / 24
- Driver / Operator Exam Day
- Pumper Exam Registration ID: 19417
- Written & Skills: Sunday, May 10, Report Time 7:30 a.m.
- Application Deadline: Thursday, April 30 by 6 p.m. at the PSTC; see Certification Exam section for application details and requirements.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $200.00 & $50.00
Aerial Apparatus Operations Extended (AELX)
- This course will give a more extensive treatment of the subject of aerial device operation than is afforded by the 16-hour version, AELA. Through both classroom and hands-on practice, students will become familiar with basic design and operational theory of aerial devices, safety considerations, spotting and stabilizing, device operation, elevated master stream, and rescue. An introduction to basic truck company operations is also included. Min/Max for class: 6 / 24
- Prerequisites: 18+, IST or ELIS
- Requirements: TOG & Aerial (not needed first night of class)
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19418
- Starts: Monday, April 6 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Monday & Wednesday, April 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, & 22, 6-10 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $125.00 & $10.00
Driver/Operator - Aerial Apparatus Preparation
- Prerequisites: 18+, Firefighter I, recommend EVDT in Aerial
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19419
- Starts: Monday, April 27 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Monday & Wednesday, April 27, 29, & May 4, 6-10 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $65.00 & $10.00
- Min/Max for class: 6 / 24
- Driver / Operator Exam Day
- Aerial Exam Registration ID: 19420
- Written & Skills: Sunday, May 10, Report Time 7:30 a.m.
- Application Deadline: Thursday, April 30 by 6 p.m. at the PSTC; see Certification Exam section for application details and requirements.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $200.00 & $50.00
Driver/Operator – Mobile Water Supply Skills Preparation with Rural Water Movement Review
- Prerequisites: 18+, recommend EVDT & PUOP
- Requirements: TOG & Tanker (not needed first night of class)
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19421
- Starts: Monday, April 27 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Monday & Wednesday, April 27, 29, & May 4, & 6, 6-10 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $85.00 & $10.00
- Min/Max for class: 6 / 24
- Driver / Operator Exam Day
- Mobile Water Supply Exam Registration ID: 19450
- Written & Skills: Sunday, May 10, Report Time 7:30 a.m.
- Application Deadline: Thursday, April 30 by 6 p.m. at the PSTC; see Certification Exam section for application details and requirements.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $200.00 & $50.00
OFFICER DEVELOPMENT
Introduction to Fire Officership (INFO)
- Introduction to Fire Officership will give the student a basic overview of company officer responsibilities, personnel issues, their role in fire ground operations, and the development of a sound and effective administrative and fire ground organizational structure. Min/Max for class: 6 / 24
- Prerequisites: 18+, ELIF or Equivalent
- Requirements: Note taking material
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19422
- Starts: Tuesday, January 6 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Tuesday & Thursday, January 6, 8, 13, & 15, 6-10 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $85.00 & $10.00
Fire Officer I (Westmoreland Exclusive)
- Company officers face daunting challenges: from firefighter safety to "refereeing" social conflicts in the station. The step from firefighter to officer is a big one; get some help with this course. People management, leadership, pre-planning, budgeting, personnel safety, fire investigations, training and incident command are covered. Don't lead by the seat of your pants, discover some proven officership principles and tips to improve your command ability. The PA Fire Officer I certification exam is administered upon successful completion. NIMS, Haz. Mat. Ops., Firefighter II and Fire Service Instructor I are required for the exam.
- Prerequisites: 18+, ELIF or Equivalent, recommend FF-II certification. Exam requires additional requirements (See Certification exam section for further details).
- Requirements: Note taking material & Jones and Bartlett, Fire Officer: Principles and Practices, 4th Edition
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19423
- Starts: Wednesday, January 28 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Wednesdays, January 28, February 4, 11, & 18, 6-10 p.m., & Sunday, February 1, 8, & 15, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $170.00 & $10.00
- Min/Max for class: 6 / 24
- Fire Officer I Exam
- Please note – exam requirements are different from class requirements
- Exam Registration ID: 19424
- Written/Skills Exam: Sunday, March 1, Report Time of 7:30 a.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $200.00 & $50.00
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 18 by 6 p.m. at the PSTC; see Certification Exam section for application details and requirements.
