NAFED Certification Program

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We believe that certification raises the level of professionalism in our industry and can be an invaluable marketing tool. Wouldn't your customers like to know they are being serviced by certified individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge in a measurable way? We think so.

In 2003, NAFED introduced the industry's premier certification programs for technicians servicing portable fire extinguishers, pre-engineered kitchen extinguishing systems, and industrial pre-engineered systems. In 2009, the portable and pre-engineered exams were merged into a joint program with the ICC (International Code Council). The ICC now administers these exams. NAFED has also developed a program for certifying technicians in engineered systems.

If you are interested in certification and would like to know about the process, please refer to the following FAQs for answers to commonly posed questions. If you have a question that is not answered below, feel free to call NAFED headquarters at 312-461-9600.

Certification FAQs

Which certifications are offered?

Technicians can be certified to service:
  • » Portable Fire Extinguishers
  • » Pre-Engineered Kitchen Fire Extinguishing Systems
  • » Pre-Engineered Industrial Fire Extinguishing Systems
  • » Engineered Fire Suppression Systems
Where can I take the certification exam?
  • » Portable and pre-engineered exams are available through proctored online testing through the ICC.
  • » Engineered Exams will be administered remotely via the internet-enabled device of your choosing.
How do I schedule an exam?

Portable Fire Extinguisher, Pre-Engineered Kitchen, or Pre-Engineered Industrial Exams
Before scheduling an exam, it is important to understand the exam registration process as all ICC/NAFED examinations are conducted online. PRONTO (Proctored Remote Online Testing Option) is the tool utilized by the International Code Council (ICC). Visit this link to learn more about exam registration.

All three ICC/NAFED certification programs are listed in the ICC Exam Catalog.
​>>Visit this link to schedule a Portable, Pre-Engineered exam.<<
  1. To locate the ICC/NAFED certification exams, select “NAFED” under the Category/Trade dropdown box and press the “Search” button. A list of the three ICC/NAFED exams will appear.
      » Certified Portable Fire Extinguisher Technician: FE
      » Pre-Engineered Kitchen Fire Extinguishing System Technician: FK
      » Pre-Engineered Industrial Fire Extinguishing System Technician: FN
  2. To schedule an exam, select the desired exam by clicking on the “+” symbol. The box will expand, revealing information about the specific exam. Here you will see two tabs (INFO, OUTLINE) and a green Register button. The INFO tab provides details about the exam (scope, references, comments), and the OUTLINE tab provides information about exam topics and their percentage weighting.
To register:
  1. Click on the green “Register” button.
  2. Your shopping cart will appear. Open the dropdown box “I am purchasing the exam for” and select one of the options, then press the “Add to Cart” button.
  3. At this point you will be prompted to log in or check out as Guest or Register. If you have a login/account with ICC, use this. Otherwise, register as a new account.
  4. You will be asked for billing details and payment.
  5. Complete the exam registration process as prompted.
  6. Schedule a date and time for your exam. Note: Exam purchases are final. Exam purchases are valid for 365 days. If you notice any discrepancies with your exam, you must contact ICC within 48 hours of purchase.
​More info on ICC computer-based testing.

NAFED ENGINEERED EXAM
To schedule a NAFED Engineered Exam: Register online or fill out and return the Engineered Exam application to the NAFED office. We will process your payment and supply the candidate with log in credentials. Candidates will then use their log in to schedule their remote test and also to sign in and take the test. Further information about the Engineered exam process can be found here.
How is the test administered?
​
Registration must be made in advance. Applicants will receive a confirmation and instructions when registered. All exams are open-book.

ICC/NAFED Certified Portable Fire Extinguisher Technician Exam
100 questions, multiple choice, with a 2-hour limit.

ICC/NAFED Pre-Engineered Kitchen Fire Extinguishing Systems Technician Exam
80 questions, multiple choice, with a 2-hour limit.

ICC/NAFED Pre-Engineered Industrial Fire Extinguishing System Technician Exam
80 questions, multiple choice, with a 2-hour limit.

