FAQs for fire inspectors

The Fire Inspector 1 classes hosted by MFIS meet the NFPA 1031 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner. After completion of NFPA Fire Inspector 1, you can expect to have an enhanced understanding of NFPA codes, ensure a uniformed and fair process of using the codes for fire and life safety, and be a recognized 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 1 Information - https://www.nfpa.org/Training-and-Events/Certification/Certification/Certified-Fire-Inspector-I 
3. See complete list of fire inspector testing sites.

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 a fire inspector conducting  Fire inspections for no less than 4 hours per week. The certification is good for a 3-year cycle. During the three-year period of the certification, you must complete a minimum of 10 continuing education points per year and not less than 60 points as outlined in the Bureau of Fire Service.

The Michigan Fire Inspectors Society provides educational opportunities to complete the requirements for recertification. New fire inspectors that have attended one of the Fire Inspector 1 training programs are eligible for a one-year MFIS membership free of charge. This membership is good for 1 calendar year and allows for many member benefits! 

Submit the State Inspector 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

There are multiple entities that require you to obtain recertification at varying cycles. The NFPA cycle is based on the applicant’s anniversary date of certification. The NFPA cycle is a 3-year cycle and allows for multiple ways to prove the inspectors continued education and knowledge. 

The State of Michigan’s Fire Inspector Certification is based on a 3-year cycle that is expires in December. Please note that you most likely registered in the middle of the cycle and you should pay attention to the expiration date on your State Certification Card. The State of Michigan requires the inspector to maintain 60 continued education points for the full 3-year cycle and it is up to the inspector to retain proof of all trainings. 

To maintain the PA 54 cycle, the inspector must maintain certifications in the prospective areas that each area requires. For example, to conduct plan reviews the inspector must maintain their Fire Inspector I and Plans Examiner certifications by meeting all required CEU’s. Please note there is a fee to maintain this certification. 

To assist fire inspectors in maintaining certifications, the Michigan Fire Inspectors Society tracks all sponsored trainings for members. Those with a membership can simply visit the MFIS website and print out all trainings they’ve attended in the event they are audited by the state. This is a members only benefit for MFIS sponsored programs. The membership fee is $40.00 annually and is due by January 1st of each year. 

1. NFPA Recertification  
2. Michigan State Fire Inspector Certification is a 3 Year Cycle Application  (Applications can be emailed to LARA-CFI@michigan.gov)
3. Michigan Public Act 54 
4. MFIS Membership - $40.00 Annual Membership Fee