Educational Methodologies for Local Level Instructors (EMLL)
- The EMLL Course will prepare the successful candidate to effectively instruct adult students in fire and emergency services. Topics include: theories of adult learning, instructor roles and responsibilities, legal and ethical requirements, safety, lesson objectives and planning, methods of knowledge and skill instruction, student evaluation and training program coordination. Students will present several lessons upon which they will be evaluated. This course covers the JPR’s for Instructor I and selected JPR’s for Instructor II as described in the NFPA 1041 Professional Standards for Fire Service Instructor. The EMLL Course prepares the student to successfully complete national certification at Fire Service Instructor I. Although recommended, National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (PRO BOARD) or International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Certification is not mandatory to successfully complete this course. Min/Max for class: 6 / 24
- Prerequisites: 18+
- Requirements: Note taking material & IFSTA, Fire and Emergency Services Instructor, 9th Edition
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19425
- Starts: Monday, March 9 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Monday & Wednesday, March 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30 & April 1, 6, 8, & 13, 6-10 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $170.00 & $10.00
- Instructor I Exam
- Exam Registration ID: 19426
- Written Exam: Friday, April 24, Report Time of 6:00 p.m.
- Skills Exam: Saturday, April 25, Report Time of 7:30 a.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $200.00 & $50.00
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 13 by 6 p.m. at the PSTC; see Certification Exam section for application details and requirements.
Decision Making for Initial Company Operations (DMICO)
- This course is designed to develop a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a Company Officer as they relate to NIMS, Fireground Decision Making, Building Construction types as well as Burn Time Considerations and LODDs from Collapse Incidents while preparing their company for incident operations. Min/Max for class: 6 / 24
- Prerequisites: 18+, ELIF
- Requirements: Note taking material
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19428
- Starts: Saturday, March 14 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Saturday & Sunday, March 14 & 15, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $85.00 & $5.00
FREE Understanding ISO and Improving Your Rating (UISO)
- In this class, you will learn about ISO’s Public Protection Classification (PPC) program, the system which ISO uses to review the firefighting capabilities of nearly 48,000 fire districts across the United States. The primary focus will be on the newly implemented revisions to the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS), the manual used for collecting and processing data for those evaluations. As a result of feedback from a variety of national, state and local organizations in the fields of fire suppression, emergency communications, water supply and code enforcement, ISO has made several key revisions to the PPC program, which are intended to reflect current trends in fire protection and to improve the predictive nature of the community fire mitigation evaluation process and rating. We will provide a detailed review of these changes, including the introduction of a new Community Risk Reduction section, which evaluates Fire Prevention, Public Fire Safety Investigation and Fire Investigation. Fire chiefs and community officials can rely on ISO as an objective source of information and support. Course is a Non-PSFA CEU program and is taught by an approved ISO Field Technician. Min/Max for class: 6 / 30
- Prerequisites: 18+ and ELIF
- Requirements: Note taking material
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19429
- Starts: Saturday, March 21 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Saturday March 21, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: FREE
Fire Attack in Sprinklered Properties (FMSP)
This course gives an overview of how sprinkler systems are designed and constructed, why some large loss fires occur in spite of the presence of sprinklers, and how the fire department can minimize the change of such an occurrence.
