Pat,

You are being less than genuine when you imply that the IAAI CFI program is not grounded in NFPA 921 and 1033. Other scientific texts and publications are also included in the reference material that prospective candidates are tested against as the testing against this information helps measure whether and individual posesses the requisit knowledge and skills established in 1033.

Additionally, documentiaton of other critera is included in the application to ensure that candidates have relevant education, experience, training, and testimony experience, again measuring a candidate against the 1033 Standards.

The IAAI CFI program is accredited by the PRO Board as meeting or exceeding the standards established in NFPA 1033 and is open to all fire investigators regardless of organizational affiliation.

I believe that the different qualification standards to sit for the test is the reason for the larger number of NAFI CFEI's.

The IAAI has participated in and supported the evoltional process of 921 for some time and has long recognized the significance and importance of 921 to the Fire Investigation industry.

Because the organization does not choose to endorse the document as "the Standard of Care," does not mean that the organization does not hold the document in high regard and does not trivialize the importance document.

I believe (not the opinion of the organizaiton) that the Scientific Method (as espoused by NFPA 921 and other scientific texts) is the standard of care for our industry. In using the scientific method the investigator is free to utilize a plethora of documents, journals and publications in analyzing and testing hyptotheses developed as a result of data collection at fire scenes.

I agree with others that some of the past bickering regarding the IAAI and NAFI has not served anyone and, I too do not want this to digress into which certification is better. Both certifications serve a purpose to the industry and the individuas who hold them. People, companies, courts, etc. can evaluate the differences between the two, determine which certification (for a large number it is both) serves their needs, and weigh the value of each program against the existing standards outlined in NFPA 1033.