1
IAAI CFI Exam 2025 – Actual Test
Bank with 2 Real Versions, Verified
Answers with Rationales & Expert
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IAAI CFI Exam 2025 – Test Bank Version 1
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of conducting a fire scene investigation?
A) To determine the financial cost of the fire damage
B) To identify the origin and cause of the fire
C) To assess the structural integrity of the building
D) To collect evidence for insurance claims only
Correct Answer: B) To identify the origin and cause of the fire
Rationale: According to NFPA 921, the primary purpose of a fire scene investigation is to
determine the origin and cause of the fire. This involves systematically analyzing fire patterns,
evidence, and witness statements to establish how and why the fire started. While financial
assessments and structural evaluations may be secondary outcomes, they are not the primary
focus. Evidence collection supports the origin and cause determination, not just insurance claims.
Question 2
Which fire pattern is most indicative of a ventilation-controlled fire?
A) V-shaped burn pattern on a wall
B) Heavy soot deposition on windows
C) Uniform charring across a ceiling
D) Localized burn marks near an ignition source
Correct Answer: B) Heavy soot deposition on windows
Rationale: Ventilation-controlled fires occur when the fire’s growth is limited by available
oxygen, leading to incomplete combustion and heavy soot production. NFPA 921 notes that
heavy soot deposition, particularly on windows, is a hallmark of ventilation-controlled fires due
to the accumulation of unburned combustion products. V-shaped patterns indicate flame
, 2
direction, uniform charring suggests widespread heat exposure, and localized burn marks point to
a fuel-controlled fire or ignition source.
Question 3
What is the first step in the scientific method as applied to fire investigation?
A) Collect data
B) Develop a hypothesis
C) Recognize the need
D) Test the hypothesis
Correct Answer: C) Recognize the need
Rationale: NFPA 921 outlines the scientific method for fire investigation, which begins with
recognizing the need (e.g., determining the fire’s origin and cause). This step defines the problem
to be solved. Data collection follows, leading to hypothesis development and testing.
Recognizing the need ensures the investigation is focused and systematic.
Question 4
Which of the following is a job performance requirement (JPR) under NFPA 1033?
A) Conducting financial audits of fire-related losses
B) Documenting the fire scene with photographs and sketches
C) Repairing fire-damaged structures
D) Providing legal counsel to fire victims
Correct Answer: B) Documenting the fire scene with photographs and sketches
Rationale: NFPA 1033 specifies that fire investigators must document the fire scene thoroughly,
including photographs, sketches, and notes, to preserve evidence and support findings. Financial
audits, structural repairs, and legal counsel are not JPRs for fire investigators, as they fall outside
the scope of origin and cause determination.
Question 5
What does the term “spalling” refer to in fire investigation?
A) Melting of plastic materials due to heat exposure
B) Chipping or flaking of concrete surfaces due to heat
C) Discoloration of metal surfaces from smoke
D) Collapse of wooden structural components
, 3
Correct Answer: B) Chipping or flaking of concrete surfaces due to heat
Rationale: Spalling, as described in NFPA 921, is the chipping or flaking of concrete or
masonry surfaces caused by rapid heating or moisture expansion during a fire. It is a fire effect
that can indicate intense heat exposure. Melting plastics, metal discoloration, and wood collapse
are distinct phenomena not classified as spalling.
Question 6
When examining a fire scene, what is the significance of arc mapping?
A) It determines the chemical composition of fire residues
B) It identifies the electrical circuit faults that may have caused the fire
C) It maps the progression of fire spread through a structure
D) It measures the temperature of the fire at various points
Correct Answer: B) It identifies the electrical circuit faults that may have caused the fire
Rationale: Arc mapping, per NFPA 921, involves analyzing the locations of electrical arcing to
trace the fire’s origin and identify potential electrical ignition sources. It does not assess
chemical residues, fire spread progression, or temperature but focuses on electrical system
damage patterns.
Question 7
Which type of ignition source is most commonly associated with incendiary fires?
