Fire Officer - Level One Certificate

Completion of the Fire Technology Associate of Applied Science degree provides students with the knowledge and skills required for a successful career in the fire service. The degree is designed to build on completion of the Fire Academy, which satisfies the curriculum requirements of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) for Basic Structure Fire Suppression personnel. Subsequent courses in the degree are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for first-level supervision in a fire department.

To obtain TCFP certification as Basic Structure Fire Suppression Personnel, students must complete both an approved Fire Academy and a recognized emergency medical course.  The Fire EMT Basic Enhanced Skills Certificate is provided to satisfy this requirement.

Students have the option to declare the Fire Officer Certificate as their major, which includes six embedded TCFP certifications: Fire Instructor I and II; Fire Officer I and II, or Fire Officer III and IV; Fire Investigator or Fire Inspector with Plans Examiner; and Incident Safety Officer.  These certifications enhance employment and promotional opportunities within fire departments.  The certificate allows students to focus entirely on fire science courses without having to take the general education courses required for the Fire Technology AAS.

Fire Officer

Students have the option to declare the Fire Officer Certificate as their major, which includes six embedded TCFP certifications: Fire Instructor I and II; Fire Officer I and II, or Fire Officer III and IV; Fire Investigator or Fire Inspector with Plans Examiner; and Incident Safety Officer.  These certifications enhance employment and promotional opportunities within fire departments.  The certificate allows students to focus entirely on fire science courses without having to take the general education courses required for the Fire Technology AAS.

Effective September 1, 2017, HB 1508 amends the Texas Occupations Code Section 53 that requires education providers to notify potential or enrolled students that a criminal history may make them ineligible for an occupational license upon program completion.  Program-specific information will be provided in course syllabi.

Information regarding specific state requirements, start dates, and applications can be obtained by calling the Public Service Careers Department at 409-933-8285 or the Fire Technology Director at 409-933-8934.

Stackable Credentials

• Associate of Applied Science - Fire Technology
• Certificate - Fire Officer

Full-Time Student Schedule