Format at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Questions | 100 multiple choice |
| Time | 3 hours, about 1 minute 48 seconds per question |
| Reference | Original printed NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, 21st edition (2023) only |
| Delivery | Prometric in-person computer-based test centers worldwide |
| Result | Pass or fail; NFPA does not publish the passing score |
| Fee | US$499 application and exam; US$249 retest |
The eight domains
NFPA notes that the domains don't map exactly onto the handbook's sections, so tab by topic, not only by section number.
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Safety in the Built Environment | 16% |
| Information and Analysis for Fire Protection and Fire Science | 9% |
| Fire Prevention: Programs, Materials, Processes, and Environments | 12% |
| Facility Fire Hazard Management | 9% |
| Organizing for Fire and Rescue Services | 9% |
| Detection and Alarm | 14% |
| Fire Suppression | 22% |
| Confining Fires | 9% |
Open-book rules
- Only the original printed Fire Protection Handbook, 21st edition is allowed. No photocopies, PDFs, tablets or other books.
- You may tab it in advance with permanent adhesive tabs like those supplied with the handbook.
- Sticky notes, flags, paper clips and other movable markers are not allowed.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free CFPS practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
What gets tested most
Fire Suppression, Safety in the Built Environment and Detection and Alarm together make up 52% of the exam. Expect sprinkler hazard classes and densities, hose stream allowances, K-factor calculations, standpipe classes, foam and special agents; occupant load, egress capacity and interior finish; detector types and spacing, audibility and secondary power.
Pacing an open-book exam
At under two minutes a question, you can't look everything up. Answer the questions you know first, flag the ones that need the book, and only then turn to the handbook. Know where the key tables are so a lookup takes less than a minute.
A 12-week plan
- Weeks 1-2: read the handbook's overview chapters, start tabbing and take the free practice test.
- Weeks 3-6: Fire Suppression and Detection and Alarm, with question sets after each topic.
- Weeks 7-9: Safety in the Built Environment, Confining Fires and Fire Science.
- Weeks 10-11: Fire Prevention, Facility Hazard Management and Fire and Rescue Services; first full timed mock with the book.
- Week 12: mistakes bank, second timed mock, check your tabs, light review.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the CFPS exam?
100 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours.
What is the CFPS passing score?
NFPA reports pass or fail and does not publish the passing score. Aim for 75% or more in timed, open-book practice.
Can I use the 20th edition of the handbook?
No. The current exam is based on the Fire Protection Handbook, 21st edition, and only an original printed copy of it is allowed.
How many attempts do I get?
You have 12 months from application approval and up to three attempts. Each retest needs a retest application and fee (US$249 in 2026).
Official sources
Practice tests for these certifications
This guide is general information, checked November 2026, not legal advice. NFPA rules change; confirm with NFPA before you apply.
