NFPA's Certified Fire Protection Specialist and Certified Fire Inspector I programs have been approved for reimbursement of examination fees by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as part of the Montgomery GI bill, retroactive to March 1, 2001.

The bill was amended to cover reimbursement to veterans for certification and licensing examinations. NFPA's two programs qualify because they meet criteria recently set by the VA.

Hundreds already have been certified through NFPA's examination process, including code enforcers, fire inspectors, fire marshals, plan examiners, loss control professionals, risk managers and fire safety specialists.

"Certification improves knowledge and skills, establishes credentials, demonstrates commitment, enhances the profession's image and creates career opportunities," said Robert Ruscitto, director of certification for NFPA.