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National Fireplace Institute
The National Fireplace
Institute® (NFI) is the professional certification division of the HPB Education
Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization for the hearth
industry. NFI’s objective is to increase public safety by establishing
meaningful credentials for professionals involved in planning and installing
residential hearth appliance and venting systems. NFI, established in 2002,
certifies planners and installers in three hearth product categories based upon
fuel type:
* NFI Gas Specialist
* NFI Woodburning Specialist
* NFI Pellet Specialist.
Why is there a need for fireplace/hearth installer credentials?
In two words: public safety. Hearth products, because they involve flame, heat
and venting of combustion products, require specialized knowledge for planning
and installing. The NFI exams are the only exams that test the knowledge needed
to properly plan and install hearth products and their venting systems.
Where is NFI recognized?
NFI Certification is already recognized as the basis for a specialty license to
install hearth products in a number of state, county and municipal
jurisdictions, including the State of Rhode Island, Newcastle County, DE, the
City of Lawrence, KS, the City of Lincoln, NE, the city of Salina, KS, and
Pitkin County, CO.
What does NFI certification mean?
NFI Certification identifies those individuals who have passed an exam based on
the knowledge needed to properly plan and install hearth products and their
venting systems. Certification is regarded as an excellent indication of
professional training and commitment.
What are the benefits of being NFI Certified?
Building officials prefer to work with certified contractors who have
demonstrated their commitment to professional excellence. Manufacturers prefer
qualified installers because they know their products are more likely to be
installed correctly. Consumers feel more confident hiring certified specialists
because of their experience and knowledge. NFI provides certified specialists
with tools to identify and promote themselves, such as wallet ID cards, patches,
and decals.
How does a hearth
professional become NFI certified?
To become certified, a person must pass the multiple choice NFI certification
exam(s). A person may become certified in one, two or all three of the
specialties by passing the appropriate exams. NFI exams are offered at over 600
locations nationwide allowing the busy professional the convenience of testing
close to home. NFI review courses and exams are also sponsored by a number of
industry organizations and hearth products manufacturers.
How were NFI exams developed?
NFI contracted with the Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO), a
nationally recognized testing consultant agency, to direct the process for
developing the certification exams. HumRRO followed nationally recognized
guidelines in the development of the NFI exams.
What are the NFI exams based on?
The exams are based on a job analysis, a formal process that identifies the
important knowledges needed to perform the tasks involved in planning and
installing hearth products. Job analysis requires an industry-wide survey and
input from multiple subject matter experts.
What types of knowledges are required for hearth products installations?
The knowledges include:
Fundamental Knowledges
* Combustion
* Heat/heat protection
* Safety guidelines/consequences of action
* Construction fundamentals
* Installation Knowledges
* Fuel delivery
* Appliance requirements
* Draft and ventilation principles
* Venting requirements
* Regulations and Instructions
* Post installation
inspection and service
How
does one maintain certification?
During the three year validation period, the certified specialist may
participate in the NFI Continuing Education Program for Certification Renewal by
attending training programs accredited with NFI CEUs (Continuing Education
Units). If the specialist does not wish to participate in the continuing
education program, he may take the new exam just prior to the expiration of his
certification(s).
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