Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) Academy

Red Rocks Community College  (RRCC) Academy is a partnership between the college and the West Metro Fire Rescue Training and Event Center.

The Firefighter I Training Academy is an intensive 12-college credit program and is 16 weeks in length. Students are expected to spend approximately two hours of study/practice time for each hour spent in class and on practical drills.

Students who successfully complete all three required courses will receive a Firefighter I Academy certificate from Red Rocks Community College (RRCC). In addition, they are eligible to take the (CDFS) Firefighter I and Hazardous Materials Operations certification exams. 

Requirements Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED, and complete an assessment test (ACCUPLACER) to determine reading and writing skills level.

Physical Demands Firefighting is an extremely physically demanding profession. Students are expected to be physically fit. To participate in the academy, students are required to pass the WMFR Physical Ability Test.

The test is administered in the second week of the academy. Information is available. Students should have an exercise program prior to attending the academy, and start increasing their endurance and aerobic conditioning several months prior to the start of the academy.

Students may want to consider taking FST 160, the Candidate Physical Ability Test prep class, the semester prior to attending the academy.

Download the PAT prep program. Academic Demands The program demands a high level of academic performance both within the classroom as well as with homework assignments.

This requires the student to attend all class sessions as well as adequately prepare for and follow through with the workload outside of class. Students can expect approximately two hours of homework/study time for each hour of time spent in class.

This equates to an additional 32- 40 hours per week outside of the classroom or drill ground. RRCC discourages students from participating in the academy if this is their first semester of post-secondary education. This is due to the heavy workload and self-discipline necessary to successfully complete the academy.