UPDATED EXAMS IN THE WORKS
CSA is in the process of reviewing and updating all our exams. Sprinkler exams are complete and we are working on the fire alarm exams are close and FA2 will be in November 2025. Watch for updated information. As example, the questions will be validated to the 2022 & 2025 editions of NFPA 72. See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more info.
We have provided a link to the updated "Study Guide 2025" for the FA2 and FA4 exams. This document has been expanded to include nearly every subject to be tested on. This will also help those taking the older version during the transition. However, note that the references to code sections in the new Study Guide 2025 will be to the 2022 and 2025 and not the current 2019 questions. Some items have changed, but the new guide question subjects will still help prepare for either exam. We will have a transition period for those who have been taking the old exam. New registrations will be required to take the new exam. We will provide approximately 2 months for the transition. Watch for formal dates.
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Make sure to check back prior to your exam for the latest Study Guide and updated Supplemental Materials for the exams. These are also being updated and will include some new material to help study and be prepared. This will include information on new code changes that questions may be related to. We are also retiring some questions that many have missed and were more challenging for installers. See bottom of page for more study materials.
Fire Alarm Assessments
FA2 - Fire Alarm On-Site Competent Person
Review important information on the "Test Info" page common to all exams and about marking / tagging your study material.
This assessment is generally intended for installers of fire alarm systems. Questions focus heavily on notification, detection, obstructions, spacing, circuits, survivability, acoustic levels /loss, wire resistance / size, and voltage drop. The focus on voltage drop is not to design systems, but to understand the impact that voltage drop has on a system and how to avoid it. Questions will also address NFPA 70 criteria for panel clearance, circuit types, support of circuits, raceways, and more. OSHA criteria on Lock-Out-Tag-Out is also touched on.
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If you will be working in Denver, Colorado you need the Combination DENFA / FA2 exam.
Exam Fee:
Application Fee: None
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FA2 - Fire Alarm Competent On-site Person $180 / each attempt
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Important Concepts:
The following lists some but not all materials covered on exams.
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Notification including visual and audibility
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Detection types and spacing
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Circuit types, support, sizing
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Voltage drop with some calculations
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OSHA
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Panel clearance
Books Required:
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NFPA 72, 2019 Edition (Handbook Recommended)
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NFPA 70, (any edition between 2008 and 2020 will have applicable information)
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For Denver, see DENFA/FA2
Documents Required from Our Site:
Download and print these pdf documents. (click link)
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Updated "Study Guide 2025" for updated tests that will come out in November. See note at top of page.
FA4 - Fire Alarm Business Representative
Review important information on the "Test Info" page common to all exams and about marking / tagging your study material.
This assessment is generally intended for business representatives of fire alarm systems as required by some jurisdictions for business owners / partners. Questions focus heavily on notification, detection, obstructions, spacing, circuits, survivability, acoustic levels /loss, wire resistance / size, and voltage drop. The focus on voltage drop is not to design systems, but to understand the impact that voltage drop has on a system and how to avoid it. Questions will also address NFPA 70 criteria for panel clearance, circuit types, support of circuits, raceways, and more. OSHA criteria on Lock-Out-Tag-Out is also touched on.
This exam also includes material from the International Building Code (IBC). Including material on access control and fire alarm interface, where fire alarms are required, and other specific fire alarm requirements of the IBC that are often overlooked by fire alarm companies.
Exam Fee:
Application Fee: None
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FA4 - Fire Alarm Business Representative $210 / each attempt
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Important Concepts:
The following lists some but not all materials covered on exams.
​
-
Notification including visual and audibility
-
Detection types and spacing
-
Circuit types, support, sizing
-
Voltage drop with some calculations
-
OSHA
-
Panel clearance
-
IBC
Books Required:
-
NFPA 72, 2019 Edition (Handbook Recommended)
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NFPA 70, (any edition between 2008 and 2020 will have applicable information)
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International Building Code (IBC) either 2015 or 2018 edition [not IBC handbook]
Documents Required from Our Site:
Download and print these pdf documents. (click on link)
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Updated "Study Guide 2025" ​for updated tests that will come out in November. See note at top of page.
OSHA Resources:
These are NOT allowed in exams but there will be general questions. (click link)
Other Optional Study Material:
This material is not allowed in the test, but may be used to better understand and/or study. CSA is not liable for the content of this material and user is responsible to verify accuracy of material to current code requirements.
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V=IR Report Voltage drop report on a research project to evaluate voltage drop and circuits. Explains what voltage drop is and how it impacts systems.
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Audible Visible Appliance Reference Guide Published by System Sensor to help explain notification requirements between NFPA 72 and ADA.
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Differential Pressure Testing A white paper published by System Sensor to evaluate velocity of duct detectors.
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Meeting NFPA 72 Intelligibility Requirements A white paper by System Sensor about intelligibility. Has a few comments from CSA for clarification.
NFPA documents can be purchased from the National Fire Protection Association at www.NFPA.org. You can purchase hard copies and have them mailed to you. We recommend using NFPA handbooks when available as they contain the full standard along with additional useful images, commentary, and explanations. Before ordering, make sure you know what edition (Year) that you need. International Building and Fire Code Handbooks do not contain code content and are not recommended for CSA exams.