NFPA Fire Instructor I/II exam-day guide
NFPA Fire Instructor I/II · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID required by the testing provider. Confirm with the provider which forms are accepted and whether a secondary ID is needed.
Admission or authorization document
Print or save the scheduling confirmation, eligibility letter, or authorization-to-test notice. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory or a digital copy is accepted.
Approved calculator
If your exam includes hydraulic or friction-loss calculations, bring a basic calculator with no programmable or communication features. Confirm with the provider which models are permitted.
Two No. 2 pencils and an eraser
For paper-and-pencil administrations, bring sharpened pencils and a soft eraser. Confirm with the provider whether scratch paper and pencils are supplied at the site.
NFPA 1001 and 1002 references or your training materials
Confirm with the provider whether open-book reference materials are allowed and which editions are permitted. If closed-book, leave them at home or in your vehicle.
Comfortable, professional clothing and closed-toe shoes
Dress in layers for variable room temperature. If your practical evaluation includes skills demonstrations, wear clothing appropriate for fire service instruction and confirm with the provider whether PPE is required.
Directions, parking, and arrival plan
Confirm the test site address, parking options, and recommended arrival time with the provider at least one week ahead. Plan to arrive early enough to complete check-in without rushing.
Water and a light snack
Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed in the testing room and whether breaks are scheduled. Eat a normal meal before arrival.
Review of the candidate handbook and scoring policy
Read the provider's current handbook for rules on personal items, breaks, scoring, and retesting. Confirm with the provider if any policy is unclear.
Practice lesson plan or presentation materials (if applicable)
If your practical evaluation requires delivering a lesson or presentation, confirm with the provider what materials you may bring, how they must be submitted, and whether electronic media are allowed.
Emergency contact and provider phone number
Save the testing center and provider contact numbers in case of delay or emergency. Notify the provider as soon as possible if you cannot arrive on time.
Personal medications and accessibility arrangements
Bring only medications needed during the test and confirm with the provider how they must be declared. Request any accommodations well before test day and confirm approval in writing.
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's candidate handbook and confirm the test location, start time, and check-in requirements. Verify that your ID and admission documents are current and match the name on your registration. Review the NFPA 1001 and 1002 job performance requirements for Instructor I and II, focusing on instructional delivery, evaluation, and safety. Practice any required lesson presentation aloud and time it. Prepare your bag with the checklist items and set out clothing. Confirm with the provider any open questions about references, calculators, or presentation materials.
Stop intensive studying and review only summaries, key definitions, and your lesson plan outline. Visit or map the route to the test site and confirm parking. Charge your phone and any approved devices. Eat a normal dinner, avoid alcohol, and go to bed at your usual time. Re-check that your ID, admission document, and approved materials are packed. Confirm with the provider the arrival time and any last-minute changes.
Eat a normal breakfast and drink water. Arrive at the test site at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start, or as directed by the provider. Complete check-in, present your ID, and store personal items as instructed. Use the restroom before entering the testing room. Take a few slow breaths and focus on the first task rather than the entire exam.
Read each question completely and identify key words such as 'primary,' 'first,' or 'most appropriate.' Answer the easier questions first if allowed, and mark uncertain items for review. For calculation items, show your work on scratch paper and check units. Manage your time by dividing the number of questions by the minutes available. If you finish early, review flagged items before submitting. Follow the proctor's instructions exactly.
Listen carefully to each scenario and ask clarifying questions only if the evaluator permits. State your safety checks and size-up aloud so evaluators can score your decision-making. Follow your lesson plan, manage instructional time, and use clear communication. If you make an error, correct it calmly and continue. Thank the evaluators and ask about the scoring or feedback process only if the provider allows it.
Follow the provider's instructions for leaving the testing area and retrieving personal items. Do not discuss specific exam content with other candidates. Confirm with the provider when and how results will be reported and what the retest policy is. Note any lessons learned for future professional development.
Rules to check
Present the original, unexpired government-issued photo ID required by the provider. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether the name must match your registration exactly.
Arrive at the test site at the time specified by the provider. If you are late, you may be denied admission or your test may be canceled; confirm the provider's late-arrival policy in advance.
Leave unauthorized personal items such as phones, smartwatches, notes, and bags outside the testing room or in the designated storage area. Confirm with the provider what items are prohibited.
Follow all instructions from the proctor or evaluator. Do not communicate with other candidates during the test, and do not share or record exam content.
Use only reference materials, calculators, and aids expressly permitted by the provider. Confirm with the provider whether the exam is open-book or closed-book and which editions are allowed.
Take breaks only when the provider permits. If you leave the testing room, follow sign-out procedures and do not access unauthorized materials. Confirm the break policy before test day.
Scoring is based on the provider's current criteria. For written tests, answer all questions unless the provider states otherwise; for practical evaluations, complete every required task. Confirm with the provider how partial credit, retests, and appeals are handled.
Report any illness, emergency, or testing irregularity to the provider immediately. Do not attempt to continue the test if you are unable to perform safely.