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Fire Science & Safety
The Fire Science and Safety program at Houston City College supports the growing national demand for college-educated fire service professionals. The program builds technical skills in fire suppression, fire prevention, fire service management, life safety, and related areas to prepare students for advancement in the modern fire-fighting workforce.
Programs
Fire & Arson Investigation, A.A.S.
The Fire Protection program provides courses leading to an AAS degree in Fire and Arson Investigation Technology. The AAS degree in Fire and Arson Investigation Technology provides advanced training and education in fire and arson investigation techniques and topics. The curriculum includes courses from the Criminal Justice program.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) allows students to earn only one AAS in Fire Protection and Safety Technology. Students must choose from one of the following three specializations: Fire Officer, Fire Fighter or Industrial.
You cannot be placed in any Fire Safety AAS plan until you have completed the TCFP certificate (Basic Fire Fighting Academy).
TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.
General Requirements - Fire Instructor
The series of three courses provides training required to apply for the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Fire Instructor I, II, and III certifications. These courses also provide a three-course certification step to becoming a Training Program Manager. To obtain the TCFP Fire Instructor I, II, and III certification, participants must have a Basic Fire Fighter certification with TCFP and pass the Knowledge and Skills tests for each level of certification. An application fee of $15 per certification must be paid to TCFP when submitting an application to take the final assessment from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.
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Fire Science and Safety Technology students will be able to: Name the principles, theory, and practices associated with leading edge fire science and management, including issues associated with tactical fire operations, fire safety, firefighting leadership and management, and community fire issues. Recall aspects of fire department organization, operations, tools and equipment, the role of the fire fighter, hazardous materials awareness and the mission of the fire service. Use fire ground operations and fire suppression, hazardous materials operations and rescue techniques. Complete certifications by successfully passing a written and practical state exam in the specialty discipline by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection based on National Fire Protection Association standards. This reflects professional preparedness.
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Fire Instructor students will be able to: Demonstrate a lesson plan using instructional aids and evaluation forms. Develop a lesson plan, schedule training sessions, and conduct a class using lesson plans. Develop a comprehensive training curriculum and write equipment specifications from specific curriculum information.
| Program /Aligned Award |
Agency Standard | HCC Standard | 2021 2022 Pass Rate (#Passed) |
2022 2023 Pass Rate (#Passed) |
2023 2024 Pass Rate (#Passed) |
2023 2024 Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Science & Safety/ Firefighter AAS |
70% | 75% | 74% (28) | 89% (24) | 71% (20) | Meets Standards |
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
Larry Spann
Cleto Hernandez
Vedron Bordeaux
- Duration
- 2 years (full time)
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Hybrid
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits: 60
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View the Fire & Arson Investigation, A.A.S. Program degree plan to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
-
Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.
Firefighter, A.A.S.
Students seeking a career in the Fire Service can receive a certification required to work as a fire fighter in the State of Texas. By completing this AAS degree, students are eligible to take the State exam. The demand for firefighters is increasing, and those with certification and an associate degree have an educational advantage over those with a basic certification. These awards meet the educational need for advanced certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) allows students to earn only one AAS in Fire Protection and Safety Technology. Students must choose from one of the following three specializations: Fire Officer, Fire Fighter or Industrial.
You cannot be placed in any Fire Safety AAS plan until you have completed the TCFP certificate (Basic Fire Fighting Academy).
TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.
General Requirements- Fire Instructor
The series of three courses provides training required to apply for the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Fire Instructor I, II, and III certifications. These courses also provide a three-course certification step to becoming a Training Program Manager. To obtain the TCFP Fire Instructor I, II, and III certification, participants must have a Basic Fire Fighter certification with TCFP and pass the Knowledge and Skills tests for each level of certification. An application fee of $15 per certification must be paid to TCFP when submitting an application to take the final assessment from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.
-
Fire Science and Safety Technology students will be able to: Name the principles, theory, and practices associated with leading edge fire science and management, including issues associated with tactical fire operations, fire safety, firefighting leadership and management, and community fire issues. Recall aspects of fire department organization, operations, tools and equipment, the role of the fire fighter, hazardous materials awareness and the mission of the fire service. Use fire ground operations and fire suppression, hazardous materials operations and rescue techniques. Complete certifications by successfully passing a written and practical state exam in the specialty discipline by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection based on National Fire Protection Association standards. This reflects professional preparedness.