A) Electrical short circuit
B) Open flame from a match or lighter
C) Spontaneous combustion
D) Overheated appliance
Correct Answer: B) Open flame from a match or lighter
Rationale: NFPA 921 notes that incendiary fires (arson) are frequently initiated by an open
flame, such as a match or lighter, due to their accessibility and ease of use. While electrical short
circuits, spontaneous combustion, and overheated appliances can cause fires, they are less
commonly associated with intentional acts.
Question 8
What is the recommended distance for securing the perimeter of a blast scene?
A) 50 feet from the furthest debris
B) 100 feet from the furthest debris
, 4
C) 1.5 times the distance to the furthest debris
D) 500 feet from the furthest debris
Correct Answer: C) 1.5 times the distance to the furthest debris
Rationale: NFPA 921 recommends securing a blast scene perimeter at 1.5 times the distance to
the furthest debris to ensure all evidence is protected and safety is maintained. This accounts for
potential secondary devices or scattered evidence. Fixed distances like 50, 100, or 500 feet may
not adequately cover the scene’s extent.
Question 9
Which of the following best describes a “flashover” in fire dynamics?
A) Ignition of a single fuel package
B) Rapid transition to a fully developed fire involving all combustibles
C) Slow smoldering fire with heavy smoke production
D) Explosion caused by a gas leak
Correct Answer: B) Rapid transition to a fully developed fire involving all combustibles
Rationale: Flashover, per NFPA 921, is the rapid transition from a growing fire to a fully
developed fire where all combustible materials in a compartment ignite nearly simultaneously
due to intense heat. It is not a single ignition, smoldering fire, or gas explosion.
Question 10
What is the primary source of questions for the IAAI CFI exam?
A) NFPA 70
B) NFPA 921
C) NFPA 101
D) NFPA 13
Correct Answer: B) NFPA 921
Rationale: The IAAI CFI exam primarily draws questions from NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and
Explosion Investigations, as it is the authoritative standard for fire investigation principles and
practices. NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), and NFPA 13
(Sprinkler Systems) are not the primary references.
Question 11
In fire investigation, what does the term “fire dynamics” refer to?
A) The chemical composition of fuels
IAAI CFI Exam 2025 – Actual Test
Bank with 2 Real Versions, Verified
Answers with Rationales & Expert
Study Guide | Pass Guarantee
IAAI CFI Exam 2025 – Test Bank Version 1
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of conducting a fire scene investigation?
A) To determine the financial cost of the fire damage
B) To identify the origin and cause of the fire
C) To assess the structural integrity of the building
D) To collect evidence for insurance claims only
Correct Answer: B) To identify the origin and cause of the fire
Rationale: According to NFPA 921, the primary purpose of a fire scene investigation is to
determine the origin and cause of the fire. This involves systematically analyzing fire patterns,
evidence, and witness statements to establish how and why the fire started. While financial
assessments and structural evaluations may be secondary outcomes, they are not the primary
focus. Evidence collection supports the origin and cause determination, not just insurance claims.
Question 2
Which fire pattern is most indicative of a ventilation-controlled fire?
A) V-shaped burn pattern on a wall
B) Heavy soot deposition on windows
C) Uniform charring across a ceiling
D) Localized burn marks near an ignition source
Correct Answer: B) Heavy soot deposition on windows
Rationale: Ventilation-controlled fires occur when the fire’s growth is limited by available
oxygen, leading to incomplete combustion and heavy soot production. NFPA 921 notes that
heavy soot deposition, particularly on windows, is a hallmark of ventilation-controlled fires due
to the accumulation of unburned combustion products. V-shaped patterns indicate flame
, 2
direction, uniform charring suggests widespread heat exposure, and localized burn marks point to
a fuel-controlled fire or ignition source.
Question 3
What is the first step in the scientific method as applied to fire investigation?
A) Collect data
B) Develop a hypothesis
C) Recognize the need
D) Test the hypothesis
Correct Answer: C) Recognize the need
Rationale: NFPA 921 outlines the scientific method for fire investigation, which begins with
recognizing the need (e.g., determining the fire’s origin and cause). This step defines the problem
to be solved. Data collection follows, leading to hypothesis development and testing.
Recognizing the need ensures the investigation is focused and systematic.
