Various courses are offered in cooperation with individual fire and rescue departments in the service area. Specific courses are designed to increase the firefighter’s technical knowledge and improve his or her skills in fire ground operation. Classes may be offered according to the needs of each fire department.

In addition, SCC offers the nationally recognized firefighter certification program and the rescue certification program. The training curriculum is based on the 1992 edition of NFPA 1001 which was adopted by the North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission in July 1993 and implemented in Jan. 1994.

The Fire and Rescue Training Facility is located adjacent to the Public Safety Training Complex. This 4,100 square foot, three-story live burn building is designated for a variety of training exercises. Both fire and smoke exercises can be conducted in and on the structure and rescue operations can be simulated throughout the building. SCC will coordinate training for firefighters and rescue personnel in the region and will be responsible for the scheduling of this facility.

North Carolina Firefighter Certification
Levels I & II

Training for the program is delivered by Southwestern Community College and Certification is awarded by the NC Department of Insurance, Fire and Rescue Commission

A voluntary minimum professional qualification for all levels of fire service personnel. The State Legislature established General Statute GS 58-27-5.14b, which requires the State Fire and Rescue Commission to establish this qualification in a continued effort to reduce fire loss in the State of North Carolina. This standard is considered to be a minimum standard and the Commission fully recognized that, due to differing requirements, many fire departments may require standards much higher than these for their firefighters. It is the intent, however, that through a voluntary program, personnel who provide firefighting services to the communities of our State, will meet or exceed this standard.

Age and Education Requirements
The firefighter must be at least 18 years of age before certification as a firefighter. Training and completion of lecture courses may begin prior to this, but no practical exercises training can be done.

The firefighter must have a high school diploma or equivalent recognized by the State Department of Public Instruction.

Written and Practical Examination
The written exam shall measure the cognitive skills of the firefighter standard. Practical examinations shall measure the manipulative skills of the firefighter standard. Exams are developed by the Fire and Rescue Commission and administered by the College and approved Instructors. A score of 70% or above shall constitute a passing grade for the candidate.

Certification Authority and Records
Certificates and patches for FireFighters will be issued by the Commission office when the candidate has met the requirements for the appropriate level.

Re-Certification Requirements
To help insure that the firefighter maintains and enhances the skills acquired while gaining certification, he/she is obligated to meet certain requirements to recertify at the end of five years. This certification may be obtained by either of two methods:

North Carolina Rescue Technician – Vehicle & Machinery Rescue Certification
Training for the program is delivered by Southwestern Community College and Certification is awarded by the NC Department of Insurance, Fire and Rescue Commission.

A voluntary minimum professional qualification for all levels of fire and rescue service personnel. The requirements for this program have been established by the Second Edition of the Fire and Rescue Commission's Rescue Technician Certification Standards. This is considered to be a minimum standard and the Commission fully recognizes that due to differing requirements, many fire departments and rescue squads may require standards much higher for their rescue technicians. It is the intent, however, that through a voluntary program, personnel who provide rescue services to the communities of our State will meet or exceed this standard.

Required Classes

Medical Requirements – EMT, 1st Responder, Paramedic

Hazardous Materials – Candidate must complete Hazardous Material Awareness & Operations (Haz-mat Responder Level I)

Surface Water Rescue

Age and Education Requirements

The rescuer must be at least 18 years of age before certification as a Rescue Technician. Training and completion of lecture courses may begin prior to this, but no practical exercises training cam be done.

The firefighter must have a high school diploma or equivalent recognized by the State Department of Public Instruction.

Written and Practical Examination
The written exam shall measure the cognitive skills of the firefighter standard. Practical examinations shall measure the manipulative skills of the firefighter standard. Exams are developed by the Fire and Rescue Commission and administered by the College and approved Instructors. A score of 70% or above shall constitute a passing grade for the candidate.

Certification Authority and Records
Certificates and patches for RT-VMR will be issued by the Commission office when the candidate has met the requirements for the appropriate level. Certified Basic Rescue Technicians are required to take a bridge course by their recertification date to be certified as and Rescue Technician. Certified Advanced Rescue Technicians will be recertified as Rescue Technicians at their recertification date without taking a bridge course.

Recertification requirements
To help ensure that the rescuer maintains and enhances the skills acquired while gaining certification, he/she shall be required to meet certain requirements to recertify at the end of five years. This certification may be obtained by either of two methods: