2025 Professional Fire Fighter Program - Flex Dates 

ESA DATES AND FEES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.  Notice of any changes will be listed on this website and can be confirmed by contacting ESA by phone or email.

ESA fees are subject to review and will be updated by October 1 of each calendar year.

Fire Flex 2025-06:  June 30, 2025 - October 24, 2025

• Application deadline: deadline extended to Monday, July 28, 2025
• Online: June 30, 2025:  Access to online learning modules provided by email. You do not need to be at ESA for the online/theory part of the program. ESA will facilitate your online learning by providing the online learning materials, schedule and support.
• Practical Training Schedule: typically 9 am to 5 pm 

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2026 Professional Fire Fighter Program - Flex Dates

Fire Flex 2026-02:  February 17, 2026 - June 12, 2026

• Application deadline: June 27, 2026
• Online: June 30, 2026:  Access to online learning modules provided by email. You do not need to be at ESA for the online/theory part of the program. ESA will facilitate your online learning by providing the online learning materials, schedule and support.
• Practical Training Schedule: TBD typically 9 am to 5 pm 

Fire Flex 2026-06:  June 29, 2026 - October 23, 2026

• Application deadline: June 15, 2026
• Online: June 29, 2026:  Access to online learning modules provided by email. You do not need to be at ESA for the online/theory part of the program. ESA will facilitate your online learning by providing the online learning materials, schedule and support.
• Practical Training Schedule: TBD typically 9 am to 5 pm 

FAQs: Which Professional Fire Fighter Program Is Right for You?

Enhanced Program vs. Flex Program

1. Who are these programs designed for?

Both the Professional Fire Fighter Program – Enhanced and the Professional Fire Fighter Program – Flex are excellent pathways for individuals pursuing a career in firefighting. Each program meets the foundational requirements most Canadian fire departments look for in applicants.

• The Enhanced Program is a full-time, instructor-led course ideal for students who thrive in a structured classroom environment and benefit from hands-on learning and peer interaction.
• The Flex Program is a part-time, blended-learning option designed for those balancing work, family, or other commitments. It offers the flexibility of self-paced study with limited in-person training.

Our team is happy to help you determine which program aligns best with your lifestyle, learning preferences, and career goals.

2. Why does the Enhanced Program cost more?

The Flex Program meets the NFPA 1001 Level I and II standards, which are the core prerequisites for most fire departments in Canada. It also includes NFPA 470: Awareness and Operations Level for Responders to Hazardous Materials.

The Enhanced Program includes all Flex certifications plus additional advanced training:

• NFPA 1002: Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator
• NFPA 1140: Wildland Firefighter
• WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)
• TDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods)
• ITLS – International Trauma Life Support: Access
• NFPA 1006: Rope Rescue Awareness
• Firefighter Self Rescue
• Aquatic Spinal Rescue

While these extra certifications are not required by most departments for entry-level positions, they provide a strong competitive edge during hiring and support faster career advancement.

Both programs are eligible for student funding.

3. What are the benefits of the Enhanced Program?

• Comprehensive, full-time instruction led by experienced ESA faculty
• A team-based, immersive learning experience that mirrors real-world emergency service environments
• Additional certifications that strengthen your resume and broaden your job prospects
• Strong alumni network and proven job placement success

This program is ideal for those seeking the most in-depth training and a classroom environment that builds teamwork and camaraderie.

4. What are the benefits of the Flex Program?

• Designed for students needing a part-time, flexible schedule
• Enables work-life balance while pursuing a firefighting career
• Includes the essential certifications required by most fire departments
• Ideal for mature students or those with current careers, families, or other responsibilities

The Flex Program provides the same core firefighting qualifications as the Enhanced Program, making it a solid choice for those looking for adaptable learning without compromising on quality.

5. Which program improves job prospects the most?

Both programs offer the NFPA 1001 Level I & II certification required by most career fire departments in Canada.

The Enhanced Program has a long-standing track record of high job placement rates, thanks to its comprehensive training and immersive format.

The Flex Program is newer, designed with modern learning platforms to serve a wider range of students. It provides flexibility without sacrificing the quality of education.

Ultimately, employers look for well-rounded candidates. A Flex graduate with strong work and life experience may be equally competitive as an Enhanced graduate, depending on the role and department.

