National Fireplace Institute Certification

When you’re looking for a wood-burning stove, gas fireplaces, or other hearth products, one of the best ways to identify a competent specialist is to check their credentials. The National Fireplace Institute®, an independent, nonprofit certification agency, has created the standard for certification in the hearth industry. Only those who pass a rigorous exam covering the fundamentals of proper installation receive NFI Specialist Certification. NFI Specialists who have earned all three certifications are recognized as Master Hearth Professionals (MHP).

National Fireplace Institute® History

For over 25 years, the independent nonprofit Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Education Foundation (HPBEF) has offered certifications to professionals in the hearth industry.

In 2001, the HPBEF formed the National Fireplace Institute® as the national certification agency for the industry. Industry installers, technical experts, and hearth business owners conducted a comprehensive review to determine what industry professionals need to know.

As a result of the formal review process, based on national standards for certification agencies, the HPBEF revised and improved both manuals and exams for gas, wood burning, and pellet certifications. The comprehensive certifications are designed to gain recognition from building officials, code officials, and the general public.

NFI Certified Gas Specialist: Proven knowledge of gas fireplaces, log sets, and stoves as well as their venting systems.

NFI Certified Wood Burning Specialist: Proven knowledge of factory-built fireplaces, fireplace inserts, wood-burning stoves, and chimneys.

NFI Certified Pellet Specialist: Proven knowledge of freestanding stoves, fireplace inserts, built-in appliances, and venting systems.

The National Fireplace Institute® certifications set a high standard for excellence in the industry. The manuals and corresponding exams are comprehensive and serve as an important educational tool for hearth shop personnel, appliance installers, and other professionals involved with the fireplace industry.

Consumers can access timely and useful information through the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, whether they are currently using or planning to purchase wood-burning, gas-fired, or pellet-burning products.