NAFED Engineered Fire Suppression Systems Technician Exam
150 questions, multiple choice, with a 2.5-hour limit.
What score do I need to pass the certification exam?

A passing score (scaled score) is 75 or greater respectfully for each of the ICC/NAFED certification programs [FE, FK, FN]. This score is technically called a scaled score and is set for National Certification exams under the oversight of the Exam Development Committee (EDC).
How am I notified if I passed or failed the exam?

For all ICC/NAFED exams, immediately upon completing the exam you will be notified. If you achieve a passing score, you will be notified with the word “PASS.” No numerical score is provided to passing candidates. From your MYICC Portal you will be able to download an electronic copy of your wall certificate, wallet card, and digital badge. Digital badge(s) are for use in your email signature block if so desired.
 
For candidates who failed, you will be advised of the topics/subjects in which you were deficient but not the number of the actual test question. To obtain your ICC/NAFED certification, you will need to retake the exam (including paying the exam fee) and achieve a passing scaled score of 75 or greater.

For NAFED's ESS certification, a member of NAFED's staff will advise you within 24 to 48 hours of taking the exam. No numerical score is provided to passing candidates. For candidates who failed, you will need to retake the exam (including paying the exam fee) and achieve a passing score of 75 or greater for this specific discipline exam.
Which references do I need to study for the exam?

​ICC/NAFED Certified Portable Fire Extinguisher Technician Exam (FE)
ICC/NAFED Pre-Engineered Kitchen Fire Extinguishing System Technician Exam (FK)
ICC/NAFED Pre-Engineered Industrial Fire Extinguishing System Technician Exam (FN)
NAFED Engineered Fire Suppression Systems Technician Exam
What topics are covered on the exam?

