National Association of Fire Investigators

Recertification

 
 
The Official Seal of the National Association of Fire Investigators

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 ensure 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 a recertification form 1 year prior to their recertification date, forms received earlier will be returned and asked to be submitted within the appropriate time frame. CFEI credentials are immediately suspended once the recertification date has passed. Members who fail to recertify within one year of their recertification date will be required to retest for Recertification.

Recertification Form

Criteria

CFEI recertification will be granted only to those applicants meeting the current recertification criteria written by the International Certification Board of the National Association of Fire Investigators. 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:

 

NAFI Sponsored Program

Attending a minimum of one (1) multi-day NAFI Co-sponsored Training Program in its entirety. Members earn 2 credits per hour.

Fire Investigation Classes

Obtaining professional education and training. Must focus on the field of fire and explosion investigation and analysis. Members earn 1 credit per hour.

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

Accepted documentation for this category:

  • 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
  • Letter from the instructor stating your attendance at the program and a brochure or description of the program.

20 Hours of Fire Investigation Instruction

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.

Accepted documentation for this category:

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

Course Conversions

Education and Training Course Hour Conversion Standards

  • 1 contact hour = 1 Credit, do not include breaks or lunches
  • 1 Day = 8 Credits
  • 3 Credit Hour Course at a college or university = 40 Credits
  • NAFI Training Program 1 hour = 2 Credits
  • Instruction Hour Conversion Standards 1 contact hour = 2 Credits

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.

Failure to Recertify

CFEI credentials are immediately suspended once the recertification date has passed. A onetime short extension may be granted by the National Certification Board if requested prior to the recertification date. Members who fail to recertify within one year of their recertification date will be required to submit an application to retest for CFEI Recertification and retesting fee of $125. The CFEI Recertification exam will be an advanced exam and will reflect the current theoretical and technological advancements in the field of fire and explosion investigations. This option is only available to those members who are a year past due and will not be granted to any other members as a means to recertify.

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.

There is no other process to obtain recertification. Work experience, publications, technical committee work, and other activities not listed in the Recertification Guidelines do not meet the recertification criteria set forth by the International Certification Board and therefore cannot be used to recertify.

Upcoming Events

Recertification Examples

John Johnson received his CFEI on January 1, 2021; his recertification date is January 1, 2026.

Example

John Johnson took "Fire Statistics and Analysis" a 3-credit hour course at his local community college during the Fall 2019 semester. He also attended a 2-hour lecture on "Computer Fire Modeling" in October of 2020.

  • John does not qualify for recertification
  • Neither of the courses are within his current 5-year recertification period (Jan 2, 2021 - Jan 1, 2026)

Example

John Johnson attended the NAFI sponsored 2021 International Fire, Arson & Explosion Investigation Training in July 2021.

  • John qualifies for recertification
  • He meets the minimum of 40 credits for recertification criteria. The 28-hour NAFI Co-sponsored training program earns John 56 credits within his current 5-year recertification period (Jan 2, 2021 - Jan 1, 2026).

Example

John Johnson used an online learning platform in 2021 and took several training blocks totaling 32 hours (32 credits). John also taught a 4-hour course on Expert Report Writing in October 2021, for a total of 8 credits.

  • John meets the criteria for recertification
  • Using a combination of education & training and instruction to meet the minimum of 40 credits within his current 5-year recertification period.