CFPS Program Overview (1) 22

Certified Fire
Protection Specialist
Program Overview
CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 1 of 21

Certification Content Outline
Contents
Introduction to NFPA Certifications.......................................................................................................... 3
Acknowledgments ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Program Description ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Eligibility Requirements ............................................................................................................................... 5
Exam Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Program Fees .................................................................................................................................................. 6
Body of Knowledge ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Preparing for the Exam................................................................................................................................. 6
Domain Weighting and Exam Blueprint .................................................................................................... 7
Domain Weighting ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Exam Blueprint ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Certification Maintenance ......................................................................................................................... 19
CFPS Recertification Requirements Point System.............................................................................. 20

Introduction to NFPA Certifications
Founded in 1896, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) is a global self-funded
nonprofit membership organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic
loss from fire, electrical, and other hazards. NFPA delivers information and knowledge through
300+ consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach, and advocacy, and
by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. The NFPA mission
is to help save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge, and passion.
NFPA provides world-class professional certifications to individuals around the globe by adhering to
the best practices of the certification industry and maintaining the highest standards of personnel
certification. NFPA uses experienced subject matter experts who actively work in their respective
industries to guide the creation of the certification programs. NFPA Certifications are intended for
professionals who want to validate their knowledge and skills and demonstrate their commitment
to professionalism, upholding industry standards, and continued learning. Certifications are
awarded to professionals who meet the eligibility criteria, pass a rigorous examination, and, when
required, successfully complete a practicum.
Acknowledgments
NFPA is honored to have the following subject matter experts contributing to the development of
this certification program.
Anthony Apfelbeck Alan Beard Robert (Bob) Berry
Director of Building and Fire Head of Fire Engineering, Chubb Sr. Consultant Specialist
Safety Overseas General AIG
City of Altamonte Springs (FL) Chubb LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn Profile LinkedIn Profile
Ralph Bless, Jr. Tony Cole Douglas Glenn

Executive Vice President Vice President
Telgian Engineering & Consulting Senez Consulting, Inc.
Carlos Buerrero Timothy Hennessey James Hodge

Latin America Regional Sales Fire Protection Manager Fire Prevention Officer
Manager Tesla Kitchener (Ontario) Fire
Potter Electric Signal Company LinkedIn Profile Department
LinkedIn Profile
Fernando Katayama Ronald Klus Todd Lalley

Fire Protection & BMS Specialist Fire & Emergency Management Technical Director
ACM Soluciones y Servicios SAC Consultant Liberty Mutual Insurance
LinkedIn Profile Jensen Hughes Company
Steven P. Lewis Brian Mosberian Paul J. Nordmeier

Sr. Account Executive Fire Protection Engineer Principal Fire Protection Engineer
Pavion - RFI Enterprises Phoenix Fire Department Xcel Energy, Inc.

Acknowledgements (cont.)
Greg A. Novak Oscar Mauricio Barajas Pinzon Michael L. Savage, Sr.

Deputy Fire Chief Sr. Loss Prevention Engineer Director
Anne Arundel County (MD) Fire Saudi Aramco Marion County (FL) Building
Department LinkedIn Profile Safety Department
LinkedIn Profile
Kyle Smith Karl K. Thompson Sheryl A. Tricocci

Battalion Chief Fire Marshal/Deputy Chief Fire & Life Safety Consultant
Cobb County (GA) Fire & (Retired) Independent Consultant
Emergency Services Pasco County (FL) Fire Rescue LinkedIn Profile
Juan Olivari Woodman Roman Becerra

Sr. Consultant & Engineer Risk Control Engineer
Independent Consultant MEICA

Program Description
The purpose of the Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS®) certification is to recognize
qualified individuals who are dedicated to curtailing fire loss, both physical and financial, and who
have acquired a level of professionalism through applied work experiences and related education
opportunities, and through successful completion of a certification examination.
The CFPS program application can be completed online by going to the NFPA certification
management system (CMS) at onlinecertification.nfpa.org/nfpassa.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to take the CFPS examination, candidates must demonstrate they meet ONE of the
following criteria:
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a fire protection-related discipline* from an accredited
college or university, including degrees in engineering fields that are applied to the
practice of fire protection; plus TWO years of verifiable work experience dedicated to
curtailing fire loss, both physical and financial.
• Associate’s degree in a fire protection-related discipline* from an accredited college or
university, or a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any unrelated field; plus FOUR years of
verifiable work experience dedicated to curtailing fire loss, both physical and financial.
• High school diploma or equivalent, plus SIX years of verifiable work experience dedicated
to curtailing fire loss, both physical and financial.
*Examples include degrees in Fire Protection Engineering, Fire Science, Fire Protection
Technology, and Fire Service Administration. Examples of engineering fields that are frequently
applied to the practice of fire protection include, but are not limited to, Fire Protection,
Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, and Electrical.
Question: What is work experience dedicated to curtailing fire loss, both physical and financial?
Answer: This covers a wide variety of jobs, roles, and industries. If your primary job role involves
reducing the risk of fire occurrence (design engineering, inspections, and code enforcement,
etc.), or reducing physical damage, loss of life, or financial loss in the event of a fire (fire service,
risk engineering, fire protection system design/installation, etc.), your work experience will
apply.
Note: While completing the Current Employment section of your application, you are asked to obtain
the signature of either your current supervisor or a human resource contact. If you are self-employed,
please contact the CFPS certification department at adminsvcs@nfpa.org so we can work with you to
review alternative proof of your current work experience.