​ICC/NAFED Certified Portable Fire Extinguisher Technician Exam
  1. Inspection: 4%
     a. Location and Condition: Verify the location, accessibility, and visual condition of the extinguisher.
  2. Annual Maintenance: 25%
    a. Identification of Extinguisher: Identify the extinguisher model, viability, and availability and the extinguisher manual. 
    b. Examination: Perform visual examination of the extinguisher to determine service(s) required in accordance.
    c. Components: Verify components of the extinguisher in accordance.
    d. Fill and Charge: Verify fill and charge of the extinguisher.
    e. Replacement or Repair: Repair or replace parts of extinguisher.
    f. Mounting: Verify extinguisher mounting.
  3. 6-year and Internal Maintenance: 10%
    a. Identification: Identify the extinguisher model and the specific manual.
    b. Agent Recovery: Determine the specific agent recovery requirements.
    c. Examination: Implement internal visual examination following the manual.
  4. Hydrostatic Testing: 15%
    a. Identification: Identify which components are required to have a hydrostatic test and type of test to be performed and necessary equipment.
    b. Inspection: Perform a visual inspection and the required test.
    c. Post-Test Procedures: Perform post-test procedures on equipment after the test.
  5. Recharging: 10%
    a. Identification: Identify recharging requirements, materials, and necessary equipment.
    b. Recharging: Recharge according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  6. Selection, Placement, and Installation: 20%
    a. Protection Determination: Determine the occupancy and/or hazards requiring protection, special concerns, and environmental conditions.
    b. Equipment Selection: Select the equipment suitable for the application.
    c. Placement Requirements: Determine placement requirements for the equipment selected.
    d. Installation: Install the equipment in accordance with codes, standards, and manufacturer’s recommendations.
  7. Recordkeeping and Safety: 16%
    a. Recordkeeping: Perform recordkeeping and documentation of actions, including but not exclusively, labels, collars, tags, and papers.
    b. Safety Practices: Verify compliance of safe shipping, handling, and transportation of hazardous materials.
ICC/NAFED Pre-Engineered Kitchen Fire Extinguishing Systems Technician Exam
  1. Hazard Identification: 10%
    a. Identify the individual hazards of the location in a new, altered, or remodeled structure (proximity of hoods to each other).
    b. Identify the hazards to be protected by the system being installed.
  2. General Component Requirements: 25%
    a. Determine what components are required.
    b. Determine where components are allowed to be located.
    c. Determine whether components are appropriate for the expected function.
  3. Hoods and Exhaust Systems: 10%
    a. Identify the type and technology of hood and exhaust system.
    b. Determine deficiencies in the hood and exhaust system that will affect the performance of the extinguishing system.
  4. Administration and Records: 6%
    a. Identify the authorities having jurisdiction for the installation and submit the prepared layout to them.
    b. Prepare the layout of the system to the systems listing.
    c. Document the layout as installed.
    d. Provide certifications and manuals to end users, as well as prepare reports and affix seals and tags.
  5. Installations: 13%
    a. Remediate existing conditions.
    b. Identify local geographic conditions and structural conditions of the installation site, i.e., earthquake zones, building structure.
    c. Determine installation material required to install the system.
    d. Identify, coordinate, and install the system.
    e. Conduct the acceptance test of the system.
  6. Inspection: 4%
    a. Perform monthly inspection of the system.
  7. Maintenance and Recharge: 32%
    a. Perform semi-annual maintenance on the system.
    b. Perform recharge of the system.
    c. Perform hydrostatic test or six-year maintenance of the system.
    ​d. Determine if circumstances have occurred that require an upgrade or alteration.
ICC/NAFED Pre-Engineered Industrial Fire Extinguishing System Technician Exam
  1. Occupancies Identification: 24%
    a. Identify the occupancy of the industrial system location in a new, altered, or remodeled structure or vehicle.
    b. Identify the individual hazards of the location within a new, altered, or remodeled structure or vehicle.
    c. Identify the hazards to be protected by the system being installed.
  2. General Component Requirements: 5%
    a. Determine what components are required.
    b. Determine where components are allowed to be located.
    c. Determine that the components are appropriate for the expected function.
  3. Booths, Hoods, Ventilation, and Exhaust Systems: 14%
    a. Identify the type and technology of booth, hood, ventilation, and exhaust system.
    b. Determine deficiencies or circumstances in the booth, hood, ventilation, and exhaust system that will affect the performance of the extinguishing system.
  4. Administration and Records: 9%
    a. Identify the authorities having jurisdiction and submit layout for permit, for the installation.
    b. Prepare the layout of the system to the system's listing.
    c. Document the layout as installed.
    d. Provide certifications and manuals to end users, as well as prepare reports and affix seals and tags.
  5. Installations: 14%
    a. Remediate existing conditions.
    b. Identify local geographic conditions and structural conditions of the installation, i.e., earthquake zones, building structure.
    c. Determine installation material required to install the system.
    d. Identify, coordinate, and install the system.
    e. Conduct the acceptance test of the system.
  6. Inspection: 4%
    a. Perform periodic inspection of the system.
  7. Maintenance and Recharge: 30%
    a. Perform semi-annual maintenance on the system.
    b. Perform recharge of the system.
    c. Perform hydrostatic test or six-year maintenance of the system.
    ​d. Determine if circumstances have occurred that require an upgrade or alteration.
NAFED Engineered Fire Suppression Systems Technician Exam
See the Engineered Exam Question Reference for information on the exam's content.
How should I prep for the exam?
For some exam takers, a good study of the applicable standards will be all the preparation they need. For those who need more preparation, NAFED offers several online training courses here.
How much does the exam cost?
  • Portable Fire Extinguisher Technician Exam, $320
  • Pre-Engineered Kitchen Fire Extinguishing System Technician Exam, $320
  • Pre-Engineered Industrial Fire Extinguishing System Technician Exam, $320
  • Engineered Fire Suppression Systems Technician Exam, $169
What happens when my certification expires?
NAFED handles certification renewals. Certifications are valid for three years. All individuals who successfully complete a certification exam will receive information regarding criteria for renewal. For more information about our certification renewal policy, click here.
I need a new certificate. What do I do?
​If your certificate has been lost or you need to change information on it, fill out this form and email or fax or mail it to us.

Updated 1/8/26