The National Fireplace Institute® (NFI) is the professional certification division of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Education Foundation (HPBEF). NFI’s objective is to increase public safety by establishing meaningful credentials for professionals involved in planning and installing residential hearth appliances and venting systems.

Benefits of becoming certified include: 

• Increased employee confidence and retention – fewer complaints and callbacks.
• A competitive edge over your competition; more customers = more profit!
• A chance to lower insurance premiums.
• Respect from building and code officials.
• Recognition by state/local government (varies by region).

Click here to purchase NFI exams. When purchasing the exam, select HPBExpo from the drop-down menu to register for the review. The review/exam must be purchased before attending the review course. Please call the NFI office at 703-524-8030 if you have any questions or email info@nficertified.org.

FOUR NFI CERTIFICATIONS AVAILABLE – GAS, WOODBURNING, PELLET AND HEARTH DESIGN SPECIALIST

NFI Certified Gas Specialist

This certification is for professionals who install or plan gas hearth appliance systems. It covers the installation knowledge specific to gas appliances and venting, including regulations and instructions, fuel delivery, appliance requirements, venting and ventilation, and troubleshooting. All major gas hearth appliances (fireplaces, gas log sets, inserts and freestanding stoves) and venting methods (conventional Type B vent, direct vent, liner systems and unvented) are covered. 

NFI Certified Woodburning Specialist

This certification covers solid fuel factory-built fireplaces and all types of wood stoves, including freestanding, inserts and manufactured high-efficiency fireplaces. In addition to core knowledge pertaining to woodburning appliances, installation and planning knowledge includes solid-fuel appliance regulations and instructions, appliances, venting and ventilation, and troubleshooting. 

NFI Certified Pellet Specialist

For professionals who plan and install pellet hearth systems, this certification covers the different approaches to pellet appliance fuel delivery, heat transfer and venting systems. Planning, installation and troubleshooting knowledge covered includes such subjects as appliance components, electrical requirements, vent configurations and assembly, and common causes and solutions for pellet-system problems. 

NFI Certified Hearth Design Specialist

Many of the major product and installation decisions are made during the sales process. This new certification is designed so sales personnel have the technical knowledge they need to guide their customers through the decision making process. Topics include the basic theory of combustion, draft, product choices, safety considerations, applicable codes & standards, venting and the basic principles of woodburning, gas and pellet appliances.