Exam Specifications
The CFPS exam is a proctored computer-based exam available at in-person testing centers or via
online remote proctoring. Exam specifications include:
• Open book exam (NFPA Fire Protection Handbook®, 21st edition)

• 3-hour time limit
• 100 multiple choice questions
• Currently available in English only
You have 12 months, from the application approval date, to pass the exam.
Program Fees
The CFPS program fees are collected for the following:
• Initial program application (includes initial examination fee)

• Retest (if required)
• Annual renewal fee due every year on the certificant’s anniversary date
For the most up-to-date prices for these fees, see the website.
Body of Knowledge
The publication below forms the comprehensive body of knowledge for the CFPS certification
exam.
Christian Dubay, ed., Fire Protection Handbook®, 21st ed. (Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection
Association, 2023).
Note: The Fire Protection Handbook® (FPH®) is available to order at nfpa.org or by phone at 1-800-
344-3555.
Preparing for the Exam

The Certified Fire Protection Specialist Online Learning Path provides a comprehensive, multimedia
training experience covering a full range of topics. Select a comprehensive Learning Path or build a
customized program by choosing the individual online courses and components you require.
Access the most advanced tools for practicing and preparing for the CFPS exam with flexible, self-
paced online learning from the expert source.
A computer-based online CFPS Practice Exam is available and can be purchased here.
The official printed version of the FPH is the only reference allowed to be used during the exam. The
handbook may be tabbed before the exam with commercial permanent adhesive type tabs similar
to those provided with the Fire Protection Handbook. However, sticky notes and flags or other type
of easily moveable tabs or physical markers (including paper clips) are NOT permitted.

Domain Weighting and Exam Blueprint
The table below indicates the percentage (%) of exam content (exam items) for the eight (8)
domains of the Certified Fire Protection Specialist exam. The exam blueprint lists the sub-
components of each of those domains.
Domain Weighting
Domains % of Exam
I. Safety in the Built Environment 16%
II. Information and Analysis for Fire Protection and Fire 9%

Science
III. Fire Prevention: Programs, Materials, Processes, and 12%
Environments
IV. Facility Fire Hazard Management 9%
V. Organizing for Fire and Rescue Services 9%
VI. Detection and Alarm 14%
VII. Fire Suppression 22%
VIII. Confining Fires 9%
Exam Blueprint
It is important to remember that while some domains correspond both in title and content to
sections in the 21st edition of the Fire Protection Handbook (FPH), not all of them do, nor are they
meant to be an exact reflection of the FPH sections.
I. Safety in the Built Environment

A. Perform evaluations, analyze, and document new and existing fire protection
systems, given building occupancy, occupancy use, complete permit plan set, as-
built specifications of fire control systems, local AHJ amendments, current water
supply data, safety data of stored materials, fire-rated assemblies, building
compartmentation, interior finishes, system inspection, and testing records, so that
the building meets or exceeds fire code and life safety requirements and ensures
safe and timely building occupant evacuation and/or relocation.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Jurisdictional building and fire codes, applicable codes
and standards and their intent, local AHJ amendments, fire department access,
types of building construction, fire suppression, fire detection and smoke
control systems, hazard and water supply analysis, hazardous material
classifications, building occupancy, and occupancy use and loads, means of
egress requirements, emergency and exit lighting requirements, and exit
discharge requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret building plans, calculation,
and analytical skills, determine occupancy types, and interpersonal and
communication skills
B. Inspect, interpret, and ensure proper application of fire protection and life safety
best practices, policies, regulations, and applicable codes and standards inherent to
the built environment, given the plan set, occupancy types, uses, local environment,

