Certified Fire Protection

Specialist Program Overview

Certification Content Outline

CFPS Program Overview 2025 Page 1 of 21

Contents
About This Program Overview ....................................................................................................................................3
Introduction to NFPA Certifications ............................................................................................................................3
Acknowledgments ......................................................................................................................................................3
Program Description ...................................................................................................................................................5
Eligibility Requirements ..............................................................................................................................................5
Exam Specifications ....................................................................................................................................................6
Program Fees ..............................................................................................................................................................6
Body of Knowledge .....................................................................................................................................................6
Preparing for the Exam ...............................................................................................................................................6
Domain Weighting and Exam Blueprint......................................................................................................................7
Domain Weighting ..................................................................................................................................................7
Exam Blueprint .......................................................................................................................................................7
Certification Maintenance ....................................................................................................................................... 18
CFPS Recertification Requirements Point System.................................................................................................... 20

CFPS Program Overview 2025 Page 2 of 21

About This Program Overview
This program overview provides details specific to the Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) certification
program including the exam blueprint and domain weighting criteria. The Certification Candidate Handbook,
available at nfpa.org/for-professionals/certification/cfps, will familiarize certification candidates with the overall
general policies and procedures of NFPA certification programs. It’s important that candidates read and
understand both documents prior to applying for this certification.

Introduction to NFPA Certifications

Founded in 1896, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) is a global self-funded nonprofit membership
organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss from fire, electrical, and other
hazards. NFPA delivers information and knowledge through 300+ consensus codes and standards, research,
training, education, outreach, and advocacy, and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering
the NFPA mission. The NFPA mission is to help save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge, and
passion.

NFPA provides world-class professional certifications to individuals around the globe by adhering to the best
practices of the certification industry and maintaining the highest standards of personnel certification. NFPA uses
experienced subject matter experts who actively work in their respective industries to guide the creation of the
certification programs. NFPA certifications are intended for professionals who want to validate their knowledge
and skills and demonstrate their commitment to professionalism, upholding industry standards, and continued
learning. Certifications are awarded to professionals who meet the eligibility criteria, pass a rigorous
examination, and, when required, successfully complete a practicum.

Acknowledgments
NFPA gratefully acknowledges the following subject matter experts for their contributions to the most recent
update of this certification program.
Anthony Apfelbeck Alan Beard Robert (Bob) Berry
Director of Building and Fire Safety Head of Fire Engineering, Chubb Sr. Consultant Specialist
City of Altamonte Springs (FL) Overseas General AIG
LinkedIn Profile Chubb LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn Profile

Ralph Bless, Jr. Tony Cole Douglas Glenn

Executive Vice President Vice President
Telgian Engineering & Consulting Senez Consulting, Inc.
LinkedIn Profile LinkedIn Profile

Carlos Buerrero Timothy Hennessey James Hodge

Latin America Regional Sales Manager Fire Protection Manager Fire Prevention Officer
Potter Electric Signal Company Tesla Kitchener (Ontario) Fire Department
LinkedIn Profile LinkedIn Profile

Acknowledgements (cont.)

CFPS Program Overview 2025 Page 3 of 21

 Fernando Katayama Ronald Klus Todd Lalley
Fire Protection & BMS Specialist Fire & Emergency Management Technical Director
ACM Soluciones y Servicios SAC Consultant Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
LinkedIn Profile Jensen Hughes LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn Profile

Steven P. Lewis Brian Mosberian Paul J. Nordmeier

Sr. Account Executive Fire Protection Engineer Principal Fire Protection Engineer
Pavion - RFI Enterprises Phoenix Fire Department Xcel Energy, Inc.
LinkedIn Profile LinkedIn Profile

Greg A. Novak Oscar Mauricio Barajas Pinzon Michael L. Savage, Sr.

Deputy Fire Chief Sr. Loss Prevention Engineer Director
Anne Arundel County (MD) Fire Saudi Aramco Marion County (FL) Building Safety
Department LinkedIn Profile Department
LinkedIn Profile

Kyle Smith Juan Olivari Woodman Roman Becerra

Battalion Chief Sr. Consultant & Engineer Risk Control Engineer
Cobb County (GA) Fire & Emergency Independent Consultant MEICA
Services LinkedIn Profile LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn Profile

CFPS Program Overview 2025 Page 4 of 21

Program Description
The purpose of the Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS®) certification is to recognize qualified individuals
who are dedicated to curtailing fire loss, both physical and financial, and who have acquired a level of
professionalism through applied work experiences and related education opportunities, and through successful
completion of a certification examination.

The CFPS program application can be completed online by going to the NFPA certification management system
(CMS) at onlinecertification.nfpa.org/nfpassa.

Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to take the CFPS examination, candidates must demonstrate they meet ONE of the following
criteria:
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a fire protection-related discipline* from an accredited college or
university, including degrees in engineering fields that are applied to the practice of fire protection;
plus TWO years of verifiable work experience dedicated to curtailing fire loss, both physical and
financial.
• Associate’s degree in a fire protection-related discipline* from an accredited college or university, or a
bachelor’s or master’s degree in any unrelated field; plus FOUR years of verifiable work experience
dedicated to curtailing fire loss, both physical and financial.
• High school diploma or equivalent, plus SIX years of verifiable work experience dedicated to curtailing
fire loss, both physical and financial.