- Prerequisites: ELIS
- Requirements: Note taking material
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19430
- Starts: Saturday, March 28 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Saturday, March 28, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $50.00 & $5.00
Incident Safety Officer (NFA) (ISO18)
- The Safety officers’ responsibilities fall into two clear cut categories: those associated with responding at the incident scene, and those associated with managing the day to day affairs of the department. The Incident Safety Officer (ISO) course is focused on the incident and the role the Safety Officer plays as part of the Command Staff. The target audience is Company Officers (CO) who are experienced in firefighter safety issues and are familiar with an Incident Command System, hazardous materials management, and related emergency operations. The program provides the student with the decision-making process and skills required to recognize unsafe acts and conditions and take appropriate corrective actions. Min/Max for class: 6 / 24
- Prerequisites: 18+, NICS-FS or NICS-EMS or ICS and training to the Haz-Mat First Responder Operations level
- Requirements: Note taking material
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19431
- Starts: Saturday, April 11 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Saturday & Sunday, April 11 & 12, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $85.00 & $10.00
Arson Detection for the First Responder - NFA (ADFR)
- The course covers topics which fire suppression personnel must be familiar with in order to facilitate origin and cause determination and possible subsequent investigation of intentionally set fires. Min/Max for class: 6 / 24
- Prerequisites: ELIS
- Requirements: Note taking material
- Class ID: 19432
- Starts: Saturday, April 18 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Saturday & Sunday, April 18 & 19, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $85.00 & $10.00
OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
FREE Traffic Incident Management (PA version)
- This National TIM Responder Training Program establishes the foundation and promotes consistent training for all responders to incidents involving operations on or near a highway. The PA-TIM objectives primarily target operations and special risks to personnel performing fire, rescue and EMS functions. This program examines those risks and provides nationally recognized actions to minimize/reduce those risks. Min/Max for class: 6 / 30
- Sponsored By PennSTART
- Prerequisites: None
- Requirements: None
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19395
- Starts: Sunday, March 29 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Sunday, March 29, 8 a.m. to Noon
- Traffic Incident Management Personnel Certification Exam
- FREE, except $10.00 Material Fee
- NOW OPEN TO AGES 14+
- Sponsored By PennSTART
- Exam Registration ID: 19396
- Starts: Sunday, March 29 at Noon
- Runs: Sunday, March 29, Noon to 5 p.m.
- Application Deadline: Day of exam, but YOU MUST PREREGISTER FOR THE EXAM; see Certification Exam section for application details and requirements.
- Min/Max for Exam: 6 / 30
Principles of Building Construction - Noncombustible (NFA) (BCN)
- The failure of a building or building components under fire conditions is a leading cause of fire fighter death and injury. The ability to recognize and locate relevant information about a building before a fire, and to "read" a building during the course of a fire incident, are essential survival skills. This course gives the student the ability to accomplish these tasks when confronted with a building of fire-resistive or non-combustible construction. The unique problems of conducting emergency operations in buildings under construction are also addressed. Min/Max for class: 6 / 12
- Prerequisites: IST or ELIS
- Requirements: None
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19433
- Starts: April 7 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Tuesday & Thursday, April 7, 9, 14, & 16, 6-10 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $85.00 + $10.00
FREE Basic Fire Police (BFPO)
- Sponsored By PennSTART
- This course provides instruction on the proper method to be appointed, the laws pertaining to fire police, fire police powers, and the expected duties of a new fire police officer.
- Prerequisites: Minimum age: 18 years old at start of course, and certificate for IS-100.B: Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS-100. Min/Max for class: 6 / 12
- Requirements: Pen/Pencil, Notebook; and PPE
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19434
- Starts: Saturday, April 18 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Saturday & Sunday, April 18 & 19, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: FREE + $10.00
FREE Advanced Fire Police (FIPA)
- Sponsored By PennSTART
- To set forth facts that fire police training must be in depth, continuous and expanding; that only persons with intelligent dedication can meet the strict demands required for this type of duty assignment. Description of Course: This course will touch upon training and the training officer's qualifications, policy & procedures, legal liabilities, court appearance, leadership, communications and public relations, defensive driving, traffic control, security, self-protection and uniforms. Min/Max for class: 6 / 12
- Prerequisites: Minimum age: 18 years old at start of course, and BFPO.
- Requirements: Pen/Pencil, Notebook; and PPE
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19435
- Starts: Saturday, May 16 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Saturday & Sunday, May 16 & 17, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: FREE + $10.00
NEW Program FAA Drone Pilot Part 107 Prep & Flight Time
- A drone Part 107 class, or a Part 107 prep course, is a course designed to teach individuals the knowledge required to pass the FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate exam, which is necessary for flying drones for any commercial, business, or compensation-related purpose in the United States. This class covers topic like FAA regulations, drone operations, airspace, weather, and safety, enabling aspiring commercial drone pilots to understand the legal framework and operational requirements for safe and compliant flight. Drone will be provided, but students are encouraged to bring theirs if applicable. Min/Max for class: 6 / 12
- Prerequisites: 18+
- Requirements: Note taking material, department drone if available.