assessment of hazards, risk exposures, equipment use, possible business
interruption, mitigation strategies, code requirements, and required annual system
performance, inspection, and testing reports, so that loss exposures and business
interruptions are mitigated, timely and safe occupant evacuation/relocation is
achieved, adequate fire protection and life safety strategies are provided, and the
building, fire protection systems, and strategies are code compliant.
i. Requisite Knowledge – AHJ requirements, organizational policies and
procedures, fire analysis best practices, heat transfer analysis, heat release rate
analysis, flame spread analysis, smoke development/spread analysis, basic
building code analysis, egress analysis, building construction, current trends in
fire hazards, communication strategies, required annual system performance,
inspection, and testing reports, fire prevention, reduction, early suppression,
and material treatment strategies, fire detection, building alarms, smoke control
measures, basic sprinkler and water supply systems reviews
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to perform hazard assessments, perform risk
analysis, read and interpret building plans and data, perform inspections and
calculations, determine fire load, technical writing, recordkeeping skills, and
interpersonal and communication skills
C. Analyze, develop, and recommend codes and standards for fire and life safety in the
built environment, given the development protocols, so that relevant and meaningful
standards are developed, and stakeholders can use them.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Major standards development organizations (SDOs),
code development, and industry needs and trends
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to work in a committee environment, technical
writing, and interpersonal and communication skills
D. Ensure all fire protection, life safety, and building systems are properly integrated
within the built environment, given building and system drawings, building use,
sequence of operations, system performance, guidelines, and regulations, so that
system-interfacing requirements are achieved.
and standards, local AHJ amendments, types of building construction, fire
suppression systems, fire detection and smoke control systems, hazard and
water supply analysis, hazardous material classifications, systematic best
practices, and technical knowledge
ii. Requisite Skills – System design, collaboration, and interpersonal and
E. Evaluate the performance of fire protection, fire detection, and life safety systems
conditions through code compliance, life safety and fire hazards analysis surveys for
new and existing buildings, given access to spaces, documentation of building
features and systems, complete as-built plan sets, water supply analysis, and fire
and life safety system inspection and testing reports, so that the evaluation is
comprehensive, accurate, and provides valuable insights for enhancing the safety
and compliance of the assessed facilities, and systems perform as intended and
designed in a manner that completes and achieves their performance objectives.
and standards, local AHJ amendments, types of building construction and
plans, fire suppression systems and their design principle, fire detection and
smoke control systems, hazard and water supply analysis, hazardous material
classifications, installation requirements, and maintenance procedures

ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret building plans, conduct site
survey, interpret system performance reports, analytical and problem solving,
attention to detail, and interpersonal and communication skills
F. Identify the key components that must be integrated to minimize risk and loss to
prevent injuries and death from fire, electrical, and other hazards, given facility
access, documentation of building features and systems, complete plan sets,
applicable codes and standards, and safety guidelines, so that the facility meets or
exceeds fire code and life safety requirements and ensures occupants are informed
of safety guidelines.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fire protection principles, fire and electrical safety,
applicable codes and standards, and hazard identification
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret building plans, analytical and
problem-solving skills, and interpersonal and communication skills
G. Provide recommendations, progress oversight, coordinate, and prioritize work as it
relates to other areas of construction for resolution of issues encountered during
implementation of fire protection and life safety system designs, given complete
construction design documents, project schedules, team members and contact
information, and job site access, so that systems are coordinated successfully.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Applicable codes and standards, building features,
systems criteria design and layout, site conditions and phase, construction
processes, best practices, fire protection and life safety systems
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret building plans, analytical and
problem-solving skills, and interpersonal and communication skills
II. Information and Analysis for Fire Protection and Fire Science
A. Perform fire loss investigations, given AHJ requirements, organizational policies and
procedures, source of origin, building plans if needed, historical and current fire data,
fire dynamics, and fire load, so that the damage caused by the fire is determined.
i. Requisite Knowledge – AHJ requirements, fire analysis, scientific methodology,
fire dynamics, building construction, investigative methods best practices
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret building plans and data,
determine fire load, documentation, recordkeeping, and interpersonal and
B. Perform fire analysis to determine the proper size design fire and the fire’s impact on
occupants within the building, given AHJ requirements, building plans if needed, fire
load, organizational policies and procedures, fire incident data and statistics, so that
the cause of the fire is determined and recorded for historical purpose or the
expected outcome is predicted, and the building is safe during evacuation.
procedure, fire analysis best practices, heat transfer, building construction,
current trends in fire hazards, communication strategies, and other building-
related life safety protocols, design and code analyses, heat release rate, flame
spread, and smoke development
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret building plans and data,
determine fire load, perform calculations, recordkeeping skills, and

C. Perform fire protection calculations, given AHJ requirements, building plans, hazard
classification, water source data, occupant load, and egress capacities, so that a safe
environment is created to protect occupants and property.
i. Requisite Knowledge – AHJ requirements, building construction, hydraulics and
hazards analysis, and human factors during fire
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret building plans, perform
calculations, and interpersonal and communication skills
D. Estimate conditions during the pre-flashover fire growth phase of a compartment
fire, given AHJ requirements, building plans, fire load, fire loss data, and fire
dynamics, so that the occupants may safely exit the building prior to a flashover
occurring.
i. Requisite Knowledge – AHJ requirements, fire analysis best practices, heat
transfer, egress calculations, human behavior, and building construction
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret building plans and fire loss
data, perform calculations, and interpersonal and communication skills
E. Conduct job safety analyses for jobs/tasks within various industry settings as they
relate to fire hazards, given AHJ requirements, industrial processes, job/task
descriptions, organizational policies and procedures, and fire behavior associated
with industrial processes, so that all proper procedures are known and followed by
company personnel.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fire protection and life safety best practice, AHJ
requirements, industrial processes, and fire behavior
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to perform safety analysis and calculations, and
III. Fire Prevention: Programs, Materials, Processes, and Environments

A. Identify all potential fire hazards to a community and determine proper mitigation,
given applicable codes, standards, and hazard mitigation planning guidelines, so that
loss of life and property from fire is minimized.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Applicable codes, standards, and hazard mitigation
planning guidelines, and the needs of the community
ii. Requisite Skills – Research and analytical skills, and interpersonal and
B. Conduct organizational training needs assessment and provide training on fire
hazards to address skills and/or knowledge gaps, given the applicable codes and
standards, so that a well-trained workforce is established within the organization.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Life safety code consulting, fire protection design, fire
alarm, mass notification and smoke control design, hazardous materials
consulting, system commissioning services, performance-based solution
development, health, safety, fire prevention, loss control, environmental
protection, and applicable codes and standards
ii. Requisite Skills – Research and analytical skills, training program development,
and interpersonal and communication skills
C. Resolve problems by performing field investigations, research, detailed design work,
and/or detailed review of design computations done by others, given the applicable
codes and standards, so that design problems with fire protection systems can be
rectified and systems can perform as intended.

i. Requisite Knowledge – Various fire protection systems, applicable policies,
procedures, and codes and standards
ii. Requisite Skills – Research, investigative, inspection and observational skills,
fire protection design, and interpersonal and communication skills
D. Perform fire protection and life safety program audits to continuously check and
improve fire safety and environmental performance, working cross-functionally with
the appropriate and affected teams, given applicable policies, procedures, codes,
and standards, as-built plans, and program records, so that proper mitigation of fire
risk is achieved.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fire protection and life safety programs, and applicable
policies, procedures, codes, and standards
ii. Requisite Skills – Access, input, and retrieve data contained in the computer
system, research and analytical skills, read and interpret plan documents, and
E. Inform management of current fire safety and environmental performance, potential
hazards, serious loss incidents, regulatory inquiries and changes to guidelines
affecting safety and/or environmental policies and procedures, given the incident
reports, applicable codes and standards, safety and environmental policies and
procedures, so that the management remains informed in order to remain in
compliance.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Applicable policies, procedures, codes, and standards,
safety and environmental policies and procedures, incident reports, and
potential hazards
F. Test, research, and recommend new tools, systems, and equipment, and ensure
compliance with technical specifications as it relates to fire and life safety hazards,
given applicable policies, procedures, and fire and life safety standards, and
instructional and operational manuals, so that new tools, systems, and equipment
can be properly vetted prior to being adopted by the organization.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Applicable policies, procedures, codes, and standards,
tools, systems, and equipment, testing methodology, intended outcome of new
tool usage, and organizational purchasing policies and procedures
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to use tools, systems, or equipment, manage
organization test groups, research and analytical skills, and interpersonal and
G. Identify the fire hazards and hazard mitigation principles associated with the various
processes given process procedures, organizational safety and procedure policies,
and governing laws, codes, or standards, so that the appropriate hazard mitigation
methods can be employed.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Process and response procedures, organizational safety
and procedure policies, governing laws, applicable codes and standards, fire and
hazard mitigation standards, and industry best practices
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret the safety data sheet (SDS),
research and analytical skills, and interpersonal and communication skills
H. Ensure best practices associated with material storage, handling, and housekeeping
principles are followed, given applicable codes and standards governing material

storage, handling, and housekeeping practices, so that materials are stored safely
and in compliance to mitigate hazards associated with storage.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Process and response procedures, applicable codes and
standards, organizational safety and procedure policies, governing laws, fire and
hazard mitigation standards, industry best practice, and storage and handling of
hazard materials
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret the safety data sheet (SDS),
research, observational, and analytical skills, ability to identify flammable,
explosive, or other high hazard materials, and interpersonal and communication
skills
IV. Facility Fire Hazard Management

A. Explain the processes of acquisition, installation, operation, maintenance, and
disposition of building systems, given architectural, schematic, and technical
drawings and documentation related to building systems, and AHJ requirements, so
that building ownership/management is aware of and understands how these
systems can impact the fire hazard level within their facility.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Emergency preparedness processes, building
design/construction and infrastructure, facility management responsibilities,
operational considerations related to tenants within a facility, and AHJ
requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret architectural, schematic, and
technical drawings and documentation, ability to formulate and put into practice
emergency plans around fire incidents, training program development, and
B. Develop and manage mitigation programs, business continuity, and emergency
preparedness procedures and processes to be implemented in case of emergency
and to be tested on a continuing basis, given the architectural, schematic, and
technical drawings and documentation related to building systems, previously
completed fire safety/emergency documentation, listing of on-site life safety
systems, manufacturer’s maintenance requirements, and AHJ testing requirements,
so that in case of fire-related emergencies all aspects of fire emergency planning are
addressed and maintained in an appropriate manner, including all life safety systems
are operating as designed and businesses are able to quickly resume operation.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Emergency preparedness processes, building
design/construction and infrastructure, life safety and building systems, facility
management responsibilities, operational considerations related to tenants
within a facility, and AHJ requirements
technical drawings and documentation, formulate and put into practice
emergency plans around fire incidents, training program development, and
C. Plan and execute fire protection management systems development and administer
on-site fire protection program, given the architectural, schematic, and technical
drawings and documentation related to building systems, plans outlining exit
locations and emergency systems, so that occupants are trained and knowledgeable
as to life safety systems and procedures related to the facility, and ensure tracking,
maintenance, repair, and funding related to life safety fire protection equipment
consistently meet the requirements of manufacturers and the applicable AHJ.

