The three certifications
All three are open book with printed references only and are delivered at Prometric test centers. NFPA reports results as pass or fail.
| Certification | Exam | Reference books | Practicum |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFPS | 100 questions, 3 hours | Fire Protection Handbook, 21st edition | No |
| CFI | 72 questions, 3 hours | NFPA 1 (2024), 13 (2022), 25 (2023), 72 (2022), 101 (2024), IFSTA Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement Manual 9th ed. | Yes, 17 activities |
| CFPE | 73 questions, 3 hours | NFPA 1 (2024), 13 (2022), 72 (2022), 101 (2024), IFSTA Plans Examiner 2nd ed. | Yes, 10 activities |
Who should take which
- CFPS: engineers, consultants, insurance and risk professionals, fire officers and facility managers who need broad fire protection knowledge.
- CFI: fire inspectors and code enforcement staff. It is based on NFPA 1030 (2024) Chapter 7 and replaces the older CFI-I and CFI-II levels; NFPA stopped taking new CFI-I applications after 30 June 2026.
- CFPE: fire plans examiners, building officials and designers who review fire protection and life safety plans, based on NFPA 1030 (2024) Chapter 8.
Eligibility
CFPS needs a combination of education and work experience dedicated to curtailing fire loss: a fire protection-related bachelor's or master's degree plus 2 years, an associate's degree in the field or any other bachelor's or master's degree plus 4 years, or a high school diploma plus 6 years. CFI and CFPE need a high school diploma or equivalent.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free CFPS practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
Step by step
- Download the NFPA Certification Candidate Handbook and the program overview for your certification.
- Apply and pay in NFPA's online certification management system (US$499 for each of the three in 2026).
- Schedule your exam at a Prometric test center with the eligibility number NFPA sends you.
- Buy and tab the printed reference books; study them with exam-style practice questions.
- For CFI and CFPE, complete the practicum workbook with a proctor affidavit and submit it for review.
- Pass within 12 months of approval (up to three attempts).
Keeping the certification
CFPS holders pay an annual renewal fee (US$145 in 2026) and recertify every three years with 50 points of professional development. CFPE recertifies every three years (US$225 in 2026). Check NFPA's site for the current CFI recertification rules and fees.
Frequently asked questions
Which NFPA certification is the hardest?
Most candidates find the CFPS hardest because it covers the whole Fire Protection Handbook. CFI and CFPE are narrower but need fast code lookups across several books.
Are the NFPA exams open book?
Yes. CFPS allows only the printed Fire Protection Handbook, 21st edition. CFI and CFPE allow the printed codes and IFSTA manual listed for each; NFPA code handbooks are not allowed in the CFI exam room.
Do CFI-I holders need the new CFI?
Existing CFI-I holders can keep renewing through the regular three-year recertification. Check with your employer or AHJ which credential they require.
Can I take the exams online?
NFPA lists the CFPS, CFI and CFPE exams at Prometric in-person test centers.
Official sources
Practice tests for these certifications
NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) Exam
NFPA's broad-scope certification for people who work to reduce fire loss: engineers, inspectors, fire officers, insurance and risk professionals.
NFPA Certified Fire Inspector (CFI) Exam
NFPA's current fire inspector certification, built on the job performance requirements in Chapter 7 of NFPA 1030 (2024 edition), which replaced the three inspector levels of NFPA 1031. Field Inspection is 55% of the exam, Administration 24%, Plans Review 16% and Legal 5%. You also complete a 17-activity practicum.
NFPA Certified Fire Plans Examiner (CFPE) Exam
NFPA's certification for fire plans examiners, based on the job performance requirements in Chapter 8 of NFPA 1030 (2024 edition).
This guide is general information, checked November 2026, not legal advice. NFPA rules change; confirm with NFPA before you apply.
