IAAI CFI Exam Test Bank – 2025(comprehensive IAAI Certified
Fire Investigator (CFI) 2025 Exam)
1. What is the first step in the fire investigation process?
A. Collecting evidence
B. Securing the scene and ensuring safety (correct answer)
C. Interviewing witnesses
D. Writing the final report
Rationale:
Safety and scene security are the first priorities. Investigators must prevent contamination and
ensure hazards are controlled before evidence collection.
2. Which NFPA standard primarily governs fire investigation?
A. NFPA 70
B. NFPA 921 (correct answer)
C. NFPA 13
D. NFPA 101
Rationale:
NFPA 921 provides the guidelines for systematic fire investigation. It is widely recognized and
referenced in courts.
3. What is the primary indicator of accidental fire origin?
A. Multiple ignition points
B. Single ignition point with plausible accidental cause (correct answer)
C. Presence of accelerants
D. Spread toward multiple areas
Rationale:
Accidental fires typically have a single origin point without evidence of deliberate ignition.
Investigators assess cause based on scene characteristics.
,4. In fire scene photography, which is critical?
A. Artistic angles
B. Only wide shots
C. Detailed and sequential documentation of the scene (correct answer)
D. Only close-ups of burned items
Rationale:
Comprehensive photographic documentation preserves scene integrity and supports legal
proceedings. Sequence and detail are crucial.
5. Which is a common sign of arson?
A. Fire originating in the center of a room
B. Multiple points of origin (correct answer)
C. Natural material ignition
D. Fire confined to appliance only
Rationale:
Multiple points of origin suggest intentional ignition. Investigators look for patterns inconsistent
with accidental fire spread.
6. Spoliation of evidence refers to:
A. Collecting evidence carefully
B. Using contaminated tools
C. Destruction or mishandling of evidence (correct answer)
D. Labeling evidence incorrectly
Rationale:
Maintaining the integrity of evidence is critical. Spoliation can invalidate findings in court.
7. What is the primary role of witness interviews in a fire investigation?
A. To confirm suspicions
B. To obtain confessions
C. To gather information about fire behavior and occupant actions (correct answer)
D. To interrogate suspects
, Rationale:
Witness accounts provide context and timeline information. They complement physical evidence
without biasing conclusions.
8. Which accelerant detection method is commonly used in the field?
A. Blood test
B. Thermal imaging
C. Hydrocarbon sniffers or canine detection (correct answer)
D. pH testing
Rationale:
Canine units or hydrocarbon detection devices help locate potential accelerants. Early detection
aids proper evidence collection.
9. A flashover occurs when:
A. Fire extinguishes prematurely
B. All combustible materials in an area ignite simultaneously (correct answer)
C. Smoke fills a room without ignition
D. Fire spreads only to one wall
Rationale:
Flashover indicates rapid fire growth and is critical for understanding fire dynamics.
Recognizing it helps determine fire origin and cause.
10. Which is the main reason to document fire patterns?
A. Create training visuals
B. Decorate the report
C. Identify fire origin and spread (correct answer)
D. Determine property value
Rationale:
Patterns of burn damage help investigators pinpoint origin and cause. Proper documentation is
key for analysis and legal proceedings.
11. Electrical fire investigations require examination of:
Fire Investigator (CFI) 2025 Exam)
1. What is the first step in the fire investigation process?
A. Collecting evidence
B. Securing the scene and ensuring safety (correct answer)
C. Interviewing witnesses
D. Writing the final report
Rationale:
Safety and scene security are the first priorities. Investigators must prevent contamination and
ensure hazards are controlled before evidence collection.
2. Which NFPA standard primarily governs fire investigation?
A. NFPA 70
B. NFPA 921 (correct answer)
C. NFPA 13
D. NFPA 101
Rationale:
NFPA 921 provides the guidelines for systematic fire investigation. It is widely recognized and
referenced in courts.
3. What is the primary indicator of accidental fire origin?
A. Multiple ignition points
B. Single ignition point with plausible accidental cause (correct answer)
C. Presence of accelerants
D. Spread toward multiple areas
Rationale:
Accidental fires typically have a single origin point without evidence of deliberate ignition.
Investigators assess cause based on scene characteristics.
,4. In fire scene photography, which is critical?
A. Artistic angles
B. Only wide shots
C. Detailed and sequential documentation of the scene (correct answer)
D. Only close-ups of burned items
Rationale:
Comprehensive photographic documentation preserves scene integrity and supports legal
proceedings. Sequence and detail are crucial.
5. Which is a common sign of arson?
A. Fire originating in the center of a room
B. Multiple points of origin (correct answer)
C. Natural material ignition
D. Fire confined to appliance only
Rationale:
Multiple points of origin suggest intentional ignition. Investigators look for patterns inconsistent
with accidental fire spread.
6. Spoliation of evidence refers to:
A. Collecting evidence carefully
B. Using contaminated tools
C. Destruction or mishandling of evidence (correct answer)
D. Labeling evidence incorrectly
Rationale:
Maintaining the integrity of evidence is critical. Spoliation can invalidate findings in court.
7. What is the primary role of witness interviews in a fire investigation?
A. To confirm suspicions
B. To obtain confessions
C. To gather information about fire behavior and occupant actions (correct answer)
D. To interrogate suspects
, Rationale:
Witness accounts provide context and timeline information. They complement physical evidence
without biasing conclusions.
8. Which accelerant detection method is commonly used in the field?
A. Blood test
B. Thermal imaging
C. Hydrocarbon sniffers or canine detection (correct answer)
D. pH testing
Rationale:
Canine units or hydrocarbon detection devices help locate potential accelerants. Early detection
aids proper evidence collection.
9. A flashover occurs when:
A. Fire extinguishes prematurely
B. All combustible materials in an area ignite simultaneously (correct answer)
C. Smoke fills a room without ignition
D. Fire spreads only to one wall
Rationale:
Flashover indicates rapid fire growth and is critical for understanding fire dynamics.
Recognizing it helps determine fire origin and cause.
10. Which is the main reason to document fire patterns?
A. Create training visuals
B. Decorate the report
C. Identify fire origin and spread (correct answer)
D. Determine property value
Rationale:
Patterns of burn damage help investigators pinpoint origin and cause. Proper documentation is
key for analysis and legal proceedings.
11. Electrical fire investigations require examination of:
