Certified Electrical
Inspector
Program Overview
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CEI Program Overview 2024
Page 1 of 12
Certification Content Outline
Contents
Introduction to NFPA Certifications.......................................................................................................... 3
Acknowledgments ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Program Description ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Eligibility Requirements ............................................................................................................................... 4
Exam Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Practicum Information ................................................................................................................................. 5
Program Fees .................................................................................................................................................. 5
Body of Knowledge ........................................................................................................................................ 5
Preparing for the Exam................................................................................................................................. 5
Domain Weighting and Exam Blueprint .................................................................................................... 6
Domain Weighting ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Exam Blueprint ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Certification Maintenance ......................................................................................................................... 10
Recertification Requirements Point System ......................................................................................... 11
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CEI Program Overview 2024
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Introduction to NFPA Certifications
Founded in 1896, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) is a global self-funded
nonprofit membership organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic
loss from fire, electrical, and other hazards. NFPA delivers information and knowledge through
300+ consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach, and advocacy, and
by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. The NFPA mission
is to help save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge, and passion.
NFPA provides world-class professional certifications to individuals around the globe by adhering to
the best practices of the certification industry and maintaining the highest standards of personnel
certification. NFPA uses experienced subject matter experts who actively work in their respective
industries to guide the creation of the certification programs. NFPA Certifications are intended for
professionals who want to validate their knowledge and skills and demonstrate their commitment
to professionalism, upholding industry standards, and continued learning. Certifications are
awarded to professionals who meet the eligibility criteria, pass a rigorous examination, and, when
required, successfully complete a practicum.
Acknowledgments
NFPA was honored to have the following subject matter experts contribute to the development of
this certification program.
Lance Ash
Chief Electrical Inspector
State of Michigan/LARA/BCC
Pete Baldauf
Eric Bane
Sr. Electrical Inspector
City of Los Angeles Dept. of
Building & Safety
Robert Boender
Educator & Consultant
Alternative Energy Solutions, LLC
LinkedIn Profile
William Donohue
Marc Faulkner
Manager/Inspector/Plans
Examiner
Faulkner Inspection Services, LLC
LinkedIn Profile
Cari Helberg
Electrical Inspector/AHJ
Argonne National Laboratory
Dean Hunter
Chief Electrical Inspector
Minnesota Dept of Labor &
Industry
D. Dewayne Jenkins
Sr. Building & Electrical Inspector
City of Kettering, OH
LinkedIn Profile
David R. MacLean
Inspector
City of Brea SCG
Gaylord Poe
President
Inspection Bureau, Inc. (IBI)
Larry Reichle
Chief Electrical Inspector
TX Dept. of Licensing &
Regulation
Chad Roberts
Electrical Inspector
Fluor BWXT
Caty Robinson
Electrical Plans Examiner
Inspection Bureau, Inc. (IBI)
Blake Wilder
Building Inspector
City of Athens, AL
LinkedIn Profile
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CEI Program Overview 2024
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Program Description
The Certified Electrical Inspector (CEI) certification program is for electrical inspectors who need
to demonstrate their knowledge and skills of electrical inspection. The NFPA CEI is a certification
that assesses knowledge and skills using both a cognitive exam and a practicum. Unlike other
certifications, the NFPA CEI certification program was developed by the organization that also
produces the National Electrical Code®.
The CEI program application can be completed online by going to the NFPA certification
management system (CMS) at onlinecertification.nfpa.org/nfpassa.
Eligibility Requirements
All candidates (regardless of job function) for the Electrical Inspector certification must meet ONE
of the following qualifications:
Qualifications
Acceptable Documentation
A licensed master electrician or equivalent with a minimum of
8,000 hours of verifiable experience installing or maintaining
electrical systems
Proof of licensure
A licensed journeyperson electrician or equivalent with 10,000
hours of verifiable experience installing or maintaining electrical
systems
Proof of licensure
AND
Letter from supervisor (showing
number of hours worked)
Successful completion of an accredited apprenticeship program
(e.g., IBEW, IEC, state-recognized apprenticeships, local education
authorities such as community colleges) with 10,000 hours of
verifiable experience installing or maintaining electrical systems
Proof of program completion
AND
Letter from supervisor (showing
number of hours worked)
A licensed electrical engineer registered with the state in which
they conduct business with 10,000 hours of experience installing
or maintaining electrical systems
Proof of licensure
AND
Letter from supervisor (showing
number of hours worked)
An inspector trainee of electrical systems with 12,000 hours of
verifiable experience installing or maintaining electrical systems
Copy of job description (signed by
supervisor)
AND
Letter from supervisor (showing
number of hours worked)
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Exam Specifications
The CEI exam is a proctored computer-based exam available at in-person testing centers or via
online remote proctoring. Exam specifications include:
•
•
•
•
Open book exam based on NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code®
3-hour time limit
80 multiple-choice questions
Currently available in English only
Practicum Information
The practicum requires the candidate to complete eight electrical inspections. There are four
mandatory inspections, which include two commercial properties and two residential properties.
