CFPS vs CFI: which NFPA certification fits your job?
The CFPS is broad: 100 questions in 3 hours on the whole Fire Protection Handbook, from fire science to suppression and fire department organization, with 2 to 6 years of fire-loss experience required to sit it. The CFI is focused on inspection work: 72 questions in 3 hours using the printed NFPA codes and the IFSTA inspection manual, plus a 17-activity practicum. Inspectors usually start with the CFI; engineers, consultants and risk professionals usually choose the CFPS.
CFPS vs CFI at a glance
| CFPS | CFI | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) Exam | NFPA Certified Fire Inspector (CFI) Exam |
| Questions | 100 multiple-choice questions | 72 multiple-choice questions |
| Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Passing score | Not published. NFPA reports pass or fail only; practise to 75% or higher | Not published by NFPA; practise to 75% or higher. A 17-activity practicum must also be approved |
| Format | Open book: only an original printed NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, 21st edition (permanent adhesive tabs allowed; no sticky notes, photocopies or digital copies) | 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 |
| Cost | US$499 application and exam (2026); retest US$249; annual renewal US$145 | US$499 initial application and exam (2026) |
| Languages | English (NFPA also announces Spanish and Arabic versions on nfpa.org) | English |
| Where | Prometric (in-person computer-based test centers worldwide) | Prometric (in-person computer-based test centers worldwide) |
| Level | NFPA Certification | NFPA Certification |
What each exam covers
CFPS
- Safety in the Built Environment
- Fire Science and Fire Analysis
- Fire Prevention, Materials and Processes
- Facility Fire Hazard Management
- Fire and Rescue Services
- Detection and Alarm
- Fire Suppression
- Confining Fires
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
Which should you take?
The CFPS is broad: 100 questions in 3 hours on the whole Fire Protection Handbook, from fire science to suppression and fire department organization, with 2 to 6 years of fire-loss experience required to sit it. The CFI is focused on inspection work: 72 questions in 3 hours using the printed NFPA codes and the IFSTA inspection manual, plus a 17-activity practicum. Inspectors usually start with the CFI; engineers, consultants and risk professionals usually choose the CFPS.
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 CFPS and CFI?
The CFPS is broad: 100 questions in 3 hours on the whole Fire Protection Handbook, from fire science to suppression and fire department organization, with 2 to 6 years of fire-loss experience required to sit it. The CFI is focused on inspection work: 72 questions in 3 hours using the printed NFPA codes and the IFSTA inspection manual, plus a 17-activity practicum. Inspectors usually start with the CFI; engineers, consultants and risk professionals usually choose the CFPS.
Which is harder, CFPS or CFI?
CFPS: 100 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours. CFI: 72 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 CFPS and CFI?
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 CFPS and CFI?
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.