*Examples include degrees in Fire Protection Engineering, Fire Science, Fire Protection Technology, and Fire
Service Administration. Examples of engineering fields that are frequently applied to the practice of fire
protection include, but are not limited to, Fire Protection, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, and Electrical.
Question: What is work experience dedicated to curtailing fire loss, both physical and financial?
Answer: This covers a wide variety of jobs, roles, and industries. If your primary job role involves reducing the
risk of fire occurrence (design engineering, inspections, and code enforcement, etc.), or reducing physical
damage, loss of life, or financial loss in the event of a fire (fire service, risk engineering, fire protection system
design/installation, etc.), your work experience will apply.

Note: While completing the Current Employment section of your application, you are asked to obtain the signature
of either your current supervisor or a human resource contact. If you are self-employed, please contact the CFPS
certification department at adminsvcs@nfpa.org so we can work with you to review alternative proof of your
current work experience.

CFPS Program Overview 2025 Page 5 of 21

Exam Specifications
The CFPS exam is a proctored computer-based exam available at in-person testing centers worldwide. Exam
specifications include:

• Open book exam (NFPA Fire Protection Handbook®, 21st edition)

• 3-hour time limit
• 100 multiple choice questions
• Currently available in English only

You have 12 months, from the application approval date, to pass the exam.

Program Fees
The CFPS program fees are collected for the following:

• Initial program application (includes initial examination fee)

• Retest (if required)
• Annual renewal fee due every year on the certificant’s anniversary date

For the most up-to-date prices for these fees, see the website at nfpa.org/for-professionals/certification/cfps.

Body of Knowledge
The publication below forms the comprehensive body of knowledge for the CFPS certification exam.

Christian Dubay, ed., Fire Protection Handbook®, 21st ed. (Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association,
2023).

Note: The Fire Protection Handbook® (FPH®) is available to order at nfpa.org or by phone at 1-800-344-3555.

Preparing for the Exam

The Certified Fire Protection Specialist Online Learning Path (nfpa.org/en/For-Professionals/Training-For-
Me/Fire-Protection-Systems-training/Certified-Fire-Protection-Specialist-Online-Learning-Path) provides a
comprehensive, multimedia training experience covering a full range of topics. Select a comprehensive Learning
Path or build a customized program by choosing the individual online courses and components you require.
Access the most advanced tools for practicing and preparing for the CFPS exam with flexible, self-paced online
learning from the expert source.

A computer-based online CFPS Practice Exam is available and can be purchased online at
https://catalog.nfpa.org/Certified-Fire-Protection-Specialist-CFPS-Practice-Exam-P14609.aspx.

The official printed version of the FPH is the only reference allowed to be used during the exam. The handbook
may be tabbed before the exam with commercial permanent adhesive type tabs similar to those provided with
the Fire Protection Handbook. However, sticky notes and flags or other type of easily moveable tabs or physical
markers (including paper clips) are NOT permitted.

CFPS Program Overview 2025 Page 6 of 21

Domain Weighting and Exam Blueprint
The table below indicates the percentage (%) of exam content (exam items) for the eight (8) domains of the
Certified Fire Protection Specialist exam. The exam blueprint lists the sub-components of each of those domains.

Domain Weighting
Domains % of Exam
I. Safety in the Built Environment 16%

II. Information and Analysis for Fire Protection and Fire Science 9%

III. Fire Prevention: Programs, Materials, Processes, and 12%

Environments
IV. Facility Fire Hazard Management 9%

V. Organizing for Fire and Rescue Services 9%

VI. Detection and Alarm 14%

VII. Fire Suppression 22%

VIII. Confining Fires 9%

Exam Blueprint
It is important to remember that while some domains correspond both in title and content to sections in the
21st edition of the Fire Protection Handbook (FPH), not all of them do, nor are they meant to be an exact
reflection of the FPH sections.

I. Safety in the Built Environment

A. Perform evaluations, analyze, and document new and existing fire protection systems, given
building occupancy, occupancy use, complete permit plan set, as-built specifications of fire
control systems, local AHJ amendments, current water supply data, safety data of stored
materials, fire-rated assemblies, building compartmentation, interior finishes, system inspection,
and testing records, so that the building meets or exceeds fire code and life safety requirements
and ensures safe and timely building occupant evacuation and/or relocation.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Jurisdictional building and fire codes, applicable codes and
standards and their intent, local AHJ amendments, fire department access, types of
building construction, fire suppression, fire detection and smoke control systems, hazard
and water supply analysis, hazardous material classifications, building occupancy, and
occupancy use and loads, means of egress requirements, emergency and exit lighting
requirements, and exit discharge requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret building plans, calculation, and analytical
skills, determine occupancy types, and interpersonal and communication skills
B. Inspect, interpret, and ensure proper application of fire protection and life safety best practices,
policies, regulations, and applicable codes and standards inherent to the built environment,
given the plan set, occupancy types, uses, local environment, assessment of hazards, risk
exposures, equipment use, possible business interruption, mitigation strategies, code
requirements, and required annual system performance, inspection, and testing reports, so that

