Study guide
CFPS Study Guide
A domain-by-domain map of what the Certified Fire Protection Specialist exam tests — where the questions concentrate, and free practice to work each domain as you go.
Method
How to Use This Study Guide
Work this CFPS study guide the way the exam is built: broad coverage across every fire-protection domain, weighted toward the ones that carry the most questions. Water-based suppression and detection and alarm together take the largest share of the practice here, so start there when your time is short. Pair each domain with the practice test rather than reading it cold — answer questions in a domain, then read the guide for whatever you missed, and move on. The chart below shows how this site weights its own practice material by domain, not an exam blueprint.
This site's own practice emphasis — not an official NFPA blueprint.
The map
Fire-Protection Domains
The cards below map the fire-protection domains this guide covers. Two are live now — Water-Based Fire Suppression and Fire Detection & Alarm, the two most heavily tested — and each links to a full breakdown. The rest are in progress; a domain guide goes live once it earns its depth, not before.
Domain guide
Water-Based Fire Suppression
Sprinkler systems, hydraulics, standpipes and water supply.
Domain guide
Fire Detection & Alarm
Detector types, notification, signaling and system design.
Domain guide
Fundamentals of Fire Science
Combustion, heat transfer and fire dynamics.
Coming soon
Domain guide
Passive Fire Protection
Compartmentation, ratings and building construction.
Coming soon
Domain guide
Special-Hazard Suppression
Clean-agent, foam and non-water systems.
Coming soon
Domain guide
Egress & Life Safety
Means of egress, occupant load and human behavior.
Coming soon
Domain guide
Fire Risk Assessment
Identifying and managing fire risk.
Coming soon
Domain guide
Hazardous Materials
Storage, handling and control of hazardous materials.
Coming soon
CFPS Exam Prep
Take the CFPS question bank with you
Get the app for the full Certified Fire Protection Specialist bank across every fire-protection domain, with worked explanations — or keep drilling free on this site.