This webpage describes the Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) programme and the recentley introduced Fire Investigator Technician (FIT) Programme.

The IAAI has offered the Certified Fire Investigator program for those Investigators that meet the required standard since 1986.

In recent years discussion has taken place about how those who do not yet meet the standards for CFI certification can get professional recognition for their education, experience and training.

The Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) Program

The Fire Investigation Technician Programme has been designed to cover these investigators.

The Fire Investigation Technician Program is designed to verify an applicant’s fundamental knowledge as measured against core job performance requirements of established professional qualification standards for Fire Investigators defined in NFPA 1021, NFPA 1033 and NFPA 1037.

Requirements

Experience:
A minimum of 18 months general experience in a fire investigation related agency or industry.

Training and Education:

Minimum of 44 hours of tested training.

Track A :
Mandatory classes from CFITrainer.net:
Ethics module (3 hours)
Fire and Explosives Investigation: Utilizing NFPA 1033 and 921 module (4 hours)
Approved comprehensive Fundamental Fire Investigation Course (40 hours).

OR

Track B :
Mandatory classes from CFITrainer.net:
Ethics module (3 hours)
Fire and Explosives Investigation: Utilizing NFPA 1033 and 921 module (4 hours)
Scientific methods module (3 hours)
Documenting the event module (4 hours)
30 hours of tested training related to fire scene investigation.

Comprehensive Examination:

An examination that is based upon core job performance requirements outlined above. A score of 75% or above must be achieved to successfully pass the exam.

For anyone who is interested in applying please use the links at the top of the page to download the application form, exam reading list and the FIT programme manual.

The Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) Programme

The Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) Programme is a voluntary certification program administered by the International Association of Arson Investigators. The goal of the CFI program is to acknowledge demonstrated competence in the field of fire Investigation. Once successfully completed, the CFI program is a real distinction that acknowledges an individuals demonstrated competency in all phases of fire investigation through completion of a detailed application and written examination process.

The CFI Programme has several benefits:

• Allows the Fire Investigation Professional to be recognised as having demonstrated competency in all phases of fire investigation.
• Encourages continuing education and training in the field of fire investigation.

The CFI certification program requires minimum levels of Education, Training, and Experience in the field of fire investigation. It is a program that seeks a realistic balance between those areas to insure that an applicant's experience is well rounded and not purely academic. Today more than ever we are seeing changes in the field of fire investigation. Many things have made our job in determining fire origin and cause extremely challenging. One way of meeting that challenge and to keep pace with the many changes in our industry is to certify as a CFI.

The CFI program is a standard measure of an individuals competence in all phases of fire investigation. The CFI program encourages an individual to be his or her best and to stay abreast of the latest changes in the fire investigation field.

UK Update

The CFI programme is now operational in the UK. John Galvin and Jack Goble worked with Kirk Hankins, the International IAAI CFI Director (and first Vice Presidant of the IAAI), to produce the International Association of Arson Investigators - United Kingdom Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-UK CFI) Programme.

IAAI-UK Chapter launched the CFI programme in January 2004 and the first examinations were held on the 18 November 2004 and there have been three examination panels to date. We are inviting requests from fire investigators to apply to take the examination to be awarded this internationally recognised achievement. If successful, the award demonstrates that the candidate has been able to meet the highest standards required of the International IAAI CFI Committee (as approved by the Pro Board) in the areas of education, training and experience. It should be noted that the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority have agreed that the IAAI-UK CFI Programme will maintain its level of credibility in the UK under the existing application and examination format.

Not all IAAI members are eligible to take the examination. It should be noted that there are only currently 889 IAAI Certified Fire Investigators world-wide (with 13 CFIs now in the UK). You do not have to be a member of the IAAI to apply for the IAAI-UK CFI Programme. The IAAI CFI is highly regarded and considered a passport to work on the international field.

The Application Process

The applicant will initially register their interest in the IAAI-UK CFI Programme by completion of a formal request form that includes a declaration relating to the applicant's good character (to download this document please see the useful links at the top of this page). By return the applicant will receive:

• An application form
• A copy of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
• A study-guide stating the bibliography for the examination
• An application processing fee notification form

The application form has to be completed by the applicant and a minimum point score MUST be achieved in the areas relating to education, training and experience to be eligible to sit the examination. Supporting documentation to allow verification of all claimed points MUST be provided.

The application will be scrutinised in both the UK by the Proctor and in the US by the International CFI Committee. If satisfactory a notification of examination eligibility will be sent to the applicant. The examination must be taken within 12 months of the receipt of this notification.

The Examination

The format of the examination will be oral. The candidate is asked a series of 5 questions taken from within the contents of the study material. These 5 questions may be further supported by supplementary questions as required.

The examination is a pass or fail. The score achieved by the candidate will not be revealed to the candidate or any other party. The International IAAI CFI Committee will circulate notification of the examination result.

Should you have any questions regarding this programme, please email: