Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI)

Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator - CFEI

The Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) NAFI’s Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator program began in 1983 and has grown to be the largest Fire Investigator certification program in the world. The designation of CFEI is a confirmation of an investigator’s skills and experience. It is not an entrée into the field of fire investigation.

CFEI certification is a two part process:

1. Credentials review based on the completion of the CFEI application
                                       AND
2. Successful completion of the CFEI exam.

CFEI’s are required to maintain their membership in NAFI and recertify every 5 years.

The CFEI Application Process
Each CFEI Candidate must be a member in good standing of NAFI or provide a completed NAFI Membership Application and first year dues with their CFEI application. The applicant must meet all NAFI membership criteria.

CFEI candidates should read the entire CFEI Guidelines and Application Packet carefully. It includes detailed instructions for the application and examination process. Fully complete each section of the application exactly as instructed. Submit your original application, proctor information and application fees via mail or express courier. We cannot accept these materials in separate shipments or via fax, telephone or email.

Applications that are deemed to be incomplete will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant. Applicants must then resubmit the entire application for consideration.

Please note that application processing can take between 1 and 6 weeks depending on the volume of applications to the Membership Services Office.

Currently the application fee for the CFEI exam is $125.00. 

The CFEI Exam Process
The current CFEI exam is based on the 2008 Edition of NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. It consists of 100 Multiple Choice and True/False style questions. A score of 75% or better is required for passing. CFEI exam scores are recorded in the database as pass/fail. CFEI Candidates failing to meet the minimum exam score can retest, at no additional charge, after a waiting period of at least 6 months but not more than 12 months. After 12 months, applicants must reapply.

The CFEI Exam can be administered in one of four ways.

1. At an official NAFI sponsored training program
2. At selected Public Agency Training Council courses
3. Through the mail with a proctor (including group testing)
4. At the NAFI Membership Services Office in Sarasota, FL.

Regardless of where or how you take the CFEI exam the testing format is the same. You will have 2 hours in which to complete the exam. You may not use any outside reference materials or notes to complete the exam and may not solicit outside help on the exam.

Exam Results
Official notification of CFEI Certification and exam results are made by US Mail. Official results will be sent within 6 weeks of the test date. Due to privacy concerns, we are unable to release test results over the phone.

Candidates taking the CFEI exam at a NAFI sponsored Training Programs or in the NAFI office can receive unofficial test results on the day of the exam.

CFEI Candidates taking the exam through any other method may be able to obtain unofficial results earlier by logging into their membership on NAFI.org and printing a proof of membership in good standing. These unofficial results will be posted to membership within 1-5 weeks of test date.

Do’s and Don’ts for CFEI Applicants:
Do sign your application
Do include the application fee
Do complete every section of the application
Do make certain that all parts of the application are included
Do keep a copy of your application for your records (just in case).

Don’t forget a membership application if you need one
Don’t forget a signed proctor designation form and contract with your application.
Don’t fax or email your application – originals are required!
Don’t send in your application until you are ready to take the exam.

Do’s and Don’ts for Current CFEI’s
Do get your recertification training hours every 5 years
Do keep us updated on your address
Do remember you can now serve as a proctor for other CFEI candidates (In accordance with Proctor Guidelines)
Don’t let your NAFI membership lapse!

The CFEI program is governed by the official guidelines published in the application packet. This webpage is designed to be a digest of those policies and procedures.

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