News & Information
Fire Alarm Exams Updated January 2026
Effective January 2026
We have finished updating all the fire alarm exams to the 2022 & 2025 editions and they are now being delivered. There were a few changes in the 2025 edition that are specifically identified in our study guide. So, even if you use the 2022 edition the study guide will point out the changes that are on the exam. The study guide has been significantly expanded to cover nearly every topic on the exam. If you put your eyes on every item in the study guide and not rely on what you were taught or remember from long ago, you should do good on the exam. We also added a lot of new study material at the bottom of the Fire Alarm subject page. Although you cannot use this material in an exam, it is great material to review.
Sprinkler Exams Updated March 2025
Effective March 2025
All sprinkler exams were updated to 2022 and 2025 editions of NFPA 13. There were a few changes in the 2025 edition that are specifically identified in our study guide. So, even if you use the 2022 edition the study guide will point out the changes that are on the exam. The study guide has been significantly expanded to cover nearly every topic on the exam. If you put your eyes on every item in the study guide and not rely on what you were taught or remember from long ago, you should do good on the exam.
You Spoke and We Listened - FPU2 Exam
Effective August 15, 2024
After a full years' worth of delivery, we reviewed the data and your comments. Based on this we decided to increase the time on the FPU2 from 2-hours to 2-hours 30-minutes. Based on the technical aspects and specialty of this exam, we agreed that additional time is appropriate. Many people (including the very first contractor to take the exam) have passed on the first attempt. Although the pass/fail rate was not bad, it was not where we would like to see it. We considered several options. We were not comfortable with reducing the number of questions based on the importance of this exam. So, we decided to give candidates more time. Although this additional time increases the cost of delivery to CSA for the proctoring services, we decided to absorb the cost and not pass to the customer. After the next year we will again review the data to see if it made a difference.
Options for Replacement Certificates
Effective January of 2024
Due to demand, CSA now offers the options for replacement ID cards, replacement certificates, or you can request a replacement duplicate ID card and one certificate. Fees are identified on the "More" "Replacement ID" link from top margin.
New Fire Pump Installation and Service Exam
Effective January of 2023
At the request of Denver, Colorado CSA has established a new exam for the installation and service of fire pumps. This exam is heavily focused on NFPA 20, while also addressing criteria from several other related standards. The exam became available in March 2023, but did not get regular takers until August 2023.
Welcome Denver, Colorado Contractors
Effective January 1, 2023
The city of Denver, Colorado worked with CSA in late 2022 to take advantage of CSA's existing qualification exams. In addition, CSA developed a customized fire alarm assessment that incorporates Denver amendments. By recognizing CSA qualifications, contractors can now utilize the same exams to satisfy requirements for the State of Colorado and El Paso County. Contractors doing fire alarm work in Denver will need to pass the DENFA exam which satisfies the requirements of the FA2 exam while also incorporating Denver local amendments. CSA will be working with Denver to incorporate additional exams going forward.
Welcome Lincoln, Nebraska Contractors
Updated January 4, 2022
Lincoln Bureau of Fire Prevention has been in the process of updating their local codes for some time, and has been working with CSA in ensuring a smooth transition for qualifications. Previously Lincoln administered their own examinations. Effective January of 2022 they will replace their own internal exams and formally recognize CSA qualification exams as evidence of minimum code competency. We look forward to working with the City of Lincoln and their contractors.
New Clean Agent Exam
Updated January 4, 2022
There has been discussion for a clean agent exam for some years. At the request of Lincoln, Nebraska CSA is moving forward with the development and implementation of this new exam. We expect the new PEG2 Pre-Engineered Gas Clean Agent On-Site exam to be available in January. Questions and specific details are still being developed. Once available, it will be included on the Assessments Subject page.