6. Where can I get more advice about which program is right for me?

Start by speaking with:

• Active firefighters
• Fire chiefs
• Human resource professionals in fire services

Their insights can be invaluable in helping you choose the program that aligns with your goals and the expectations of your target employers.

Still unsure? We invite you to connect with our ESA admissions team—we’re here to help you make an informed and confident decision.

• Graduates of the ESA Professional Fire Fighter program will be competent as per all competencies of applicable National Fire Protection Association standards (including NFPA 1001 Level I and II and NFPA 470-Operations) and the accreditation requirements of the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and ProBoard.
• Staff, faculty, partners, and students of ESA will be provided with a safe and respectful working and learning environment.
• Learning at ESA will be supported through provision of access for students to experienced, qualified faculty, and the support and guidance of professional administrative staff.
• Achievement of proficiency will be supported through access to high quality learning materials and equipment, effective instructor to student ratios, and appropriate practical training sites.
• Professional development of ESA students and graduates will be enhanced through ESA’s demonstrated commitment to stakeholder focused, evidence-based firefighting and rescue practices, modeling of a team based approach to public safety, and an established culture of accountability to ethical and professional standards.

The ESA Advantage

Choosing ESA means choosing a trusted, professional training environment that equips you with the skills, certifications, and confidence to succeed in the fire service field—wherever your career takes you.

Why Choose ESA for Your Fire Training?

The Professional Fire Fighter Program – Flex at ESA offers a unique, high-quality training experience designed to launch your fire service career with confidence and credibility. Here's why ESA stands out:

Nationally Accredited & Internationally Recognized

ESA’s Fire Fighter Program – Flex exceeds National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) accreditation standards. Upon successful completion, graduates earn IFSAC and ProBoard-accredited certifications in:

• NFPA 1001: Levels I & II – Professional Fire Fighter
• NFPA 470 – Awareness & Operations Level for Responders to Hazardous Materials

These certifications are widely recognized across Canada and internationally, giving you a competitive edge in your job search—especially in career fire departments.

Online Integration for Flexibility

ESA supports modern learning through an integrated online platform and digital E-Books, offering a seamless, flexible experience for theoretical learning that complements hands-on training.

Prime Location & Accessibility

Located in Sherwood Park, Alberta—a thriving suburb of Edmonton—ESA offers the advantage of training in a major metropolitan area. You'll benefit from:

• Excellent public amenities
• A range of nearby accommodation options to suit any budget
• Easy access for students from across Canada

Transferability Across Canada

Whether you're from British Columbia, Ontario, or the Maritimes, ESA prepares you to return home job-ready with transferable, recognized credentials. Our graduates are competitive candidates in emergency services departments across the country.

Top-Tier Practical Training Facilities

ESA partners with industry-leading locations for your practical training, including:

• Lakeland College Emergency Training Centre (ETC) in Vermilion for live fire exercises
• Strathcona County Emergency Services and Spruce Grove Fire Department for real-world exposure

These environments simulate the dynamic, high-stakes settings you'll encounter in your career.

Learn from Career Professionals

Our instructors aren’t just teachers—they're active Fire Fighters, Fire Officers, Fire Chiefs and Fire Fighter/Paramedics with years of frontline experience. You'll learn from a diverse pool of professionals who bring a wealth of real-world expertise into the classroom and onto the training ground.

Low Student-to-Instructor Ratios

ESA maintains small class sizes during practical training to ensure personalized instruction, better safety, and more hands-on time—key factors in building confidence and competence.

Government Licensed & Funded

ESA’s programs are licensed by the Private Career Colleges Branch of Alberta Advanced Education.

Both the Flex and Enhanced Fire Fighter programs are designated for student funding, making high-quality training more accessible.

Examinations

All NFPA courses are assessed through both practical evaluations and written examinations. These assessments are administered and graded by Alberta Municipal Affairs under the Alberta Firefighter Certification Program (Accreditation & Certification).

To successfully pass each examination, students must achieve a minimum score of 70%. A score between 60% and 69% qualifies the student for one rewrite opportunity, subject to an additional fee. Scores below 60% are considered a failure, and no rewrite will be permitted.

Credentials and Accreditation

ESA operates in direct coordination with Alberta Municipal Affairs, the accrediting body for firefighter training in Alberta. 

All examination, evaluation, and certification fees are included in ESA’s tuition, with no additional cost unless a rewrite is required.

