The certification program is for you, no matter where in the world you live or what organization you belong to.


Download a copy of the CFI Program Rules in PDF Format

IAAI CFI Program on International Web Page.  Check here for recertification requirements.

In 1986, the IAAI resolved a national concern by developing the Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) Program. The CFI Program is an established procedure for identifying and recognizing a fire investigator’s expertise.  You do not have to belong to the IAAI to become certified.

Certification is based on:
       a. Attaining at least 150 points from your education, training and experience.
       b. Passing a comprehensive examination.

Before you are allowed to take the examination, your application must be approved by review committees.  You must be able to document every point claimed on the application.  Certificates, diplomas, testament letters and transcripts are examples of acceptable documentation.  Once your application is approved, you will be sent examination date and location alternatives.

APPLICATION FEE:

IAAI members:  $120.00
Nonmembers:    $160.00

The fee must be submitted with the application. The IAAI will return 50% of the application fee if the application is rejected.  All Certified Fire Investigators must recertify every 5 years.

The fee for recertification is $75.00.

CALCULATION OF POINTS

You must attain at least 150 points before you are allowed to challenge the test.  A sample of the IAAI point allocation schedule follows:

EDUCATION:
     10 points minimum to 50 points maximum:
     High School Graduate or GED………........…..….10 pts.
     One Year Certificate in Fire Investigation…....12 pts.
     Associate Degree in Unrelated Field…....….…..12 pts.
     Associate Degree in Related Field………......…..20 pts.
     Bachelor Degree in Unrelated Field…....….…...20 pts.
     Bachelor Degree in Related Field………......…...30 pts.

     points are also allowed for advanced degrees.

TRAINING:
     20 points minimum to 90 points maximum:
     Fire Investigation Training………….……….1/2 pt.  Per 8 hrs. (not tested)
     Fire Investigation Training…………..………1/4 pts. Per hr.(tested)
     Certified Fire Fighter I……………………...10 pts.
     Certified Fire Fighter II………….………….15 pts.
      Police Academy Certified………..……….…15 pts. 

EXPERIENCE:
You must have provided expert testimony a minimum of two times or completed the IAAI testimony course, been a full-time investigator for 4 years or a part-time investigator for 8 years, with a minimum of 40 required points attainable as follows:
     Full-time Fire Investigator……………………….10 pts. per year
     Part-time Fire Investigator…………………………5 pts. per year

Additional experience points are issued for Private Investigators, Patrolmen, Supervisors, Evidence Technicians, lectures taught, articles published and membership affiliations.

The examination is comprehensive and evaluates the investigator’s knowledge in respect of the following topics:

• Chemistry of Fire
• Laboratory Evaluation of Fire Scene Evidence
• Criminal and Civil Law Relations to Fire Investigation
• Investigation of Fatal Fires
• Investigation of Automotive Fires
• Investigation of Explosions
• Scene Documentation
• Motive of Fire Setters
• Insurance as it relates to Fire Investigators
• Interviewing
• Determining Origin and Cause Including Electrical and Mechanical Equipment
• Building Construction

The certification program is for you, no matter where in the world you live or what organization you belong to. 

Accredited by
National Board on Fire Service
Professional Qualifications