About the Exam
Please note, the ACE exam will be changing effective August 1, 2022. The information listed below is for exams being taken prior to August 1, 2022. Please visit About the Exam – New Requirements to review information about the exam for exam dates after August 1, 2022.
Exams consist of multiple‐choice questions, with each question having one correct answer. Each exam is automatically generated from a test bank containing hundreds of exam‐level appropriate questions. Each exam is entirely unique and answer choices are randomly ordered. No two exams are entirely the same.
Refer to the content overview for topics covered for each certification.
| Certification | Exam Questions | Time | Fee | Content Outline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspector Level I | 45 questions | 90 minutes | $400.00 | Level I Content Outline |
| Inspector Level II Next Step | 90 questions | 150 minutes | $300.00 | Level II Content Outline |
| Inspector Level II Direct | 90 questions | 150 minutes | $600.00 | Level I-II Content Outline |
A score of 80% or higher is required to pass for all ACE certifications.
Materials Permitted in the Exam
Due to the nature of both the profession and the assessment, Academy Certification Exams’ Inspector I and Inspector II exams are “open‐book”, allowing the use of various materials for reference. Exam takers will receive a list of allowed materials, including those specific to the State where applicable. Unless otherwise indicated in the confirmation email, only official bound or copies in binders, of the materials listed will be allowed into the exam room.
Certification exams are based on the NFPA 25 2017 standard. It is strongly recommended that the 2017 edition of NFPA 25 is used for the exam.
In addition to NFPA 25 2017, ACE allows the following reference material to be used in the exam:
- NFPA 13 – 2016 edition (or subsequent edition)
- NFPA 14 – 2016 edition (or subsequent edition)
- NFPA 20 – 2016 edition (or subsequent edition)
- NFPA 72 – 2016 edition (or subsequent edition)
Florida Specific Reference Materials:
- FL Law 69A-46 (A copy will be provided at the exam site)
- FL Licensing Law (A copy will be provided at the exam site)
Reference material may contain MINIMAL handwritten notes. Highlighted passages and permanent tabs are allowed. If permanent tabs are not used, the tabs will be required to be removed prior to the exam.
NFPA Handbooks are not permitted. Only bound copies of the NFPA codes and standards books will be allowed. Any employer-issued copies of these materials MUST be spiral bound or in a binder. NO LOOSE PHOTOCOPIES. Books may contain minimal handwritten notes. Highlighted passages and permanent tabs are allowed. If you do not have access to bound copies of these codes and standards books, they can be purchased online at www.nfpa.org/catalog.
You will also be allowed to bring in one programmable calculator. You will NOT be allowed to use the calculator function on cell phones, laptops, tablets, or other media-devices. Any electronic device other than the allowed calculator must be powered down and put away during the entirety of the exam.
ALL materials will be checked for appropriateness by the proctor prior to AND following the exam. No notes or comments about the exam, topics, questions, format, scoring, etc., will be allowed to leave the exam room. The exam and details surrounding it are confidential. This will be outlined in our Academy Certification Exams Non-Disclosure Statement, which must be signed before turning in your exam. Without your signature on this agreement, we will not process your certification.
Please review Academy Exam Certification’s complete policies and procedures.
Exam Results
Exam results will be provided within 10 business days of the exam date, as long as all required documentation has been submitted and approved. All initial result notifications are made via email and can be found under your account. Official certificates of certification will be mailed to the physical address on file.
Certification requires valid continuing education, valid work verification (if required) and at least an 80% passing score on the exam.
Academy Certification Exams (ACE) considers exam results to be private and confidential. The certification is specific to the individual and not the organization/employer. Exam results will only be provided to the test taker.
Please review Academy Exam Certification’s complete policies and procedures.