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19436
- Starts: Saturday, May 16 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Saturday May 16, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $70.00 & $25.00 (drone rental fee)
FIRE SUPPRESSION
Structural Burn Session (SBS)
- This course will provide the student with a review and application of the techniques used in safe firefighting practices in an actual fire environment. Emphasis is placed on safety for both interior and exterior operations. Min/Max for class: 16 / 24
- Prerequisites: 18+, ELIF or EBM
- Requirements: TOG, SCBA, & Spare cylinder (not required the first night of class)
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19437
- Starts: Monday, April 13 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Monday & Wednesday, April 13 & 15, 6-10 p.m., & Saturday, April 18, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $175.00 & $25.00
Truck Company Operations I (TRCO)
- Truck companies, regardless of whether they arrive on an aerial device, squad, or engine, are the ‘combat engineers’ of fire attack operations. This course, for experienced fire fighters, will introduce the student to the basic concept of truck company operations and duties, including organizing the delivery of truck company services, selection and use of key tools, advanced ventilation and forcible entry theory and practices, search and rescue, and other fire attack support functions. Min/Max for class: 12 / 24
- Prerequisites: 18+, ELIF or EBM or FF I certification
- Requirements: TOG, SCBA, & Spare Cylinder (not required the first night of class)
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19438
- Starts: Tuesday, April 28 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Tuesday & Thursday, April 28 & 30, 6-10 p.m., & Sunday, May 3, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $85.00 & $10.00
Engine Company Operations (ECOP)
- A discussion of fire behavior and spread in structures, methods of calculating needed fire flow and organizing and equipping engine company is followed by a series of "hands on" drills involving various engine company evolutions. Min/Max for class: 12 / 24
- Prerequisites: 18+, ELIF or EBM or FF I certification
- Requirements: TOG, SCBA, & Spare Cylinder (not required the first night of class)
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19439
- Starts: Tuesday, May 5 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Tuesday & Thursday, May 5, 7, 12, & 14, 6-10 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $85.00 & $10.00
Electric Vehicle (EV) Fire/Crash Operations (Westmoreland Exclusive)
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Fire/Crash Operations (Westmoreland Exclusive) is an operations level 8-hour course involving 4-hours of review on firefighting techniques for handling hybrid and electric vehicle fires and crash operations. The practical session, to include student hands-on, will review various techniques in stabilizing and controlling EV fires to include but not limited to usage of fire blankets, various extinguishment/cooling techniques, and review of various types of EV vehicles. Prerequisites: Course is a WCCC CEU program. Total hours = 8, CEUs = 0.8.
- Prerequisites: Minimum age: 18 years old at start of course & ELEF.
- Requirements: Pen/Pencil, Notebook, TOG, SCBA, & Spare Cylinder.
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19440
- Starts: Sunday, May 17 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Sunday, May 17, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $80.00 & $25.00
TECHNICAL RESCUE SERIES
Water Rescue Series
Water Rescue for the First Responder Awareness Level – NFPA 1670 Awareness Level (WRFR-A)
- This classroom course is for anyone who may respond to a water emergency. Topics include scene assessment, activation of the emergency response system, evaluation of potential and existing water hazards, scene management, rescue vs recovery, and personal safety measures. Min/Max for class: 6 / 30
- Prerequisites: 18+
- Requirements: None
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19441
- Starts: Wednesday, March 18 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Wednesday, March 18, 6-10 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $35.00 + $5.00
Water Rescue & Emergency Response – NFPA 1670 Operations Level (WRER)
- Planning for water emergencies, dynamics of moving water, medical conditions, personal safety & fundamental rescue techniques (self & shore based). The program goals are to: Familiarize the rescuer with the proper procedures used in basic water safety and safe boat handling, Have the rescuer demonstrate a proficiency in water rescue relative to individual capabilities, Provide the rescuer with competency in dealing with on-the-water emergencies. Min/Max for class: 6 / 12
- Prerequisites: 18+, Able to swim and meet PFBC Swim Standard Guidelines for curriculum.
