Local Level Training Student Information
Subject Matter
Instruction consists of classroom discussions, demonstrations, lectures, simulation, small group activity, practical applications and drills necessary for the development of proficiency in
the course’s subject matter. The State Fire Academy determines the precise content of each course and sets the minimum standards of accreditation (MSA) for the course. The Educational
Training Agencies (ETA) hires the instructors and delivers the course in a manner that meets the MSA for the course. The ETAs set attendance requirements and enforces course completion
criteria. The curriculum currently includes over 130+ separate courses from 2 to 66 hours in length.
Course Lengths and Schedules
Course lengths are based on educational considerations like the amount of classroom and practical activity, the complexity of the content, safety issues, and similar concerns. Course
schedules are quite flexible, and are usually arranged by mutual consent of the instructor, the requesting organization, and the ETA. Typical schedules would be 3-4 hours per night once or
twice a week and/or 8 hours a day on a Saturday and/or Sunday.
Course Enrollment and Cancellation
The minimum age for enrollment in any class is generally 14 years of age. Any course designated as a suppression course has a minimum enrollment age requirement of 18 years of age. Each
ETA sets their own policies for minimum enrollment age for courses delivered by them. Minimum enrollment policies are determined by each ETA. An initial minimum enrollment of 15 to 20
students is generally required. A pro-rated fee may be charged by an ETA to compensate for enrollment below these minimums. Should enrollment fall below a predetermined number, the course
may be discontinued. A maximum class size is also established for some courses.
Course Attendance and Certificates
Each student must meet three criteria in order to successfully complete a course. First, they must attend 80% of the scheduled class sessions. Missed training sessions in excess of the 20%
must make up the missed sessions. The instructor is obliged to notify the educational training agency of the names of the students who have made up missed classes and are therefore
eligible for the certificates. Second, students must successfully complete all skill sheets assigned to the course. Third, students must successfully pass the final written test
(when required). A student that meets all three criteria will be awarded a “Certificate of Training” at the conclusion of the course.
Course Locations
In keeping with the ‘as needed, where needed’ philosophy of the program, class sessions are normally held at a local fire station where the necessary apparatus, tools and appliances for
proper training are available to the instructor and the class. Many course offerings are also held at county or regional fire academies or training events.
Tuition
Upon receipt of a course application, the ETA will approve the course and assign an instructor. Approved supplementary manuals will be supplied as required. The Educational Training Agency
may charge for course materials (student manuals, workbooks, skill sheets, and supplies). They may also charge a registration fee whether or not minimum enrollment is met. Fees will vary
depending on the policies of each individual ETA, but courses are offered tuition-free by many of these institutions.
Student Responsibility
Students are responsible for the material presented in each class or module. It is each student's responsibility to make up assignments and/or attendance in subject modules as required
for a given class or course. Individual student requirements and conduct shall be in accordance with established State Fire Academy and ETA policies which will be provided to each student.
For specific information on the Local Level Training Program, click on the links listed below.