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 loss exposures and business interruptions are mitigated, timely and safe occupant
evacuation/relocation is achieved, adequate fire protection and life safety strategies are
provided, and the building, fire protection systems, and strategies are code compliant.
i. Requisite Knowledge – AHJ requirements, organizational policies and procedures, fire
analysis best practices, heat transfer analysis, heat release rate analysis, flame spread
analysis, smoke development/spread analysis, basic building code analysis, egress analysis,
building construction, current trends in fire hazards, communication strategies, required
annual system performance, inspection, and testing reports, fire prevention, reduction,
early suppression, and material treatment strategies, fire detection, building alarms, smoke
control measures, basic sprinkler and water supply systems reviews
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to perform hazard assessments, perform risk analysis, read and
interpret building plans and data, perform inspections and calculations, determine fire
load, technical writing, recordkeeping skills, and interpersonal and communication skills
C. Analyze, develop, and recommend codes and standards for fire and life safety in the built
environment, given the development protocols, so that relevant and meaningful standards are
developed, and stakeholders can use them.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Major standards development organizations (SDOs), code
development, and industry needs and trends
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to work in a committee environment, technical writing, and
interpersonal and communication skills
D. Ensure all fire protection, life safety, and building systems are properly integrated within the
built environment, given building and system drawings, building use, sequence of operations,
system performance, guidelines, and regulations, so that system-interfacing requirements are
achieved.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Jurisdictional building and fire codes, applicable codes and
standards, local AHJ amendments, types of building construction, fire suppression systems,
fire detection and smoke control systems, hazard and water supply analysis, hazardous
material classifications, systematic best practices, and technical knowledge
ii. Requisite Skills – System design, collaboration, and interpersonal and communication skills
E. Evaluate the performance of fire protection, fire detection, and life safety systems conditions
through code compliance, life safety and fire hazards analysis surveys for new and existing
buildings, given access to spaces, documentation of building features and systems, complete as-
built plan sets, water supply analysis, and fire and life safety system inspection and testing
reports, so that the evaluation is comprehensive, accurate, and provides valuable insights for
enhancing the safety and compliance of the assessed facilities, and systems perform as intended
and designed in a manner that completes and achieves their performance objectives.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Jurisdictional building and fire codes, applicable codes and
standards, local AHJ amendments, types of building construction and plans, fire
suppression systems and their design principle, fire detection and smoke control systems,
hazard and water supply analysis, hazardous material classifications, installation
requirements, and maintenance procedures
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret building plans, conduct site survey,
interpret system performance reports, analytical and problem solving, attention to detail,
and interpersonal and communication skills
F. Identify the key components that must be integrated to minimize risk and loss to prevent
injuries and death from fire, electrical, and other hazards, given facility access, documentation of

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 building features and systems, complete plan sets, applicable codes and standards, and safety
guidelines, so that the facility meets or exceeds fire code and life safety requirements and
ensures occupants are informed of safety guidelines.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fire protection principles, fire and electrical safety, applicable codes
and standards, and hazard identification
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret building plans, analytical and problem-
solving skills, and interpersonal and communication skills
G. Provide recommendations, progress oversight, coordinate, and prioritize work as it relates to
other areas of construction for resolution of issues encountered during implementation of fire
protection and life safety system designs, given complete construction design documents,
project schedules, team members and contact information, and job site access, so that systems
are coordinated successfully.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Applicable codes and standards, building features, systems criteria
design and layout, site conditions and phase, construction processes, best practices, fire
protection and life safety systems
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret building plans, analytical and problem-
solving skills, and interpersonal and communication skills

II. Information and Analysis for Fire Protection and Fire Science
A. Perform fire loss investigations, given AHJ requirements, organizational policies and procedures,
source of origin, building plans if needed, historical and current fire data, fire dynamics, and fire
load, so that the damage caused by the fire is determined.
i. Requisite Knowledge – AHJ requirements, fire analysis, scientific methodology, fire
dynamics, building construction, investigative methods best practices
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret building plans and data, determine fire
load, documentation, recordkeeping, and interpersonal and communication skills
B. Perform fire analysis to determine the proper size design fire and the fire’s impact on occupants
within the building, given AHJ requirements, building plans if needed, fire load, organizational
policies and procedures, fire incident data and statistics, so that the cause of the fire is
determined and recorded for historical purpose or the expected outcome is predicted, and the
building is safe during evacuation.
i. Requisite Knowledge – AHJ requirements, organizational policies and procedure, fire
analysis best practices, heat transfer, building construction, current trends in fire hazards,
communication strategies, and other building-related life safety protocols, design and code
analyses, heat release rate, flame spread, and smoke development
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret building plans and data, determine fire
load, perform calculations, recordkeeping skills, and interpersonal and communication
skills
C. Perform fire protection calculations, given AHJ requirements, building plans, hazard
classification, water source data, occupant load, and egress capacities, so that a safe
environment is created to protect occupants and property.
i. Requisite Knowledge – AHJ requirements, building construction, hydraulics and hazards
analysis, and human factors during fire
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret building plans, perform calculations, and
interpersonal and communication skills