Candidates must complete an additional four inspection activities choosing from a list of 13
options. Practicum details are found in the CEI Practicum Handbook available on the NFPA website.
You have 12 months, from the application approval date, to pass the exam and successfully
complete the practicum.
Program Fees
CEI program fees are collected for the following:
•
•
•
Initial program application (includes initial examination fee)
Retest (if required)
Recertification at the end of every three (3) year certification period
For the most up-to-date pricing, see the website.
Body of Knowledge
The 2023 edition of NFPA 70®: National Electrical Code® (NEC®), serves as the body of knowledge
for the CEI certification exam. The official printed version of the NEC is the only reference allowed to
be used during the exam. The National Electrical Code Handbook may be used for exam
preparation but is NOT allowed to be used during the exam.
Note: The NEC and NEC handbook are available to order at nfpa.org or by phone at 1-800-3443555.
Preparing for the Exam
Here is a listing of recommended exam preparatory learning created by NFPA:
1. NFPA 70: National Electrical Code Online Training Series
2. NFPA 70: Changes to the NEC – Chapters 1–9 Online Training Series
3. NEC Navigator Online Training Series
NFPA online training can be found at nfpa.org/for-professionals/training-for-me.
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Domain Weighting and Exam Blueprint
The table below indicates the percentage (%) of exam content (exam items) for the four domains of
the CEI exam. The exam blueprint lists the sub-components of each of those domains.
Domain Weighting
Domains
% of Exam
I. Administration
17%
II. Communication
20%
III. Construction Documents
32%
IV. Field Inspection
31%
Exam Blueprint
I.
Administration
A.
B.
C.
D.
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Enforce the requirements for the installation of an electrical system, given a review of
construction documents and system specifications, so that that enforcement actions
are consistent with the policies and procedures of the jurisdiction and compliance
requirements or conditions are mitigated.
i.
Requisite Knowledge – Applicable codes and standards used by the jurisdiction,
legal authority for permit issuance and revocation, and the policies and
procedures of the jurisdiction
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read electrical plans, use interpersonal and
communication skills, make sound decisions, and evaluate consequences
Evaluate permits and plan review applications, given the type and scope of work for
which a permit and/or plan review is required, so that the requirements are in
accordance with the policies and procedures of the jurisdiction.
i.
Requisite Knowledge – Applicable codes and standards used by the jurisdiction,
policies and procedures of the jurisdiction for permitting and plan review
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to identify the type and scope of work required for
permits and/or plan reviews
Develop processes and procedures to review and implement consistent delivery of
inspection services, given AHJ requirements and management objectives, so that
electrical inspections are conducted in accordance with due process of the law.
i. Requisite Knowledge – Applicable codes and standards used by the jurisdiction,
policies and procedures of the jurisdiction, and sources of technical information
related to electrical inspection
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret electrical plans and
specifications, conduct research, and identify problems related to technical or life
safety compliance
Participate in legal proceedings, given the findings of an electrical inspection or a
complaint and consultation with legal counsel, so that all information is presented, and
the inspector's demeanor is professional.
i.
Requisite Knowledge – Applicable codes and standards used by the jurisdiction,
the policies and procedures of the jurisdiction, legal procedures, enforcement,
and authority
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ii.
E.
II.
Communication
A.
B.
C.
D.
III.
Requisite Skills – The ability to interpret legal opinions in accordance with the
policies and procedures of the jurisdiction, and use interpersonal and
communication skills
Monitor proper electrical licensure requirements, given applicable administrative rules
and statutes, so that licensing laws, rules, and regulations are consistently enforced.
i. Requisite Knowledge – The policies and procedures of the jurisdiction related to
electrical licensure, administrative rules, statutes, and regulations
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to use interpersonal and communication skills
Generate and maintain correspondence with stakeholders, given management
objectives, so that the resulting communication clearly address the issues and is
appropriate for the intended audience.
i.
