Certification at a Glance

Certified Fire Inspector II (CFI-II)

NOTE: This document is intended to answer candidate FAQs. Refer to the Candidate Handbook for full details.

REFERENCE MATERIAL / BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

• 2018 or 2021 NFPA Code Set references (see pg. 3 of the candidate handbook for details)
o NFPA 1, Fire Code
o NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems
o NFPA 25, Standard for the ITM of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
o NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code®
o NFPA 101, Life Safety Code ®
• IFSTA Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement Manual, 8th Edition www.ifsta.org

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT(S)
• Attain a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Have an active fire inspector I certification, obtained from a Pro Board accredited agency.

HOW TO APPLY
• Complete the online application.
• Pay the $399.00 certification program fee.
• NFPA will email an authorization letter with exam scheduling instructions.
• Special accommodations are available, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

ABOUT THE EXAM

• Proctored computer-based exam
• Open book
• 4 hours
• 100 multiple choice questions
• Available in English only
• It is recommended that you sit for the exam within 4 months of entering the program. You have 12
months, from the application approval date, to pass the exam and complete the practicum phase.

EXAM PREPARATION TIPS

• Know the general format of the NFPA documents listed above. Look for tables that summarize
requirements.
• Complete the sample research problem activity in the candidate handbook.
• Review the Exam Weighted Criteria Table in the handbook.
• NFPA offers optional online training to help you prepare for CFI-II certification.

Rev: 9/26/22
EXAM DAY
• A valid government issued ID must be presented at the test center.
• Items allowed in the test room include:
o The 2018 or 2021 NFPA Code Sets as indicated above.
o IFSTA Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement Manual, 8th Edition
o A scientific calculator will be available on-screen during the exam.
• Smart phones and other electronic devices are NOT PERMITTED.
• You will be notified whether you passed or failed upon completion of the exam.
• Formal results will be emailed to you within 1-2 business days.

EXAM FAIL / RETEST

• If needed, submit a retest application with the $199.00 fee.
• You may retest 2 additional times within 12-months of the initial approval date.
• Re-application to the certification program is required after a third failed attempt.

PRACTICUM PHASE
• Completion of practicum activities is required as part of this certification program.
• You have 12 months, from the application approval date, to complete the activities.
• Practicum phase details and exercises can be found in the practicum workbook.

CANCEL / RESCHEDULE POLICY

• Exam dates may be rescheduled through the Prometric scheduling portal at
https://proscheduler.prometric.com/scheduling/appointmentsearch
• There is no charge to reschedule 30 or more calendar days prior to your appointment date.
• A $50.00 fee will be charged, by Prometric, if you reschedule between 29 and 5 days prior to your
appointment date.
• If you cancel your appointment 4 or fewer days prior to your appointment date, or fail to show for your
scheduled exam, submission of a retest application and fee will be required.

RECERTIFICATION
• Recertification is required every 3 years.
• The cost to recertify is $180.00.
• You must earn 60 professional development points related to fire inspection.
• Random audits are conducted up to 6 months from the recertification date.

USE OF THE CFI-II CREDENTIAL

• You must maintain active certification status to refer to yourself as a CFI-II credential holder.
• Your CFI-II designation may be used after your name on business cards, personal letterhead, resumes,
websites, and in your email signature.

Rev: 9/26/22