i. Requisite Knowledge – Life safety systems, behaviors in an emergency,
evacuation procedure best practices, guidance documents, draft of standard
operating procedures, impairments, code compliance, budget requirements,
forecasting needs, and AHJ requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to draft standard operating procedures, read and
interpret architectural, schematic, and technical drawings and documentation,
training program development, use testing equipment/tools as appropriate, and
D. Oversee operations, maintenance, testing, and surveillance with stand-alone
computer/server network systems as they relate to fire alarm and signaling systems
and reporting stations, given architectural, schematic, and technical drawings and
documentation related to building systems, manufacturer’s maintenance/testing
procedures, and testing equipment/tools, so that computer/server equipment
installed for control/monitoring of fire alarm and signaling systems continues to
provide data relevant for continued correct operation.
i. Requisite Knowledge – The relationship between fire alarm systems and
computer/server networks designed to interact with fire alarm control panels,
and AHJ requirements
technical drawings and documentation, use testing equipment/tools as
appropriate, computer skills relevant to report writing and data/record storage,
computer/software skills appropriate to the task at hand, and interpersonal and
E. Direct all phases of the fire management program, with an emphasis on ecosystem
restoration, and ensure the program is in compliance with environmental laws and
regulations, given architectural, schematic, and technical drawings and
documentation related to building systems, so that fire management programs are
put in place and are in compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Environmental laws and regulations
technical drawings and documentation, and interpersonal and communication
skills
F. Prepare and maintain reports, given architectural, schematic, and technical drawings
and documentation related to building systems, so that aspects of fire safety are
analyzed, documented, and stored for possible life safety incidents according to
policy.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fire safety report requirements, safety reports, physical
and electronic recordkeeping systems, inspection reports, records, technical
information, statistical data, code analyses, egress analyses, fire detection and
alarm systems reviews, smoke control systems reviews, and sprinkler and water
supply systems reviews
technical drawings and documentation, records management system software,
technical writing, and interpersonal and communication skills
V. Organizing for Fire and Rescue Services

A. Implement effective pre-incident planning, given the existing pre-emergency plans (if
available), plan specifications and standards, jurisdictional policies and procedures,
and AHJ requirements, so that structured and compliant pre-emergency plans for
applicable public and private enterprises are available.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Pre-emergency planning specifications and standards,
jurisdictional policies and procedures, fire pattern analysis, fire dynamics,
building construction, and AHJ requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to review and enhance pre-emergency plans, read
and interpret plan sets, analytical skills, and interpersonal and communication
skills
B. Develop, implement, and operate an Incident Command System (ICS), given
accepted structures for incident command and AHJ requirements so that the ICS is
effective and compliant.
i. Requisite Knowledge – ICS standards, AHJ requirements, and a comprehensive
understanding of public and private fire brigades
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to review and enhance ICSs, analytical skills,
training program development, command capabilities, and interpersonal and
C. Enforce fire prevention operations and applicable fire codes, given applicable fire
codes, standards, and best practice, so that there is a reduction in loss from fire.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fire prevention best practice, applicable fire codes, AHJ
requirements, and enforcement protocols and best practice
ii. Requisite Skills – Analytical skills and interpersonal and communication skills
D. Review and implement an effective fire and emergency service training methodology,
given any existing training system, applicable training standards, best practice, and
AHJ requirements, so that all departmental personnel are able to meet the job
performance requirements outlined in the codes and standards for their given
position.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Emergency services training methods, AHJ
requirements, and best practice
ii. Requisite Skills – Training program development, analytical skills, and
E. Ensure agencies providing fire and emergency services meet applicable AHJ codes
and standards requirements, given best-practice organizational structures and AHJ
requirements, so that the optimized coordination of emergency response agencies is
in accordance with AHJ requirements and recognized best practice.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Applicable organizational structures, agencies, legal
frameworks, and AHJ requirements
F. Explain and demonstrate the use and function of fire and emergency services
protective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE), given usage
requirements and applicable standards, so that PPE implementation is in accordance
with AHJ requirements and best practice.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Types and functions of relevant PPE, PPE standards,
AHJ requirements, PPE best practice, and AHJ requirements

