The American Council for Accredited Certification offers the Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Consultant (CFSC) to individuals whose knowledge and field experience in fire and smoke damage investigations warrant professional recognition. Additionally, ACAC offers the CFSC examination to certain license applicants in states where it is required by law.

1. To raise the standards of those engaged in fire and smoke damage investigations.

2. To identify persons with acceptable knowledge of fire and smoke damage investigations and the standards and regulations affecting Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Consultants.

3. To award special recognition to those consultants who have demonstrated verifiable field experience.

4. To qualify applicants for certain state licenses .

Applicants must possess one of the following combinations of eight (8) years education and relevant field experience:

• A 4-year post-secondary degree or its equivalent (30 credit hours) in microbiology, engineering, science, architecture, industrial hygiene or a related field of science with a minimum of four (4) years of documented field experience in fire and smoke damage investigations.

• A 2-year post-secondary degree or its equivalent (15 credit hours) in microbiology, engineering, science, architecture, industrial hygiene or related field of science with at least six (6) years documented experience in fire and smoke damage investigations.

• No degree with at least eight (8) years of consulting experience in fire and smoke damage investigations. (High school diploma or GED required.)

Applicants must demonstrate experience in designing, conducting and reporting on fire and smoke damage investigations. Eligible experience involves the investigation of damage from the products of combustion. Experience investigating water damage, microbial growth, asbestos and lead, and other indoor environmental issues is not eligible.

ACAC certification candidates document education by submitting transcripts with the application form. Candidates document field experience by submitting four project sheets (included in the application packet).

Applicants for state licenses where the CFSC examination is required must meet the eligibility requirements published by each state.

The effective practice of fire and smoke damage consulting requires detailed knowledge of a variety of subjects ranging from chemistry and physics to the various disciplines of the building sciences. For certification purposes, the candidate for the CFSC designation must demonstrate familiarity with the basic principles of the discipline. In particular, the Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Consultant (CFSC) examination addresses the following domains of knowledge. These are addressed in a variety of industry publications and summarized in the CFSC Exam Study Review Guide:

General Knowledge

• Types, characteristics and behavior of fire

• Combustion products: sources and types

• Principles of particle deposition and transport

• Exposures

Site Characterization

• Conducting visual inspections

• Characterizing combustion products and sources

• Identifying pathways and reservoirs

• Assessing and addressing potential and known exposures and hazards

Sample Collection

• Objectives and strategies

• Methods and techniques

• Equipment and procedures

• Standards and guidelines

Sample Analysis, Data Interpretation and Report Writing

• Principles of sample analysis

• Laboratory methods

• Principles of data interpretation

• Principles of report writing

Remediation

• Principles of remediation

• Surface and contents remediation

• Smoke odor restoration

• Post remediation verification

Download an official chart of examination content domains.

Click here for the exam study review guide.

1. ACAC certification should not be confused with state licensing. State license candidates should read the following section, The State Licensing Process.

2. ACAC certification candidates complete and forward the notarized application form, employer affidavits, project sheets and a copy of diploma or transcripts.

3. ACAC certification candidates pass the closed-book examination. If the examination is not successfully passed, a re-examination fee is required before retaking the examination.

4. ACAC certification candidates have up to 90 days from the date of application to complete the application process. Applications left incomplete after 90 days will be considered null and void.

5. ACAC certification candidates wait for the awarding of the certification. The Certification Board meets approximately every four (4) weeks to review the examination results and supporting materials before voting to award the certification.

1. State licensing should not be confused with ACAC certification. ACAC certification candidates should read the previous section, The ACAC Certification Process.

2. State license applicants complete and forward the notarized application form to the ACAC office.

3. ACAC does not require state license applicants to provide documentation of education or field experience in order to sit for the CFSC examination. State licensing agencies may require such documentation as part of the license application process.

4. State license applicants pass the closed book examination. ACAC reports exam scores directly to the appropriate state licensing agencies.

5. State license applicants follow individual state guidelines for completion of the license application.

1. The applicant must complete a 3-hour, closed-book, written examination. The examination questions are based on the listed core skills and required body of knowledge.

2. The examination is closed-book! It is strongly recommended that candidates read the reference materials listed above before taking the examination.

3. There are 120 questions on the examination. Each question is multiple-choice with at least four (4) possible answers. Exam items are drawn from the required body of knowledge according to a blueprint prescribed by the certification board.

4. Passing Score: The passing score for the CFSC examination is set by the CFSC certification board using the Modified Angoff Method. A score of 75% must be achieved to pass this examination.

5. The examination is delivered electronically at an authorized testing center operated by Kryterion, Inc. There are no paper exams. Once a complete application packet is on file in the Council office, the candidate may register for the examination by calling the office at (888) 808-8381.

6. Candidates should arrive 30 minutes before the testing appointment.

7. Candidates must present two forms of government-issued identification at the testing center, one of which must be picture ID.

8. Candidates must follow proctor instructions with regard to conduct, behavior, and the use of personal belongings and test materials, including submitting eyeglasses for inspection and turning out exterior pockets.

9. Candidates failing to abide by these rules will not be permitted to sit for the exam, and a re-examination fee will be required.

10. All examinations contain the same questions; however, the examination questions are presented to each candidate in random order and the examination answers are presented to the candidate in random order.

11. Examinations are graded electronically at the testing facility, and scores are available to candidates immediately. An email is sent to the candidate’s email address confirming test results. In the case of state license applicants, exam scores are also reported directly to the appropriate state licensing agency.

Fees are posed on the ACAC website.

Certification fees are for a two-year certification, and include a non-refundable processing fee.

Examination fees are required prior to taking examinations.

Recertification fees are for a two-year period and require documentation of continuing education. Recertification fees include a non-refundable processing fee.

Re-examination fees apply to those retaking a failed exam.

Penalties for late recertification may be waived in case of documented active military duty or medical issues.

1. The American Council for Accredited Certification is the certifying body for this certification program.

2. All decisions regarding application materials, examinations and the awarding of certifications are made by the CFSC Certification Board, which functions as part of the ACAC.

3. The certifying body’s responsibility to applicants is to provide a credible certification. Operation of the certification program is closely monitored to ensure that reference materials remain current with the industry guidelines and standards and the eligibility requirements for certification are at appropriate levels. Examination questions are developed by certified personnel who are currently active in the field of fire and smoke damage consulting. Pass/fail scores are set by the CFSC Certification Board using the modified Angoff method. The Board authorizes a periodic statistical review of examination item performance and test reliability and updates the examination to reflect the latest changes in our rapidly evolving field.

4. Certification Board members are required to abstain from voting on any applicant’s completed file that may present a conflict of interest, either personally or professionally.

ACAC certifications are current for two years from the date of issue. The certificate holder must accumulate forty (40) Re-certification Credits (RCs) prior to the certificate’s expiration date. Each RC represents one (1) hour of continuing education or professional development. The certificate holder may accumulate the required hours at any time during the two-year certification period. An updated list of typical recertification activities is available on the Council website.

Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Consultants who do not acquire sufficient CFSC Re-certification Credits by their recertification date will be notified in writing to cease using the CFSC designation. They will be listed as expired on the Council website and will no longer be listed as a CFSC in any ACAC publication until such time as they resubmit to the certification process and successfully meet the current criteria for certification. Appropriate fees will apply.

1. The CFSC Certification Board is responsible for all facets of the certification program, including the review and evaluation of applications, the development and administration of examinations, the granting and reissuing of certificates and the adjudication of complaints against certificants.

2. Suspensions: If a Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Consultant does not accumulate the required re-certification credits, certification shall terminate unless, in the judgment of the Certification Board, extenuating circumstances exist and the deficiency can be readily overcome. Examples of extenuating circumstances include documentation of active military service or documentation of a serious medical condition.

3. Complaints: If a Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Consultant fails to abide by the ACAC Code of Conduct or is formally accused of gross negligence in the performance of his or her professional duties, the Certification Board may vote to refuse re-certification.

4. Appeals: Any holder of a valid Council certification or applicant for such a certification may appeal the decisions of the Certification Board.

5. Complaints or appeals shall be made in writing via certified mail to the Certification Administrator.

6. In the case of complaints, the Certification Administrator shall forward the complaint to the accused certificant and allow him or her ample time to respond.

7. The Certification Administrator, at the direction of the Executive Committee, may forward complaints or appeals to the appropriate Certification Board.

8. The Certification Board shall rule on all complaints or appeals by unanimous vote.

9. Complaints or appeals may be continued in writing via certified mail to the National Advisory Board.

10. The National Advisory Board shall be the final court of appeal and will rule on complaints or appeals by unanimous vote.

11. In resolving complaints or appeals, ACAC may rule only on its own decisions to grant or deny certification and recertification.

1. Retired Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Consultants may be granted emeritus status in their designation as long as they are retired from professional practice as a CFSC. Such persons will be granted the title “Emeritus.”

2. Re-certification Fees for Emeritus (Retired) Status: $100 USD for each two-year certification.

3. Continuing education is not required,

4. To return to active status, emeritus certificants must notify the Council in writing and pay a fee for a two-year active certification. At the end of the two-year period, all normal re-certification policies will apply.

1. A CFSC may use the designation name on organization letterheads, business cards and all forms of address. When using the CFSC designation, we encourage the spelling out of the designation fully in smaller print immediately below the signature block, as in the following example:

   John Doe, CFSC
   Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Consultant
   Board-awarded by the American Council for Accredited Certification

2. Certification is for individuals only. The CFSC designation may not be used to imply that an organization or firm is certified.

3. The CFSC designation may NOT be used by individuals who pass the CFSC examination in order to obtain a state license, unless those individuals also complete the ACAC certification process as described in this handbook.

The ACAC code of conduct applies to all certificants, staff and volunteers of the organization.

The American Council for Accredited Certification offers the Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Technician (CFST) to individuals whose knowledge and field experience in fire and smoke damage investigations warrant professional recognition. Additionally, ACAC offers the CFST examination to certain license applicants in states where it is required by law.

1. To raise the standards of those engaged in fire and smoke damage investigations.

2. To identify persons with acceptable knowledge of fire and smoke damage investigations and the standards and regulations affecting Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Technicians.

3. To award special recognition to those consultants who have demonstrated verifiable field experience.

4. To qualify applicants for certain state licenses .

Applicants must possess one of the following combinations of two (2) years education and relevant field experience:

• A 2-year post-secondary degree or its equivalent (15 credit hours) in microbiology, engineering, science, architecture, industrial hygiene or related field of science with at least one (1) year documented experience in fire and smoke damage investigations.

• No degree with at least two (2) years of consulting experience in fire and smoke damage investigations. (High school diploma or GED required.)

Applicants must demonstrate experience in designing, conducting, or reporting on fire and smoke damage investigations. Eligible experience involves the investigation of damage from the products of combustion. Experience investigating water damage, microbial growth, asbestos and lead, and other indoor environmental issues is not eligible.

ACAC certification candidates document education by submitting transcripts with the application form. Candidates document field experience by submitting four project sheets (included in the application packet).

Applicants for state licenses where the CFSC examination is required must meet the eligibility requirements published by each state.

The effective practice of fire and smoke damage consulting requires detailed knowledge of a variety of subjects ranging from chemistry and physics to the various disciplines of the building sciences. For certification purposes, the candidate for the CFST designation must demonstrate familiarity with the basic principles of the discipline. In particular, the Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Technician (CFST) examination addresses the following domains of knowledge. These are addressed in a variety of industry publications and summarized in the CFST Exam Study Review Guide:

General Knowledge

• Types, characteristics and behavior of fire

• Combustion products: sources and types

• Principles of particle deposition and transport

• Exposures

Site Characterization

• Conducting visual inspections

• Characterizing combustion products and sources

• Identifying pathways and reservoirs

• Assessing and addressing potential and known exposures and hazards

Sample Collection

• Objectives and strategies

• Methods and techniques

• Equipment and procedures

• Standards and guidelines

Sample Analysis, Data Interpretation and Report Writing

• Principles of sample analysis

• Laboratory methods

• Principles of data interpretation

• Principles of report writing

Remediation

• Principles of remediation

• Surface and contents remediation

• Smoke odor restoration

• Post remediation verification

Download an official chart of examination content domains.

Click here for the exam study review guide.

1. ACAC certification should not be confused with state licensing. State license candidates should read the following section, The State Licensing Process.

2. ACAC certification candidates complete and forward the notarized application form, employer affidavits, project sheets and a copy of diploma or transcripts.

3. ACAC certification candidates pass the closed-book examination. If the examination is not successfully passed, a re-examination fee is required before retaking the examination.

4. ACAC certification candidates have up to 90 days from the date of application to complete the application process. Applications left incomplete after 90 days will be considered null and void.

5. ACAC certification candidates wait for the awarding of the certification. The Certification Board meets approximately every four (4) weeks to review the examination results and supporting materials before voting to award the certification.

1. State licensing should not be confused with ACAC certification. ACAC certification candidates should read the previous section, The ACAC Certification Process.

2. State license applicants complete and forward the notarized application form to the ACAC office.

3. ACAC does not require state license applicants to provide documentation of education or field experience in order to sit for the CFST examination. State licensing agencies may require such documentation as part of the license application process.

4. State license applicants pass the closed book examination. ACAC reports exam scores directly to the appropriate state licensing agencies.

5. State license applicants follow individual state guidelines for completion of the license application.

1. The applicant must complete a 3-hour, closed-book, written examination. The examination questions are based on the listed core skills and required body of knowledge.

2. The examination is closed-book! It is strongly recommended that candidates read the reference materials listed above before taking the examination.

3. There are 120 questions on the examination. Each question is multiple-choice with at least four (4) possible answers. Exam items are drawn from the required body of knowledge according to a blueprint prescribed by the certification board.

4. Passing Score: The passing score for the CFST examination is set by the CFST certification board using the Modified Angoff Method. A score of 75% must be achieved to pass this examination.

5. The examination is delivered electronically at an authorized testing center operated by Kryterion, Inc. There are no paper exams. Once a complete application packet is on file in the Council office, the candidate may register for the examination by calling the office at (888) 808-8381.

6. Candidates should arrive 30 minutes before the testing appointment.

7. Candidates must present two forms of government-issued identification at the testing center, one of which must be picture ID.

8. Candidates must follow proctor instructions with regard to conduct, behavior, and the use of personal belongings and test materials, including submitting eyeglasses for inspection and turning out exterior pockets.

9. Candidates failing to abide by these rules will not be permitted to sit for the exam, and a re-examination fee will be required.

10. All examinations contain the same questions; however, the examination questions are presented to each candidate in random order and the examination answers are presented to the candidate in random order.

11. Examinations are graded electronically at the testing facility, and scores are available to candidates immediately. An email is sent to the candidate’s email address confirming test results. In the case of state license applicants, exam scores are also reported directly to the appropriate state licensing agency.

Fees are posed on the ACAC website.

Certification fees are for a two-year certification, and include a non-refundable processing fee.

Examination fees are required prior to taking examinations.

Recertification fees are for a two-year period and require documentation of continuing education. Recertification fees include a non-refundable processing fee.

Re-examination fees apply to those retaking a failed exam.

Penalties for late recertification may be waived in case of documented active military duty or medical issues.

1. The American Council for Accredited Certification is the certifying body for this certification program.

2. All decisions regarding application materials, examinations and the awarding of certifications are made by the CFST Certification Board, which functions as part of the ACAC.

3. The certifying body’s responsibility to applicants is to provide a credible certification. Operation of the certification program is closely monitored to ensure that reference materials remain current with the industry guidelines and standards and the eligibility requirements for certification are at appropriate levels. Examination questions are developed by certified personnel who are currently active in the field of fire and smoke damage consulting. Pass/fail scores are set by the CFST Certification Board using the modified Angoff method. The Board authorizes a periodic statistical review of examination item performance and test reliability and updates the examination to reflect the latest changes in our rapidly evolving field.

4. Certification Board members are required to abstain from voting on any applicant’s completed file that may present a conflict of interest, either personally or professionally.

ACAC certifications are current for two years from the date of issue. The certificate holder must accumulate forty (40) Re-certification Credits (RCs) prior to the certificate’s expiration date. Each RC represents one (1) hour of continuing education or professional development. The certificate holder may accumulate the required hours at any time during the two-year certification period. An updated list of typical recertification activities is available on the Council website.

Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Technicians who do not acquire sufficient CFST Re-certification Credits by their recertification date will be notified in writing to cease using the CFST designation. They will be listed as expired on the Council website and will no longer be listed as a CFST in any ACAC publication until such time as they resubmit to the certification process and successfully meet the current criteria for certification. Appropriate fees will apply.

1. The CFST Certification Board is responsible for all facets of the certification program, including the review and evaluation of applications, the development and administration of examinations, the granting and reissuing of certificates and the adjudication of complaints against certificants.

2. Suspensions: If a Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Technician does not accumulate the required re-certification credits, certification shall terminate unless, in the judgment of the Certification Board, extenuating circumstances exist and the deficiency can be readily overcome. Examples of extenuating circumstances include documentation of active military service or documentation of a serious medical condition.

3. Complaints: If a Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Technician fails to abide by the ACAC Code of Conduct or is formally accused of gross negligence in the performance of his or her professional duties, the Certification Board may vote to refuse re-certification.

4. Appeals: Any holder of a valid Council certification or applicant for such a certification may appeal the decisions of the Certification Board.

5. Complaints or appeals shall be made in writing via certified mail to the Certification Administrator.

6. In the case of complaints, the Certification Administrator shall forward the complaint to the accused certificant and allow him or her ample time to respond.

7. The Certification Administrator, at the direction of the Executive Committee, may forward complaints or appeals to the appropriate Certification Board.

8. The Certification Board shall rule on all complaints or appeals by unanimous vote.

9. Complaints or appeals may be continued in writing via certified mail to the National Advisory Board.

10. The National Advisory Board shall be the final court of appeal and will rule on complaints or appeals by unanimous vote.

11. In resolving complaints or appeals, ACAC may rule only on its own decisions to grant or deny certification and recertification.

1. Retired Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Technicians may be granted emeritus status in their designation as long as they are retired from professional practice as a CFST. Such persons will be granted the title “Emeritus.”

2. Re-certification Fees for Emeritus (Retired) Status: $100 USD for each two-year certification.

3. Continuing education is not required,

4. To return to active status, emeritus certificants must notify the Council in writing and pay a fee for a two-year active certification. At the end of the two-year period, all normal re-certification policies will apply.

1. A CFST may use the designation name on organization letterheads, business cards and all forms of address. When using the CFST designation, we encourage the spelling out of the designation fully in smaller print immediately below the signature block, as in the following example:

   John Doe, CFST
   Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Technician
   Board-awarded by the American Council for Accredited Certification

2. Certification is for individuals only. The CFST designation may not be used to imply that an organization or firm is certified.

3. The CFST designation may NOT be used by individuals who pass the CFST examination in order to obtain a state license, unless those individuals also complete the ACAC certification process as described in this handbook.

The ACAC code of conduct applies to all certificants, staff and volunteers of the organization.

The American Council for Accredited Certification offers the Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Assistant Technician (CFSAT) to individuals whose knowledge of fire and smoke damage investigations warrant professional recognition. Additionally, ACAC offers the CFSAT examination to certain license applicants in states where it is required by law.

1. To raise the standards of those engaged in fire and smoke damage investigations.

2. To identify persons with acceptable knowledge of fire and smoke damage investigations and the standards and regulations affecting Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Technicians.

3. To qualify applicants for certain state licenses .

Individuals are eligible for the CFSAT certification who can attest to their involvement in designing, conducting, or reporting on fire and smoke damage investigations.

Applicants for state licenses where the CFSAT examination is required must meet the eligibility requirements published by each state.