Question 4
Which of the following is a job performance requirement (JPR) under NFPA 1033?
A) Conducting financial audits of fire-related losses
B) Documenting the fire scene with photographs and sketches
C) Repairing fire-damaged structures
D) Providing legal counsel to fire victims
Correct Answer: B) Documenting the fire scene with photographs and sketches
Rationale: NFPA 1033 specifies that fire investigators must document the fire scene thoroughly,
including photographs, sketches, and notes, to preserve evidence and support findings. Financial
audits, structural repairs, and legal counsel are not JPRs for fire investigators, as they fall outside
the scope of origin and cause determination.
Question 5
What does the term “spalling” refer to in fire investigation?
A) Melting of plastic materials due to heat exposure
B) Chipping or flaking of concrete surfaces due to heat
C) Discoloration of metal surfaces from smoke
D) Collapse of wooden structural components
, 3
Correct Answer: B) Chipping or flaking of concrete surfaces due to heat
Rationale: Spalling, as described in NFPA 921, is the chipping or flaking of concrete or
masonry surfaces caused by rapid heating or moisture expansion during a fire. It is a fire effect
that can indicate intense heat exposure. Melting plastics, metal discoloration, and wood collapse
are distinct phenomena not classified as spalling.
Question 6
When examining a fire scene, what is the significance of arc mapping?
A) It determines the chemical composition of fire residues
B) It identifies the electrical circuit faults that may have caused the fire
C) It maps the progression of fire spread through a structure
D) It measures the temperature of the fire at various points
Correct Answer: B) It identifies the electrical circuit faults that may have caused the fire
Rationale: Arc mapping, per NFPA 921, involves analyzing the locations of electrical arcing to
trace the fire’s origin and identify potential electrical ignition sources. It does not assess
chemical residues, fire spread progression, or temperature but focuses on electrical system
damage patterns.
Question 7
Which type of ignition source is most commonly associated with incendiary fires?
A) Electrical short circuit
B) Open flame from a match or lighter
C) Spontaneous combustion
D) Overheated appliance
Correct Answer: B) Open flame from a match or lighter
Rationale: NFPA 921 notes that incendiary fires (arson) are frequently initiated by an open
flame, such as a match or lighter, due to their accessibility and ease of use. While electrical short
circuits, spontaneous combustion, and overheated appliances can cause fires, they are less
commonly associated with intentional acts.
Question 8
What is the recommended distance for securing the perimeter of a blast scene?
A) 50 feet from the furthest debris
B) 100 feet from the furthest debris
, 4
C) 1.5 times the distance to the furthest debris
D) 500 feet from the furthest debris
Correct Answer: C) 1.5 times the distance to the furthest debris
Rationale: NFPA 921 recommends securing a blast scene perimeter at 1.5 times the distance to
the furthest debris to ensure all evidence is protected and safety is maintained. This accounts for
potential secondary devices or scattered evidence. Fixed distances like 50, 100, or 500 feet may
not adequately cover the scene’s extent.
Question 9
Which of the following best describes a “flashover” in fire dynamics?
A) Ignition of a single fuel package
B) Rapid transition to a fully developed fire involving all combustibles
C) Slow smoldering fire with heavy smoke production
D) Explosion caused by a gas leak
Correct Answer: B) Rapid transition to a fully developed fire involving all combustibles
Rationale: Flashover, per NFPA 921, is the rapid transition from a growing fire to a fully
developed fire where all combustible materials in a compartment ignite nearly simultaneously
due to intense heat. It is not a single ignition, smoldering fire, or gas explosion.
Question 10
What is the primary source of questions for the IAAI CFI exam?
A) NFPA 70
B) NFPA 921
C) NFPA 101
D) NFPA 13
Correct Answer: B) NFPA 921
Rationale: The IAAI CFI exam primarily draws questions from NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and
Explosion Investigations, as it is the authoritative standard for fire investigation principles and
practices. NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), and NFPA 13
(Sprinkler Systems) are not the primary references.
Question 11
In fire investigation, what does the term “fire dynamics” refer to?
A) The chemical composition of fuels