ii. Requisite Skills – Training program development, analytical skills, and
G. Evaluate fire department resources and their placement, given existing resource
specifications and locations, applicable codes and standards, and AHJ requirements,
so that departments meet the applicable codes and standards required, and the
needs of the community being served.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Existing resource specifications and locations,
applicable codes and standards, research of fire department resource,
geographic information systems, and AHJ requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to use geographic information systems, research
and analytical skills, and interpersonal and communication skills
H. Research, develop, manage, and present fire and life safety education for the public,
given applicable standards and AHJ requirements, so that implementation of
community programs is effective.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fire and life safety education, disaster preparedness, fall
and fire prevention education, ongoing public and private school education
programs (fire safe house and Fire Prevention WeekTM), fire extinguisher
classes, general fire safety, evacuation plans, fire drills, and AHJ requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – Training program development, research and analytical skills,
I. Review and make recommendations to fire departments on response tactics and
procedures, given applicable standards and AHJ requirements, so that the fire
department protocols are optimized for existing scenarios and emerging hazards.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Existing response tactics, emerging hazards, industry
best practices, applicable standards, AHJ requirements, and municipality
capabilities and exposures
J. Perform technical support for fire protection engineering services, given an
understanding of the applicable hazards, standards, and AHJ requirements, so that
an effective and compliance support for fire protection engineering is delivered.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Life safety code consulting, fire protection design, fire
alarm/mass notification design, smoke control design, hazardous materials
consulting, system commissioning services, and performance-based solution
development
K. Conduct evaluations and provide support for fire and life safety education, given
applicable standards and AHJ requirements, so that effective implementation of
community programs is sustained.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fire and life safety education, disaster preparedness, fall
and fire prevention education for older adults, ongoing public and private school
education programs (fire safe house and Fire Prevention WeekTM), fire
extinguisher classes, general fire safety, evacuation plans, fire drills, and AHJ
requirements

VI. Detection and Alarm
A. Apply knowledge of and be able to demonstrate the fundamental and operational
characteristics of the fire alarm, detection, and notification systems, given the
applicable codes and standards, so that building owners and occupants are familiar
with the operational characteristics and understand the fundamentals of the fire
alarm and detection system.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fundamental design criteria, applicable codes and
standards, emerging technology, and testing equipment related to fire alarms
and detection systems
ii. Requisite Skills – Training program development, and interpersonal and
B. Apply life safety, loss prevention, and technical codes and standards as they relate to
fire alarm, detection, and notification systems, given architectural, schematic, and
technical drawings and documentation related to building systems, and AHJ
requirements, so that fire detection and alarm systems are designed, installed, and
maintained to comply with all local and best practice life safety requirements.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Mass notification systems, emergency voice alarm
communication systems, Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (ERRC)
systems, International Building and Fire Codes (IBC/IFC), NFPA codes and
standards, AHJ requirements, fire and life safety best practices, and fire
detection and alarm systems
technical drawings and documentation, apply appropriate codes and standards,
training program development, and interpersonal and communication skills
C. Perform inspections and testing on fire alarm, detection, and notification system
design, plans, installation, troubleshooting, and restoration activities, given
architectural drawings of building proper, schematics and technical information
related to building systems, applicable codes and standards, AHJ requirements, best
practices, and emerging technologies, so that the systems in a facility are designed,
installed, maintained, and inspected according to the appropriate codes, standards,
and AHJ requirements.
i. Requisite Knowledge – AHJ requirements, applicable codes and standards, best
practices, fire detection and alarm systems, and emerging technology
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to perform inspections, testing, commissioning,
and maintenance of new and existing installed fire alarm systems, read and
interpret architectural, schematic, and technical drawings and documentation,
perform troubleshooting and restoration activities, training program
development, and interpersonal and communication skills
VII. Fire Suppression

A. Perform routine inspections, testing, and maintenance of site-based fire suppression
systems, given applicable codes and standards, operations manual and plans,
system procedure, testing tools as appropriate and local procedures, so that site-
based fire protection systems are inspected and maintained to provide the intended
level of fire protection for the occupancy.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Portable extinguisher testing and maintenance,
troubleshooting and restoration activities, inspection best practices, testing and
maintenance of various types of fire/life safety suppression systems, applicable
codes and standards, and knowledge of the specific system being tested