The effective practice of fire and smoke damage consulting requires detailed knowledge of a variety of subjects ranging from chemistry and physics to the various disciplines of the building sciences. For certification purposes, the candidate for the CFSAT designation must demonstrate familiarity with the basic principles of the discipline. In particular, the Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Assistant Technician (CFSAT) examination addresses the following domains of knowledge. These are addressed in a variety of industry publications and summarized in the CFSAT Exam Study Review Guide:

General Knowledge

• Types, characteristics and behavior of fire

• Combustion products: sources and types

• Principles of particle deposition and transport

• Exposures

Site Characterization

• Conducting visual inspections

• Characterizing combustion products and sources

• Identifying pathways and reservoirs

• Assessing and addressing potential and known exposures and hazards

Sample Collection

• Objectives and strategies

• Methods and techniques

• Equipment and procedures

• Standards and guidelines

Sample Analysis, Data Interpretation and Report Writing

• Principles of sample analysis

• Laboratory methods

• Principles of data interpretation

• Principles of report writing

Remediation

• Principles of remediation

• Surface and contents remediation

• Smoke odor restoration

• Post remediation verification

Click here for the exam study review guide.

1. ACAC certification should not be confused with state licensing. State license candidates should read the following section, The State Licensing Process.

2. ACAC certification candidates complete and forward the notarized application form, employer affidavits, project sheets and a copy of diploma or transcripts.

3. ACAC certification candidates pass the closed-book examination. If the examination is not successfully passed, a re-examination fee is required before retaking the examination.

4. ACAC certification candidates have up to 90 days from the date of application to complete the application process. Applications left incomplete after 90 days will be considered null and void.

5. ACAC certification candidates wait for the awarding of the certification. The Certification Board meets approximately every four (4) weeks to review the examination results and supporting materials before voting to award the certification.

1. State licensing should not be confused with ACAC certification. ACAC certification candidates should read the previous section, The ACAC Certification Process.

2. State license applicants complete and forward the notarized application form to the ACAC office.

3. ACAC does not require state license applicants to provide documentation of education or field experience in order to sit for the CFSAT examination. State licensing agencies may require such documentation as part of the license application process.

4. State license applicants pass the closed book examination. ACAC reports exam scores directly to the appropriate state licensing agencies.

5. State license applicants follow individual state guidelines for completion of the license application.

1. The applicant must complete a 2-hour, closed-book, written examination. The examination questions are based on the listed core skills and required body of knowledge.

2. The examination is closed-book! It is strongly recommended that candidates read the reference materials listed above before taking the examination.

3. There are 50 questions on the examination. Each question is multiple-choice with at least four (4) possible answers. Exam items are drawn from the required body of knowledge according to a blueprint prescribed by the certification board.

4. Passing Score: The passing score for the CFSAT examination is set by the CFSAT certification board using the Modified Angoff Method. A score of 70% must be achieved to pass this examination.

5. The examination is delivered electronically at an authorized testing center operated by Kryterion, Inc. There are no paper exams. Once a complete application packet is on file in the Council office, the candidate may register for the examination by calling the office at (888) 808-8381.

6. Candidates should arrive 30 minutes before the testing appointment.

7. Candidates must present two forms of government-issued identification at the testing center, one of which must be picture ID.

8. Candidates must follow proctor instructions with regard to conduct, behavior, and the use of personal belongings and test materials, including submitting eyeglasses for inspection and turning out exterior pockets.

9. Candidates failing to abide by these rules will not be permitted to sit for the exam, and a re-examination fee will be required.

10. All examinations contain the same questions; however, the examination questions are presented to each candidate in random order and the examination answers are presented to the candidate in random order.

11. Examinations are graded electronically at the testing facility, and scores are available to candidates immediately. An email is sent to the candidate’s email address confirming test results. In the case of state license applicants, exam scores are also reported directly to the appropriate state licensing agency.

Fees are posed on the ACAC website.

Certification fees are for a two-year certification, and include a non-refundable processing fee.

Examination fees are required prior to taking examinations.

Recertification fees are for a two-year period and require documentation of continuing education. Recertification fees include a non-refundable processing fee.

Re-examination fees apply to those retaking a failed exam.

Penalties for late recertification may be waived in case of documented active military duty or medical issues.

1. The American Council for Accredited Certification is the certifying body for this certification program.

2. All decisions regarding application materials, examinations and the awarding of certifications are made by the CFSAT Certification Board, which functions as part of the ACAC.

