Certified Fire Inspector-I

Program Overview

CFI-I Program Overview 2025 Page 1 of 11

Contents
About This Program Overview ................................................................................................................................................ 3
Introduction to NFPA Certifications ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Acknowledgments................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Program Description ............................................................................................................................................................... 4
Eligibility Requirements .......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Exam Specifications ................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Practicum Information ............................................................................................................................................................ 4
Program Fees........................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Body of Knowledge ................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Preparing for the Exam ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
Domain Weighting and Exam Blueprint .................................................................................................................................. 5
Domain Weighting .............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Exam Blueprint .................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Certification Maintenance ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
Recertification Points System .............................................................................................................................................. 9
CFI-I Recertification Requirements ................................................................................................................................... 10

CFI-I Program Overview 2025 Page 2 of 11

About This Program Overview
This program overview provides details specific to the Certified Fire Inspector-I (CFI-I) certification program including the
exam blueprint and domain weighting criteria. The Certification Candidate Handbook, available at nfpa.org/for-
professionals/certification/cfi-i, 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 who contribute to this certification program.
Mohammad Agil Dan Besson Rodney Blue
Sr. Fire & Life Safety Engineer Fire Chief Fire Alarm Systems Tech. & Installer
Project Management Company Leland Township Fire & Rescue National Time & Signal

John Collinson Wes Cunningham Bobby Delgado

Electrical Engineer Fire & life Safety Officer Technical Consultant II
Louis Berger Group North York General Hospital Liberty Mutual Risk Control
LinkedIn Profile

Sean Lindgren Jamie Luffman Robert Mathes

Fire Marshal Fire Chief Fire Building Code Inspector
Norfolk Fire & Rescue Fire Department of Mt. Juliet Tennessee Department of Health
LinkedIn Profile LinkedIn Profile LinkedIn Profile

Colin McKay Richard Roland Matthew Thomas

Market Director Midwest Healthcare Facility Manager Life Safety & Health Facilities Surveyor
Jensen Hughes Chickasaw Nation Dept. of Health Alaska Dept. Health & Social Services
LinkedIn Profile LinkedIn Profile

Alexander Tolen
Fire Inspector
Paramount Pictures
LinkedIn Profile

CFI-I Program Overview 2025 Page 3 of 11

Program Description
The Certified Fire Inspector-I (CFI-I) certification program is for individuals who need to demonstrate their knowledge
and skills in fire inspection. The NFPA CFI-I is based on the job performance requirements for the fire inspector I level
that are defined in Chapter 4 of the 2014 edition of NFPA 1031, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector
and Plans Examiner. This certification assesses knowledge and skills using both a cognitive exam and a practicum.

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

Eligibility Requirements
A candidate for the CFI-I certification must have a high school diploma or the equivalent before being allowed to sit for
the exam.

Exam Specifications
The CFI-I exam is a proctored computer-based exam available at in-person testing centers around the world. Exam
specifications include:

Open book exam based on

o NFPA 1, Fire Code

o NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
o NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
o NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®
o NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®
o IFSTA Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement Manual, 8th edition
• 4-hour time limit
• 100 multiple-choice questions
• Available in English and Arabic

Practicum Information
The practicum requires the candidate to complete 17 activities based on the JPRs found in NFPA 1031. There are four (4)
activities from the Administration domain and 13 activities in the Field Inspection domain. Practicum details are found in
the CFI-I Practicum Workbook available at nfpa.org/for-professionals/certification/cfi-i.

You have 12 months, from the application approval date, to pass the exam and successfully complete the practicum.

Program Fees
CFI-I program fees are collected for the following:

• Initial program application (includes initial examination fee)

• Retest (if required)
• Recertification at the end of every three (3)-year certification period

For the most up-to-date pricing, see nfpa.org/for-professionals/certification/cfi-i.

Body of Knowledge
The following references serve as the primary body of knowledge for the CFI-I certification exam. All exam questions are
compatible with the 2018 and 2021 code sets. Please verify, with your jurisdiction or certification partnership agency,

CFI-I Program Overview 2025 Page 4 of 11

which code set you require. The official printed version of these references are the only references allowed to be used
during the exam.

