What is Cal JAC?

A Partnership for Success By improving the quality of education and training within the fire service and setting a professional standard for firefighters throughout the state of California, the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Cal-JAC) has proven itself an innovative and respected leader.

Are there firefighter apprenticeships?

Operational firefighter apprenticeship Duration: 18-month apprenticeship, then up to 36 months to achieve full competency as a firefighter.

How do I become a firefighter in California?

To be a firefighter, you will need to have graduated from high school, be at least 18 years of age and completed your Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate. In addition, some fire departments want the candidate to have taken several college units prior to applying for the firefighter’s exam.

How long does it take to become a firefighter in California?

It will generally take most people between 2 to 5 years to get a job as a professional firefighter (volunteer positions are usually much easier). There are numerous steps to prepare and a competitive and long hiring process to start a career in the fire service. California has even tougher odds than many other states.

How do you get a CPAT?

All CPAT participants must be at least 18 years of age and possess proper government-issued identification. CPAT tests must be scheduled online in advance — test-day registration or rescheduling is not accepted. The CPAT testing fee is $150, which includes the test and two optional orientation sessions.

What do firefighters do all day?

When not fighting fires, firefighters spend all day responding to medical emergencies and other types of calls, checking equipment, vehicle maintenance, housework/cleaning, writing reports, training and education, physical fitness, public safety demos, and station tours.

How long is the Cal Fire Academy?

219 hours
This rigorous 219 hours of training is specifically for those seeking a seasonal firefighter job with CAL FIRE.

Is 40 too old to become a firefighter?

You can become a professional firefighter after 30, 40, or even 50 at some fire departments. There are departments that have upper age limits between 28 and 40, while others have no upper age requirements for firefighters. There are usually no upper age limits to be a volunteer firefighter.

Can firefighters have tattoos?

Yes, firefighters can have tattoos, but depending on your department rules you may have to keep them covered while on duty. Tattoos are common among young generations and extend to all parts of the body. There is greater acceptance of the artwork.

Is 32 too old to become a firefighter?

How many pushups should a firefighter be able to do?

They found that firefighters who were able to perform at least 40 push-ups at that cadence had a 96-percent lower chance of developing heart disease over 10 years compared to those who could only complete 10 or less.

What does the Cal Jac Academy stand for?

The Cal-JAC Academy is a pre-apprenticeship program, designed to remove barriers to entry and provide a direct path toward the fire service for qualified candidates who also demonstrated economic need.

Where do you take classes at Cal Jac?

The Cal-JAC Academy will begin classes in January 7, 2021. Classes will be held at the Slawson Occupational Center located at 5500 Rickenbacker Road, Bell, CA 90201. Classes will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Is the CPAT administered by the Cal Jac?

Cal-JAC’s Firefighter Entry-Level Written Test is being administered and conducted by FCTC at venues throughout the state. To view upcoming CPAT and Written Test dates please click here.

Is the Cal Jac Urvi course available online?

The Cal-JAC is pleased to announce that Unified Response to Violent Incidents (URVI) is now available in an online format through Target Solutions. This online version of the original course was developed under a grant from Cal OES.