-
Fire Instructor students will be able to: Demonstrate a lesson plan using instructional aids and evaluation forms. Develop a lesson plan, schedule training sessions, and conduct a class using lesson plans. Develop a comprehensive training curriculum and write equipment specifications from specific curriculum information.
| Program /Aligned Award |
Agency Standard | HCC Standard | 2021 2022 Pass Rate (#Passed) |
2022 2023 Pass Rate (#Passed) |
2023 2024 Pass Rate (#Passed) |
2023 2024 Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Science & Safety/ Firefighter AAS |
70% | 75% | 74% (28) | 89% (24) | 71% (20) | Meets Standards |
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
Larry Spann
Newton Smith
Dwight Allen
- Duration
- 2 years (full time)
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Hybrid
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits: 60
-
View the Firefighter, A.A.S. Program degree plan to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
-
Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.
Basic Firefighter, C1
Students completing the Basic Fire Fighting certificate will meet the requirements for the Texas Commission on Fire Protection minimum standards for working as a fire fighter in the State of Texas. This certificate can be for credit or noncredit. Credit hours will apply to the AAS degree Fire Science/Firefighting.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) allows students to earn only one AAS in Fire Protection and Safety Technology. Students must choose from one of the following three specializations: Fire Officer, Fire Fighter or Industrial.
You cannot be placed in any Fire Safety AAS plan until you have completed the TCFP certificate (Basic Fire Fighting Academy).
TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.
General Requirements - Fire Instructor
The series of three courses provides training required to apply for the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Fire Instructor I, II, and III certifications. These courses also provide a three-course certification step to becoming a Training Program Manager. To obtain the TCFP Fire Instructor I, II, and III certification, participants must have a Basic Fire Fighter certification with TCFP and pass the Knowledge and Skills tests for each level of certification. An application fee of $15 per certification must be paid to TCFP when submitting an application to take the final assessment from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
Larry Spann
Cleto Hernandez
Vedron Bordeaux
- Duration
- 2 semesters (full time)
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits for the Level 1 Certificate: 26
-
View the Basic Firefighter, C1 to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
-
Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.
Fire Officer, C1
The Fire Officer I certificate is offered to fire fighters who complete the required courses and who reach the level of competency described by NFPA standard 1021. These six courses allow fire fighters to take the Fire Officer I test from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) allows students to earn only one AAS in Fire Protection and Safety Technology. Students must choose from one of the following three specializations: Fire Officer, Fire Fighter or Industrial.
You cannot be placed in any Fire Safety AAS plan until you have completed the TCFP certificate (Basic Fire Fighting Academy).
TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.
General Requirements - Fire Instructor
The series of three courses provides training required to apply for the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Fire Instructor I, II, and III certifications. These courses also provide a three-course certification step to becoming a Training Program Manager. To obtain the TCFP Fire Instructor I, II, and III certification, participants must have a Basic Fire Fighter certification with TCFP and pass the Knowledge and Skills tests for each level of certification. An application fee of $15 per certification must be paid to TCFP when submitting an application to take the final assessment from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
Larry Spann
Cleto Hernandez
Vedron Bordeaux
- Duration
- 2 semesters (full time)
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Hybrid
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits for the Level 1 Certificate: 18
-
View the Fire Officer, C1 to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
-
Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.
Fire & Arson Investigator, O.S.A.
The Fire and Arson Investigator Occupational Skills Award (OSA) provides students work in a public or private organization to investigate fires and determine the cause and origin. It also provides the certification to give credibility to testimony of cause and origin of fires. Students completing the OSA will be able to list possible motives for fire setters and describe the elements of investigation practices.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) allows students to earn only one AAS in Fire Protection and Safety Technology. Students must choose from one of the following three specializations: Fire Officer, Fire Fighter or Industrial.
You cannot be placed in any Fire Safety AAS plan until you have completed the TCFP certificate (Basic Fire Fighting Academy).
TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.
General Requirements - Fire Instructor
The series of three courses provides training required to apply for the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Fire Instructor I, II, and III certifications. These courses also provide a three-course certification step to becoming a Training Program Manager. To obtain the TCFP Fire Instructor I, II, and III certification, participants must have a Basic Fire Fighter certification with TCFP and pass the Knowledge and Skills tests for each level of certification. An application fee of $15 per certification must be paid to TCFP when submitting an application to take the final assessment from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
Larry Spann
Cleto Hernandez
Vedron Bordeaux
- Duration
- 1 semester (full time)
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Hybrid
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits for the Occupational Skills Award: 9
-
View the Fire & Arson Investigator, O.S.A. to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
-
Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.
Fire Inspector, O.S.A.