ii. Requisite Skills – Inspection, analytical, observational, and recordkeeping skills,
ability to read and interpret architectural, schematic, and technical drawings
and documentation, applicable codes and standards, properly use tools during
the testing process, and interpersonal and communication skills
B. Determine the capacity and duration of a water supply, given applicable codes and
standards, fire department and local policies and procedures, and local water supply
availability, so that the fire water supply is adequate for the water-based fire
systems’ demand.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Water supply principles and practice, stationary fire
pump requirements and principles, applicable codes and standards, and
available water sources in jurisdiction
C. Ensure performance of required design considerations for water-based suppression
systems, given applicable codes and standards, policies, and procedures, local water
supply availability, inspection reports, and testing tools as appropriate, so that
systems are planned, designed, installed, inspected, tested, and maintained as
appropriate by regulation.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Installation requirements, design considerations, theory,
operation, testing and maintenance processes and requirements of water-based
fire suppression systems, fire department and local policies and procedures,
and applicable codes and standards
ii. Requisite Skills – Inspection, research, analytical, observational, and
recordkeeping skills, properly use tools during the testing process, ladder and
confined space safety procedure, and interpersonal and communication skills
D. Ensure performance of required design considerations for non-water-based
suppression systems, given applicable codes and standards, policies, and
procedures, local water supply availability, inspection reports, and testing tools as
appropriate, so that systems are planned, designed, installed, inspected, tested, and
maintained as appropriate by regulation.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Installation requirements, design considerations, theory,
operation, testing and maintenance processes and requirements of non-water-
based fire suppression systems, fire department and local policies and
procedures, and applicable codes and standards
ii. Requisite Skills – Inspection, research, analytical, observational, and
recordkeeping skills, properly use tools during the testing process, ladder and
confined space safety procedure, and interpersonal and communication skills
E. Make recommendations on application of fire sprinkler systems in structures, given
applicable codes and standards, local policies and procedures, building plans,
occupancy maximum, and water supply availability, so that sprinkler systems are
installed in accordance with applicable codes and standards and those systems
provide adequate life safety and/or property protection (depending on the
occupancy).
i. Requisite Knowledge – Sprinkler system theory and operation, applicable codes
and standards, local policies and procedures, system design, water availability,
building mechanicals, and environment

ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret building plans and system
designs, research and analytical skills, and interpersonal and communication
skills
F. Identify the characteristics of special hazards relevant to gaseous fire-extinguishing
agents before and after discharge, properly select an agent, and design the system,
given codes and standards, local policies and procedures, plans and system
manuals, material safety data sheets (SDSs), and air quality test equipment, so that
all hazards are mitigated and transmitted to responders.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Applicable codes and standards, local policies and
procedures, plans and system manual, and material safety data sheets (SDSs)
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret plans, use air quality test
equipment, research and analytical skills, and interpersonal and communication
skills
G. Coordinate or conduct fire extinguisher inspections and required administrative
duties, given applicable codes and standards, local policies and procedures, and type
of fire extinguisher, so that fire extinguishers are maintained and inspected in
accordance with applicable codes and standards as to be kept readily available in a
serviceable condition.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Extinguisher service and inspection requirements,
applicable codes and standards, local policies and procedures, and types of fire
extinguisher required
ii. Requisite Skills – Observational and recordkeeping skills, and interpersonal and
H. Apply knowledge of and be able to demonstrate the fundamental and operational
characteristics of automatic sprinklers, fire pumps, elevators, ventilation, and special
hazard suppression systems relating to fire protection systems design and
operation, given applicable codes and standards, so that building owners and
occupants are familiar with automatic sprinklers, special hazard extinguishing
systems, fire pumps, elevators, and ventilation systems within the facility.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Fundamental design criteria, applicable codes and
standards, emerging technology, and testing equipment related to automatic
sprinklers, special hazards, fire pumps, elevators, and ventilation systems
ii. Requisite Skills – Training program development, and interpersonal and
VIII. Confining Fires

A. Provide direction and/or technical assistance specific to the design, installation, and
maintenance of fire-resistance-rated construction, fire walls, and fire barriers to
contractors and property owners on building projects, given building plans, interior
finish and furniture layout, fire load, AHJ requirements, and organizational policies
and procedures, so that the building is safe for occupants and first responders.
procedures, fire protection best practices, fire dynamics, fire-resistance-rated
barrier construction, and opening protection requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret designs and plans, determine
fire loads, fire spread, barriers, smoke and its movement, ability to assess
hazardous materials, address fire safety, complete calculations, and

B. Recommend approaches used to limit the hazards of smoke in buildings, given
building plans, AHJ requirements, organizational policies and procedures, interior
finish, furniture layout, and fire load, so that the hazards of fire, heat, and smoke is
confined and/or exhausted and does not move to other areas of the facility.
procedures, fire protection best practices, fire dynamics, fire load, air
movement, fire-resistance-rated barrier construction, and opening protection
requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret designs and plans, determine
fire loads, fire spread, barriers, smoke and its movement, assess hazardous
materials, address fire safety, complete calculations, and interpersonal and
C. Prepare, analyze, and maintain data sources, sharing data specific to wildfire activity
and hazardous exposures impacting the facility, given the AHJ requirements, list of
department functions, previous wildfire data collected, organizational policies and
procedures, weather data, surrounding environment, and fire source, so that the
wildfire activity is minimized for the company and the surrounding areas.
i. Requisite Knowledge – AHJ requirements, wildfire mitigation, weather data,
organizational and community policies and procedures, data storage, and
topography
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret wildfire and weather data,
topography, and interpersonal and communication skills
Certification Maintenance
Once you attain your CFPS certification, an annual renewal fee is due every year and you must
recertify every three years from the date on your certification documentation. Failure to meet all
recertification requirements in a timely manner will result in your information being removed from
the NFPA certification list and will require you to reapply as a new CFPS candidate. NFPA will send
reminder emails in advance of your certification expiration date to the email address you provide in
your CMS account.
Recertification applications are submitted through the NFPA certification management system at
onlinecertification.nfpa.org/nfpassa. For the most up-to-date fees, see the website.
Recertification Points System
Recertification is accomplished by accumulating a required amount of recertification points, as
shown in the table on the next page, before your three-year certification period ends. It is important
you begin accumulating the required points as soon as possible. If college courses are declared for
training hours, the same course cannot be taken twice within the three-year period, and the
candidate must convert credit hours to actual hours spent in the classroom.
It is highly recommended that you track your progress using the NFPA certification management
system at onlinecertification.nfpa.org/nfpassa.

