Fire Officer Professional Certificates (FOPC, FO1C, & FO2C)

Fire Officer Professional Certificate (FOPC)

The Fire Officer Professional Certificate prepares the firefighter for the role of fire officer at the supervisory/managerial level, using National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021: Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications.

Firefighters who successfully complete this certificate will meet the job performance requirements for Fire Officers Professional Qualifications Level I and Level II.

Students must possess an Ohio Firefighter II certification and Fire Instructor certification to enter the program.

Fire Officer 1 Certificate (FO1C)

The Fire Officer 1 certificate prepares students for the role of company officer, using objectives of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021: Fire Officers Professional Qualifications Level I.

Topics covered include human resource management, community and government relations, inspections, investigations, emergency service delivery, and safety.

Students must possess an Ohio Firefighter II certification and Fire Instructor certification to enter the program.

Fire Officer 2 Certificate (FO2C)

The Fire Officer 2 Certificate meets the job performance requirements of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021: Managing Fire Officer, and applies the leadership standards published by the International Association of Fire Chiefs in the Officer Development Handbook.

To enter this certificate program, students must complete the course FST 161 or equivalent, and possess Ohio Firefighter II certification and Fire Instructor certification.

For more information, please contact the Health and Public Safety Division at (513) 569-1670.

To apply for this program at Cincinnati State, visit the Admissions section of the College website.

Fire Officer Professional Certificate (FOPC)

Semester 1LecLabCredits
FST 161Fire Officer 1 404
Semester 2  
FST 162Fire Officer 2 404
Total Credits:  808

Fire Officer 1 Certificate (FO1C)

Semester 1LecLabCredits
FST 161Fire Officer 1 404
Total Credits:  404

Fire Officer 2 Certificate (FO2C)

Semester 1LecLabCredits
FST 162Fire Officer 2 404
Total Credits:  404

Courses

FST 101 Fire Cadet Fundamentals
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.

A course that prepares students mentally and physically for the State of Ohio Firefighter 1 & 2 course. Topics include: fire ground fundamentals, self discipline, procedures, concepts, equipment, tools, and safety related information. The course location is Station 2 on Este Avenue in Cincinnati.
Prerequisites: Instructor Consent
Corequisites: FST 136 : Emergency Vehicle Operator
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 103 Evolution of the Fire Service
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on the growth of the fire service from its creation through the 21st century. Topics include: changes in suppression methods, building codes, and rescue techniques; administrative philosophies; and personnel behaviors.
Prerequisites: None
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FST 105 Firefighter Physical Preparedness
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on physical fitness in the fire service, using American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Cooper Institute standards. Topics include: body mechanics, cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility, functional strength, and how to avoid common fire service injuries. The course location is Station 2 on Este Avenue in Cincinnati.
Prerequisites: Instructor Consent
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 120 Fire Behavior and Combustion
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start and spread, and how fires are controlled. Topics include: the chemistry of fire, combustion and heat transfer, stages of fire growth, toxic gases and smoke, and extinguishing agents.
Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 101A MAT 093 or MAT 131A or appropriate Math placement
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Ohio Transfer Assurance Guide Approved

FST 123 Principles of Emergency Services
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on fire protection services, including philosophy, history, and career opportunities in related fields. Topics include: fire chemistry and physics, fire protection systems, and an introduction to fire strategy and tactics.
Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 101A
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Ohio Transfer Assurance Guide Approved

FST 126 Fire Protection Systems
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on design features and operation of fire alarm systems. Topics include water-based fire suppression systems, special hazard fire suppression systems, water supply for fire protection, and portable fire extinguishers.
Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 101A
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Ohio Transfer Assurance Guide Approved

FST 129 Fire Prevention
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on fundamental concepts of fire prevention. Topics include: history, philosophy, organization, and operation of a fire prevention bureau; use and application of codes and standards; plan review; fire inspections; fire and life safety education; and fire investigation.
Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 101A
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Ohio Transfer Assurance Guide Approved

FST 131 Firefighter Professional 1
6 Credits. 4 Lecture Hours. 6 Lab Hours.

A course covering NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 and 2 objectives. Topics include: ladders, personal protection clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), fire extinguishers, search and rescue, ropes and knots, and hoses and nozzles. Students must successfully complete FST 131 and FST 132 and earn a passing score on the state firefighter exam to obtain Ohio Firefighter II certification. The course location is Station 2 on Este Avenue in Cincinnati and other off-campus sites.
Prerequisites: FST 101 and FST 105 and FST 136, and instructor consent
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 132 Firefighter Professional 2
5 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 6 Lab Hours.

