How to Apply

Application procedures vary with the different courses and programs. Each course or program has specific application requirements listed. In some instances, physical requirements must be met for successful acceptance due to the nature of the course activities. Applicants should carefully read the course descriptions and requirements and follow the procedures listed; this will save time and speed up the application process.

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The most up-to-date information about course descriptions, schedules and vacancies may be found by entering a course code or keyword in the form below. Additional search criteria may be specified by clicking the Advanced Search link.

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Application Forms

Select the appropriate form below to apply for National Fire Academy courses and programs.

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Please use the proper course codes when applying.

Completed applications for on-campus courses must be sent to the following address during the appropriate application period:

Office of Admissions, Building I, Room 216
National Emergency Training Center
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727-8998
(800) 238-3358, ext. 1035 or
(301) 447-1035
FAX (301) 447-1441

For off-campus and other courses, please follow the application instructions contained in the NFA Catalog.

Only the February 2004 version or later of the General Admission Application 75-5 will be accepted. All other versions, as well as applications that are incomplete, will be returned to the applicant. Applications sent outside the designated application periods identified below will be returned to the applicant.

Application Period

2009-2010 National Fire Academy Application Periods
  Semester Dates Application Period (postmarked between)
First Semester 10/1/09 - 3/31/10 4/15/09 - 6/15/09
Second Semester 4/1/10 - 9/30/10 10/15/09 - 12/15/09

Students must reapply for second semester courses if they are not accepted for the first semester. No applications will be carried over.

Applications will not be considered if they are postmarked before or after the stipulated open periods. You may apply for more than one course, but you should submit a separate application for each course.

Course Vacancies: Applications for course vacancies must be received at least six weeks before the course start date for the applicant to be considered for the course. Vacancies within six weeks of the course, start date shall only be filled from the established wait list, so it's important to apply early!

Acceptance Notification

The Office of Admissions will notify students of the status of their applications no later than 60 days after the end of the application period. Information regarding applications will not be available prior to this time. Application periods for the next academic year are anticipated to be similar; students should contact the NETC Office of Admissions to verify the application periods.

Foreign Applicants

A very limited number of opportunities exist for non-U.S. citizens to attend NFA courses. Foreign citizens interested in applying should send applications to:

Office of Admissions, Building I, Room 216
National Emergency Training Center
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727-8998
(800) 238-3358, ext. 1035 or
(301) 447-1035
FAX (301) 447-1441

Foreign applicants must pay their own transportation, lodging, and meal costs. Because language translation is not provided on campus, students must be fluent in spoken and written English.

Applications from foreign students are not considered during the random selection process following each application period. After students have been placed, if there are vacancies, foreign applicants are considered. Therefore, applications are accepted from foreign students throughout the course of the year. Placement for a requested date cannot be guaranteed. Please allow extra time for processing application requests.

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