Fire and Smoke Damage Consulting

The Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Technician (CFST) and the Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Consultant (CFSC) conduct investigations to assess property-related fire and smoke damage.  Certificants conduct visual and quantitative observations as well as designing and executing environmental sampling regimens.

A CFST or CFSC possesses verified knowledge of the field of fire and smoke damage consulting. The certification exams cover all major domains of knowledge relevant to the field.  Candidates must know the important industry standards. They must be familiar with scientific principles governing fire, its causes and sources, and its products and effects. They must understand the most common practices and protocols used by investigators and consultants. They must be familiar with the equipment used in fire and smoke damage investigations. They must be aware of legal issues affecting their work.

A CFST or CFSC possesses verified experience in fire and smoke damage investigations in one or more of the following settings:

  • Offices and commercial buildings

  • Industrial structures

  • Government facilities

  • Schools and public buildings

  • Healthcare facilities

  • Residential structures

To earn the Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Technician (CFST) or Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Consultant (CFSC) designations, candidates must:

  • Demonstrate verifiable field experience in fire and smoke damage investigations

  • Pass a rigorous examination based on broad industry knowledge rather than a course curriculum

  • Earn the unanimous approval of the CFST or CFSC certification board

  • Re-certify every two years

  • Participate in 20 hours of professional development activities each year

  • Maintain the highest ethical standards

Accreditation:

The CFSC and CFST certifications are accredited by the Council for Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB), a nationally recognized independent accreditation body. ACAC certifications are the ONLY designations in the indoor air quality field to earn CESB accreditation.