2021 NFPA Code Set:

• NFPA 1, Fire Code, 2021 edition

• NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2019 edition
• NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2020 edition
• NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®, 2019 edition
• NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, 2021 edition

2018 NFPA Code Set:

• NFPA 1, Fire Code, 2018 edition

• NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2016 edition
• NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2017 edition
• NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®, 2016 edition
• NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, 2018 edition
These NFPA codes and standards have been conveniently packaged into reference sets and are available, at a discounted
price, to candidates applying for the CFI-I exam. Once the CFI-I application is submitted and paid for, the candidate will
receive an email with links to purchase a reference set at the discounted price. It is the candidate’s responsibility to
obtain the code set for study purposes and to have it present during the exam.

A portion of the exam questions are based on content found in the IFSTA Plans Examiner for Fire and Emergency Services,
8th Edition. This publication may be purchased on the International Fire Service Training Association’s website at ifsta.org.
The official print version may be used during the exam.

Note: NFPA codes and standards and handbooks are available to order at nfpa.org or by phone at 1-800-344-3555.

Preparing for the Exam

NFPA offers Certified Fire Inspector-I (CFI-I) Online Learning Paths to help candidates prepare for the certification exam.
The online learning path options can be viewed at nfpa.org/for-professionals/training-for-me/buy-fire-protection-
systems-training/certified-fire-inspector-i-online-learning-path.

Additional online training can be found at nfpa.org/for-professionals/training-for-me.

Domain Weighting and Exam Blueprint

The table below indicates the percentage (%) of exam content (exam items) for the four domains of the CFI-I exam. The
exam blueprint lists the sub-components of each of those domains.

Domain Weighting
Domains % of Exam
I. Administration 25%
II. Fire Protection Systems & Equipment 30%
III. Storage, Handling, & Use of Hazardous Substances and
15%
Materials
IV. Occupancy Requirements 30%

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Exam Blueprint
I. Administration
A. 4.2.1 Prepare inspection reports, given agency policy and procedures, and observations from an
assigned field inspection, so that the report is clear and concise and reflects the findings of the
inspection in accordance with the applicable codes and standards and the policies of the
jurisdiction.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Applicable codes and standards adopted by the jurisdiction and
policies of the jurisdiction.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to conduct a field inspection, apply codes and standards, and
communicate orally and in writing.
B. 4.2.2* Recognize the need for a permit, given a situation or condition, so that requirements for
permits are communicated in accordance with the applicable codes and standards and the policies
of the jurisdiction.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Permit policies of the jurisdiction and the rationale for the permit.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to communicate orally and in writing.
C. 4.2.3 Recognize the need for plan review, given a situation or condition, so that requirements for
plan reviews are communicated in accordance with the applicable codes and standards and the
policies of the jurisdiction.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Plan review policies of the jurisdiction and the rationale for the plan
review.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to communicate orally and in writing.
D. 4.2.4* Investigate common complaints, given a reported situation or condition, so that complaint
information is recorded, the AHJ-approved process is initiated, and the complaint is resolved.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Applicable codes and standards adopted by the jurisdiction and
policies of the jurisdiction.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to apply codes and standards, communicate orally and in writing,
recognize problems, and resolve complaints.
E. 4.2.5* Identify the applicable code or standard, given a fire protection, fire prevention, or life
safety issue, so that the applicable document, edition, and section are referenced.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Applicable codes and standards adopted by the jurisdiction.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to apply codes and standards.
F. 4.2.6 Participate in legal proceedings, given the findings of a field inspection or a complaint and
consultation with legal counsel, so that all information is presented, and the inspector’s demeanor
is professional.
i. Requisite Knowledge – The legal requirements pertaining to evidence rules in the legal
system and types of legal proceedings.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to maintain a professional courtroom demeanor, communicate,
listen, and differentiate facts from opinions.
II. Fire Protection Systems & Equipment
A. 4.3.5 Determine the operational readiness of existing fixed fire suppression systems, given test
documentation and field observations, so that the systems are in an operational state,
maintenance is documented, and deficiencies are identified, documented, and reported in
accordance with the applicable codes and standards and policies of the jurisdiction.
i. Requisite Knowledge – A basic understanding of the components and operation of fixed fire
suppression systems and applicable codes and standards.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to observe, make decisions, recognize problems, and read
reports.
B. 4.3.6 Determine the operational readiness of existing fire detection and alarm systems, given test
documentation and field observations, so that the systems are in an operational state,
maintenance is documented, and deficiencies are identified, documented, and reported in
accordance with the policies of the jurisdiction.
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 i. Requisite Knowledge – A basic understanding of the components and operation of fire
detection and alarm systems and devices and applicable codes and standards.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to observe, make decisions, recognize problems, and read
reports.
C. 4.3.7 Determine the operational readiness of existing portable fire extinguishers, given field
observations and test documentation, so that the equipment is in an operational state,
maintenance is documented, and deficiencies are identified, documented, and reported in
accordance with the policies of the jurisdiction.
i. Requisite Knowledge – A basic understanding of portable fire extinguishers, including their
components and placement, and applicable codes and standards.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to observe, make decisions, recognize problems, and read
reports.
D. 4.3.9 Compare an approved plan to an existing fire protection system, given approved plans and
field observations, so that any modification to the system is identified, documented, and reported
in accordance with the applicable codes and standards and the policies of the jurisdiction.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fire protection symbols and terminology.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to observe and recognize problems, calculate, make basic
decisions related to means of egress, use measuring tools, and make field sketches.
E. 4.3.16 Compare an approved plan to an existing fire protection system, given approved plans and
field observations, so that any modification to the system is identified, documented, and reported
in accordance with the applicable codes and standards and the policies of the jurisdiction.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fire protection symbols and terminology.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and comprehend plans for fire protection systems,
observe, communicate, apply codes and standards, recognize problems, and make decisions.
III. Storage, Handling, & Use of Hazardous Substances and Materials
A. 4.3.8 Recognize hazardous conditions involving equipment, processes, and operations, given field
observations, so that the equipment, processes, or operations are conducted and maintained in
accordance with applicable codes and standards and deficiencies are identified, documented, and
reported in accordance with the applicable codes and standards and the policies of the
jurisdiction.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Practices and techniques of code compliance inspections, fire
behavior, fire prevention practices, ignition sources, safe housekeeping practices, and
classification of hazardous materials.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to observe, communicate, apply codes and standards, recognize
problems, and make decisions.
B. 4.3.12 Verify code compliance for incidental storage, handling, and use of flammable and
combustible liquids and gases, given field observations and inspection guidelines from the AHJ, so
that applicable codes and standards are addressed, and deficiencies are identified, documented, in
accordance with the applicable codes and standards and the policies of the jurisdiction.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Classification, properties, labeling, storage, handling, and use of
incidental amounts of flammable and combustible liquids and gases.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to observe, communicate, apply codes and standards, recognize
problems, and make decisions.
C. 4.3.13* Verify code compliance for incidental storage, handling, and use of hazardous materials,
given field observations, so that applicable codes and standards for each hazardous material
encountered are addressed and deficiencies are identified, documented, and reported in
accordance with the applicable codes and standards and the policies of the jurisdiction.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Classification, properties, labeling, transportation, storage, handling,
and use of hazardous materials.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to observe, communicate, apply codes and standards, recognize
problems, and make decisions.