Requisite Knowledge – Policies and procedures of the jurisdiction, stakeholder
interests, product, materials, and installation practices
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to use interpersonal and communication skills
Prepare documentation for all inspection activities, given electrical inspection reports,
correction notices, and violations, so that the information provided is accurate, clear
and concise, and reflects the findings in accordance with the policies and procedures
of the jurisdiction.
i.
Requisite Knowledge – Policies and procedures of the jurisdiction, applicable
codes and standards used by the jurisdiction, electrical inspection, and report
writing
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to conduct an electrical inspection, apply policies and
procedures of the jurisdiction, and use communication skills
Provide formal interpretation of codes, ordinances, notices, permitting policies, and
methods of building construction, given local amendments and regulations, so that
codes being enforced are in compliance with the edition edition of the NEC used by the
jurisdiction.
i.
Requisite Knowledge – Applicable codes and standards used by the jurisdiction,
code adoption and modification processes, permitting policies of the jurisdiction,
and electrical design standards
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to comprehend technical writing and use
interpersonal and communication skills
Deliver the construction document review report for technical or life safety compliance
requirements or conditions, given a set of construction documents and AHJ
requirements, so that the technical or life safety compliance requirements or
conditions and the submitter’s noncompliance is identified, documented, and reported
in accordance with AHJ requirements.
i.
Requisite Knowledge – AHJ requirements, construction document review
process, documenting and reporting process, and the appeals process
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to interpret, report, and identify technical or life
safety compliance requirements or conditions; reference AHJ requirements;
explain the appeals process; and use interpersonal and communication skills
Construction Documents
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A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Verify compliance of the proposed electrical system capacity and equipment ratings,
given AHJ requirements and construction documents, so that the electrical system
capacity and equipment ratings are in accordance with AHJ requirements.
i.
Requisite Knowledge – AHJ requirements, operational features, and electrical
systems calculation methods
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to verify electrical systems calculation methods used
to verify electrical system capacity and equipment ratings based on AHJ
requirements and read and interpret construction documents
Evaluate construction documents for electrical systems compliance, given the
occupancy use, building construction type, AHJ requirements, and documenting and
reporting procedures for construction documents review, so that construction
documents meet AHJ requirements and compliance is identified, documented, and
reported.
i.
Requisite Knowledge – AHJ requirements for electrical systems, electrical theory,
and hazards associated with electric system operation and implications,
installation techniques, acceptance inspection, and testing and reporting of
completed installations
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to identify technical or life safety compliance
requirements or conditions; read and interpret construction documents; conduct
research; make decisions; recognize problems and resolve technical or life safety
compliance requirements or conditions; use codes, standards, product
certification requirements and policies, documenting and reporting procedures,
interpersonal and communication skills
Verify the occupancy use of a building, given construction documents and a
description of a building and occupancy use, so that the occupancy use is in
accordance with AHJ requirements.
i.
Requisite Knowledge – Occupancy use, AHJ requirements, and potential
electrical hazards presented by various occupancies
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to recognize differences in occupancy use as they
relate to AHJ requirements and comprehend construction documents
Calculate the electrical load based on the intended occupancy use, given AHJ
requirements and construction documents, so that the electrical system capacity and
occupancy use are in accordance with AHJ requirements.
i.
Requisite Knowledge – Occupancy use, AHJ requirements, operational features,
and load calculation methods
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to apply load calculation methods to determine
electrical system capacity based on occupancy use and AHJ requirements and
comprehend construction documents
Process construction documents for permitting, given AHJ requirements and
approved construction documents, so that required permits are issued in accordance
with AHJ requirements.
i.
Requisite Knowledge – Construction document review and AHJ requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to review construction documents for the permitting
application process and use interpersonal and communication skills when
conducting a construction document review during the permitting application
process
IV. Field Inspection
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A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
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Inspect electrical installations or modification to an existing installation or equipment,
given the scope of work, permitting process, procedures, and AHJ requirements, so
that such work is confirmed to be in compliance with the approved construction
documents, specifications, codes and standards, permit requirements, and other laws
and regulations.
i.
Requisite Knowledge – Codes and standards used by the jurisdiction, proper use
of PPE, safe work practices, policies and procedures of the jurisdiction, and
sources of technical information relating to electrical inspection
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to read and interpret construction documents, and
use of interpersonal and communication skills
Verify that required electrical testing has been performed and reports provided, given
AHJ requirements, industry standards, and recognized methods, so that the electrical
systems are installed in a code compliant manner.
i.
