Frequently Asked Questions

We understand you might have a few questions. Below you will find answers to the questions most frequently asked by our members. Contact the Membership Services Office or call us at 1-877-506-NAFI if you have any additional questions.

---

NAFI Website

How do I log into my membership?

The first time you visit the new NAFI.org you will set up your membership profile by logging in with your last name and the first 4 or 5 digits of your membership number (everything before the dash). After that you will log in with your email address and the password you chose.

What if I can't remember my password?

Use the password resert procedures found on the log-in page. If you are unable to reset your password, contact our office and we can do it manually for you.

---

General NAFI Questions

What are the NAFI Office Hours?

Our office is open from 9am to 5pm Eastern time. You can update and renew your membership on-line 24 hours a day at NAFI.org

How do I contact the NAFI Membership Services Office?

Call us at 941-242-2323; Email us at membershipservices@nafi.org; Write us at: NAFI MEMBERSHIP SERVICES, 4900 Manatee Ave. West, Suite 104, Bradenton, FL 34209 USA.

Does NAFI have local chapters?

No, NAFI does not have local chapters. The board of directors feels that the members of NAFI are best served with strong National Leadership, training with a single National Curriculum, and meetings and training programs with a diverse body of students and instructors. Other groups do have local chapter and we encourage our members to take advantage of both styles of associations.

Can I pay my dues online?

Yes, with NAFI’s new web site, you can log on and enter your VISA, MasterCard, Discover or AmEx number, and print a receipt.

---

NAFI Membership Questions

Can I transfer a NAFI membership from one employee to another?

A NAFI Membership is registered in the name of the member. Each member applying for membership needs to have their application individually reviewed and approved; therefore every new member must apply separately. Members often have certifications associated with their memberships and each of those achievements is held on an individual basis and follows the investigator throughout their career regardless of their employment.

Does NAFI have corporate memberships?

No. We do not have corporate memberships. Members often have certifications associated with their memberships and each of those achievements is held on an individual basis.

Can I change my renewal date?

Your renewal date is based on the date you joined NAFI. Our system does not allow for date changes at this time. If your employer can only pay invoices on a certain date make certain that you are paying ahead rather than after your expiration date to maintain your good standing.

What is the difference between Non-certified and Certified memberships?

A Certified member is a member who has successfully achieved the designation of CFEI and/or CFII & CVFI.

How does NAFI handle Purchase Orders?

We have found over the years that unfortunately a purchase order does not guarantee payment. It is not fair to the other members of NAFI for someone to get credit for a membership payment when the funds have not yet been received. We will sign a purchase order and return it to your department or company but you will not receive credit for a membership renewal until the funds reach the NAFI Membership Services Office.

How do I re-instate my membership?

Go to www.NAFI.org log in and make a payment online. Or down load the reinstatement form, fill it out with payment- $55 for NAFI and $65 for CFEI, and mail or fax back to the NAFI office.

---

CFEI

Can I submit my CFEI application electronically?

At this time we cannot accept CFEI applications electronically. The National Certification Board requires a physical signature on the application. You must mail your application to the NAFI office or present it in person at selected training programs.

Do I have to be a NAFI Member to become a CFEI?

Yes, NAFI membership is required for all our certifications.

What if I am new in the field?

Get training, schooling, experience, attend seminars, take classes, volunteer within your department, or find a good mentor. The CFEI designation is not for beginners-it is meant to recognize qualified fire and explosion investigators.

Who can be a proctor for my CFEI Exam?

Designated proctors for the Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) certification evaluation must be one of the following: faculty members of a private or public school system, private or public college or university, a member of the clergy, a testing center, or a current Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI). Designated proctors may not be a relative or work for the same company, in any capacity, as the CFEI Applicant. Designated proctors should not have any conflict of interests, perceived or real, with proctoring the CFEI exam for the CFEI applicant. It is your responsibility to find a proctor in your community.

How do we set up a group CFEI test?

Guidelines for Group testing: Appoint a leader who will collect all applications, review applications to make sure they are filled out completely and contain payment. All applications must be mailed together. Be sure to include your proposed testing date. Allow at least 4 weeks for NAFI to process applications, payments and send out exams. Only one proctor designation form is required.

Are the application fees refundable?

No, The application fee is non-refundable. It is utilized to defray the associated costs of processing and reviewing the applicant’s application package, maintaining the records of the National Certification Board and administering the certification program.

How long will it take for me to receive my CFEI test results?

Test results and membership certificates will arrive via mail in 4-6 weeks. You can follow the progess of your applications and exam by logging into your membership at NAFI.org. You will also be able to see unofficial results on the day your exam results are entered into our system.

Can I call or e-mail the NAFI Office to obtain my CFEI results?

Unfortunately, due to privacy issues we are unable to provide information on test results via phone. Official emails will be sent out once results are entered. Email requests will not be answered. However, you can follow the progess of your applications and exam by logging into your membership at NAFI.org. You will also be able to see unofficial results on the day your exam results are entered into our system.

What happens if I do not pass the exam?

You will be eligible to retake the exam in six months. There is no additional cost for retesting and you may choose any proctor which meets the proctor requirements. When your six month waiting period has passed simply contact the NAFI office to make arrangements for your retest.

---

Recertification

When can I turn in my Recertification form?

