So I finally got my CFPS last month after failing the first time by 12 points. I'm a fire protection engineer with about 6 years of experience, and I honestly thought my field knowledge would carry me through without much prep. Big mistake. The first time I sat for it, I walked in after skimming the study guide for maybe two weeks and got absolutely humbled.
What turned things around was being more systematic about it. I spent 8 weeks on round two — about 90 minutes a day on weekdays. I found a solid CFPS practice test resource that mimicked the real question style pretty well, which helped me get comfortable with how NFPA codes get tested (it's not just recall, they love application scenarios). Weak spots for me were Chapter 6 water supply stuff and the foam systems section.
Anyone else taking it this year? Happy to share my full study breakdown if it helps. Also curious what exam tips others picked up along the way — especially around the codes and standards weighting.