Requisite Knowledge – Code required testing per industry standards, recognized
methods, and AHJ requirements
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to interpret test results, use interpersonal and
communication skills to document code compliance
Evaluate complaints of defective electrical installations which are reported as fire,
shock or other hazard, given a type of occupancy or conditions associated with an
occupancy and the electrical system, so that the hazards or deficiencies are identified,
documented, and reported to the AHJ for corrective measures.
i.
Requisite Knowledge – Methods and techniques of code compliance inspections,
AHJ requirements, occupancy, and job-related hazardous conditions
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to inspect, document, and report on electrical
system code compliance, and use of interpersonal and communication skills
Document and report all observed incidents of compliance and non-compliance with
the construction documents and specifications, given a type of occupancy or
conditions associated with the electrical installation, so that the electrical installation
is installed and operated in accordance with AHJ requirements.
i.
Requisite Knowledge – Methods and techniques of code compliance inspections,
AHJ requirements, occupancy, and job-related hazardous conditions
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to inspect, document, and report on electrical
installations using AHJ requirements
Recognize hazards and potential hazards associated with electrical equipment, given
an occupancy or conditions associated with the occupancy and the electrical system,
so that the electrical system is installed and operated in a manner and environment in
accordance with AHJ requirements and hazards are identified, documented, and
reported.
i.
Requisite Knowledge – Methods and techniques of code compliance inspections,
AHJ requirements, occupancy-related hazard conditions, electrical theory,
recognition of hazards and potential hazard sources, and hazardous materials
awareness and identification
ii. Requisite Skills – The ability to inspect, document, and report on electrical
systems hazards using AHJ requirements
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Certification Maintenance
Once you attain your CEI certification, you must recertify every three years. Failure to meet all
recertification requirements within that three-year period will result in the expiration of your
certification and will require you to reapply as a new CEI candidate. NFPA will send reminder emails
in advance of your certification expiration date to the email address you provide in your CMS
account. It is your responsibility to ensure this email is up to date.
Recertification applications are submitted online at onlinecertification.nfpa.org/nfpassa. For the
most up-to-date recertification fees, see the website.
Recertification Points System
Recertification of your CEI is accomplished by accumulating a required amount of recertification
points, as shown in the table below, before your three-year certification period ends. It is important
that you begin accumulating the required points as soon as possible. If college courses are declared
for training hours, the same course cannot be taken twice within the three-year recertification
period, and the candidate must convert credit hours to actual hours spent in the classroom.
It is highly recommended that you track your accumulated recertification points over the three-year
period using the NFPA CMS at onlinecertification.nfpa.org/nfpassa.
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Recertification Requirements Point System
CEI Recertification Requirements
To maintain currency and relevancy in electrical inspection, certification holders are required to submit a
minimum of 50 points of documented professional development for recertification. The 50 points must be
earned during the three-year recertification cycle and must be related to the electrical profession.
Training and Professional
Education
Allotted Points
Minimum
Points
Maximum
Points
Required
Documentation
NFPA 70: National Electrical
Code (NEC), training
1 point per contact
hour
20
50
Certificate or letter of
completion from
provider
Electrical Safety Training:
Classroom or online training in
electrical safety*
0.5 point per contact
hour
0
16
Certificate or letter of
completion from
provider
Other Professional
Development
Allotted Points
Minimum Maximum
Points
Points
Required
Documentation
Attendance at an electrical
safety conference (such as the
NFPA Conference & Expo® or
others)
0.5 point per contact
hour
0
10
Proof of registration
Instructing or lecturing by the
certification holder
2 points per hour of
delivered training
0
40
Letter from supervisor
or organizational
training record
Membership on the NFPA 70
technical committee
10 points per
recertification period
(3 years)
0
10
Official listing as
technical committee
member.
Publication by the certification
holder
5 points per blog /
self-published
0
30
Copy of article
Copy of title page
identifying author
10 points per article in
a periodical
30 points per book
Conversion: 1 CEU = 10 contact hours = 10 points
* Electrical safety training may include NFPA 70E, NFPA 70B, NESC, OSHA electrical safety training, arc flash, or other
courses genuinely about electrical safety (such as electrical thermography), subject to approval by NFPA.
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CEI Program Overview 2024
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NFPA certifications are a critical piece of the
NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem™ and
contribute to a skilled global workforce.
Learn more about NFPA certifications:
National Fire Protection Association
Quincy, MA USA
Email: adminsvcs@nfpa.org
Web: nfpa.org/For-Professionals/Certification
Exam Application: onlinecertification.nfpa.org/nfpassa