The successful ESA Professional Fire Fighter - Flex student will receive the following certifications:

IFSAC and Proboard Certificates from Alberta Municipal Affairs:

• NFPA 1001: Level I Professional Fire Fighter 
• NFPA 1001: Level II Professional Fire Fighter
• NFPA 470: Awareness Level for Responders to Hazardous Materials
• NFPA 470: Operations Level for Responders to Hazardous Materials

Other Certificates

• Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) Rapid Response Series 1: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• International Critical Incident Stress Foundation - Canada, Inc. (icisf) - The Secrets of Psychological Body Armour

Prerequisites

Applicants for the ESA Professional Fire Fighter Program - Flex must meet the following prerequisites.  Details are included in the application package.

• Minimum 18 years of age
• High School Diploma verified by transcripts, GED, or post-secondary education equivalent to or above a grade 12 level as evidenced by transcripts. Students may be accepted who have not met this requirement for existing education. Please contact ESA in advance of submitting this application. 
• Minimum Class 5 Driver's License and Airbrake Endorsement. Fire students must hold a valid driver's license to be eligible to participate in the practical driving component of the ESA Professional Fire Fighter Program.  
• Driver's Abstract
• Standard First Aid 
• Basic Rescuer - CPR Level C or Health Care Provider (Heart & Stroke Foundation - Standard First Aid- CPR/AED Level C, St. John's Ambulance or Red Cross) or more advanced qualifications; e.g. wallet card from approved first aid training agency, ACP practice permit. 
• ICS I-100- Certificate of successful completion
• Alberta Student Number
• Medical Form completed and signed by a physician within 6 months of the first day of classes at ESA
• Resume
• Two letters of character reference

Upon receipt of a complete application package, ESA will set up an interview with the ESA Fire Coordinator or designated representative.

ICS I-100- Alberta Municipal Affairs, the accrediting body for the Professional Fire Fighter Program, has updated their NFPA 1001 Level I & II prerequisites. Municipal Affairs requires that all students complete the ICS I-100 online course prior to the 1001 program. The online course will take approximately 2 - 4 hours to complete.  There is a $25.00 fee to take the online course.

Click the link for the ICS I- 100 course.

CPR Courses - Search online for a Basic Rescuer course offered in your area.  One recommendation is to 'Find a Course' on the Heart and Stroke website. Complete the fields to see the courses available.

Computer Requirements - The Professional Fire Fighter Programs at ESA use an online interface (Jones & Bartlett Fundamentals of Canadian Firefighting, 3rd Edition).  Each student will need to have either a tablet or a laptop to access the E-Books, Workbooks, Study Guides and ESA curriculum materials.  

Physical Requirements

Fire fighting is an occupation which requires a high level of physical conditioning. Students need to be physically fit. 

Applicants must submit a medical form (included in the application package) indicating that they are medically fit to participate in firefighter training without restrictions.

Excessive facial hair is not permitted throughout the program, as it may interfere with the mask-to-face seal on breathing apparatus.

Apply to the Professional Fire Fighter Program – Flex

Step 1 – Download the Application

Use the ESA application package linked at the top of this page.

Step 2 – Complete & Submit

It’s your responsibility to ensure the appliocation package is complete and that you meet all prerequisites before you submit your package to ESA.

Class Size & Deadlines

Minimum enrolment: 12 students
If this number isn’t reached by the program start date, the intake will be cancelled.

Maximum enrolment: 36 students
Once the minimum is met, we admit on a first-come, first-served basis until the cap or the program start date—whichever comes first.

Mature-Student Pathway

Don’t have a Grade 12 diploma, GED, or equivalent post-secondary education?
Email info@esacanada.com before you apply and include:

• Formal education completed
• Degrees, diplomas, certifications, courses, or other training
• Work experience and current occupation

Our Registrar will review your background and let you know whether you can proceed as a mature applicant.

Individual Fire Modules

Need to take—or retake—specific modules?
Call 780-416-8822 or email info@esacanada.com for availability and scheduling.

NFPA 1006 Rope Rescue- Awareness & Operations

Offered immediately following each Fire program.

$125 application fee waived when you register for the Rope course at the same time as the Flex Program.

Class size limited to 14 students

Have questions? We’re happy to help—reach out any time.