3. The certifying body’s responsibility to applicants is to provide a credible certification. Operation of the certification program is closely monitored to ensure that reference materials remain current with the industry guidelines and standards and the eligibility requirements for certification are at appropriate levels. Examination questions are developed by certified personnel who are currently active in the field of fire and smoke damage consulting. Pass/fail scores are set by the CFSAT Certification Board using the modified Angoff method. The Board authorizes a periodic statistical review of examination item performance and test reliability and updates the examination to reflect the latest changes in our rapidly evolving field.

4. Certification Board members are required to abstain from voting on any applicant’s completed file that may present a conflict of interest, either personally or professionally.

ACAC certifications are current for two years from the date of issue. The certificate holder must accumulate forty (40) Re-certification Credits (RCs) prior to the certificate’s expiration date. Each RC represents one (1) hour of continuing education or professional development. The certificate holder may accumulate the required hours at any time during the two-year certification period. An updated list of typical recertification activities is available on the Council website.

Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Assistant Technicians who do not acquire sufficient CFSAT Re-certification Credits by their recertification date will be notified in writing to cease using the CFSAT designation. They will be listed as expired on the Council website and will no longer be listed as a CFSAT in any ACAC publication until such time as they resubmit to the certification process and successfully meet the current criteria for certification. Appropriate fees will apply.

1. The CFSAT Certification Board is responsible for all facets of the certification program, including the review and evaluation of applications, the development and administration of examinations, the granting and reissuing of certificates and the adjudication of complaints against certificants.

2. Suspensions: If a Council-certified Fire and Smoke Assistant Damage Technician does not accumulate the required re-certification credits, certification shall terminate unless, in the judgment of the Certification Board, extenuating circumstances exist and the deficiency can be readily overcome. Examples of extenuating circumstances include documentation of active military service or documentation of a serious medical condition.

3. Complaints: If a Council-certified Fire and Smoke Assistant Damage Technician fails to abide by the ACAC Code of Conduct or is formally accused of gross negligence in the performance of his or her professional duties, the Certification Board may vote to refuse re-certification.

4. Appeals: Any holder of a valid Council certification or applicant for such a certification may appeal the decisions of the Certification Board.

5. Complaints or appeals shall be made in writing via certified mail to the Certification Administrator.

6. In the case of complaints, the Certification Administrator shall forward the complaint to the accused certificant and allow him or her ample time to respond.

7. The Certification Administrator, at the direction of the Executive Committee, may forward complaints or appeals to the appropriate Certification Board.

8. The Certification Board shall rule on all complaints or appeals by unanimous vote.

9. Complaints or appeals may be continued in writing via certified mail to the National Advisory Board.

10. The National Advisory Board shall be the final court of appeal and will rule on complaints or appeals by unanimous vote.

11. In resolving complaints or appeals, ACAC may rule only on its own decisions to grant or deny certification and recertification.

1. Retired Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Assistant Technicians may be granted emeritus status in their designation as long as they are retired from professional practice as a CFSAT. Such persons will be granted the title “Emeritus.”

2. Re-certification Fees for Emeritus (Retired) Status: $100 USD for each two-year certification.

3. Continuing education is not required,

4. To return to active status, emeritus certificants must notify the Council in writing and pay a fee for a two-year active certification. At the end of the two-year period, all normal re-certification policies will apply.

1. A CFSAT may use the designation name on organization letterheads, business cards and all forms of address. When using the CFSAT designation, we encourage the spelling out of the designation fully in smaller print immediately below the signature block, as in the following example:

   John Doe, CFSAT
   Council-certified Fire and Smoke Damage Assistant Technician
   Board-awarded by the American Council for Accredited Certification

2. Certification is for individuals only. The CFSAT designation may not be used to imply that an organization or firm is certified.

3. The CFSAT designation may NOT be used by individuals who pass the CFSAT examination in order to obtain a state license, unless those individuals also complete the ACAC certification process as described in this handbook.

The ACAC code of conduct applies to all certificants, staff and volunteers of the organization.