Because this is a limited access program with many variables and a special application requirement, it's important for prospective students to meet application deadline dates.
Annual Application Deadlines:
- Fall Term/August Start: Apply by June 14th
- Spring Term/January Start: Apply by November 20th
All interested persons should request and read the Firefighter Information Packet prior to applying. (Please Note: That link will open an email that you must create and send for the packet to be sent via return email.)
Important Note: While medical training is not required for entry, applicants receive preference points for First Responder, EMT, or Paramedic training. It is strongly recommended that applicants complete the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) class prior to the Fire Fighter program. EFSC offers Emergency Medical Technician every semester.
You should also review estimated expenses and frequently asked questions about the Fire Fighter program.
Request Appointment for Advising
Apply for General Admission to EFSC
If you are not already an accepted EFSC student, complete and properly submit the application for general admission to Eastern Florida State College. This application is available online.
There is a $30 non-refundable application fee for admission that must be submitted at the time of application to the college. Complete all general admissions requirements with the main EFSC Admissions office.
Please note that application processing can take up to 14 days due to the current volume of applications. Check your email frequently for your acceptance letter.
NOTE: This general application step pertains ONLY to those students who are not currently enrolled with the college. If you’re a returning/readmit student who applied to EFSC one or more years ago and have not completed a course in the past year, you must re-apply and can do so online and will not be charged the general EFSC application fee.
If you are a new EFSC student, your general admissions acceptance letter and email will list admissions requirements that you must complete to avoid holds that would prevent you from registering for courses if accepted into the firefighter program.
You can also review how to complete these general requirements on EFSC's accepted students page.
If you are an existing EFSC student, you need to verify that you do not have any holds that would prevent course registration if you are accepted into the program.
Visit the Registration Holds webpage for details on how to check your EFSC Message Center for holds and how to clear them.
Complete Online Application for Fire Fighter Program
After you have received your general EFSC Admissions Acceptance letter or if you are a current EFSC student, you must submit the online Public Safety Institute Application. This limited access application is in addition to the general application and MUST be properly submitted by the application deadline.
Your general admissions acceptance letter will include your student email address and password required to log in to your myEFSC account when prompted so you can submit the limited access Public Safety application.
If you plan to earn just the Fire Fighter certificate, be sure to choose that option on the application. If you instead want to earn the EMT one term and EFSC's Fire Fighter I/II CTC the next term, be sure to choose that option and pay careful attention to which term you are choosing.
Submit the Online Public Safety Application
There is a $25 non-refundable fee for the Public Safety application which can be paid through your myEFSC online account or at a campus Student Accounts Business Office no later than the application deadline.
Annual Application Deadlines
Fall Term Start: June 14th
Spring Term Start: December 4th
Take the TABE Test or Qualify for an Exemption
The TABE (Test for Adult Basic Education - 11/12 Level A) is a required exam that students must pass in order to graduate from the Fire Fighter program. It is not an entrance exam. Under Florida Statute, students enrolled in a Career and Technical Certificate (CTC) program that requires TABE must take the exam or qualify for an exemption within the first six weeks after beginning classes in the program.
Here are the details for both options and it’s the student’s responsibility to ensure they meet the TABE requirements by testing or obtaining the exemption in a timely manner.
• Take the TABE. Consider taking the TABE prior to starting the program when you may have more time. View TABE Preparation Resources and schedule the TABE at an EFSC Testing Center using the RegisterBlast appointment system. If you do not meet the scoring requirements, you can remediate in the deficient area and retest before graduation. View the TABE Remediation Process.
• Do you qualify for a TABE exemption? See the TABE Exemptions page. If you think you will qualify, email the Testing Center staff at testingassessment@easternflorida.edu and they will assist you with completing the required form and having the proper documentation on file to support the TABE exemption.
Consequences for failing to meet the requirement include but are not limited to; the student not receiving certificate of completion, not being permitted to register for future classes, or dropped from course without a refund.