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 D. Estimate conditions during the pre-flashover fire growth phase of a compartment fire, given AHJ
requirements, building plans, fire load, fire loss data, and fire dynamics, so that the occupants
may safely exit the building prior to a flashover occurring.
i. Requisite Knowledge – AHJ requirements, fire analysis best practices, heat transfer, egress
calculations, human behavior, and building construction
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret building plans and fire loss data, perform
calculations, and interpersonal and communication skills
E. Conduct job safety analyses for jobs/tasks within various industry settings as they relate to fire
hazards, given AHJ requirements, industrial processes, job/task descriptions, organizational
policies and procedures, and fire behavior associated with industrial processes, so that all proper
procedures are known and followed by company personnel.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fire protection and life safety best practice, AHJ requirements,
industrial processes, and fire behavior
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to perform safety analysis and calculations, and interpersonal
and communication skills

III. Fire Prevention: Programs, Materials, Processes, and Environments

A. Identify all potential fire hazards to a community and determine proper mitigation, given
applicable codes, standards, and hazard mitigation planning guidelines, so that loss of life and
property from fire is minimized.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Applicable codes, standards, and hazard mitigation planning
guidelines, and the needs of the community
ii. Requisite Skills – Research and analytical skills, and interpersonal and communication skills
B. Conduct organizational training needs assessment and provide training on fire hazards to
address skills and/or knowledge gaps, given the applicable codes and standards, so that a well-
trained workforce is established within the organization.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Life safety code consulting, fire protection design, fire alarm, mass
notification and smoke control design, hazardous materials consulting, system
commissioning services, performance-based solution development, health, safety, fire
prevention, loss control, environmental protection, and applicable codes and standards
ii. Requisite Skills – Research and analytical skills, training program development, and
interpersonal and communication skills
C. Resolve problems by performing field investigations, research, detailed design work, and/or
detailed review of design computations done by others, given the applicable codes and
standards, so that design problems with fire protection systems can be rectified and systems can
perform as intended.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Various fire protection systems, applicable policies, procedures, and
codes and standards
ii. Requisite Skills – Research, investigative, inspection and observational skills, fire protection
design, and interpersonal and communication skills
D. Perform fire protection and life safety program audits to continuously check and improve fire
safety and environmental performance, working cross-functionally with the appropriate and
affected teams, given applicable policies, procedures, codes, and standards, as-built plans, and
program records, so that proper mitigation of fire risk is achieved.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fire protection and life safety programs, and applicable policies,
procedures, codes, and standards

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 ii. Requisite Skills – Access, input, and retrieve data contained in the computer system,
research and analytical skills, read and interpret plan documents, and interpersonal and
communication skills
E. Inform management of current fire safety and environmental performance, potential hazards,
serious loss incidents, regulatory inquiries and changes to guidelines affecting safety and/or
environmental policies and procedures, given the incident reports, applicable codes and
standards, safety and environmental policies and procedures, so that the management remains
informed in order to remain in compliance.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Applicable policies, procedures, codes, and standards, safety and
environmental policies and procedures, incident reports, and potential hazards
ii. Requisite Skills – Research and analytical skills, and interpersonal and communication skills
F. Test, research, and recommend new tools, systems, and equipment, and ensure compliance
with technical specifications as it relates to fire and life safety hazards, given applicable policies,
procedures, and fire and life safety standards, and instructional and operational manuals, so that
new tools, systems, and equipment can be properly vetted prior to being adopted by the
organization.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Applicable policies, procedures, codes, and standards, tools,
systems, and equipment, testing methodology, intended outcome of new tool usage, and
organizational purchasing policies and procedures
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to use tools, systems, or equipment, manage organization test
groups, research and analytical skills, and interpersonal and communication skills
G. Identify the fire hazards and hazard mitigation principles associated with the various processes
given process procedures, organizational safety and procedure policies, and governing laws,
codes, or standards, so that the appropriate hazard mitigation methods can be employed.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Process and response procedures, organizational safety and
procedure policies, governing laws, applicable codes and standards, fire and hazard
mitigation standards, and industry best practices
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret the safety data sheet (SDS), research and
analytical skills, and interpersonal and communication skills
H. Ensure best practices associated with material storage, handling, and housekeeping principles
are followed, given applicable codes and standards governing material storage, handling, and
housekeeping practices, so that materials are stored safely and in compliance to mitigate
hazards associated with storage.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Process and response procedures, applicable codes and standards,
organizational safety and procedure policies, governing laws, fire and hazard mitigation
standards, industry best practice, and storage and handling of hazard materials
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret the safety data sheet (SDS), research,
observational, and analytical skills, ability to identify flammable, explosive, or other high
hazard materials, and interpersonal and communication skills

IV. Facility Fire Hazard Management

A. Explain the processes of acquisition, installation, operation, maintenance, and disposition of
building systems, given architectural, schematic, and technical drawings and documentation
related to building systems, and AHJ requirements, so that building ownership/management is
aware of and understands how these systems can impact the fire hazard level within their
facility.

