Certified Fire Alarm Inspection,
Testing, and Maintenance
Specialist for Facility Managers
Program Overview
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Contents
About This Program Overview ...................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction to NFPA Certifications .............................................................................................................. 3
Program Description ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Eligibility Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 3
Exam Specifications ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Program Fees ................................................................................................................................................ 4
Body of Knowledge ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Preparing for the Exam ................................................................................................................................. 4
Domain Weighting and Exam Blueprint ........................................................................................................ 4
Domain Weighting .................................................................................................................................... 5
Exam Blueprint .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Certification Maintenance ............................................................................................................................ 6
Recertification Points System .................................................................................................................... 6
CFAITMS Recertification Requirements .................................................................................................... 7
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About This Program Overview
This program overview provides details specific to the Certified Fire Alarm Inspection, Testing, and
Maintenance Specialist for Facility Managers (CFAITMS) certification program including the exam
blueprint and domain weighting criteria. The Certification Candidate Handbook, available at
nfpa.org/for-professionals/certification/cfaitms, will familiarize certification candidates with the overall
general policies and procedures of NFPA certification programs. It’s important that candidates read and
understand both documents prior to applying for this certification.
Introduction to NFPA Certifications
Founded in 1896, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) is a global self-funded nonprofit
membership organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss from fire,
electrical, and other hazards. NFPA delivers information and knowledge through 300+ consensus codes
and standards, research, training, education, outreach, and advocacy, and by partnering with others who
share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. The NFPA mission is to help save lives and reduce loss
with information, knowledge, and passion.
NFPA provides world-class professional certifications to individuals around the globe by adhering to the
best practices of the certification industry and maintaining the highest standards of personnel
certification. NFPA uses experienced subject matter experts who actively work in their respective
industries to guide the creation of the certification programs. NFPA certifications are intended for
professionals who want to validate their knowledge and skills and demonstrate their commitment to
professionalism, upholding industry standards, and continued learning. Certifications are awarded to
professionals who meet the eligibility criteria, pass a rigorous exam, and, when required, successfully
complete a practicum.
Program Description
The NFPA Certified Fire Alarm Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Specialist for Facility Managers
(CFAITMS) certification program was created in 2016 after extensive market research was conducted
with facility managers from a wide range of industries. The research indicated a strong desire to have a
credential that highlights knowledge of the many challenges associated with the inspection, testing, and
maintenance of fire alarm systems, as well as how to keep facilities in compliance with the 2016 edition
of NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®.
Earning the CFAITMS certification demonstrates an individual’s understanding of NFPA 72 and its
application to ensuring optimal functionality of fire alarm systems within facilities. It signifies their
commitment to fire protection and public safety and their credibility as a skilled facility manager.
The CFAITMS program application can be completed online by going to the NFPA certification
management system (CMS) at onlinecertification.nfpa.org/nfpassa.
Eligibility Requirements
A candidate for the CFAITMS certification must have attained a high school diploma or equivalent before
being allowed to sit for the exam.
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Exam Specifications
The CFAITMS exam is designed to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge of fire alarm inspection, testing,
and maintenance principles, as well as code application skills. The exam is a proctored computer-based
exam available at in-person testing centers or via online remote proctoring. Exam specifications include:
• Open book exam based on the 2016 edition of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• 3-hour time limit
• 100 multiple-choice questions
• Available in English only
Program Fees
CFAITMS program fees are collected for the following:
• Initial program application (includes initial exam fee)
• Retest exam application (if required)
• Recertification application at the end of every three (3)-year certification period
For the most up-to-date pricing, go to nfpa.org/for-professionals/certification/cfaitms.
Body of Knowledge
The 2016 edition of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, serves as the body of knowledge
for the CFAITMS certification exam. The official printed version of National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
is the only reference allowed to be used during the exam.
It is the candidate’s responsibility to obtain this reference for study purposes and to have present during
the exam. If you would like to purchase this NFPA document, please go to the NFPA website at nfpa.org
to order or phone 1-800-344-3555.
Preparing for the Exam
NFPA offers training on NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. The trainings are not built as
test preparation trainings; however, they do cover material found on the exam. Training programs can be
found at nfpa.org/for-professionals/training-for-me. Attending NFPA training is not a prerequisite of this
certification.
