How to Apply for a National Fire Academy Course

Thank you for your interest in training with us. We look forward to receiving your application and assisting you throughout the process.

Apply between Dec. 15, 2024 – Jan. 15, 2025 for on-campus courses scheduled from April to June 2025.

Apply between March 15 – April 15 for on-campus courses scheduled from July to September 2024.

Apply between June 15 – July 15 for on-campus courses scheduled from October to December 2024.

Apply between Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 for on-campus courses scheduled from January to March 2025.

You can apply for a self-study course, course vacancy or the State/National Weekend Program at any time.

Application period changing from 2 times a year to 4 times a year

The U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy (NFA) is moving away from the twice-a-year application period for students to apply for courses at the National Emergency Training Center. This decision was made after receiving student and stakeholder feedback.

The NFA will be switching from a twice-yearly application to a quarterly or 4-times-per-year application. Please note, this change does not affect the application processes of the Executive Fire Officer Program or Managing Officer Program. These programs have separate application process. The application period will be open for 30 days and will correspond to a 3-month period.

Application periods will continue as follows:

Application period: For the months of:

This change could potentially allow a student to apply and attend a class within a 6-month window. The new application process does not affect the limit of 1 student stipend per fiscal year (Oct. 1 to Sept. 30).

Overview of the online application process

If your course code begins with a Q

Select the “Sign up now” button next to the course name in the National Fire Academy (NFA) catalog.

If your course code begins with M, R, S or W

Apply online using the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) Online Admissions Application. We recommend that you apply using a laptop or a desktop computer.

If your course code begins with F or N

Use the NETC Online Admissions Application. You can apply as soon as the course is added to the schedule and up to 14 days after the course ends. We recommend that you apply using a laptop or a desktop computer.

Before you apply

• Find a course. Search the NFA Catalog for a training opportunity that meets your needs. The course code and offering dates are listed on the course description page.
• Understand course requirements. Many courses have specific selection criteria or prerequisites. Review the course description page for detailed instructions.
• Request an SID. You need this number to apply for NFA courses. If you have an SID and your last name doesn't match the SID we have on file, you will need to review your SID registration information.
• Verify the name and email address of the person authorized to approve your application.
• Prepare documents. Electronic copies of documents demonstrating your eligibility may be required. Make sure you have them ready to attach to your application. Files must be in Portable Document Format (PDF). The maximum size for each PDF is 1 MB.
• Restricted courses:
  • Open to Managing Officer students only: R0385, R0387, R0388 and R0389.
  • Open to Executive Fire Officer students only: R5201, R5202, R5203 and R5204.

  Incomplete and denied applications

  We do not accept additional information for consideration after you submit your application. Make sure that you have all the required information included and attached before you submit. If your application is denied for any reason, you must reapply.

  Ready to apply for a course?

  Application deadlines

  Course dates	Application period
  Third quarter (FY 2024)	April 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024	Application period open Dec. 15, 2023 to Jan. 15, 2024
  Fourth quarter (FY 2024)	July 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2024	Application period open March 15 to April 15, 2024
  First quarter (FY 2025)	Oct. 1, 2024 to Dec. 31, 2024	Application period open June 15 to July 15, 2024
  Second quarter (FY 2025)	Jan. 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025	Application period open Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 2024

  Application status and notifications

  Please allow 3-4 weeks for processing after the application period closes.

  When you submit an application, you will receive an email indicating that it was forwarded to the head of your organization. If the head of your organization rejects the application, you will receive an email to let you know. If the head of your organization endorses your application, you will receive an email to let you know it was forwarded to the NETC Admissions Office. Your organization head has up to 14 days to endorse the application.

  After each application period closes, we will review your application to make sure you meet the course criteria. We will then randomly place into courses those students who meet the criteria. This usually takes place within 3-4 weeks after the application period ends.

  After students are placed into courses, you will receive an email with the status of your application: enrolled in the course, placed on the waitlist, or application rejected.

  Please add NETCAdmissNotifications@fema.dhs.gov to your “safe senders” list to ensure you receive our emails. This email address is used only for sending notifications; do not reply to this email address.

  If your application isn't accepted

  Applications are not carried over. If your application is not accepted for the semester in which you applied, you must reapply for the next semester. You may apply for more than one course per semester, but you must submit a separate application for each course.

  Application process for a non-U.S. citizen

  The NFA offers a limited number of opportunities for non-U.S. citizens to attend courses. If a course has vacancies after U.S. applicants have been placed, you (as a non-U.S. citizen) will be considered.

  • Non-U.S. citizens must pay transportation, lodging and meal costs.
  • You must be fluent in spoken and written English; language translation is not offered on campus.
  • You can submit an application anytime during the year but it must be received at least 60 days prior to the course/conference start date.

  You will be notified about application status no less than two weeks before the start date of a requested course. Placement for a requested course offering date cannot be guaranteed.

  How to request an SID

  If you are interested in applying for an NFA course, you need to register for a FEMA SID. Applications for NFA courses that do not include an SID will not be processed.

  To obtain an SID

  1. Register at cdp.dhs.gov/femasid.
  2. Select “Register for a FEMA SID.”
  3. Follow the instructions to create your account.
  4. You will receive an email with your SID. Save this number in a secure location.

  Your SID is valid for future NFA and other FEMA training opportunities. You don't need to request another SID. Forgot your SID?

  Understanding course codes

  Every NFA course has a course code. As you scan the catalog, the course code can help you more easily identify the delivery method for your program of interest. You can quickly scan for programs that fit your preferred delivery option. Be sure to include the correct course code when you submit your application for an NFA course.

  Example

  If you are interested in Applications of Community Risk Reduction (R0385), the letter “R” in the course code tells you the delivery method. As you consult the course code list below, you will see that a course with the letter “R” is either a 10-day or 6-day course offered on campus.

  The Course Description page of the catalog provides specifics on the delivery type and duration along with information such as course objectives, selection criteria, prerequisites and continuing education units.

  Course codes

  Code	Delivery method
  C	FESHE-recognized college courses
  F	2-day off-campus NFA-sponsored delivery
  M	Online instructor-led delivery
  N	6-day off-campus NFA-sponsored delivery
  O	State- and local partner-sponsored training system delivery
  P	Pilot delivery
  Q	Self-study course
  R	10-day and 6-day on-campus delivery
  S	Virtual offering
  W	2-day on-campus delivery
  Y	NFA-approved state-developed course delivery

  For help with your application

  Contact the NETC Admissions Office

  Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET.

  800-238-3358, ext. 1035