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IV. Occupancy Requirements
A. 4.3.1 Identify the occupancy classification of a single-use occupancy, given a description of the
occupancy and its use, so that the classification is made according to the applicable codes and
standards.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Occupancy classification types; applicable codes, regulations, and
standards adopted by the jurisdiction; operational features; and fire hazards presented by
various occupancies.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to make observations and correct decisions.
B. 4.3.2 Compute the allowable occupant load of a single-use occupancy or portion thereof, given a
detailed description of the occupancy, so that the calculated allowable occupant load is
established in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Occupancy classification; applicable codes, regulations, and standards
adopted by the jurisdiction; operational features; fire hazards presented by various
occupancies; and occupant load factors.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to calculate occupant loads, identify occupancy factors related to
various occupancy classifications, use measuring tools, and make field sketches.
C. 4.3.3* Inspect means of egress elements, given observations made during a field inspection of an
existing building, so that means of egress elements are maintained in compliance with applicable
codes and standards and deficiencies are identified, documented, and reported in accordance with
the applicable codes and standards and the policies of the jurisdiction.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Applicable codes and standards adopted by the jurisdiction related to
means of egress elements, maintenance requirements of egress elements, types of
construction, occupancy egress requirements, and the relationship of fixed fire protection
systems to egress requirements and to approved means of egress elements, including, but
not limited to, doors, hardware, and lights.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to observe and recognize problems, calculate, make basic
decisions related to means of egress, use measuring tools, and make field sketches.
D. 4.3.4* Verify the type of construction for an addition or remodeling project, given field
observations or a description of the project and the materials being used, so that the construction
type is identified and recorded in accordance with the applicable codes and standards and the
policies of the jurisdiction.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Applicable codes and standards adopted by the jurisdiction, types of
construction, rated construction components, and accepted building construction methods
and materials.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read plans, make decisions, and apply codes and standards.
E. 4.3.10* Verify that emergency planning and preparedness measures are in place and have been
practiced, given field observations, copies of emergency plans, and records of exercises, so that
plans are prepared, and exercises have been performed in accordance with applicable codes and
standards and deficiencies are identified, documented, and reported in accordance with the
applicable codes and standards and the policies of the jurisdiction.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Requirements relative to emergency evacuation drills that are
required within the jurisdiction, ways to conduct and/or evaluate fire drills in various
occupancies, and human behavior during fires and other emergencies.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to identify the emergency evacuation requirements contained in
the applicable codes and standards and interpret plans and reports.
F. 4.3.11* Inspect emergency access for an existing site, given field observations, so that the required
access for emergency responders is maintained and deficiencies are identified, documented, and
corrected in accordance with the applicable codes, standards, and policies of the jurisdiction.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Applicable codes and standards, the policies of the jurisdiction, and
emergency access and accessibility requirements.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to identify the emergency access requirements contained in the
applicable codes and standards, observe, make decisions, and use measuring tools.
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 G. 4.3.14 Recognize a hazardous fire growth potential in a building or space, given field observations,
so that the hazardous conditions are identified, documented, and reported in accordance with the
applicable codes and standards and the policies of the jurisdiction.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Basic fire behavior; flame spread and smoke development ratings of
contents, interior finishes, building construction elements, decorations, decorative materials,
and furnishings; and safe housekeeping practices.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to observe, communicate, apply codes and standards, recognize
hazardous conditions, and make decisions.
H. 4.3.15* Determine code compliance, given the codes, standards, and policies of the jurisdiction
and a fire protection issue, so that the applicable codes, standards, and policies are identified, and
compliance is determined.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Basic fire behavior; flame spread and smoke development ratings of
contents, interior finishes, building construction elements, life safety systems, decorations,
decorative materials, and furnishings; and safe housekeeping practices.
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to observe, communicate, apply codes and standards, recognize
hazardous conditions, and make decisions.

