CFI Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CFI facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What mechanical condition can cause a dryer to start a fire even without electrical faults? → Lint accumulation in the exhaust duct restricting airflow and causing overheating
2. At approximately what concentration level can well-trained accelerant detection canines detect ignitable liquid residues? → Parts per trillion (ppt)
3. What should an investigator do if they discover new evidence after the report has been filed? → Include it in a supplemental or amended report to ensure full disclosure.
4. Which NFPA standard provides the most comprehensive guidance on vehicle fire investigation? → NFPA 921
5. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Surveillance Methods & Technology for CFI professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
6. Why is maintaining a documented chain of custody for fire debris samples critically important? → It ensures evidence integrity and is required for admissibility in legal proceedings
7. In GC-MS fire debris analysis, what is the significance of identifying a 'target compound' in a sample? → It indicates the presence of a specific class of ignitable liquid within the sample
8. What is the purpose of including a 'blank' container in a fire debris laboratory analysis submission? → To confirm that the collection containers themselves are free of contamination
9. Why is it important for fire investigators to have knowledge of relevant laws and regulations? → To avoid legal challenges to evidence and findings.
10. What is the most common electrical cause of structure fires in residential buildings in the United States? → Arcing and sparking from electrical wiring faults
11. How should fire investigators ensure the accuracy of their report? → By cross-referencing all findings and ensuring that conclusions are supported by evidence.
12. What is pyrolysis in the context of fire investigation? → The chemical decomposition of a material by heat without combustion
13. What is the importance of evidence preservation at a fire scene? → To ensure evidence is preserved for legal proceedings.
14. What is the purpose of documenting the chain of custody in fire investigations? → To track who handles the evidence and prevent tampering.
15. How should an investigator handle discrepancies between witness statements and physical evidence? → Reconcile the statements with the physical evidence to ensure consistency and accuracy.
16. Which analytical method is considered the gold standard for identifying ignitable liquid residues in fire debris laboratory samples? → Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
17. What is the purpose of a fire scene sketch? → To provide a diagram of the fire scene with evidence and fire patterns.
18. Why must fire investigators maintain professionalism when interacting with victims or witnesses? → To ensure clear and unbiased information is gathered.
19. What is the importance of fire investigator training in evidence interpretation? → To ensure that fire scene evidence is interpreted correctly and reliably.
20. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Digital & Cyber Investigation? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
21. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Investigative Planning & Methodology for CFI professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
22. What should be included in the documentation of fire scene evidence? → A detailed description of the evidence, including photographs and notes.
23. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Investigative Planning & Methodology, what should a CFI professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
24. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Report Writing & Case Presentation for CFI professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
25. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Legal Authority & Due Process, what should a CFI professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
26. In Surveillance Methods & Technology, what is the FIRST step a CFI professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
27. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Surveillance Methods & Technology, what should a CFI professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
28. In Investigative Planning & Methodology, what is the FIRST step a CFI professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
29. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Interview & Interrogation Techniques? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
30. What should an investigator do if they discover conflicting evidence after completing the fire report? → Reassess the evidence and update the report as needed.