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Exam Information
Official specifications published by NFPA
Exam Format
3 hr
100
70%
Professional
Registration
$499 USD
Prometric Testing Centers
Validity
3 years
Earn 60 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) over 3 years; Retake and pass the CFPS exam; Complete NFPA-approved training programs
CFPS Exam Topics and Domains
CFPS is organized into 8 weighted domains. Expect to work with Sprinkler design, Code consulting, Computational fluid dynamics, Emergency lighting, and more.
1
Safety in the Built Environment
12.5%
Building Construction and Design
Fire-Resistant Materials and ConstructionMeans of Egress
- Understand building construction types and their fire resistance
- Calculate egress requirements based on occupancy
- Apply NFPA 101 Life Safety Code requirements
2
Basics of Fire and Fire Science
12.5%
Fire Chemistry and Physics
Combustion FundamentalsFire Behavior
- Explain the science of fire and combustion
- Predict fire behavior in various scenarios
- Understand smoke movement and control
3
Information and Analysis for Fire Protection
12.5%
Fire Risk Assessment
Risk Analysis MethodsFire Investigation
- Conduct comprehensive fire risk assessments
- Apply fire investigation principles
- Document and analyze fire protection data
4
Human Behavior in Fire Emergencies
12.5%
Occupant Response and Evacuation
Human Behavior PatternsEmergency Management
- Predict human behavior in fire emergencies
- Design effective evacuation procedures
- Develop emergency response plans
5
Fire Prevention: Programs, Materials, Processes, and Environments
12.5%
Fire Prevention Programs
Code EnforcementHazardous Materials Management
- Implement comprehensive fire prevention programs
- Manage hazardous materials safely
- Apply relevant NFPA codes and standards
6
Facility Fire Hazard Management
12.5%
Industrial and Commercial Fire Hazards
Process SafetyStorage and Warehousing
- Identify and control facility-specific fire hazards
- Design appropriate protection for storage facilities
- Implement process safety management
7
System Approaches to Property Classes
12.5%
Occupancy-Specific Protection
Healthcare FacilitiesHigh-Rise Buildings
- Apply occupancy-specific protection strategies
- Design integrated life safety systems
- Address unique challenges of various property types
8
Fire Protection Systems
12.5%
Detection, Alarm, and Suppression Systems
Fire Detection and Alarm SystemsWater-Based SuppressionSpecial Suppression Systems
- Design and specify fire detection and alarm systems
- Apply NFPA 13 and NFPA 72 requirements
- Select appropriate suppression systems for specific hazards
How do I earn this certification?
Passing CFPS earns the Certified Fire Protection Specialist certification. It sits in the Fire Protection and Life Safety track.
Current Level Exams
- CFPE - Certified Fire Protection Engineer
- CEI - Certified Electrical Inspector
Next Level Options
- PE-FPE - Professional Engineer - Fire Protection State licensing with fire protection specialty
- CWBSP - Certified Water-Based Systems Professional Specialization in water-based suppression
Alternative Paths
- NICET-IV - NICET Level IV Fire Protection Alternative fire protection certification path
- CFS - Certified Fire Specialist Complementary certification for code enforcement
- CFEI - Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator Specialization in fire investigation
- CESP - Certified Electrical Safety ProfessionalComplementary electrical fire safety focus
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
Use the official PlanetCert Practice Test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for CFPS.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2024-06-19
- Announcement date: 2024-01-15
Updates
- Cloud-Connected Fire Systems Latest Remote monitoring and cybersecurity topics added • Release date: 2024-01-01
- Video Image Smoke Detection (VISD) 2024 Standards Alternative detection methods included in exam • Release date: 2024-01-01
- Water Mist Systems NFPA 750-2023 Alternative suppression systems emphasis increased • Release date: 2023-01-01
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Fire Protection Engineers and Fire Marshals and Fire Inspectors.
One of the following education and experience combinations:
- Familiarity with NFPA codes and standards
- Experience with fire protection system design
- Knowledge of fire science and engineering principles
- Understanding of building codes and life safety requirements