Fees for the Professional Fire Fighter Program - Flex

ESA 2025 Fees 

• Administration Fee (non-refundable):  $125.00
• Program Materials Fee (5% GST included):  $950.00
• Tuition and Certifications Fee (including Registration Fee of $500.00):  $8,800.00
• Total Fees - Flex Program:  $9,875.00

Note: All fees are subject to annual review and may be updated as of October 1 each calendar year. Any changes will be posted on this website and can also be confirmed by contacting ESA directly.

Technology Requirement

Students enrolled in the Flex Program must have access to a tablet or laptop. All online coursework and assignments require access to a personal device.

Payment of Fees - Professional Fire Fighter Program - Flex:  

• First Payment - $1,575.00 (Administration, Registration & Course Material Fees).  Must be submitted with the Application for Admission to ESA.   
• Final Payment - $8,300.00 (Balance of Tuition) Due on the first day of program.  

Refund Policy

• Administration Fee: Non-refundable.
• Registration Fee: Fully refundable if the enrolment contract is cancelled within five business days of signing. Non-refundable after that period.
• Program Materials Fee: Non-refundable once access to online content is granted.
• Tuition Fees: Governed by Section 17(1) of the Private Vocational Training Regulation (Alberta Advanced Education). Tuition refund amounts are based on the percentage of training completed at the time of withdrawal. Full refund details are outlined in the Enrolment Contract.

Methods of Payment

ESA accepts the following payment methods:

• Cash (exact amount only)
• Cheque
• Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex)
• INTERAC e-Transfer to: e-Transfers@ESAcanada.com

Funding & Financial Aid

If you are expecting external funding (e.g., government loans or scholarships), you must:

• Submit proof of funding at least two weeks prior to your program start date.
• Provide an alternate payment method (e.g., credit card) as a backup in case of delays.

Important: Government or third-party funding for living expenses or practical training is sent directly to the student—not to ESA.

Program Materials Provided

Upon registration, Flex students receive the following materials, which become their personal property:

• 2 ESA Fire T-shirts (required for practical training)
• Work gloves and safety glasses
• Access to online learning materials, including:
• IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting, 7th Edition (Digital Textbook)

Insurance Coverage

All Flex students are covered by:

• Accidental Health & Dental Insurance during in-person classes
• WCB (Workers’ Compensation Board) Insurance during practical training

These insurance fees are included in your tuition.

Additional Requirements

Technology Requirement

Students enrolled in the Flex Program must have access to a tablet or laptop. All online coursework and assignments require access to a personal device.

Further Expenses

There are additional expenses for the Professional Fire Fighter Program - Flex beyond fees payable to ESA which must be covered by the student:

• Students are asked to supply their own navy blue duty pants.  
• approved, black leather, 8" steel toed work boots
• Transportation, accommodation and meals outside of Sherwood Park during practical training sessions, including sessions at Vermilion, AB.
• ESA reserves a block of rooms in Vermilion for students requiring accommodation. Students are responsible for canceling any rooms they do not use and for paying all of their room costs. 
• Students can also arrange alternate accommodation including campgrounds.

Please contact ESA if you have questions concerning additional and optional expenses which you will have during the ESA Fire Flex Program. 

• By phone: (780) 416-8822
• By email:  info@ESAcanada.com

Any outstanding invoices including exam rewrites must be paid before graduates from the Professional Fire Fighter Program - Flex will receive certificates from ESA or Alberta Municipal Affairs.

Funding for the Professional Fire Fighter - Flex Program at ESA

Canada Student Loans and Student Finance Grants

The Professional Fire Fighter - Flex Program at ESA has been designated as eligible for federal and provincial student funding.

Please submit your application for funding before you apply to ESA for the Fire Flex program. You will be advised of how much funding you can receive. The funding will be activated when ESA confirms your acceptance to Student Aid.

Alberta:  The Canada Student Loans Program and The Province of Alberta/Alberta Students Finance provide loans and grants to full-time students in need of additional funds to meet their educational expenses. Apply online through the Alberta Advanced Education and Technology website Student Aid Alberta.  The same application form is used to apply for student loans, grants, subsidies and some scholarships. 

The annual loan limits from Student Aid Alberta for full-time studies are:

• $7,500 for 1 to 4 months of studies
• $15,000 for 5 to 9 months of studies.   

Call the Student Aid Alberta Service Centre - call 1-855-606-2096 (toll free in North America) Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 8:30 pm (MST) regarding eligibility for Alberta and Canada student loans and grants, and to receive help with the application process.