Recertification form may be submitted no earlier than 1 year prior to the recertification date. If submitted early, the recertification form will be returned.

I received my form in the mail and it is due in the next couple of weeks. What do I do?

Don't panic. Re-read your form. The first notice of recertification is mailed out 1 Year in Advance. You will then receive a reminder 1 month prior to your due date. If you have not completed your 40 credits of continuing education you have a year from the first notice to get it completed and submitted.

Why do I have to Re-Certify?

In order to ensure that persons holding the designation CFEI remain abreast of new developments in the Field of Fire Investigation, the general membership of NAFI voted in 1998 to require a minimum level of continuing professional education.

When do I have to Re-Certify?

Re-certification dates are based on your original recertification date. Your recertification date is 5 years from your original date of certification. You can find your recertification status by logging into your membership here at NAFI.org

When will I receive my Re-Certification Forms?

You will receive your first recertification form in the mail one year prior to your re-certification date.

What kinds of training count toward Re-Certification?

Any fire investigation related training with-in the five year period counts. Training can come from a variety of sources ... NAFI, IAAI, NFPA, Carterson Public Safety Group, Public Agency Training Council, Local Seminars, Organized Employer Sponsored Training Programs. A good rule of thumb is a class counts if you ... Get a certificate when it is concluded, You take and pass a exam at the end of a class, You receive a passing grade for it, It counts as a CEU for another National, State or Local Certification, It counts as a CEU for another Fire Investigation related professional organization, you are the instructor.

How many Credits do I need?

Recertification is obtained by providing sufficient documentation to verify that the member has earned a minimum of 40 credits during their current 5 year recertification period. Credits are earned by one or a combination of the following: (1.) Attending a minimum of one multi-day NAFI Co-sponsored Training Program in its entirety. Members earn 2 credits per hour. (2.) Obtaining professional education and training. Must focus on the field of fire and explosion investigation and analysis. Members earn 1 credit per hour. (3.) Providing the instruction of professional education and training. Must focus on the field of fire and explosion investigation and analysis. Members earn 2 credits per hour of instruction.

What if I don't have 40 Credits?

You must meet the minimum requirements. Once you have completed additional training to meet the requirements you may apply to have your certification re-instated. If you are unable to attend training you may be able to recertify by re-testing. Contact membership services for more details.

What if I have more than 40 Credits? Can the extra credits be applied towards my next Re-Certification?

No. Credits must be earned within the 5 year period, they cannot be saved for a future Re-cert. If you are scheduled to Re-Certify in 2021, only courses taken between 2016 and 2021 count. When you re-certify again in 2026 only courses taken between 2021-2026 will be considered.

I don't want to submit the form, I’m too busy, I haven’t had time for training -- can I have a waiver?

No. The National Certification board has decided that no one is exempt from re-certification. Regardless of how much field experience you have; you must provide documentation of the appropriate amount of training.

Will NAFI keep track of my credits for me?

No. You are responsible for keeping track of your own credits and submitting the completed Re-Certification form when it is sent to you. Unfortunately, we do not have the staff or the storage capabilities to track your credits for you. Items submitted without the proper recertification form will be returned.

What does recertification cost?

There is no fee to recertify. You must be an active member of NAFI and your dues must be current.

---

CFII

Can I take the CFII exam by proctor?

This certification is only offered in conjunction with the 8-hour CFII Program offered several times per year. The class contains valuable information assembled specifically for the test and its course materials are the only study materials for the exam. It is not offered by proctor or by credentials review.

Do I need to recertify my CFII?

At this time, the only requirements for keeping your CFII current are: keep your NAFI membership in good standing, and recertifying your CFEI every 5 years.

---

CVFI

Why do you only offer the CVFI class every other year?

The Board of Directors decided to make this a biennial program for two reasons…First, this program is a very complicated and time consuming to produce. Our staff and instructors put in many weeks of work prior to the program just getting all the arrangements together. Second, vehicle investigation is a specialized and advanced field and there just isn’t enough demand for a class every year.

Can I take the CVFI exam by proctor?

No, the CVFI exam is only offered in conjunction with our Vehicle Fire Investigation class and selected PATC classes.

Do I need to recertify my CVFI?

At this time, the only requirements for keeping your CVFI current are: keep your NAFI membership in good standing, and recertifying your CFEI every 5 years.

---

Training Programs

Who do I make my Payment out to?

Make your payment out to "Investigations Institute".

Is the class I’m taking a NAFI sponsored training program?

Only classes listed on this website are official NAFI sponsored training programs. Many classes offer our test but may not be following our curriculum or are using our instructors.

How can I get a NAFI program in my town…at my company…my fire department?

In addition to our regularly scheduled National Training Programs, our NAFI instructors may occasionally teach our curriculum at programs put on by outside organizations. You must apply to the NAFI board of directors IN WRITING at least one year in advance of the date you would like to have training. You must outline the type of training you would like to hold, the number of students, the cost per student, the facility in which you’d like to have the program, and who would be coordinating the program on the local level. The program must not conflict with existing NAFI training programs or NFPA national and 921 Committee meetings. You would be responsible for all local arrangements and all travel and lodging costs for the instructors; NAFI will develop a custom curriculum, supply the course materials, at cost, and the instructor’s time.