Domain Weighting and Exam Blueprint
The table below indicates the approximate percentage (%) of exam content (exam items) for the five
domains of the CFAITMS exam. The exam blueprint lists the sub-components of each of those domains.
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Domain Weighting
Domains % of Exam
I. General Knowledge 26%
II. Inspection 18%
III. Testing 25%
IV. Maintenance 13%
V. Records 18%
Exam Blueprint
I. General Knowledge
Chapter 3 Definitions
10.1 Application
10.2 Purpose
10.3 Equipment
10.5.3 Inspection, Testing, and Service Personnel
10.6.5.2 Circuit Identification and Accessibility
10.6.5.3 Mechanical Protection
10.6.5.4 Circuit Breaker Lock
10.6.7.2 Capacity
10.6.10.1 Marking
10.6.10.2 Arrangement
10.12 Fire Alarm Notification Appliance Deactivation
14.1 Application
14.2 General
21.3 Elevator Phase I Emergency Recall Operations
21.4 Elevator Shutdown
23.2.2 Software and Firmware Control
26.6.4.1 Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter (DACT)
II. Inspection
14.3 Inspection
III. Testing
14.4 Testing
18.4.1 Notification Appliances — General Requirements
18.5* Visible Characteristics — Public Mode
IV. Maintenance
10.20 Impairments
10.5.3.3 Service Personnel
10.5.3.4 Means of Qualification
14.5 Maintenance
V. Records
7.2* Minimum Required Documentation
7.5.5 Record Drawings (As-Builts)
7.5.6 Record of Completion
7.5.7 Site-Specific Software
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7.6 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Documentation
7.7 Records, Record Retention, and Record Maintenance
7.8 Forms
14.6 Records
14.2.10* Test Plan
The NFPA 72 references listed above also include the subsections listed under those references. For
example, reference 14.3 Inspection also includes subsections 14.3.1 to 14.3.5. Reference 7.5.6 also
includes 7.5.6.1 to 7.5.6.7.2, etc.
Certification Maintenance
Once you attain your CFAITMS certification, you must recertify every three (3) years. Failure to meet all
recertification requirements within that 3-year period will result in the expiration of your certification
and will require you to reapply as a new CFAITMS candidate. NFPA will send reminder emails in advance
of your certification expiration date to the email address you provide in your CMS account. It is your
responsibility to ensure this email is up to date.
Recertification applications are submitted online at onlinecertification.nfpa.org/nfpassa. For the most
up-to-date recertification fees, go to nfpa.org/for-professionals/certification/cfaitms.
Recertification Points System
Recertification of your CFAITMS is accomplished by accumulating a required amount of recertification
points, as shown in the table below, before your 3-year certification period ends. It is important that you
begin accumulating the required points as soon as possible.
It is highly recommended that you track your accumulated recertification points over the 3-year period
using the NFPA CMS at onlinecertification.nfpa.org/nfpassa.
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CFAITMS Recertification Requirements
To maintain currency and relevancy in inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) of fire alarm and
signaling systems, certification holders are required to submit a minimum of 10 points of documented
professional development for recertification. The 10 points must be earned during the 3-year
recertification cycle and must be related to fire alarm and signaling systems ITM.
MINIMUM
ACTIVITY POINTS ALLOTTED MAX REQUIRED
POINTS
POINTS DOCUMENTATION
Participation of training 1 per contact 7 10 Certificate of completion
related to ITM of fire alarm hour* or other proof of
systems attendance
Participation in initial 1 point per year 0 3 Letter from supervisor
acceptance,
reacceptance, or periodic
testing of a fire alarm
system
Participation in initial 1 point per year 0 3 Letter from supervisor
acceptance,
reacceptance, or periodic
visual inspection of a fire
alarm system
Membership in a related 3 per course 0 3 Proof of active
industry association membership
Voluntary professional service 1 per committee 0 3 Letter from
/ Service on CFAITMS CAG per year organization / Signed
CFAITMS CAG
agreement
*Conversion: 1 CEU = 10 contact hours = 10 points
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NFPA certifications are a critical piece of the NFPA Fire &
Life Safety Ecosystem™ and contribute to a skilled global
workforce.
Learn more about NFPA certifications:
National Fire Protection Association
Quincy, MA USA
Email:
[email protected] Web: nfpa.org/For-Professionals/Certification
Exam Application: onlinecertification.nfpa.org/nfpassa
