IAAI-CFI® (Certified Fire Investigator)

In 1986, the IAAI addressed a national concern by developing the Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI®) program. The IAAI-CFI® qualification is a standardized evaluation of a fire investigator’s training and expertise. Investigators applying for IAAI-CFI® certification must complete an extensive application requiring documentation, earn sufficient points for their achievements in education, training, and experience, and pass a comprehensive examination.

The IAAI-CFI® certification is accredited by the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) and the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB). You do not have to belong to IAAI to become a Certified Fire Investigator through the IAAI-CFI® program.

For information on the IAAI-CFI® Program, call 800-468-4224 or email IAAI-CFI@firearson.com.

Questions?

Why earn the IAAI-CFI® Certification?

Certification as an IAAI-CFI® has many advantages for the investigator, including:

Acknowledgement by an independent body that the investigator has demonstrated competence in all phases of fire investigation.
Recognition by an independent body that the investigator possesses substantial field experience, as opposed to a primarily academic or theoretical background.
Demonstration, through the recertification process, that the investigator is keeping current with their training and professional knowledge development.
Measurement of these achievements using a standardized mechanism, as set by the IAAI-CFI® Committee.

How do I become an IAAI-CFI®?

The only method of certification by the IAAI is Certification by Application, Evaluation and Examination.

Each candidate shall submit a completed application including:

1. Documentation of a total of 400 hours of training. Training shall include the following:
  - IAAI Fundamentals of Fire Investigation class - (minimum of 40 hours)
  - 28 hours of CFITrainer.net courses required (DNA, Documenting the Event, Examination, Intro to Evidence, 1033 and Your Career, Physical Evidence at Fire Scene, Practical Application, Scientific Method, Ethics)
  - 332 hours of training (points) that come from courses that meet all the criteria of the 1033 JPRs, of which 10% (33 hours) may be untested/not directly related to fire investigation (hazmat, engineering, etc.).
2. Completed copies of the IAAI JPR Check Sheets, including the signature of an IAAI-approved CFI JPR Evaluator.
3. A copy of a high school diploma or equivalent
4. Documentation of expert testimony

The application must be approved prior to sitting for the examination.
The candidate shall achieve a passing result on the comprehensive, "closed book," proctored examination that is based on every job performance requirement in NFPA 1033: Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator.

Click HERE to start the IAAI-CFI® New Application Process! Please review the Online Application FAQs before you begin.

To obtain the Member discount rate, please login to your www.firearson.com account. A non-Member may choose to join IAAI prior to filing the IAAI-CFI® application.

Once you have submitted the application, it will be reviewed by the IAAI-CFI® Committee. If the application is approved, you will then be provided with instructions on how to take the proctored examination.

If the application is not approved, you will be notified about the areas of deficiency and given an opportunity to make corrections.

For detailed information on the full process of the IAAI-CFI® program, please read the 2025 IAAI Certifications Manual for the International Association of Arson Investigators Certified Fire Investigator Program.

If an investigator isn’t an IAAI-CFI®, does that mean the IAAI thinks that investigator is not qualified or competent?

No. The IAAI-CFI® program is voluntary and earning the credential is at the initiative of the investigator. Certification as a Fire Investigator by the IAAI does not determine who shall engage in the practice of the investigation of fires and explosions, nor does it substitute for any licensing or registration required by law. If an individual is not CFI certified, it does not indicate that he or she is unqualified to perform fire investigations.

I already hold the IAAI-CFI® certification and need to re-certify. What do I do?

Investigators who hold the IAAI-CFI® certification are required to re-certify every five years by completing a Recertification Application. A minimum of 100 hours of tested training, and three years of job experience, as defined by NFPA 1033 during the 5-year recertification period. The candidate shall complete a minimum of 10 CFITrainer.net® modules per renewal cycle. The renewal applicants are not required to retake the exam if they submit their applications prior to the expiration date.

Purchase the IAAI-CFI® Recertification Application. You will receive two emails: a receipt with a payment number, and a second email with a link to the online application to upload your documentation. If you are not an IAAI member, you may obtain the member rate for recertification by joining IAAI prior to returning the Recertification Application.

Recertification Applications should be submitted at least 30 days, but no more than 6 months prior to your IAAI-CFI® certification expiration date. Application fee is non-refundable.

How do I become an IAAI-CFI Candidate JPR Evaluator?

Effective May 1, 2025, IAAI-CFI® candidates will be required to complete IAAI-CFI® JPR evaluation sheets to submit with their IAAI-CFI® application. These sheets will need to be signed by an IAAI-approved evaluator, and then uploaded as part of the application. Those wishing to be a qualified evaluator must complete the online training video and then complete the online agreement. Details can be found on the IAAI-CFI® Candidate JPR Evaluator page.