NFPA Certification Advice

[umutus]

Hi all,

I am a mechanical engineer who is responsible for FSS. I have 3 years of experience regarding this area.

I would like to have certifications but I am not sure which one should I get first.

For example, there is CFPS, CF-I, CWBSP or NICET..

So, what are your opinions for a person who has only 3 years of experience? Which certificate should I take first? Which steps should I follow?

Best regards.

 

[cdafd]

It would help to say how you are involved with fire sprinklers

1. Design systems?

2. Review sprinkler plans?

3. Inspect new systems ?

4. Other???


Plus what state/s will you be working in?

Any certain types of projects/ occupancies?

Cf-I ??? Is that thru IAAI or is it something else???

CWBSP

Not a nfpa cert fan,,, that one looks like have enough points, know the books, pass the test, get a piece of paper.

Suggest check into NFSA

https://nfsalearninginstitute.org/

https://community.nfsa.org/learning/home

https://nfsa.org/

 

[SprinklerDesigner2]

Just my opinion but the one that is most important to me is NICET.

https://www.nicet.org/about-us/who-uses-nicet/

30 of 50 states recognize NICET certification for water based layout and some states, California for example, might not recognize NICET on a state wide level but a number of municipalities do.

 

[TravisMack]

NICET is the "gold standard" in the USA for fire sprinkler system design. Whether you agree with their policies and such, NICET is still the most widely recognized certification one can have in fire sprinkler system design.

NFPA has a couple that pertain. I have obtained and let the CFPS lapse 2x. I get it more for vanity than anything else. I have not had any professional benefit from the CFPS certification in my career. I have also obtained the CWBSP which again, I let lapse as it had no impact on my professional career.

Now, I understand that the CFPS seems to carry more weight outside of the USA. I would have to assume the CWBSP does as well. The CWBSP is framed by NFPA to be equivalent to the NICET Level III in water based system layout. I found the CWBSP exam to be far less challenging than the NICET exams.

So, depending on your goals and your geographic locations, that would tell you what certifications to pursue.


Travis Mack, SET, RME-G,
Ferguson Fire & Fab, dba MFP Design

http://www.mfpdesign.com

 

[LCREP]

CFPS is very common for property insurance risk or loss control engineer’s in the USA. I had it for many years with my certification number in the 600’s. I believe it was started by a few insurance folks in the early 1980’s and picked up by NFPA. My test was on paper at my office with my manager giving me the test. When retired I did not renew it when it came up.

CSP (certified safety professional) was also used in the insurance world for folks who do workers safety.