CFPS Recertification Requirements Point System
In order to maintain currency and relevancy in the fire/safety profession, CFPS certification holders are
required to submit a minimum of fifty (50) points of documented professional development for
recertification. The 50 points must be earned and submitted during the three-year certification cycle and
must be related to the fire/safety profession.
Maximum Acceptable
Category Allotted Points
Points Allowed Documentation
Professional Letter from supervisor or
1 per month 36 per cycle
Practice client(s)
Membership in
Fire/Safety 2 per organization 4 per year Proof of membership
Organizations
Other Fire/Safety Proof of certification for
5 each year certification is maintained 15 per cycle
Certifications each year
Voluntary
Letter from supervisor or
Professional 5 per organization/activity (excludes
0 organizational training
Service – CFPS or CFPS activities)
record
Other Organization
A minimum of 16 of the required 50 points must come from the following three categories, and of those 16, at
least 8 points must be earned from the first category (training and professional development, including
service on the CFPS Certification Advisory Group [CAG], and proctoring NFPA certification exams, and taking
online, classroom, or college credit courses).
1 per contact hour for Seminars &
Certificate or proof of
Conferences
attendance
1 per contact hour for Online or
Classroom Training
Training and 5 per full year of CAG
Professional Service/Membership 36 per cycle
Development 5 per exam NFPA certification exam
proctored
3 per credit hour of college credit
Official Transcript from
courses (e.g. 9 points for 3 credit
College
course)
Teaching a Course: 4 points per credit Letter from college verifying
hour (e.g. 12 points details of course and you’re
Teaching a Course
for a 3-credit course) 36 per cycle teaching it or documentation
or Seminar
Teaching a Seminar: 1 point per hour describing seminar and your
taught participation
Paper or article in peer-reviewed Article/Paper: Copy of first
publication: (minimum of 1,000 words) page of article/paper
Single Author – 4 points indicating the title, name &
Multiple Authors – 2 points date of publication, your
Published article or paper: name as author, and other
(minimum of 1,000 words) authors names (if
Single Author – 2 points applicable).
Multiple Authors – 1 point Book: Copy of the title page
Publications
Published book: of book indicating the title,
(Fire/safety 30 per cycle
Single Author or Editor – 25 publisher, date of
related) points publication, your name as
Author of a Chapter, Single author, and other authors’
Author – 3 points names (if applicable).
Author of a Chapter, Multiple
Author – 1 point
Published review of a book in a
fire/safety journal or magazine – 1
point

NFPA certifications are a critical piece of the
NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem™ and
contribute to a skilled global workforce.
Learn more about NFPA certifications:
National Fire Protection Association

Quincy, MA USA
Email: adminsvcs@nfpa.org
Web: nfpa.org/For-Professionals/Certification
Exam Application: onlinecertification.nfpa.org/nfpassa

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Certified Fire

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 1 of 21

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 2 of 21

Ralph Bless, Jr. Tony Cole Douglas Glenn

Carlos Buerrero Timothy Hennessey James Hodge

Fernando Katayama Ronald Klus Todd Lalley

Steven P. Lewis Brian Mosberian Paul J. Nordmeier

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 3 of 21

Greg A. Novak Oscar Mauricio Barajas Pinzon Michael L. Savage, Sr.

Kyle Smith Karl K. Thompson Sheryl A. Tricocci

Juan Olivari Woodman Roman Becerra

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 4 of 21

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 5 of 21

• Open book exam (NFPA Fire Protection Handbook®, 21st edition)

• Initial program application (includes initial examination fee)

Preparing for the Exam

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 6 of 21

II. Information and Analysis for Fire Protection and Fire 9%

V. Organizing for Fire and Rescue Services 9%

VI. Detection and Alarm 14%

VII. Fire Suppression 22%

VIII. Conﬁning Fires 9%

I. Safety in the Built Environment

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 7 of 21

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 8 of 21

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 9 of 21

III. Fire Prevention: Programs, Materials, Processes, and Environments

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 10 of 21

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 11 of 21

IV. Facility Fire Hazard Management

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 12 of 21

V. Organizing for Fire and Rescue Services

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 13 of 21

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 14 of 21

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 15 of 21

VII. Fire Suppression

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 16 of 21

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 17 of 21

VIII. Confining Fires

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 18 of 21

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 19 of 21

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 20 of 21

Learn more about NFPA certiﬁcations:

National Fire Protection Association

CFPS Program Overview 2024 Page 21 of 21

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