How to Apply for a National Fire Academy Course

Overview of the online application process

If your course code begins with a Q

Select the “Sign up now” button next to the course name in the National Fire Academy (NFA) catalog.

If your course code begins with M, R, S or W

Apply online using the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) Online Admissions Application. We recommend that you apply using a laptop or a desktop computer.

If your course code begins with F or N

Use the NETC Online Admissions Application. You can apply starting the day before the class begins and up to 14 days after the course ends. We recommend that you apply using a laptop or a desktop computer.

Before you apply

• Find a course. Search the NFA Catalog for a training opportunity that meets your needs. The course code and offering dates are listed on the course description page.
• Understand course requirements. Many courses have specific selection criteria or prerequisites. Review the course description page for detailed instructions.
• Request an SID. You need this number to apply for NFA courses. If you have an SID and your last name doesn't match the SID we have on file, you will need to review your SID registration information.
• Verify the name and email address of the person authorized to approve your application.
• Prepare documents. Electronic copies of documents demonstrating your eligibility may be required. Make sure you have them ready to attach to your application. Files must be in Portable Document Format (PDF). The maximum size for each PDF is 1 MB.
• Restricted courses:
  • Open to Managing Officer students only: R0385, R0387, R0388 and R0389.
  • Open to Executive Fire Officer students only: M5101, M5102, M5103, M5104, R5201, R5202, R5203 and R5204.
• State Weekend students: Your state point of contact for questions is listed at the bottom of the course description page in the NFA Catalog. View courses available during state and national weekends.

Ready to apply for a course?

Application deadlines

Application status and notifications

Please allow 3-4 weeks for processing after the application period closes.

When you submit an application, you will receive an email indicating that it was forwarded to the head of your organization. If the head of your organization rejects the application, you will receive an email to let you know. If the head of your organization endorses your application, you will receive an email to let you know it was forwarded to the NETC Admissions Office. Your organization head has up to 14 days to endorse the application.

After the application period closes (either June 15 or Dec. 15 of each year), we will review your application to make sure you meet the course criteria. We will then randomly place into courses those students who meet the criteria. This usually takes place within 3-4 weeks after the application period ends.

After students are placed into courses, you will receive an email with the status of your application: enrolled in the course, placed on the waitlist, or application rejected.

Please add NETCAdmissNotifications@fema.dhs.gov to your “safe senders” list to ensure you receive our emails. This email address is used only for sending notifications; do not reply to this email address.

If your application isn't accepted

Applications are not carried over. If your application is not accepted for the semester in which you applied, you must reapply for the next semester. You may apply for more than one course per semester, but you must submit a separate application for each course.

Applying for course vacancies

Your application must be received at least 6 weeks before the course start date to be considered. Vacancies within 6 weeks of the start date of the course are filled only from the established wait list, so it is beneficial for you to apply early in the application period.

Application process for a non-U.S. citizen

The NFA offers a limited number of opportunities for non-U.S. citizens to attend courses. If a course has vacancies after U.S. applicants have been placed, you (as a non-U.S. citizen) will be considered.

• Non-U.S. citizens must pay transportation, lodging and meal costs.
• You must be fluent in spoken and written English; language translation is not offered on campus.
• You can submit an application anytime during the year but it must be received at least 60 days prior to the course/conference start date.

You will be notified about application status no less than two weeks before the start date of a requested course. Placement for a requested course offering date cannot be guaranteed.

How to request an SID

If you are interested in applying for an NFA course, you need to register for a FEMA SID. Applications for NFA courses that do not include an SID will not be processed.

To obtain an SID

1. Register at cdp.dhs.gov/femasid.
2. Select “Register for a FEMA SID.”
3. Follow the instructions to create your account.
4. You will receive an email with your SID. Save this number in a secure location.

Your SID is valid for future NFA and other FEMA training opportunities. You don't need to request another SID. Forgot your SID?

Understanding course codes

Every NFA course has a course code. As you scan the catalog, the course code can help you more easily identify the delivery method for your program of interest. You can quickly scan for programs that fit your preferred delivery option. Be sure to include the correct course code when you submit your application for an NFA course.

The Course Description page of the catalog provides specifics on the delivery type and duration along with information such as course objectives, selection criteria, prerequisites and continuing education units.

Course codes

For help with your application

Contact the NETC Admissions Office

Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET.

800-238-3358, ext. 1035

netcadmissions@fema.dhs.gov