The Fire Inspector Occupational Skills Award (OSA) provides students with work inspecting buildings and occupancies for fire hazards. It also provides certification for individuals to enforce building and occupancy codes to prevent loss of life and prevent fires. Students completing the OSA should be able to utilize the appropriate codes, list types of construction and occupancy classifications, identify building service equipment, processes and hazards, list different types of fire protection systems, water supply and be able to review blueprints and make corrections that comply with current codes.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) allows students to earn only one AAS in Fire Protection and Safety Technology. Students must choose from one of the following three specializations: Fire Officer, Fire Fighter or Industrial.
You cannot be placed in any Fire Safety AAS plan until you have completed the TCFP certificate (Basic Fire Fighting Academy).
TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.
General Requirements - Fire Instructor
The series of three courses provides training required to apply for the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Fire Instructor I, II, and III certifications. These courses also provide a three-course certification step to becoming a Training Program Manager. To obtain the TCFP Fire Instructor I, II, and III certification, participants must have a Basic Fire Fighter certification with TCFP and pass the Knowledge and Skills tests for each level of certification. An application fee of $15 per certification must be paid to TCFP when submitting an application to take the final assessment from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
Larry Spann
Cleto Hernandez
Vedron Bordeaux
- Duration
- 1 semester (full time)
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Hybrid
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits for the Occupational Skills Award: 9
-
View the Fire Inspector, O.S.A. to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
-
Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.
Fire Instructor, O.S.A.
The series of three courses provides training required to apply for the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Fire Instructor I, II, and III certifications.These courses also provide a three-course certification step to becoming a Training Program Manager.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) allows students to earn only one AAS in Fire Protection and Safety Technology. Students must choose from one of the following three specializations: Fire Officer, Fire Fighter or Industrial.
You cannot be placed in any Fire Safety AAS plan until you have completed the TCFP certificate (Basic Fire Fighting Academy).
TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.
General Requirements - Fire Instructor
The series of three courses provides training required to apply for the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Fire Instructor I, II, and III certifications. These courses also provide a three-course certification step to becoming a Training Program Manager. To obtain the TCFP Fire Instructor I, II, and III certification, participants must have a Basic Fire Fighter certification with TCFP and pass the Knowledge and Skills tests for each level of certification. An application fee of $15 per certification must be paid to TCFP when submitting an application to take the final assessment from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
Larry Spann
- Duration
- 4 semesters (full time)
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits for the Occupational Skills Award: 10
-
View the Fire Instructor, O.S.A. to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
-
Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.
Basic Firefighter, CE Certificate
The Basic Firefighting academy consists of 672 hours of instruction and skills, is approved by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. Curriculum topics include fire ground operations, hazardous materials, and physical fitness.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
Basic Firefighting Certificate
- Program Format
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- In-Person
- Campus Location
- Total minimum contact hours for this certificate: 672
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View the Basic Firefighter, CE Certificate catalog listing to see the total courses required.
- Cost
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Total cost: $2,280
Hazwoper 40 HR Training, I.C.
This course covers 40 hours of instruction required by 29 CRF 1910.120(e)(3), OSHA’s Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response training standard. This course is designed for workers directly engaged in hazardous substances removal or other activities which expose or potentially expose workers to hazardous substances and health hazardous.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response
- Program Format
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- In-Person
- Campus Location
- Total minimum contact hours for this certificate: 40
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View the Hazwoper 40 HR Training, I.C. catalog listing to see the total courses required.
- Cost
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Total Program Tuition: $475
Tuition does include books and course materials.
Unmanned Aerial System (Drones) for Public Safety, I.C.
Students will prepare for and conduct unmanned flights as governed by observing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) UAS regulations. The program also assists in preparation for the Drone Pilot FAA Part 107 Certification.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
Continuing Education, Information Technology
Continuing Education, Information Technology
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Campus Location
- Total minimum contact hours for this award: 60
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View the Unmanned Aerial System (Drones) for Public Safety, I.C. catalog listing to see the total courses required.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Technology (Drones), I.C.
This program prepares students for entry level positions in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) industry or to launch as a small business drone operator in the UAS industry. The program’s course content provides foundational skills and knowledge in regulations and laws, flight training, maintenance, customization, mapping and surveying, data analytics and project management.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
Continuing Education, Information Technology
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Campus Location
- Total minimum contact hours for this award: 128
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View the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Technology (Drones), I.C. catalog listing to see the total courses required.
- Cost
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Total Program Tuition: $1,899.00
Tuition does not include books, course material or vouchers for certification exams.
Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) for Continuing Education Students
