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 May 11, 2026

• High school diploma or GED

• 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

• Complete Cal-JAC Academy Physical Ability Review

• Pass a Department of Justice background check

• Pass a drug screening

Accepted candidates attend the Cal-JAC Academy free of charge thanks to California Assembly Bill 123 of 2025

The Cal-JAC EMT Academy runs May 11, 2026 through mid October, 2026.

Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm and Fridays from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

The Cal-JAC EMT Academy will take place at FCTC Sacramento, 2560 River Plaza Drive, Sacramento, CA 95833

Cal-JAC EMT Academy applications must be submitted by March 22, 2026 at 11:59 pm

Prior to admission:

• TB test (within the last 6 months)

• 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)

After admission:

• 2026 Seasonal Flu shot (once available in the fall of 2026)

Note: Additional vaccinations may be required by partner fire departments or hospital

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

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 $72,050 or less‍

2 People — Total Family Gross Income of $82,350 or less‍

3 People — Total Family Gross Income of $92,650 or less‍ ‍

4 People — Total Family Gross Income of $102, 900 or less

Each Additional Family Member — Add $8,250

Applicants using Option 2 must include a copy of your 2024 or 2025 tax return.

Yes, you are still eligible to apply. Proof of financial need 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 2025 for Sacramento 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 FCTC 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 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.