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 i. Requisite Knowledge – Emergency preparedness processes, building design/construction
and infrastructure, facility management responsibilities, operational considerations related
to tenants within a facility, and AHJ requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret architectural, schematic, and technical
drawings and documentation, ability to formulate and put into practice emergency plans
around fire incidents, training program development, and interpersonal and
communication skills
B. Develop and manage mitigation programs, business continuity, and emergency preparedness
procedures and processes to be implemented in case of emergency and to be tested on a
continuing basis, given the architectural, schematic, and technical drawings and documentation
related to building systems, previously completed fire safety/emergency documentation, listing
of on-site life safety systems, manufacturer’s maintenance requirements, and AHJ testing
requirements, so that in case of fire-related emergencies all aspects of fire emergency planning
are addressed and maintained in an appropriate manner, including all life safety systems are
operating as designed and businesses are able to quickly resume operation.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Emergency preparedness processes, building design/construction
and infrastructure, life safety and building systems, facility management responsibilities,
operational considerations related to tenants within a facility, and AHJ requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret architectural, schematic, and technical
drawings and documentation, formulate and put into practice emergency plans around fire
incidents, training program development, and interpersonal and communication skills
C. Plan and execute fire protection management systems development and administer on-site fire
protection program, given the architectural, schematic, and technical drawings and
documentation related to building systems, plans outlining exit locations and emergency
systems, so that occupants are trained and knowledgeable as to life safety systems and
procedures related to the facility, and ensure tracking, maintenance, repair, and funding related
to life safety fire protection equipment consistently meet the requirements of manufacturers
and the applicable AHJ.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Life safety systems, behaviors in an emergency, evacuation
procedure best practices, guidance documents, draft of standard operating procedures,
impairments, code compliance, budget requirements, forecasting needs, and AHJ
requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to draft standard operating procedures, read and interpret
architectural, schematic, and technical drawings and documentation, training program
development, use testing equipment/tools as appropriate, and interpersonal and
communication skills
D. Oversee operations, maintenance, testing, and surveillance with stand-alone computer/server
network systems as they relate to fire alarm and signaling systems and reporting stations, given
architectural, schematic, and technical drawings and documentation related to building systems,
manufacturer’s maintenance/testing procedures, and testing equipment/tools, so that
computer/server equipment installed for control/monitoring of fire alarm and signaling systems
continues to provide data relevant for continued correct operation.
i. Requisite Knowledge – The relationship between fire alarm systems and computer/server
networks designed to interact with fire alarm control panels, and AHJ requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret architectural, schematic, and technical
drawings and documentation, use testing equipment/tools as appropriate, computer skills

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 relevant to report writing and data/record storage, computer/software skills appropriate
to the task at hand, and interpersonal and communication skills
E. Direct all phases of the fire management program, with an emphasis on ecosystem restoration,
and ensure the program is in compliance with environmental laws and regulations, given
architectural, schematic, and technical drawings and documentation related to building systems,
so that fire management programs are put in place and are in compliance with environmental
laws and regulations.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Environmental laws and regulations
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret architectural, schematic, and technical
drawings and documentation, and interpersonal and communication skills
F. Prepare and maintain reports, given architectural, schematic, and technical drawings and
documentation related to building systems, so that aspects of fire safety are analyzed,
documented, and stored for possible life safety incidents according to policy.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fire safety report requirements, safety reports, physical and
electronic recordkeeping systems, inspection reports, records, technical information,
statistical data, code analyses, egress analyses, fire detection and alarm systems reviews,
smoke control systems reviews, and sprinkler and water supply systems reviews
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret architectural, schematic, and technical
drawings and documentation, records management system software, technical writing,
and interpersonal and communication skills

V. Organizing for Fire and Rescue Services

A. Implement effective pre-incident planning, given the existing pre-emergency plans (if available),
plan specifications and standards, jurisdictional policies and procedures, and AHJ requirements,
so that structured and compliant pre-emergency plans for applicable public and private
enterprises are available.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Pre-emergency planning specifications and standards, jurisdictional
policies and procedures, fire pattern analysis, fire dynamics, building construction, and AHJ
requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to review and enhance pre-emergency plans, read and
interpret plan sets, analytical skills, and interpersonal and communication skills
B. Develop, implement, and operate an Incident Command System (ICS), given accepted structures
for incident command and AHJ requirements so that the ICS is effective and compliant.
i. Requisite Knowledge – ICS standards, AHJ requirements, and a comprehensive
understanding of public and private fire brigades
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to review and enhance ICSs, analytical skills, training program
development, command capabilities, and interpersonal and communication skills
C. Enforce fire prevention operations and applicable fire codes, given applicable fire codes,
standards, and best practice, so that there is a reduction in loss from fire.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fire prevention best practice, applicable fire codes, AHJ
requirements, and enforcement protocols and best practice
ii. Requisite Skills – Analytical skills and interpersonal and communication skills