- Requirements: Student is responsible for proper PPE.
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19442
- Starts: Sunday, April 26 at 8 a.m.
- Run: Sunday, April 26 & May 3, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, May 3 morning will be the pool session at Mon-Valley YMCA, then to at designated water rescue area based on water levels in the area.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $120.00 & $50.00
Advanced Line Systems Rescue (PA Fish & Boat Commission) (ALSR)
- Advanced Line Systems Rescue course trains rescue personnel in complex rescue systems that expose personnel to potentially life-threatening hazards. These systems should only be used when lower risk options have been exhausted and when the team has the training, equipment, and skills to utilize these techniques. The systems taught in the course require rescue personnel to: Select the appropriate system or technique for the situation, Establish and operate the system, Effect the rescue or recovery, Swimming skills proficiency. Classroom and practical hands-on training includes: static line systems rescues such as the moveable control point (MCP), 3:1 mechanical advantage (also known as z-drag or z-rig) and zip line (tension diagonal). Tethered rescuer techniques using Type V rescue personal flotation devices (PFD) are also addressed. Min/Max for class: 6 / 12
- Prerequisites: 18+, WRER (Water Rescue & Emergency Response – NFPA 1670 Operations, able to swim and meet PFBC Swim Standard Guidelines for curriculum.
- Requirements: Student is responsible for proper PPE.
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19443
- Starts: Sunday, May 31 at 8 a.m.
- Run: Sunday, May 31 & June 7, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, June 7 morning will be the pool session at Mon-Valley YMCA, then to at designated water rescue area based on water levels in the area.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $120.00 & $50.00
Technical Rescue Series
NEW Man Vs Machine – Awareness
- Students learn techniques and perform rescue procedures from various general awareness situations, to include ring removal, child swing, auger entanglement, meat grinder, and impalement. In addition, lockout/tagout procedures for machinery is covered. The Classroom and Practical Skills segments of the program emphasize finding the simplest and most effective rescue methods, avoiding overcomplication of the situation. 8-hours (Lecture=3, Skills=5), CEUs = 0.8. Min/Max for class: 6 / 12
- Prerequisites: 18+, EBM or ELIF, preferred BVR series
- Requirements: PPE
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19444
- Starts: Sunday, April 19 at 8 a.m.
- Run: Sunday, April 19, 8a.m.-4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $75.00 & $100.00
Structural Collapse Series
Structural Collapse Operations, Level I (SCOA) & Structural Collapse Operations - Level II (SCOF)
- SCOA (Prerequisites: Fire Service Personnel – ELIS): This course is designed to familiarize students with operations at the scene of a structure collapse so they may be able to function at the initial stages of a structural collapse operation, identify and magnitude hazards, recognize the need for assistance, and perform as an integral part of the overall operation once technical rescue teams are on site. SCOF (Prerequisites: Confined Space Rescue (CSR) or Building Construction: Noncombustible & Fire Resistive (BCN) or Building Construction: Wood and Ordinary (BCP) AND Structural Collapse Operations I (SCOA)): This course gives fire department and rescue personnel the knowledge and skills · necessary to operate effectively at incidents involving the collapse of light frame and heavy wall structures. Students are given extensive hands on instruction in structure assessment, emergency shoring and stabilization, breaching building materials and patient packaging and extrication. Min/Max for class: 10 / 24
- Location: PSTC
- SCOF Requirements: PPE & Hammer
- SCOA Starts/Runs: Friday, May 15 at 6 p.m.
- SCOA Tuition / Material Fee: $35.00 & $5.00
- Class ID: 19445
- SCOF Starts: Saturday, May 16 at 8 a.m.
- SCOF Runs: Saturday & Sunday, May 16 & 17, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- SCOF Tuition / Material Fee: $125.00 & $100.00
- Class ID: 19446
- Building Construction: Wood and Ordinary (BCP) – Scheduled for Tuesday & Thursday, April 7, 9, 14, & 16, 6-10 p.m. Class ID: 19433; See Operational Support for course description and registration.