Certification Maintenance
Once you attain your CFI-I certification, you must recertify every three (3) years. Failure to meet all recertification
requirements within that 3-year period will result in the expiration of your certification and will require you to reapply as
a new CFI-I candidate. NFPA will send reminder emails in advance of your certification expiration date to the email
address you provide in your CMS account. It is your responsibility to ensure this email is up to date.

Recertification applications are submitted online at onlinecertification.nfpa.org/nfpassa. For the most up-to-date
recertification fees, see nfpa.org/for-professionals/certification/cfi-i.

Recertification Points System

Recertification of your CFI-I is accomplished by accumulating a required amount of recertification points, as shown in the
table below, before your 3-year certification period ends. It is important that you begin accumulating the required points
as soon as possible.

It is highly recommended that you track your accumulated recertification points over the 3-year period using the NFPA
CMS at onlinecertification.nfpa.org/nfpassa.

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CFI-I Recertification Requirements
To maintain currency and relevancy in fire inspection, certification holders are required to submit a minimum of 60
points of documented professional development for recertification. The 60 points must be earned during the 3-year
recertification cycle and must be related to the fire inspection profession.

Note: If college courses are declared for training hours, the same course cannot be taken twice within the 3-year
recertification period, and the candidate must convert credit hours to actual hours spent in the classroom.

Training and Professional Minimum Maximum

Allotted Points Required Documentation
Education Points Points
Classroom or online training Certificate or letter of
1 point per contact hour* 15 60
in fire inspection or fire safety completion from provider

Other Professional Minimum Maximum

Allotted Points Required Documentation
Development Points Points

Professional practice of 0.5 point per hour dedicated Letter from employer /
0 30
certificate holder to inspection activities supervisor

Membership in a related 1 point per organization per

0 10 Proof of membership
organization full year

Instructing or lecturing by the Letter from supervisor or

2 points per hour of delivered
certification holder on fire 0 45 organizational training
training
inspection or fire safety record

Publication by the certification 5 points per article in a Copy of article

holder on fire inspection or periodical 0 15 Copy of title page
fire safety 10 points per book identifying author

Service on the CFI-I

5 points per year of
Certification Advisory Group 0 15 Signed CAG agreement
satisfactory participation
(CAG)

*Conversion: 1 CEU = 10 contact hours = 10 points

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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