NFPA 1002 Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications

Learn how to make the most of a fire truck’s capabilities, as well as your own.

Operating a fire truck is more than driving. Fire vehicles have an array of sophisticated apparatus including the pump and aerial devices.

You can develop skills whether you’re a general firefighter or a pump operator. Position yourself as a backup for your service’s vehicle operators.

There are prerequisites for both the pump and aerial device level training (see the drop downs below for details),

As well, you must also complete specific courses so you can apply for IFSAC and ProBoard certification once you pass the training.

For pump level certification you need:
  • NFPA 1001 Level I
  • FFTS-601 Basic Pumping Operations
  • #2-PU Advanced Pumping Operations

For aerial device certification you need:

  • NFPA 1001 Level I
  • a recognized defensive driving credential

Register now Contact Corporate Training

FFTS—S601 Fire Apparatus - Driving and Maintenance (NFPA 1002 Ch.4)
Course ID: #FFTS-S601
Course Description:
  • Fire Apparatus–Preventative Maintenance
  • Driving–Operating Fire Apparatus
Textbook: IFSTA Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook 3rd ed.
Evaluation: practical evaluation, proctored written exam
Prerequisite(s): QETC 103, valid driver’s licence with air brake endorsement
Cost: $780
Date(s): July 18 - 22, 2022
Delivery Options: 
  • On-site
Fire Apparatus - Pumping Operations (NFPA 1002 Ch 5.)
Course ID: #2-PU
Course Description: In this classroom and practical course you will learn:
  • pump performance
  • relay
  • apparatus service tests
  • pump maintenance
  • foam fire streams, and hydraulic calculations used in the fire service
  • the flow of water through large diameter hose, and single- and double-hose lays

Prerequisite: FFTS-S601, valid driver's licence with air brake endorsement
Textbook: IFSTA Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook 3rd ed.
Evaluation: practical evaluation, proctored written exam
Certification: Successful students are eligible to apply for IFSAC and Pro Board Certification. Applications can be downloaded from the Municipal Affairs' website.
Cost: $915
Date(s): June 6 - 10, 2022 or July 25 - 29, 2022
Delivery Options:

  • On-site
  • Corporate Training - To discuss off-site or corporate training, contact the Business Development Office toll free at 1 800 661 6490 ext 2038 or email businessdevfire@lakelandcollege.ca
Aerial Apparatus

Course ID: #3-PU
Course Description: The theory and practical components of this course include

  • types and construction of aerial apparatus,
  • hydraulic systems on aerial devices and apparatus,
  • operating, positioning and stabilizing aerial apparatus,
  • strategies and tactics,
  • elevated master streams
  • aerial apparatus testing

Specific requirement: a valid driver’s licence (Class 3 preferred) with air brake endorsement.

Prerequisite(s): FFTS-S601
Textbook: IFSTA Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook 3rd ed.
Evaluation: practical evaluation, proctored written exam
Certification: Successful students are eligible to apply for IFSAC and Pro Board Certification. Applications can be downloaded from the Municipal Affairs' website.
Cost: $790
Date(s): May 24 - 27, 2022 or Aug 29 - Sep 1, 2022
Delivery Options:
  • On-site
  • Corporate Training - To discuss off-site or corporate training, contact the Business Development Office toll free at 1 800 661 6490 ext 2038 or email businessdevfire@lakelandcollege.ca

IAPD Driving

International Academy for Professional Driving (IAPD)

Course ID: #1-IAPD
Course Description: This 2 day course includes both lectures and hands-on driving. The IAPD driving course has proven to decrease accidents and provide a safer driver environment for emergency response personnel. Included in this course are vehicle safety checks, mental aspects of driving, understanding body dynamics, cornering techniques, braking, hydroplaning, reading the road and accident avoidance. Upon completion of this program you will receive a certificate from the International Academy of Professional Driving.

Pre-requisites: Minimum 18 years of age and Class 5 license with air brakes. (Class 3 with air brakes preferred).
Evaluation: Proctored written exam and practical evaluation
Delivery Options:

  • Corporate Training - To discuss off-site or corporate training, contact the Business Development Office toll free at 1 800 661 6490 ext 2038 or 8437 or email businessdevfire@lakelandcollege.ca

Air Brakes

Air brakes (Q Endorsement) is offered every Saturday. The first Saturday of the month is at the Vermilion campus. Other weeks the course is held in Lloydminster at our County Energy Park location.

Lakeland College also offers Class 1 and Class 3 driver training.