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 D. Review and implement an effective fire and emergency service training methodology, given any
existing training system, applicable training standards, best practice, and AHJ requirements, so
that all departmental personnel are able to meet the job performance requirements outlined in
the codes and standards for their given position.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Emergency services training methods, AHJ requirements, and best
practice
ii. Requisite Skills – Training program development, analytical skills, and interpersonal and
communication skills
E. Ensure agencies providing fire and emergency services meet applicable AHJ codes and standards
requirements, given best-practice organizational structures and AHJ requirements, so that the
optimized coordination of emergency response agencies is in accordance with AHJ requirements
and recognized best practice.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Applicable organizational structures, agencies, legal frameworks,
and AHJ requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – Research and analytical skills, and interpersonal and communication skills
F. Explain and demonstrate the use and function of fire and emergency services protective clothing
and personal protective equipment (PPE), given usage requirements and applicable standards,
so that PPE implementation is in accordance with AHJ requirements and best practice.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Types and functions of relevant PPE, PPE standards, AHJ
requirements, PPE best practice, and AHJ requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – Training program development, analytical skills, and interpersonal and
communication skills
G. Evaluate fire department resources and their placement, given existing resource specifications
and locations, applicable codes and standards, and AHJ requirements, so that departments meet
the applicable codes and standards required, and the needs of the community being served.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Existing resource specifications and locations, applicable codes and
standards, research of fire department resource, geographic information systems, and AHJ
requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to use geographic information systems, research and analytical
skills, and interpersonal and communication skills
H. Research, develop, manage, and present fire and life safety education for the public, given
applicable standards and AHJ requirements, so that implementation of community programs is
effective.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fire and life safety education, disaster preparedness, fall and fire
prevention education, ongoing public and private school education programs (fire safe
house and Fire Prevention WeekTM), fire extinguisher classes, general fire safety,
evacuation plans, fire drills, and AHJ requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – Training program development, research and analytical skills, and
interpersonal and communication skills
I. Review and make recommendations to fire departments on response tactics and procedures,
given applicable standards and AHJ requirements, so that the fire department protocols are
optimized for existing scenarios and emerging hazards.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Existing response tactics, emerging hazards, industry best practices,
applicable standards, AHJ requirements, and municipality capabilities and exposures

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 ii. Requisite Skills – Training program development, research and analytical skills, and
interpersonal and communication skills
J. Perform technical support for fire protection engineering services, given an understanding of the
applicable hazards, standards, and AHJ requirements, so that an effective and compliance
support for fire protection engineering is delivered.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Life safety code consulting, fire protection design, fire alarm/mass
notification design, smoke control design, hazardous materials consulting, system
commissioning services, and performance-based solution development
ii. Requisite Skills – Training program development, research and analytical skills, and
interpersonal and communication skills
K. Conduct evaluations and provide support for fire and life safety education, given applicable
standards and AHJ requirements, so that effective implementation of community programs is
sustained.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fire and life safety education, disaster preparedness, fall and fire
prevention education for older adults, ongoing public and private school education
programs (fire safe house and Fire Prevention WeekTM), fire extinguisher classes, general
fire safety, evacuation plans, fire drills, and AHJ requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – Training program development, research and analytical skills, and
interpersonal and communication skills

VI. Detection and Alarm

A. Apply knowledge of and be able to demonstrate the fundamental and operational characteristics
of the fire alarm, detection, and notification systems, given the applicable codes and standards,
so that building owners and occupants are familiar with the operational characteristics and
understand the fundamentals of the fire alarm and detection system.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fundamental design criteria, applicable codes and standards,
emerging technology, and testing equipment related to fire alarms and detection systems
ii. Requisite Skills – Training program development, and interpersonal and communication
skills
B. Apply life safety, loss prevention, and technical codes and standards as they relate to fire alarm,
detection, and notification systems, given architectural, schematic, and technical drawings and
documentation related to building systems, and AHJ requirements, so that fire detection and
alarm systems are designed, installed, and maintained to comply with all local and best practice
life safety requirements.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Mass notification systems, emergency voice alarm communication
systems, Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (ERRC) systems, International Building and
Fire Codes (IBC/IFC), NFPA codes and standards, AHJ requirements, fire and life safety best
practices, and fire detection and alarm systems
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret architectural, schematic, and technical
drawings and documentation, apply appropriate codes and standards, training program
development, and interpersonal and communication skills
C. Perform inspections and testing on fire alarm, detection, and notification system design, plans,
installation, troubleshooting, and restoration activities, given architectural drawings of building
proper, schematics and technical information related to building systems, applicable codes and
standards, AHJ requirements, best practices, and emerging technologies, so that the systems in a

CFPS Program Overview 2025 Page 15 of 21

 facility are designed, installed, maintained, and inspected according to the appropriate codes,
standards, and AHJ requirements.
i. Requisite Knowledge – AHJ requirements, applicable codes and standards, best practices,
fire detection and alarm systems, and emerging technology
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to perform inspections, testing, commissioning, and
maintenance of new and existing installed fire alarm systems, read and interpret
architectural, schematic, and technical drawings and documentation, perform
troubleshooting and restoration activities, training program development, and
interpersonal and communication skills