Advanced Structural Collapse Operations (WCCC Exclusive)
- This course is designed to teach students advanced skills necessary to perform technical level structural collapse operations at incidents involving heavy wall structures. Description of Course: This course gives rescue personnel the knowledge and skills to breach/break concrete, oxy/acetylene steel cutting advanced shoring, search cam and DELSAR seismic patient location as well as confined space shoring. Students are given extensive hands on instruction in structure assessment, emergency shoring and stabilization, breaching building materials and patient packaging and extrication. Min/Max for class: 10 / 24
- Prerequisites: Minimum age: 18 years old at start of course, and PSFA SCOF.
- Requirements: Pen/Pencil, Notebook; and PPE.
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19447
- Starts: Tuesday, June 2 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Tuesday & Thursday, June 2 & 4, 6-10 p.m., & Saturday & Sunday, June 6 & 7, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $180.00 & $150.00
Trench Rescue Operations (TRRE)
- This course will introduce the student to the knowledges and skills necessary to safely and effectively perform complex rescue operations in collapsed trench excavations. Course work will include practical drills and demonstration in simulated trench excavations. Course goal is to provide the students with the knowledge and skills necessary for them to safely and effectively participate in a trench rescue evolution. Min/Max for class: 10 / 24
- Prerequisites: Minimum age: 18 years old at start of course, & ELIS or ITS or equivalent discipline-specific training in occupational safety
- Requirements: Pen/Pencil, Notebook; and PPE.
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19448
- Starts: Saturday, August 8 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Saturday & Sunday, August 8 & 9, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $120.00 & $100.00
Rope Rescue
Basic Rigging for Rope Rescue (ROBR)
- Participants in this course will be introduced to characteristics of rope, rope hardware and various knots and hitches. Students will participate in patient packaging and stokes basket handling exercises. Students will be introduced to basic haul and lowering systems and their practical uses. Most of the program is hands on and time is allotted for practice to build proficiency.
- Prerequisites: ELIS or IST
- Requirements: PPE
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19449
- Start: Tuesday, May 5 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Tuesday & Thursday, May 5, 7, 6-10 p.m., & Saturday, May 9, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $85.00 & $20.00
Vehicle Rescue Series
NFPA 1006 Passenger Vehicle Rescue Awareness 24 (PVRA-24)
- This course will provide basic awareness-level knowledge and skills as they pertain to vehicle rescue incidents. Topics presented include Commonwealth and nationally recognized professional standards, qualifications, and Job Performance Requirements (JPR's) for technical rescuers as they pertain to common passenger vehicle rescue. A functional understanding of accident scene size-up, incident command and resource management to enable the student the ability to operate safely at a vehicle accident/rescue scene. Hazard identification and risk assessment skills enable the student to support an Incident Action Plan and effect mitigation procedures towards a successful vehicle rescue operation. Finally, the student will develop a familiarity with the inspection, application, and operation of common passenger vehicle rescue tools and equipment. Min/Max for class: 10 / 24
- Prerequisite(s): Participants entering the program MUST be at least 16 years of age by the first day of class, have completed the FEMA’s NIMS 100 & 700, an approved HAZMAT Awareness course, and at least four (4) hours of training in a recognized Traffic Incident Management (TIM) course.
- Requirements: PPE
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19398
- Starts: Monday, April 6 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Monday & Wednesday, April 6 & 8, 6-10 p.m., & Saturday, April 11, 8 a.m. -4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $100.00 & $125.00
BLS CPR & First Aid for Firefighter I and Vehicle Rescue Series
- IF NEEDED for Firefighter I and/or Vehicle Rescue Series
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19399
- Starts: Monday, April 13 at 6 p.m.
