Emergency Services Department
Firefighter Recruit Candidate Academy (RCA)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be admitted to UVU to participate in this course?
Yes; apply for admissions at http://www.uvu.edu/admissions/ and select the “New Student” , “Returning Student” tab
or Transferring Student” to begin the application.
What is the Recruit Candidate Academy (RCA)?
It is a basic firefighting academy with the goal to prepare every student for entry level employment as a firefighter and
hazmat responder. It is a regimented, paramilitary course with a demand for respect and attention to detail. This
includes uniform, appearance and attitude. It is also a very physically demanding course. Physical training (PT) may
include running up to 5 miles a day. Training also includes rigorous exercise and weight lifting to build strength and
endurance to prepare for the demands of a firefighter. The RCA course also has classroom time with online testing.
What certifications will I receive if I successfully complete the RCA?
Upon successful completion, you will receive the following levels of certification from the State of Utah
 Firefighter I
 Firefighter II
 Hazardous Materials Awareness
 Hazardous Materials Operations
What are the prerequisites to get into the RCA?*
 Successfully complete the RCA Physical Fitness Ability Test (PFAT) prior to acceptance:
o Run 1.5 miles in less than 15 minutes
o 35 push-ups in 1 minute, from your toes, full arm extension
o 35 sit-ups in 1 minute
o 3 pull-ups (not timed), hanging full arm extension
 Have a valid driver’s license
 Complete: (Must have a C- or higher)
o ENGH 0990 or higher or equivalent Accuplacer, ACT or SAT Mathematics score.
o MAT 0990 or higher or equivalent Accuplacer, ACT or SAT English score.
o ESFF 1000 – Intro to Emergency Services and Ability Testing (4 credits)
o ESFF 1120 – Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety Survival (3 credits)
o ESEC 1140 and/or EMT state certified (9 credits)
* Please be sure to acquire the FAQs for the semester in which you will apply for the RCA. Prerequisites are subject to
change with each semester.
How do I apply to get into the RCA?
 Complete a Recruit Candidate Academy (RCA) application which is available online at
http://www.uvu.edu/esa/academics/rca.html or call 801-863-7749 or toll free 888-548-7816
Do I need to have all my prerequisites completed before I turn in the application?
No. But they must be completed before the first day class.
When are RCA applications due?
 If you are applying for the Fall (August) semester, they are due by June 1st
 If you are applying for the Spring (January) semester, they are due by October 1st
Once I’ve been admitted to the RCA, when do classes start?
The RCA is one semester. Courses are offered during the following semesters:
 Fall is August to December
 Spring is January to April
How do I register?
Once prerequisites are verified and you’ve been notified of your acceptance into the program, an Emergency Services
advisor will clear you to register yourself for the RCA classes.
What is the schedule for the RCA?
 RCA Night: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. These times are
subject to change.
How is the semester schedule broken down?
Students will be enrolled in two classes totaling 16 credits
 ESFF 250A (8 credits)
 ESFF 250B (8 credits)
What is the cost of the RCA?
 Resident / Non-Resident Tuition and Fees: You will be charged $1,800.00 for Module I (ESFF 250A) and
$1,800.00 for Module II (ESFF 250B), totaling at $3,600.00 for the semester
 Books, Equipment, and Supplies: Approximately $520
What other Emergency Services certificate and degree options are available?
 One-year certificate - Paramedic
 One-year certificate - Firefighter Recruit Candidate (RCA)
 Associate in Applied Science - Firefighter/Emergency Care Emphasis
 Associate in Applied Science - Fire Officer Emphasis
 Associate in Applied Science - Wildland Fire Management Emphasis
 Associate in Science in Emergency Services
 Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Administration
o Emergency Management Emphasis
o Emergency Care Emphasis (Includes Paramedic Program)
We look forward to working with you!
Emergency Services Department
Firefighter Recruit Candidate Academy
3131 Mike Jense Parkway
Provo, UT 84601
801-863-7749/888-548-7816