VII. Fire Suppression

A. Perform routine inspections, testing, and maintenance of site-based fire suppression systems,
given applicable codes and standards, operations manual and plans, system procedure, testing
tools as appropriate and local procedures, so that site-based fire protection systems are
inspected and maintained to provide the intended level of fire protection for the occupancy.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Portable extinguisher testing and maintenance, troubleshooting
and restoration activities, inspection best practices, testing and maintenance of various
types of fire/life safety suppression systems, applicable codes and standards, and
knowledge of the specific system being tested
ii. Requisite Skills – Inspection, analytical, observational, and recordkeeping skills, ability to
read and interpret architectural, schematic, and technical drawings and documentation,
applicable codes and standards, properly use tools during the testing process, and
interpersonal and communication skills
B. Determine the capacity and duration of a water supply, given applicable codes and standards,
fire department and local policies and procedures, and local water supply availability, so that the
fire water supply is adequate for the water-based fire systems’ demand.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Water supply principles and practice, stationary fire pump
requirements and principles, applicable codes and standards, and available water sources
in jurisdiction
ii. Requisite Skills – Research and analytical skills, and interpersonal and communication skills
C. Ensure performance of required design considerations for water-based suppression systems,
given applicable codes and standards, policies, and procedures, local water supply availability,
inspection reports, and testing tools as appropriate, so that systems are planned, designed,
installed, inspected, tested, and maintained as appropriate by regulation.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Installation requirements, design considerations, theory, operation,
testing and maintenance processes and requirements of water-based fire suppression
systems, fire department and local policies and procedures, and applicable codes and
standards
ii. Requisite Skills – Inspection, research, analytical, observational, and recordkeeping skills,
properly use tools during the testing process, ladder and confined space safety procedure,
and interpersonal and communication skills
D. Ensure performance of required design considerations for non-water-based suppression
systems, given applicable codes and standards, policies, and procedures, local water supply
availability, inspection reports, and testing tools as appropriate, so that systems are planned,
designed, installed, inspected, tested, and maintained as appropriate by regulation.

CFPS Program Overview 2025 Page 16 of 21

 i. Requisite Knowledge – Installation requirements, design considerations, theory, operation,
testing and maintenance processes and requirements of non-water-based fire suppression
systems, fire department and local policies and procedures, and applicable codes and
standards
ii. Requisite Skills – Inspection, research, analytical, observational, and recordkeeping skills,
properly use tools during the testing process, ladder and confined space safety procedure,
and interpersonal and communication skills
E. Make recommendations on application of fire sprinkler systems in structures, given applicable
codes and standards, local policies and procedures, building plans, occupancy maximum, and
water supply availability, so that sprinkler systems are installed in accordance with applicable
codes and standards and those systems provide adequate life safety and/or property protection
(depending on the occupancy).
i. Requisite Knowledge – Sprinkler system theory and operation, applicable codes and
standards, local policies and procedures, system design, water availability, building
mechanicals, and environment
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret building plans and system designs,
research and analytical skills, and interpersonal and communication skills
F. Identify the characteristics of special hazards relevant to gaseous fire-extinguishing agents
before and after discharge, properly select an agent, and design the system, given codes and
standards, local policies and procedures, plans and system manuals, material safety data sheets
(SDSs), and air quality test equipment, so that all hazards are mitigated and transmitted to
responders.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Applicable codes and standards, local policies and procedures, plans
and system manual, and material safety data sheets (SDSs)
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret plans, use air quality test equipment,
research and analytical skills, and interpersonal and communication skills
G. Coordinate or conduct fire extinguisher inspections and required administrative duties, given
applicable codes and standards, local policies and procedures, and type of fire extinguisher, so
that fire extinguishers are maintained and inspected in accordance with applicable codes and
standards as to be kept readily available in a serviceable condition.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Extinguisher service and inspection requirements, applicable codes
and standards, local policies and procedures, and types of fire extinguisher required
ii. Requisite Skills – Observational and recordkeeping skills, and interpersonal and
communication skills
H. Apply knowledge of and be able to demonstrate the fundamental and operational characteristics
of automatic sprinklers, fire pumps, elevators, ventilation, and special hazard suppression
systems relating to fire protection systems design and operation, given applicable codes and
standards, so that building owners and occupants are familiar with automatic sprinklers, special
hazard extinguishing systems, fire pumps, elevators, and ventilation systems within the facility.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fundamental design criteria, applicable codes and standards,
emerging technology, and testing equipment related to automatic sprinklers, special
hazards, fire pumps, elevators, and ventilation systems
ii. Requisite Skills – Training program development, and interpersonal and communication
skills

