Merced College’s Fire Technology and Fire Academy programs have received full accreditation through State Fire Training under the Office of the State Fire Marshal, a milestone that strengthens the program’s standing statewide and expands career opportunities for students preparing to enter the fire service.
The accreditation designates Merced College as an Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP), confirming that the college’s curriculum meets the highest state and national fire service standards. Students who complete the program can now earn a State Fire Training Firefighter 1 certification recognized not only across California, but also through IFSAC (International Fire Service Accreditation Congress) and Pro Board (National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications), two national credentialing systems that verify firefighters meet rigorous standards of competence and performance.
Merced College initially received one-year provisional accreditation in October 2024 and was awarded full accreditation in October 2025.
“This accreditation is a significant achievement for Merced College and for the future firefighters we train here,” said Joe Serena, Dean of Allied Health and Public Safety. “It means students can earn credentials that are recognized statewide and nationally, and it ensures our academy delivers training aligned with the highest professional standards. Just as important, it strengthens our partnerships with regional agencies and expands real career pathways for students across the Central Valley.”
Merced College’s ARTP designation expands student opportunities far beyond Merced County. Graduates are now eligible for employment across multiple municipalities and agencies statewide and nationally without needing additional certification transfers or equivalencies — a key advantage in a competitive hiring environment.
The accreditation also builds on strong partnerships with regional fire agencies, including Merced County Fire (MMU Fire Training), and local municipal departments such as Merced City Fire, Los Banos City Fire, and Fresno City Fire. These partnerships support hands-on instruction, access to equipment and facilities, and a direct connection to employment opportunities after graduation.
“Previously, graduating from our program didn’t result in a Firefighter 1 credential, and it limited what students could do after completing the academy,” said Donald Roe, Professor of Fire Technology. “Those days are over. Our graduates now earn a certification that’s recognized statewide and nationally — which makes them more marketable, more hirable, and better prepared to succeed anywhere in the country.”
Merced College’s Fire Academy is also strengthened by an experienced instructional team drawn directly from the region’s active fire service workforce. In addition to full-time faculty, nearly all of the program’s part-time instructors — approximately 20 to 25 professionals — are currently working firefighters in the region, including several captains and chiefs, and many are graduates from Merced College fire programs.
“The accreditation of the Merced College Fire Academy is a significant milestone for the public safety workforce in our community,” Merced Fire Chief Casey Wilson said. “As a Merced College alumnus and graduate of the Merced College Fire Academy, I have seen firsthand the high standards and professionalism the program instills in its students. The high-quality firefighters graduating from this academy directly translate to a higher level of public safety and service for the Merced community.”
The Fire Academy is at full capacity for Spring 2026, and the program will next recruit for the academy cohort scheduled for Spring 2027. Students interested in applying are encouraged to begin preparing now by completing required Fire Technology coursework and earning an EMT credential, which are now minimum requirements for admission into the Fire Academy.
With accreditation now in place, Merced College is also preparing to offer a Firefighter 2 Academy, which is currently in curriculum review and is anticipated to begin in Fall 2026, pending final approval.
“This is an exciting time to become a firefighter, and the need for highly trained and certified firefighters is more crucial than ever,” Roe said. “We finally have a pathway for our local community and students to achieve their dreams of becoming professional career firefighters.”