- Runs: Monday, April 13, 6 – 10 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $35.00 & $35.00
- Min/Max for class: 6 / 24
NFPA 1006 Passenger Vehicle Rescue Operations 24 (PVRO-24)
- This course will provide basic, operations-level knowledge and skills as they pertain to common passenger vehicle rescue incidents. Topics will include vehicle anatomy and supplemental restraint systems, vehicle stabilization, limited patient access and management techniques as well as the influence of advanced technology associated with newer vehicles on rescue operations. The course concludes with a review of the processes leading to termination of the vehicle rescue incident and post-incident analysis. Min/Max for class: 10 / 24
- Prerequisite(s): Participants entering the program MUST be at least 16 years of age by the first day of class; completed the PA State Fire Academy/Department of Health NFPA 1006 Passenger Vehicle Rescue Awareness 24 course, possess a current approved first aid certification or current EMS Provider certification and possess current approved CPR certification and possess a Hazardous Materials Operations training or national certification.
- Requirements: PPE
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19400
- Starts: Sunday, April 12 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Wednesday, April 15, 6-10 p.m., & Saturday & Sunday, April 12, 18, & 19, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $150.00 & $125.00
NFPA 1006 Passenger Vehicle Rescue Technician 24 (PVRT-24)
- This course will provide advanced, technician-level knowledge and skills as they pertain to common passenger vehicle rescue incidents. Topics will include advanced patient access and disentanglement techniques as well as rescue techniques for occupants entrapped under a vehicle. The course will also include one or more integrated exercises that will allow each student, while working as a member of a group, to access, disentangle, package, and extricate one or more patients from a common passenger vehicle accident scenario.
- Prerequisite(s): Participants entering the program MUST be at least 16 years of age by the first day of class; completed the PA State Fire Academy/Department of Health NFPA 1006 Passenger Vehicle Rescue Operations 24 course. possess a current approved first aid certification or current EMS Provider certification and possess current approved CPR certification and possess a Hazardous Materials Operations training or national certification. Min/Max for class: 10 / 24
- Requirements: PPE
- Location: PSTC
- Class ID: 19401
- Starts: Sunday, April 26 at 8 a.m.
- Runs: Sunday, April 26 & May 3, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $130.00 & $125.00
Vehicle Rescue Certification Exam
- Class ID: 19402
- Written Exam: Friday, May 8, Report Time 6 p.m.
- Skills Exam: Saturday, May 9, Report Time 7:30 a.m., Exam Skills Overflow Day (if needed) – Sunday, May 10, Report Time 7:30 a.m.
- Application Deadline: Friday, April 24 by 6 p.m. at the PSTC; see Certification Exam section for application details and requirements.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $250.00 & $225.00*
- Retests requiring additional vehicles, to include the day of testing is an additional $250.00 fee per vehicle; price can be split amongst additional candidates retesting.
CERTIFICATION EXAMS
Professional Certification Program(s) are designed to recognize emergency service personnel that have demonstrated proficiency and an ability to do the job in accordance with nationally recognized peer-developed standards via the NFPA standards for Fire Service Professional Qualifications. An individual certified to one of the many levels offered will have demonstrated competency in the knowledge and skills required to perform at a particular fire service professional qualification level. Obtaining a certification will augment the professional competency of you and your department.
Exam applications and associated requirements available at:
Please note application deadlines! Your completed application with required certificates of training AND payment must be received per the deadline date and time to be considered. All prices for certification are based on required candidate to evaluator ratios. Additional costs may be applied based on number of candidates testing. Application and payment MUST be sent to:
- Marc Jackson, PSTC Director
- 65 Public Safety Drive
- Smithton, PA 15479
- NO EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR HOLDING EXAM SPOT
PLEASE NOTE: Application MUST be typed, with all proper signatures, required certificates of completion, and payment to be accepted.
- Applications with pending certificate of completion by WCCC, can be submitted with the missing documentation, but MUST BE accompanied with a sticky note advising of the pending certificate of completion.
- Certificates of completion from outside agencies that have not been received by deadline will not be accepted.
- Recommend a department check or money order due to delay in receiving payment, and associated processing.
- Payment needs to be written out to WCCC, with type of exam and your name in the memo.
- No requests for invoicing by departments will be accepted.
Certification Retesting Policy
- Skills retesting for any PSFA Certification Exam during initial skills testing is NOT GUARANTEED nor REQUIRED and is subject to multiple conditions, to include, but not limited to: PSFA certification policy, weather, number of retests, and associated time related to associated retests. Typically, no retesting of skills is permitted after 4:30 p.m., but subject to review at the time of exam.
