FAQs for fire inspectors

The Fire Inspector I classes hosted by MFIS meet the NFPA 1031 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plans Examiner. Upon completing the NFPA Fire Inspector I course, you can expect to gain an enhanced understanding of NFPA codes, ensure a uniform and fair process for applying fire and life safety codes, and be recognized as a professional in fire codes and standards. This training program is Pro Board accredited and highly desirable in the field of code enforcement.  

1. Please visit our list of approved fire inspector classes.
2. NFPA Fire Inspector I Information.
3. NFPA Testing Information.

Once the NFPA process is completed, the State of Michigan allows fire inspectors to register with the Bureau of Fire Services. This certification is free and requires the applicant to be employed by a governmental agency as a fire inspector supervisor or as a fire inspector conducting fire inspections for no less than four hours per week. The certification is valid for a three-year cycle. During this period, you must complete a minimum of 10 continuing education points per year and no fewer than 60 points as outlined by the Bureau of Fire Services.

The Michigan Fire Inspectors Society provides educational opportunities to help meet recertification requirements. New fire inspectors who have attended a Fire Inspector I training program are eligible for a one-year MFIS membership free of charge. This membership is valid for one calendar year and includes many member benefits!

The State of Michigan Certified Fire Inspector application is available through an individual’s SMOKE profile (the firefighter training records management system). To apply, please follow the instructions available through this path: SMOKE Login > My Data > My Profile > Applications > Certified Fire Inspector Certification (BFS-997 Form)

For those inspectors wishing to further their education in code enforcement, MFIS hosts NFPA Fire Inspector II and Plans Examiner programs. Both programs are based on NFPA 1031 Standards for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner. These programs will enhance the attendees understanding of fire codes, improve job performance, and promote professional development. 

1. NFPA Fire Inspector II Information - https://www.nfpa.org/Training-and-Events/Certification/Certification/Certified-Fire-Inspector-II
2. NFPA Plans Examiner Information - https://www.nfpa.org/Training-and-Events/Certification/Certification/Certified-Fire-Plan-Examiner-I

Once the requirements have been met for the NFPA Fire Inspector II and Plans examiner programs, candidates can and should apply to the State Of Michigan as a registered Fire Protection System inspector and Plans Examiner under Public Act 407 Skilled Trades Act. Unlike traditional code enforcement, this registration provides legal authority for fire inspectors to conduct plan reviews and inspect new construction. This authority is granted for fire protection systems found in the Mechanical Code and Fire Alarm systems found in the Electrical Code. 

To be recognized as a Fire Protection System Inspector, the applicant must possess a Fire Inspector I and Fire Inspector II certification through NFPA or the ICC. To conduct Fire Protection Plan Reviews, an applicant must possess a Fire Inspector I and Fire Plans Examiner certificate through the NFPA or ICC. 

Submit for a Public Act 54 Registration

Multiple entities require you to obtain recertification on varying cycles. The NFPA cycle is based on the applicant’s certification anniversary date. It follows a three-year cycle and allows multiple ways for inspectors to demonstrate their continued education and knowledge.

The State of Michigan’s Fire Inspector Certification follows a three-year cycle that expires in December. Please note that you likely registered in the middle of the cycle, so you should pay attention to the expiration date on your State Certification Card. The State of Michigan requires inspectors to maintain 60 continuing education points over the full three-year cycle, and it is the inspector's responsibility to retain proof of all training sessions.

To maintain the Public Act 54 cycle, inspectors must hold certifications in the respective areas required for their roles. For example, to conduct plan reviews, an inspector must maintain their Fire Inspector I and Plans Examiner certifications by meeting all required CEUs. Please note that there is a fee to maintain this certification.

To assist fire inspectors in maintaining certifications, the Michigan Fire Inspectors Society tracks all sponsored training sessions for its members. Members can visit the MFIS website and print records of all attended training sessions in case of a state audit. This benefit applies only to MFIS-sponsored programs and is available exclusively to members. The membership fee is $40 annually and is due by January 1st of each year.

1. NFPA Recertification  
2. The State of Michigan Certified Fire Inspector Application is available through an individual’s SMOKE profile (the firefighter training records management system). To apply, please follow the instructions available through this path: SMOKE Login > My Data > My Profile > Applications > Certified Fire Inspector Certification (BFS-997 Form)
3. Michigan Public Act 54 
4. MFIS Membership Application - $40 annually