Download - South Carolina Fire Academy

Detailed information regarding the days, hours and specific location of courses is provided. The course catalog
is provided to customers approximately six weeks prior to the start of each of the semiannual course catalog
lists.
4. Types of Training Courses
The SCFA delivers training in the four general areas. Courses in this catalog are devoted to the paid and volunteer
public fire service. Industrial training is not included.
All SCFA courses require pre-registration. Courses have a 30-day cut off prior to the start date. The SCFA
recommends each student register early to ensure acceptance into the preferred course. This also allows the
SCFA to guarantee that the minimum number of students have registered so the course can be taught. “Walkins”
are not allowed.
1. Regional Catalog Courses - As requested by a local fire department, field courses are held throughout
the state. They are scheduled by regional supervisors and offered to area fire service personnel. These
courses are taught by SCFA adjunct instructors and are listed in the semiannual course catalog (course requirements
and fees apply). The host department is guaranteed 10 slots per course. All other registrations
are first-come first-serve. Course evaluation may be combined with another evaluation at the discretion of
the SCFA.
2. Resident Catalog Courses - Open to all fire service personnel, these courses are offered at the SCFA
in Columbia. Courses are taught by full-time faculty and adjunct instructors. They include every type of
course offered by the SCFA including, basic firefighter, strategy and tactics, specialized rescue, haz-mat,
advanced fire fighting, leadership, management, fire inspection, fire investigation courses, special weekend
programs and seminars.
3. Training-In-House Courses - To deliver training at the local level, in-house courses are taught by SCFA
certified instructors within their fire departments. Programs are set up to fit the schedule of the department
and to meet student needs. They are coordinated through the regional office. Instructors use SCFA
lesson plans and SCFA credit is granted. All SCFA polices apply. To deliver this training, the SCFA requires
fire departments to do the following:
1. Submit a written request to the regional coordinator at least 30 days prior to the requested start
date. If the course requested requires a 30-day cutoff date, then a 60-day written notice is required.
2. Once the course is approved, the department must submit student registration forms to the regional
office by the deadline (30 days prior to start date). A minimum number of students must be registered
and meet the prerequisites. No walk-ins are allowed. If less than the minimum number of students is
registered, the SCFA will work with the department on conducting the course. The department will
be billed for, at least, the minimum number of students. All SCFA policies and course fees apply. The
SCFA will provide the lead evaluator or must approve the lead and all evaluators required for the
course. The course evaluation may be combined with another at the discretion of the SCFA.
3. Provide all required facilities to conduct the course, such as a classroom and any SCBAs or
other equipment as needed.
4. Request Courses - Courses have been available to local fire departments on a request basis through
regional offices since July 1996. Although this method is offered, the SCFA continues to strongly encourage
fire departments to take advantage of the courses scheduled in the course catalog. If local needs exceed or
significantly differ from those scheduled, the regional offices will make every effort to deliver the requested
training to meet the local needs, based on the availability of instructors and funding. First priority is given
to Catalog and Training-In-House courses. To receive a requested course, the SCFA requires fire departments
to:
Policies
www.scfa.state.sc.us 7