CFI vs CFPE: which NFPA certification fits your job?
Both are based on NFPA 1030 (2024), last 3 hours, are open book and include a practicum. The CFI (72 questions) tests field inspection, with Field Inspection 55% of the exam and NFPA 25 among the references. The CFPE (73 questions) is 79% plan review and uses the IFSTA Plans Examiner manual instead. Pick the one that matches your job; many fire prevention staff earn both.
CFI vs CFPE at a glance
| CFI | CFPE | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | NFPA Certified Fire Inspector (CFI) Exam | NFPA Certified Fire Plans Examiner (CFPE) Exam |
| Questions | 72 multiple-choice questions | 73 multiple-choice questions |
| Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Passing score | Not published by NFPA; practise to 75% or higher. A 17-activity practicum must also be approved | Not published by NFPA; practise to 75% or higher. A 10-activity practicum must also be approved |
| Format | Open book: printed NFPA 1 (2024), NFPA 13 (2022), NFPA 25 (2023), NFPA 72 (2022), NFPA 101 (2024) and the IFSTA Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement Manual, 9th edition. Code handbooks are not allowed in the exam | Open book: printed NFPA 1 (2024), NFPA 13 (2022), NFPA 72 (2022), NFPA 101 (2024) and IFSTA Plans Examiner for Fire and Emergency Services, 2nd edition |
| Cost | US$499 initial application and exam (2026) | US$499 initial application and exam (2026); retest US$249; recertification US$225 every 3 years |
| Languages | English | English |
| Where | Prometric (in-person computer-based test centers worldwide) | Prometric (in-person computer-based test centers) |
| Level | NFPA Certification | NFPA Certification |
What each exam covers
CFI
- Administration, Permits and Reports
- Legal Authority and Enforcement
- Occupancy Classification and Occupant Load
- Means of Egress
- Building Construction and Interior Finish
- Fire Protection Systems
- Fire Hazards, Hazardous Materials and Site Access
CFPE
- Plan Review Administration
- Occupancy and Construction Type
- Occupant Load and Means of Egress
- Sprinkler Systems (NFPA 13)
- Fire Alarm Systems (NFPA 72)
- Fire Flow, Hydrants and Access
- Performance-Based Design and Special Systems
Which should you take?
Both are based on NFPA 1030 (2024), last 3 hours, are open book and include a practicum. The CFI (72 questions) tests field inspection, with Field Inspection 55% of the exam and NFPA 25 among the references. The CFPE (73 questions) is 79% plan review and uses the IFSTA Plans Examiner manual instead. Pick the one that matches your job; many fire prevention staff earn both.
Try both, free
Each free practice test takes about 10 minutes and shows your score by topic. No signup.
FAQ
What is the difference between CFI and CFPE?
Both are based on NFPA 1030 (2024), last 3 hours, are open book and include a practicum. The CFI (72 questions) tests field inspection, with Field Inspection 55% of the exam and NFPA 25 among the references. The CFPE (73 questions) is 79% plan review and uses the IFSTA Plans Examiner manual instead. Pick the one that matches your job; many fire prevention staff earn both.
Which is harder, CFI or CFPE?
CFI: 72 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours. CFPE: 73 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours. The longer exam covers more ground, but the harder one is the one further from your daily work. Take both free practice tests to see where you stand.
Can I hold both CFI and CFPE?
Yes. CFPS, CFI and CFPE are separate certifications with separate applications, and many fire protection professionals hold two or all three.
How do I prepare for CFI and CFPE?
Start with the free practice test for each, then study by topic. Premium is per exam ($147 a month each), so most people start with the exam they'll sit first and add the second when they're ready.
More comparisons
Exam details are summarized from NFPA's published information as of November 2026. Confirm with NFPA before you book. CFPSExamPrep is not affiliated with NFPA or Prometric.