The IAAI Fire Investigation Technician Program verifies an applicant's fundamental knowledge as measured against core job performance requirements of the established professional qualification standards for fire investigators defined in
NFPA 1021, NFPA 1033 and NFPA 1037. The IAAI-FIT® program encourages educational and professional development through recognition of an individual’s accomplishments in developing core abilities and competencies related to fire investigation.
The IAAI-FIT® designation must be renewed every three years.
Why earn the IAAI-FIT® designation?
Designation as an IAAI-FIT® has many advantages, including:
- Acknowledgement by an independent body that the individual has demonstrated competence on the applicable professional qualification standards.
- Recognition by an independent body that the individual possesses fundamental knowledge required by the applicable professional qualification standards.
- Demonstration, through the recertification process, that the individual is keeping current with their training and professional knowledge development.
- Measurement of these achievements using a standardized mechanism, as set by the IAAI-FIT® Committee.
How do I become an IAAI-FIT®?
To become an IAAI-FIT®, the applicant must:
- Have a minimum of 18 months of general experience in a fire investigation-related agency or industry.
- Have completed a minimum of 44 hours of tested training.
- Provide documentation of meeting minimum requirements including experience, training, and education.
- Pass a comprehensive examination with a score of 75% or above, once the application has been approved. The examination is administered online through www.CFITrainer.net. You will have two tries within 90 days to pass the 50 multiple question exam.
The minimum 44 hours of tested training must be obtained via either Track A or Track B:
Track A
- Complete the following mandatory classes from CFITrainer.Net®:
- CFITrainer.Net® - Ethics and the Fire Investigator (3 hours)
- CFITrainer.Net® - NFPA 1033 and Your Career (2 Hours)
- CFITrainer.Net® - The Practical Application of the Relationship Between NFPA 1033 and NFPA 921 (2 hours)
- Complete an Approved Comprehensive Fundamental Fire Investigations Course (40 hours)
*Use National Fire Academy Reciprocity Application below if you have recently passed
R0206 Fire/Arson Origin and Cause Investigations or R0772 Fire Investigation: Essentials with an 80% or better
Track B
- Complete the following mandatory classes from CFITrainer.Net®:
- CFITrainer.Net® - Documenting the Event (4 hours)
- CFITrainer.Net® - Ethics and the Fire Investigator (3 hours)
- CFITrainer.Net® - NFPA 1033 and Your Career (2 Hours)
- CFITrainer.Net® - The Practical Application of the Relationship Between NFPA 1033 and NFPA 921 (2 hrs)
- CFITrainer.Net® - The Scientific Method for Fire and Explosion Investigation (3 hours)
- Complete 30 hours of General Tested Training related to fire scene investigation
To obtain the Member discount rate, a non-Member may choose to
join IAAI prior to filing the IAAI-FIT® application. Once you have submitted the application, it will be reviewed by the IAAI-FIT® Committee. If the application is approved, you will then be provided with instructions on how to take the examination. If the application is not approved, you will be advised of the appeals process. For detailed information on the full process of the IAAI-FIT® program, please read the
International Association of Arson Investigators Fire Investigation Technician Program Manual.
I took R0206 Fire/Arson Origin and Cause Investigations at the National Fire Academy or R0772 Fire Investigation: Essentials after January 1, 2011 and passed with an 80% or better. How do I obtain the IAAI-FIT®? The application fee has increased to $175.
I already hold the IAAI-FIT® designation and need to renew. What do I do?
Return the application with the associated fee according to the instructions. IAAI-FIT® renewal fees are US$70 for IAAI Members and US$325 for non-members. Please note that individuals who are members of a local chapter only do not qualify for the IAAI Member rate.
Renewal requires documentation of 18 months of general work experience and 48 additional hours of tested training. IAAI-FIT® renewal applicants are not required to retake the exam.
Quick Links to Important Documents for the IAAI-FIT® Program:
A separate
Certified Fire Investigator program (IAAI-CFI®) is available through IAAI for those who are active as expert witnesses and have greater work experience.
For information on IAAI-FIT®, call 800-468-4224 or email at
IAAI-FIT@firearson.com.