A continuation of FST 131, covering NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 and 2 objectives. Topics include: fire streams and foam, fire control, fire protection systems, and pre-incident surveys. Students who successfully complete this course are eligible to take the Ohio Firefighter's Exam. Students who are successful on the state exam are also eligible for national (PROBOARD) certification. Some course activities are located at Station 2 on Este Avenue in Cincinnati.
Prerequisites: FST 131 and instructor consent
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 135 Career Firefighter
11 Credits. 8 Lecture Hours. 12 Lab Hours.

A course covering National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Firefighter I and II objectives. Topics include: ladders, personal protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), fire extinguishers, search and rescue, ropes and knots, and hoses and nozzles. Students must successfully complete FST 135 and earn a passing score on the Ohio firefighter exam to obtain Ohio Firefighter II certification. The course meets off-campus at 5746 Este Avenue (Cincinnati) and other off-campus sites as required.
Prerequisites: FST 101 and FST 105 and FST 136
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 136 Emergency Vehicle Operator
1 Credit. 0 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on safe driving practices while responding in emergency vehicles. Topics include: techniques for safe operation, post-collision analysis, and unsafe practices during emergency response. Students must have a valid driver's license. The course location is Station 2 on Este Avenue in Cincinnati.
Prerequisites: Instructor consent and valid driver's license
Corequisites: FST 101 : Fire Cadet Fundamentals
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 143 Hazard Recognition Officer
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.

A course that provides knowledge and skills needed to conduct fire and life safety inspections in the State of Ohio and meet standards for National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Inspector I. Topics include: the fire inspector's role in code enforcement; general fire prevention practices; fire safety requirements related HAZMAT, electrical systems, and fire protection systems; and properly conducting fire safety inspections. Students who complete the course successfully are prepared to take the Ohio EMS Hazard Recognition Officer (HRO) certification.
Prerequisites: FST 132 and Instructor consent
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 161 Fire Officer 1
4 Credits. 4 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on preparing for the role of company officer, using NFPA 1021 Fire Officers Professional Qualifications Level 1 objectives. Topics include: human resource management, community and government relations, inspections, investigations, emergency service delivery, and safety.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, and instructor consent
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 162 Fire Officer 2
4 Credits. 4 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course that meets the job performance requirements of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021 - Managing Fire Officer, and follows the leadership standards published by the International Association of Fire Chiefs in the Officer Development Handbook.
Prerequisites: FST 161, and instructor consent
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 223 Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on the history and basic principles of the national firefighter life safety initiatives, focusing on the need for cultural change throughout the emergency services.
Prerequisites: ENG 101
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Ohio Transfer Assurance Guide Approved

FST 226 Building Construction for Fire Protection
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on components of building construction related to firefighter and life safety. Topics include: elements of construction and design of structures in relation to inspecting buildings, pre-planning fire operations, and operating at emergencies.
Prerequisites: ENG 101
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Ohio Transfer Assurance Guide Approved

FST 228 Legal Aspects of the Emergency Services
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on legal issues related to emergency services. Topics include: the U.S. legal system; recent court decisions, events, and statutes; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Family Medical Leave Act; the Fair Labor Standards Act; and HIPAA.
Prerequisites: ENG 101
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FST 258 Rapid Assistance and Self-Rescue Operations
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on saving your own life or saving lives of other firefighters. Topics include: MAYDAY, fire ground safety, communications, self awareness, rapid entry team preparedness, and survival techniques.
Prerequisites: FST 132
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FST 265 Fire Service Instructor
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on techniques for teaching adult learners knowledge and skills required for the Fire Services field, using NFPA 1041 Instructor 1 and 2 objectives. Topics include: domains of learning, learning outcomes and objectives, classroom preparedness, student safety, and legal obligations. Students must have five years experience as a firefighter.
Prerequisites: At least five years of experience as an Ohio-certified firefighter and hold valid Ohio firefighter certificate in good standing and have passed the Firefighter II level Ohio instructor knowledge examination within the past year
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 268 Fire Safety Inspector
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on fire safety inspection procedures and responsibilities, using NFPA 1031 objectives. Students who are members of an Ohio Fire Department may take the state exam for Fire Safety Inspector at the end of the course.
Prerequisites: Students must hold a current Ohio firefighter certificate and be employed by an Ohio firefighting agency
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FST 294 Internship 1: Fire Service Technology
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in an unpaid field learning experience at a fire department. Students must follow the hosting fire department's applicable policies and procedures and keep a daily journal to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: FST 132
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Instructor Consent Required