About Us

One of the best ways to identify a competent specialist is to check their credentials. The National Fireplace Institute®, an independent, non-profit certification agency, has created the standard for certification in the hearth industry. Only those who pass a rigorous examination covering fundamentals of proper installation receive NFI Specialist Certification. NFI Specialists who have earned all three Certifications are recognized as Master Hearth Professionals (MHP). This accomplishment is acknowledged with the MHP logo being displayed on the Web site and NFI identification card.

National Fireplace Institute® History

For over 25 years, the independent non-profit Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Education Foundation (HPBEF) has offered certifications for professionals in the hearth industry.

In 2001, the HPBEF formed the National Fireplace Institute® as the national certification agency for the industry. A comprehensive review process was conducted with the help of industry installers, technical experts, and hearth business owners to determine what industry professionals need to know.

As a result of the formal review process, based on national standards for certification agencies, the HPBEF revised and improved both manuals and exams for gas, woodburning, and pellet certifications. The comprehensive certifications are designed to gain recognition by building officials, code officials, and the general public

NFI Certified Gas Specialist: Proven knowledge of gas fireplaces, log sets and stoves as well as their venting systems.

NFI Certified Woodburning Specialist: Proven knowledge of factory-built fireplaces, fireplace inserts, woodstoves, and chimneys.

NFI Certified Pellet Specialist: Proven knowledge of freestanding stoves, fireplace inserts, built-in appliances, and venting systems.

The National Fireplace Institute® certifications set a high standard for excellence in the industry. The manuals and corresponding exams are comprehensive and serve as an important educational tool for hearth shop personnel, appliance installers and for other professionals involved with the fireplace industry.

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association is dedicated to bringing the most timely and useful information to consumers who use or are considering the purchase of hearth, patio or barbecue products.