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/PSI (www.lasergrade.com) locations. To find a testing site near you, visit www.lasergrade.com/psi-locate.shtml, Use the pull down menu "Please select a sponsor" and select "National Fireplace Institute (NFI) as the sponsor. Then enter your zip code and click on "Find a Testing Center."

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, Third Edition, Woodburning Hearth Systems Reference Manual, Third Edition, and Pellet Hearth Systems Reference Manual, Third 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.