VIII. Confining Fires

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 A. Provide direction and/or technical assistance specific to the design, installation, and
maintenance of fire-resistance-rated construction, fire walls, and fire barriers to contractors and
property owners on building projects, given building plans, interior finish and furniture layout,
fire load, AHJ requirements, and organizational policies and procedures, so that the building is
safe for occupants and first responders.
i. Requisite Knowledge – AHJ requirements, organizational policies and procedures, fire
protection best practices, fire dynamics, fire-resistance-rated barrier construction, and
opening protection requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret designs and plans, determine fire loads,
fire spread, barriers, smoke and its movement, ability to assess hazardous materials,
address fire safety, complete calculations, and interpersonal and communication skills
B. Recommend approaches used to limit the hazards of smoke in buildings, given building plans,
AHJ requirements, organizational policies and procedures, interior finish, furniture layout, and
fire load, so that the hazards of fire, heat, and smoke is confined and/or exhausted and does not
move to other areas of the facility.
i. Requisite Knowledge – AHJ requirements, organizational policies and procedures, fire
protection best practices, fire dynamics, fire load, air movement, fire-resistance-rated
barrier construction, and opening protection requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret designs and plans, determine fire loads,
fire spread, barriers, smoke and its movement, assess hazardous materials, address fire
safety, complete calculations, and interpersonal and communication skills
C. Prepare, analyze, and maintain data sources, sharing data specific to wildfire activity and
hazardous exposures impacting the facility, given the AHJ requirements, list of department
functions, previous wildfire data collected, organizational policies and procedures, weather data,
surrounding environment, and fire source, so that the wildfire activity is minimized for the
company and the surrounding areas.
i. Requisite Knowledge – AHJ requirements, wildfire mitigation, weather data, organizational
and community policies and procedures, data storage, and topography
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret wildfire and weather data, topography,
and interpersonal and communication skills

Certification Maintenance
Once you attain your CFPS certification, an annual renewal fee is due every year and you must recertify every
three years from the date on your certification documentation. Failure to meet all recertification requirements in
a timely manner will result in your information being removed from the NFPA certification list and will require
you to reapply as a new CFPS candidate. NFPA will send reminder emails in advance of your certification
expiration date to the email address you provide in your CMS account.

Recertification applications are submitted through the NFPA certification management system at
onlinecertification.nfpa.org/nfpassa.

For the most up-to-date fees, see the website at nfpa.org/for-professionals/certification/cfps.

Recertification Points System

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Recertification is accomplished by accumulating the required amount of recertification points, as shown in the
table on the next page, before your three-year certification period ends. It is important you begin accumulating
the required points as soon as possible. If college courses are declared for training hours, the same course
cannot be taken twice within the three-year period, and the candidate must convert credit hours to actual hours
spent in the classroom.

It is highly recommended that you track your progress using the NFPA certification management system at
onlinecertification.nfpa.org/nfpassa.

CFPS Program Overview 2025 Page 19 of 21

CFPS Recertification Requirements Point System
To maintain currency and relevancy in the fire/safety profession, CFPS certification holders are required to submit a
minimum of fifty (50) points of documented professional development for recertification. The 50 points must be earned
and submitted during the three-year certification cycle and must be related to the fire/safety profession.

Maximum Points
Category Allotted Points Acceptable Documentation
Allowed
Letter from supervisor or
Professional Practice 1 per month 36 per cycle
client(s)
Membership in
Fire/Safety 2 per organization 4 per year Proof of membership
Organizations
Other Fire/Safety Proof of certification for each
5 each year certification is maintained 15 per cycle
Certifications year
Voluntary Professional
5 per organization/activity (excludes CFPS Letter from supervisor or
Service – CFPS or Other 0
activities) organizational training record
Organization
A minimum of 16 of the required 50 points must come from the following three categories, and of those 16, at least 8 points
must be earned from the first category (training and professional development, including service on the CFPS Certification
Advisory Group [CAG], and proctoring NFPA certification exams, and taking online, classroom, or college credit courses).
1 per contact hour for Seminars & Certificate or proof of
Conferences attendance
1 per contact hour for Online or Classroom
Training and Training
Professional 5 per full year of CAG Service/Membership 36 per cycle
Development 5 per exam NFPA certification exam
proctored
3 per credit hour of college credit courses
(e.g. 9 points for 3 credit course) Official Transcript from College
Teaching a Course: 4 points per credit hour Letter from college verifying
(e.g. 12 points details of course and you’re
Teaching a Course or
for a 3-credit course) 36 per cycle teaching it or documentation
Seminar
Teaching a Seminar: 1 point per hour taught describing the seminar and your
participation
Paper or article in peer-reviewed Article/Paper: Copy of first page
publication: (minimum of 1,000 words) of article/paper indicating the
Single Author – 4 points title, name & date of publication,
Multiple Authors – 2 points your name as author, and other
Published article or paper: (minimum of authors’ names (if applicable).
1,000 words) Book: Copy of the title page of
Single Author – 2 points book indicating the title,
Publications Multiple Authors – 1 point publisher, date of publication,
30 per cycle
(Fire/safety related) Published book: your name as author, and other
Single Author or Editor – 25 points authors’ names (if applicable).
Author of a Chapter, Single Author
– 3 points
Author of a Chapter, Multiple
Author – 1 point
Published review of a book in a fire/safety
journal or magazine – 1 point

CFPS Program Overview 2025 Page 20 of 21

 NFPA certifications are a critical piece of the NFPA Fire &
Life Safety Ecosystem™ and contribute to a skilled global
workforce.

Learn more about NFPA certifications:

National Fire Protection Association

Quincy, MA USA
Email: adminsvcs@nfpa.org
Web: nfpa.org/For-Professionals/Certification
Exam Application: onlinecertification.nfpa.org/nfpassa

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