Across Canada:  Similar funding programs are available in other provinces for the Professional Fire Fighter Program - Enhanced or Flex.

For information about repaying student loans please sign up for this webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/5648951363816460290.

For further details and suggestions for funding, please refer to Student Services on this website: http://www.esacanada.com/student-services#financial-aid.

ESA is pleased to present one award in our Professional Fire Fighter - Flex Programs. This recognizes outstanding performance.

• Award for Academic Excellence, Professional Fire Fighter Program - Flex. This award is given to the student with the highest average on the written examinations of the NFPA 1001 program. Rewrite marks are not calculated into this average.  A condition of this award is that the student must be successful on all practical evaluations.

The ESA Professional Fire Fighter Program – Flex offers a blended learning experience, combining part-time online theory with in-person practical training. This flexible format is ideal for individuals who want to pursue a firefighting career while managing other commitments.

Online Theory Component

The first portion of the program consists of approximately 14 weeks of scheduled self-study, delivered online through an interactive learning platform. Students are supported by ESA instructors and engage in:

• Assignments and quizzes
• Scheduled virtual check-ins
• A variety of assessment and learning tools

Students access curriculum through ResourceOne, IFSTA's free to use Learning Management System, which hosts the training materials made by firefighters for firefighters.The program is based on the Jones & Bartlett Fundamentals of Fire Fighter Skills, Canadian Edition. To participate effectively, students are required to have access to a laptop or tablet to use eBooks, workbooks, study guides, and other ESA curriculum materials.

In-Person Practical Training

Following the online component, students participate in comprehensive hands-on training designed to build real-world firefighting skills. This practical training includes:

• Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Training at Spruce Grove Fire Services (SGFS)
• Vehicle Extrication Training in Strathcona County
• Live Fire Training at the Lakeland College Emergency Training Centre (ETC) in Vermilion, Alberta

During practical training, students will:

• Train using industry-grade fire apparatus, rescue equipment, and suppression tools
• Participate in realistic “live burn” scenarios
• Be provided with full safety gear for all practical evolutions

Additional Information

Transportation, accommodations, and meals during practical training are not included in the program fee and are the student’s responsibility.

ESA reserves a block of optional motel accommodations in Vermilion. Students are responsible for booking and paying for their rooms or may arrange alternative lodging such as local campgrounds.

Links to Websites Pertaining to Fire Fighter Students

• http://www.firefightingincanada.com/

Recruit Fire Fighter Magazine

Recruit Fire Fighter Magazine is an excellent monitor of job opportunities in Canada. The magazine advertises itself as Canada's ultimate Firefighter Recruitment Source since 1995.  It lists openings at 400 Canadian Fire Departments and regularly checks with 116 of Canada's major services.

Job postings include EMR, EMT and Paramedic.

Referral Fees for New Fire Students Are Paid to Former or Current ESA Students

If a new student is accepted into an EMR, EMT or Professional Fire Fighter Program at ESA, and lists the name of a former or current ESA student on their original application form in response to the question "How did you learn about ESA?", then we will mail the former/current ESA student a cheque.  

Referrals for Fire are $100.

Room and Board for Out-of-Area Students

A list of room and board accommodations in the Edmonton and Sherwood Park areas is available from ESA for students. This list is not approved or monitored by ESA.

Accessory Courses

ESA offers Accessory Courses to compliment the Professional Fire Fighter Programs, including:

NFPA 1006: Rope Rescue- Awareness & Operations. This is a five or six day course offered the week following the Professional Fire Fighter Programs. Application for this course may be made along with the application fee for the Fire program. The Rope Rescue course application fee will be waived when the application is received along with a Fire application.

Ice Rescue.  This is a one day program offered in the spring of each year.

Many students and graduates of the Professional Fire Fighter Programs also apply for EMS training offered by ESA, as it is frequently a prerequisite for employment with fire services:

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Program.  EMR is an excellent introduction to EMS and provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for students continuing on to Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) programs in Alberta. It is also an asset for those seeking a career in the fire service.  

Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) Program. The PCP Program at Emergency Services Academy Ltd. ("ESA") is accredited by Accreditation Canada and approved by the Alberta College of Paramedics. This allows successful students to apply nationwide for EMS employment. Many fire services require PCP certification, including Strathcona County Emergency Services (SCES) which is an integrated service (combined fire and ambulance).

Each of these courses has separate prerequisites and tuition fees.