Information About Re-Certification

The technology and science of fire investigation is changing rapidly. It has become more important than ever for the fire investigator to continually develop their knowledge and skills. To help insure that Certified Fire and Explosion Investigators (CFEI) certified by the National Certification Board remain current with the theoretical and technological advancements in the field of fire and explosion investigation and analysis, the National Certification Board requires recertification every five years.

Recertification dates are based upon the CFEI's original date of certification. Reminders and instructions are mailed to CFEI's on the following schedule:

• First Notice: One year prior to recertification due dates; allowing ample time to schedule any necessary training to fulfill Recertification requirements.
• Second Notice: One month prior to Recertification due date.
• Third Notice: Upon Expiration of CFEI.

CFEI's can submit their recertification credentials any time after receiving their first Notice of Recertification. Those CFEI's that do not comply by the due date will be in danger of losing their Certification.

Recertification Criteria

CFEI recertification will be granted only to those applicants meeting the recertification criteria written by the National Certification Board of the National Association of Fire Investigators. Recertification is obtained by providing sufficient documentation to verify that at least one of the following criteria has been met.

1 NAFI Sponsored Program

Attend a minimum of one (1) NAFI Sponsored Training Program in its entirety, within the past five (5) years, such as:

• National Fire, Arson & Explosion Investigation Training Program,
• National Seminar on Fire Analysis Litigation,
• National Advanced Fire & Arson Explosion Investigation Training Program,
• Canadian National Advanced Fire, Arson & Explosion Training Program,
• Certified Vehicle Fire Investigation Program
• International Symposium on Fire Investigation Science and Technology
• Other Specialized NAFI Training Programs.

OR

40 Hours of Fire Investigation Classes

Attend a minimum of forty (40) hours of professional education and training, which focuses on the field of fire and explosion investigation and analysis, from another source (such as PATC, USFA, IAAI, etc...)

• Seminars
• Training Programs
• Lectures
• Formalized In Service Training
• Classroom Experience
• Online Classes
• College Courses

Accepted documentation for this category includes:

• Certificate of attendance or completion from program or class;
• Copy of your college transcript showing credit hours and passing grade;
• Payment verification and brochure or description of program; or
• Letter from the instructor stating your attendance at the program and a brochure or description of the program.

OR

20 Hours of Fire Investigation Instruction

Demonstrating that your have served as the primary instructor for fire investigation classes totaling at least 20 contact hours with students.

Accepted documentation for this category includes:

• Program brochure listing you as an Instructor
• Letter from the employer stating your position and a description of the program

Hours may be combined from any of the above three categories Any combination of these that are the equivalent to a minimum of forty (40) hours of professional education and training will be accepted.

Course Conversions

For Recertification purposes all course are measured in hours. Please use the following conversions to calculate your hours:

3 Credit Hour College Course = 40 Hours
1 Day of Classroom time = 8 Hours

OR

Credit for being an instructor
20 hours of Classroom Contact = 40 Hours towards Recertification.

It is the responsibility of each CFEI to document their training hours and to provide sufficient documentation to verify that the stated criteria has been met. The Membership Services Office cannot keep track of your hours for you.

There is no fee for recertification.

A certificate of Recertification, suitable for framing, issued by the National Certification Board attesting to the applicant's recertification as a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) will be issued once the candidate has met the stated recertification criteria.

No credit towards recertification is given for field experience.

Contact NAFI Membership Services Regarding any questions.

Examples

Example #1

John Johnson, CFEI took Fire Statistics and Analysis a 3-credit hour course at his local community college during the Fall 2008 Semester. He also attended a 2-hour lecture on Computer Fire Modeling in October of 2008.

John qualifies for recertification.

Example #2

Betty Smith, CFEI attended the NAFI sponsored 2008 National Fire, Arson & Explosion Investigation Training Program.

Betty qualifies for recertification.

Example #3

Steve Stevens, CFEI attended the 1995 Canadian National Advanced Fire, Arson & Explosion Training Program.

Steve does not qualify for recertification. He has not demonstrated that any professional education and training was received in the last five years.