NFI Examinations
To become NFI Certified, Professionals must take and pass the NFI exam. You will need to study from the current HEARTH manuals. There are regional review courses which are helpful for those who wish concentrated review of the material. Computerized scoring provides detailed feedback on test performance.
Testing Options
To take and NFI exam you can either attend a sponsored NFI event (usually offered with a full-day review program) or purchase the computerized exam at one of NFI's 600 LaserGrade (www.lasergrade.com) locations. While NFI recommends sponsored testing events, the LaserGrade testing option is available to allow you to take the exam near home at your convenience.
Certification Categories
There are three different certification categories, based upon fuel type:
| NFI Certified Gas Specialist |
Proven knowledge of gas fireplaces, log sets and stoves as well as their venting systems
 |
| NFI Certified Woodburning Specialist |
Proven knowledge of factory-built fireplaces, fireplace inserts,
woodstoves, and chimneys
|
| NFI Certified Pellet Specialist |
Proven knowledge of freestanding stoves, fireplace inserts, built-in appliances, and venting systems
|
NFI Specialists who have earned all three Certifications are recognized as Master Hearth Professionals (MHP). This accomplishment is acknowledged with the MHP logo displayed on their company website and on their NFI identification card.
Exam Preparation
Read and study the HEARTH reference manual(s). These manuals were specifically written to contain information that will be on the exam.
The three manuals are: Gas Hearth Systems Reference Manual, Second Edition, Woodburning Hearth Systems Reference Manual, Second Edition,
and Pellet Hearth Systems Reference Manual, Second Edition.
While years of industry service provide an exceptional background prior to taking the NFI exam, NFI has found that those who are most successful
have taken time to review the manual regardless of their years of industry experience.\
You should also take advantage of the certification review courses being offered by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association Affiliates,
HPBA member manufacturers, various sponsoring companies, and various partners in the chimney sweep industry. Review
courses
are
taught
by
experienced
industry
trainers
approved
by
NFI.
They
cover
the
important
points
in
the
manual
and
provide
you
with
the
opportunity
to
ask
for
clarification
on
a
particular
topic.
The
review
course
should
not
be
the
only
method
you
choose
to
prepare
for
the
exam.
You
need
to
read
and
study
the
manual.
The
NFI
Review
Course
NFI
Review
Courses
for
Gas,
Woodburning
and
Pellet
Specialists
are
6-hour
(or
longer)
courses
that
highlight
the
content
of
the
respective
HEARTH
Reference
Manual.
Attending
a
Review
Course
should:
•Provide
an
overview
of
the
reference
manual
content
highlights
•Confirm
knowledge
of
manual
contents
from
previous
self-study
•Get
last
minute
questions
answered
•Provide
confidence
that
an
important
concept
has
not
been
missed
from
the
study
materials
•Enable
a
higher
probability
of
passing
the
exam
However,
the
course
is
not
a
substitute
for
serious
reading
and
study
of
the
Reference
Manual.
|
