(left to right) San Jacinto College students Joshua Juneau, Chris Foote, Andrea Tousand, and Chris Taylor are all a part of a Firefighter Training Academy class that achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the Texas Commission on Fire Protection’s Basic Suppression exam. Photo credit: Jeannie Peng-Armao, San Jacinto College marketing department

Firefighter cadets achieve 100 percent certification pass rate yet again

 Jeannie Peng-Armao -- June 13, 2012

PASADENA, Texas — San Jacinto College (SJC) successfully prepares hundreds of graduates for public safety each year. No other example rings truer than the Firefighter Training Academy, which has produced a 100 percent passing rate on the Texas Commission on Fire Protection's Basic Suppression exam for 24 consecutive academy classes, spanning eight years. 

Passing the exam means that a cadet is eligible for state certification and can be hired as a certified firefighter for many departments across the United States. With a total of 150 questions, the exam is divided into four sections: firefighter I, firefighter II, hazardous materials awareness, and hazardous materials operations. Cadets are also required to pass the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician certification exam.

According to student Andrea Tousand, passing the exam comes easy compared to the overall rigorous training that's involved in the Firefighter Training Academy.

"By the time you're done, you're more than ready for that test," said Tousand, who is also a U.S. Air Force veteran. "This program is very structured, yet very fun and rewarding."

The cadets are prepared through a dedicated process, said Joseph Brysch, San Jacinto College fire protection program director. This includes 592 instructional hours of lectures, reading assignments, hands-on skills, and remedial training when necessary. The cadets start with the history of the fire service and end by participating in live burn sessions, which not only prepare them for the exam, but also for the responsibilities of the job.

Once certified, cadets have a choice of furthering their education to include an Associate of Applied Science in Firefighting. This qualifies them to take other state exams that can lead to advanced careers in fire inspection, fire investigation, hazardous materials emergency response, and emergency management.

"We've had students, who've tried unsuccessfully to pass the exam elsewhere, come into our program, train hard, and eventually pass the exam with no problem," said Brysch. "We have more than 25 adjuncts who work with our students from across the Houston metroplex area. The cadets know that passing the exam is just one step in becoming a firefighter."

About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.