Fire Investigator

NOTE!! You must pass the written examination prior to being able to take the practical portion.

Prerequisites

  • A completed application is required before the test can be taken and
  • High School Diploma or GED and
  • Must be at least 18 years of age and
  • Fire Fighter II and Haz Mat Awareness Certification AND/OR are either a local or State Fire Marshal whose job description includes fire investigation and
  • Applicants must also have had 24 hours of Fire Investigator Training within the last three years and
  • At least three years experience in the fire service or law enforcement field.

    Standard - NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator

    The questions and skills are designed to test the candidate on the knowledge and proficiencies as outlined in NFPA 1033 for Fire Investigaor. All questions have been referenced to a specific standard in NFPA 1033.

    Reference List
    The textbooks listed below were used in developing the test questions for the Fire Investigator exam. The candidate should have knowledge of the information contained in these books:

    • IFSTA Building Contstruction Related to the Fire Service
    • IFSTA Fire Investigation, 1st Edition, 1st Printing
    • BRADY, Prentice Hall, Kirks Fire Investigation, 5th Edition
    • NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, 2004 Edition
    • NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator

    Practical Stations

    On-site Practical stations are a part of this certification process. A total of at least four of the 25 practical stations will be examined.

    Test

    • The written test made up of 100 multiple-choice questions selected at random from a test bank of over 363 questions. A score of 70 percent (adjusted by standard measurement of error) correct answers must be achieved in order to achieve a passing score.
    • Test Cost: $225

    Re-certification

    • Every three years.
    • Requires 24 hours of Fire Investigatortraining for each of the three years.
    • Re-certification Cost: $20.