CVFI study guide
CVFI · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI) is one of the certification programs offered by the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI), a non-profit association founded in 1961 and dedicated to advancing fire investigation training and knowledge for members worldwide. NAFI describes itself as a leader in fire and explosion investigator certifications and lists the CVFI alongside its Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) and Certified Fire Investigation Instructor (CFII) credentials. The CVFI is aimed at professionals who examine burned vehicles - whether to determine origin and cause, support litigation, conduct research, or pursue arson and fraud cases - and who want a vehicle-specific credential beyond general fire investigation certification. NAFI states that its training programs are NFPA 921 based, and its vehicle-specific offering is the Vehicle Fire, Arson and Explosion Investigation Science and Technology Seminar, described as designed to meet the training requirements for the Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator Certification Program established by the International Certification organization. The CVFI study guide has 4 sections and about 1,468 words.
01Vehicle fire investigation science and technology
This domain tests how fire science and vehicle engineering combine at a vehicle fire scene. The CVFI candidate should explain fire behavior in vehicle compartments, identify plausible ignition sources in each system, and connect damage to a fire direction rather than merely list burned parts.
384 words, about 2 min02Vehicle fire, arson and explosion investigation
This domain tests whether you can separate accidental vehicle fires from intentional fires and explosions, and whether you can investigate both without jumping to conclusions. The exam emphasizes evidence-based indicators, explosion dynamics, and scene documentation.
367 words, about 2 min03NFPA 921-based fire investigation methodology
This domain tests the NFPA 921-style process: a systematic, hypothesis-driven investigation rather than a story built from the most dramatic damage. Expect questions on origin versus cause, data collection, hypothesis testing, cause classification, and the limits of fire-pattern evidence.
358 words, about 2 min04Fire and explosion investigation practice and reporting
This domain tests the practical side of a CVFI investigation: scene safety, evidence handling, interviews, report writing, and defensible opinions. The exam rewards conclusions that are documented, limited to the data, and expressed at the right level of certainty.
359 words, about 2 min