Applications for Cal-JAC Academy's 2026 recruitment class is open to candidates who meet the following prerequisites:

• At least 18 years or older on or before first day of class

• High school diploma or GED on or before first day in class

• Valid driver's license

• Legally able to work in the U.S.

Items required prior to official admission:

• Up-to-date vaccinations [TB test (within the last 6 months), flu shot, MMR (2 doses in your lifetime), TDAP (within the past 10 years), Varicella (2 doses in your lifetime, or proof of immunity to chickenpox), Hep B (either a negative status screening or 3 doses in your lifetime); Note: Additional vaccinations may be required by partner fire departments or hospital]

• Attend a mandatory orientation

• Pass Cal-JAC administered academic assessment

• Pass a Department of Justice background check

• Pass a drug screening

• Medical Clearance

• Passed a CPAT within 6 months of application submission or complete an Academy Physical Ability Review through Cal-JAC

Thanks to the partnership between the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Cal-JAC) and the Employment Development Department (EDD), accepted candidates will be able to attend the Cal-JAC Academy free of charge.

No. The Cal-JAC academy will cover the fees of the Department of Justice background check and drug screening.

The FCTC Written Tests is broken up into four sections:

1. Recall and Comprehend Verbal and Visual Information: Develop your ability to interpret and understand essential communication and visuals.

2. Mechanical Reasoning: Strengthen your skills in understanding mechanical concepts and problem-solving.

3. Mathematical Problems: Enhance your numerical abilities with practical math problems relevant to firefighting tasks.

4. Recall and Comprehend Technical Information from Written Materials: Learn to effectively digest and apply technical information crucial for the role.

In order to better prepare candidates for the Written Test, FCTC has created a free study guide that covers all four sections of the exam, providing study tips and sample questions for prospective test takers. 

Materials provided directly by the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) are the only FCTC Written Test materials authorized and endorsed by FCTC and/or the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Cal-JAC). There are outside vendors selling study materials and/or programs claiming to provide FCTC Written Test assistance, but any such vendors have no affiliation with FCTC. Cal-JAC and FCTC are the only trusted source of study materials and classes related to the FCTC Written Test.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE WRITTEN TEST STUDY GUIDE.

Candidates without a valid CPAT card within the last six months, will complete an Academy Physical Ability Review. This is not a timed evaluation, nor is it measuring fitness. This is to review a candidate’s capabilities in movement for Academy Physical Training. Candidates will be reviewed on their ability to climb stairs, jog, jump, squat and have full range of movement in their upper and lower body. Additional CPAT equipment may be used including but not limited to the breach and pull prop, ladder raise etc.

Please note, Cal-JAC’s goal is for all individuals accepted into the academy to be successful in the academy and beyond. The Academy Physical Review is not intended to exclude individuals from the process and is not measuring fitness. The review is meant to ensure that candidates are able to complete the physical training aspect of the program.

The best way to prepare for the Academy Physical Review is by ensuring adequate sleep, proper hydration and food intake. You can start a routine of stretching at least once a day for 5-10 minutes to ensure that your body's movement stays consistent. A gym membership is not necessary or needed for the Physical Review. You are able to walk or run at your own pace in your local neighborhoods and parks. Start to prepare by using your own body weight for physical training. This looks like pushups, sit ups, burpees, squats and lunges. As your agility improves you can start adding extra weight into these movements as needed.

Proof of financial status is not required, however, individuals who identify as low-income and submit proof will be given priority to be accepted into the Cal-JAC Academy. Candidates must meet one of the financial requirements listed below in order to receive priority points.

Option 1:

Receive one of the following, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), CalWORKS, CalFRESH, Unemployment Insurance (UI), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You are required to submit proof of benefits with this application.

— OR —

Option 2:

Meet the following income standards:

(NOTE: Include Yourself in calculations of Total Family Gross income )

1 Person — Total Family Gross Income of $83,650 or less

2 People — Total Family Gross Income of $95,600 or less

3 People — Total Family Gross Income of $107,550 or less

4 People — Total Family Gross Income of $119,500 or less

5 People — Total Family Gross Income of $129,050 or less

6 People — Total Family Gross Income of $138,600 or less

7 People — Total Family Gross Income of $148,200 or less

8 People — Total Family Gross Income of $157,750 or less

Applicants using Option 2 must include a copy of your 2024 tax return.

Yes, you are still eligible to apply. Proof of financial status is not required, however, individuals who identify as low-income and submit proof will be given priority.

If there has been a change in your financial situation since filing your 2024 tax return, please call the Cal-JAC Academy at 916-648-1717 to discuss options.

The financial need standards were established utilizing the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development State Income Limits for 2024 for San Diego County.

To graduate from the Cal-JAC Academy, cadets must:

1. Complete the EMT-Basic Course

2. Pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test

3. Pass the Written Exam

No, the graduates of the Cal-JAC Academy will receive their EMT-Basic course completion certificate, which will allow them to take the NREMT exam and become a certified EMT. In addition to becoming an EMT, cadets will take Cal-JAC’s Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and written exam. Graduates of the Cal-JAC Academy will also be placed on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility list (SEL), which is used by departments throughout California who are looking to hire.

No. The Cal-JAC Academy is designed to provide an opportunity to qualifying candidates to earn their EMT-Basic certification. If you are already an EMT, please visit www.fctconline.org to find out how to get onto the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) Statewide Eligibility List, which is used by departments throughout California who are looking to hire.

Yes. The Cal-JAC Academy is designed to provide an opportunity to qualifying candidates to earn their EMT-Basic certification.

Graduates of the program will earn a place on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center’s Statewide Eligibility List, which is utilized by many fire departments throughout California in their hiring processes.