- Written Retests can be scheduled at the PSTC based on both candidate and Test Site Coordinators availability; there is no fee for written retest.
- Skill Retesting can be rescheduled when a regular skills exam is scheduled to run,
and is subject to evaluators associated with scheduled exam being qualified to retest
said skills and candidate size of scheduled exam; there is no fee for skills retest,
unless an associated material fee is required, such a vehicle rescue.
- Individuals that are unable or unwilling to wait for a regular scheduled exam, and thus requesting a private skills retest can be scheduled for a $250.00, but is subject to site availability and required staffing. Associated fee is to cover cost of staff required per PSFA.
HMA PRO BOARD/IFSAC Exam - Spring
- Exam Registration ID: 19383
- Written Exam: Tuesday, January 20 at 6 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $45.00 + $10.00
- Application Deadline: Day of exam, but YOU MUST PREREGISTER FOR THE EXAM
Fire Officer I Exam
- Exam Registration ID: 19424
- Written/Skills Exam: Sunday, March 1, Report Time of 7:30 a.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $200.00 & $50.00
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 18 by 6 p.m. at the PSTC
Traffic Incident Management Personnel Certification Exam
- FREE, except $10.00 Material Fee
- Sponsored By PennSTART
- NOW OPEN TO AGES 14+
- Exam Registration ID: 19396
- Starts: Sunday, March 29 at Noon
- Runs: Sunday, March 29, Noon to 5 p.m.
- Application Deadline: Day of exam, but YOU MUST PREREGISTER FOR THE EXAM
Instructor I Exam
- Exam Registration ID: 19426
- Written Exam: Friday, April 24, Report Time of 6:00 p.m.
- Skills Exam: Saturday, April 25, Report Time of 7:30 a.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $200.00 & $50.00
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 1 by 6 p.m. at the PSTC
Firefighter I Exam - Spring
- Exam Registration ID: 19393
- Written Exam: Friday, April 24, Report Time of 6:00 p.m.
- Skills Exam: Saturday, April 25, Report Time of 7:30 a.m.; Exam Skills Overflow Day (if needed) – Sunday, April 26, Report Time 7:30 a.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $200.00 & $50.00
- Application Deadline: Tuesday, April 14 by 6 p.m. at the PSTC
Vehicle Rescue Certification Exam
- Exam Registration ID: 19402
- Written Exam: Friday, May 8, Report Time 6 p.m.
- Skills Exam: Saturday, May 9, Report Time 7:30 a.m., Exam Skills Overflow Day (if needed) – Sunday, May 10, Report Time 7:30 a.m.
- Application Deadline: Friday, April 24 by 6 p.m. at the PSTC
- Tuition / Material Fee: $250.00 & $225.00* *Retests requiring additional vehicles, to include the day of testing is an additional $250.00 fee per vehicle; price can be split amongst additional candidates retesting.
Driver / Operator Exam Day
- Pumper Exam Registration ID: 19417
- Aerial Exam Registration ID: 19420
- Mobile Water Supply Exam Registration ID: 19450
- Written & Skills: Sunday, May 10, Report Time 7:30 a.m.
- Application Deadline: Thursday, April 30 by 6 p.m. at the PSTC
- Tuition / Material Fee: $200.00 & $50.00
Firefighter II Certification Exam
- Exam Registration ID: 19403
- Written & Skills: Saturday, May 30, Report Time 7:30 a.m.
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, May 13 by 6 p.m. at the PSTC
- Tuition / Material Fee: $200.00 & $50.00
Hazardous Materials Operations Exam - Summer
- Exam Registration ID: 19412
- Written/Skills: Saturday, June 6 with report time of 7:30 a.m.
- Application Deadline: May 17 by 4 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $200.00 & $50.00
HMA PRO BOARD/IFSAC Exam - Summer
- Exam Registration ID: 19405
- Written Exam: Wednesday, August 5 at 6 p.m.
- Tuition / Material Fee: $45.00 + $10.00
- Application Deadline: Day of exam, but YOU MUST PREREGISTER FOR THE EXAM