Texas Fire Academy's Fire Officer Courses are online (computer based), TCFP approved, training programs, typically lasting eight (8) weeks in length. The general definitions of the programs are listed below. One physical classroom day in San Marcos is required for skills evaluation and testing.  The course covers all curriculum requirements of TCFP and NFPA. The  requirements can be viewed on the TCFP website.

NFPA Definitions of Certification Levels

Instructor I: A fire service instructor who has demonstrated the knowledge and ability to deliver instruction effectively from a prepared lesson plan, including instructional aids and evaluation instruments; adapt lesson plans to the unique requirements of the students and authority having jurisdiction; organize the learning environment so that learning and safety are maximized; and meet the record-keeping requirements of authority having jurisdiction.

Instructor II: A fire service instructor who, in addition to meeting Instructor I qualifications, has demonstrated the knowledge and ability to develop individual lesson plans for a specific topic including learning objectives, instructional aids, and evaluation instruments; schedule training sessions based on overall training plan of authority having jurisdiction; and supervise and coordinate the activities of other instructors.

Instructor III: A fire service instructor who, in addition to meeting Instructor II qualifications, has demonstrated the knowledge and ability to develop comprehensive training curriculum and programs for use by single or multiple organizations; conduct organization needs analysis; design record keeping and scheduling systems; and develop training goals and implementation strategies.

Tuition: $275 (subject to change)

This includes online course access and TCFP state skills testing.

To Register for the class:

Submit a payment using the form below, then complete the Advanced Course Application and upload it using the enrollment file uploads link in the Downloads area on the right side of the page.

Important Information:

Registration ends 5 p.m. on the date specified for each class. Incomplete registration requirements and/or unpaid balance on tuition may result in the loss of the class seat to someone on a waiting list.

Students are required to provide their own textbook: Fire and Emergency Services Instructor (9th ed.). (2019). Stillwater, OK: International Fire Service Training Association, Oklahoma State University.

You will be required to attend in person on the last day of class at the specified academy testing location for TCFP skills testing and the course final exam at 10 a.m. In most cases the testing location will be Station 12, 8301 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos, Texas. The length of final day is dependent on class size and other factors, please plan for at least eight hours.

Failing the course, final exam, or not attending the final exam/skills day will result in you having to pay the full tuition to attend the next available course. We no longer allow students to sit in on the next course or roll over to the next skills day as it had been allowed before. You must complete all coursework and skills associated to the course that you originally register for. If you are unable to attend any portion of the original course, you must contact Texas Fire Academy admissions to change the course.