1. NFPA 1, Fire Code (2024 Edition) — The Foundation of Fire Safety

The NFPA 1, Fire Code 2024 Edition is the comprehensive foundation for anyone preparing for fire code examinations. This edition includes updated provisions on lithium-ion battery storage and energy storage systems (ESS), reflecting the modern fire safety landscape. It addresses fire prevention, emergency egress, occupancy requirements, hazardous materials management, and fire protection systems — all in a single unified code.

For candidates appearing in fire inspection or fire code compliance exams, NFPA 1 is typically the primary reference. It is especially important for those in building management, municipal fire departments, and fire marshal offices. Read N Write Books offers this title at a significant discount from the official retail price, making it accessible for exam candidates in USA and across Canada.

2. NFPA 101, Life Safety Code (2024 Edition) — The Most-Referenced Code in Fire Safety

The NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 2024 is arguably the single most important NFPA publication for exam preparation. Almost every fire safety certification exam — from the CFPS (Certified Fire Protection Specialist) to state fire inspector exams — references NFPA 101 extensively. It governs the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings to protect occupants from fire and other emergencies.

This 2024 edition includes updated requirements for means of egress, building construction types, occupant load calculations, sprinkler system requirements, and emergency lighting. Healthcare, educational, residential, mercantile, industrial, and assembly occupancies are all covered in separate, detailed chapters.

If you can only choose one book to begin your NFPA exam preparation, NFPA 101 should be it. Read N Write Books also stocks the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 2018 Edition for candidates whose jurisdiction still references the 2018 cycle.

3. NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (2022) — Essential for Fire Suppression Exams

The NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems 2022 Edition is the definitive reference for anyone working in — or being examined on — automatic fire sprinkler systems. NICET fire suppression exams at all four levels reference NFPA 13 directly, making it an absolute must-have for these certification tracks.

NFPA 13 governs everything from system design and hydraulic calculations to pipe sizing, sprinkler selection, and obstruction rules. Exam candidates should pay particular attention to the tables for pipe schedules, the rules for obstruction and deflector placement, and the special requirements for storage occupancies.

4. NFPA 25 — Standard for Inspection, Testing & Maintenance of Water-Based Systems

If your career or examination focuses on the maintenance and testing side of fire protection, NFPA 25 (2020 Edition) is your primary reference. This standard covers the inspection, testing, and maintenance frequencies and procedures for sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fire pumps, water storage tanks, and valves.

Read N Write Books carries both the NFPA 25 2020 Edition and the NFPA 25 2017 Edition — useful because different jurisdictions adopt different cycles. Consult your certification body before purchasing to confirm which edition is referenced in your exam.

5. NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers (2022) — Compact But Exam-Critical

Don’t let the relatively slim size of the NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers 2022 Edition fool you — this standard is heavily tested in fire inspection exams and safety management certifications. It covers selection, installation, inspection, maintenance, recharging, and hydrostatic testing of portable fire extinguishers for all occupancy types.

Exam candidates should focus on the tables covering maximum travel distances, the inspection frequency requirements, and the hydrostatic test intervals for different cylinder types. These specific, detail-oriented requirements are precisely the type of content that appears on multiple-choice exam questions.

6. NFPA 24, Standard for Private Fire Service Mains (2022)

The NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains 2022 Edition is an important supplementary reference for candidates focused on water supply infrastructure for fire protection systems. It governs underground fire mains, connections to public water supplies, valves, and private hydrants.

This standard is frequently referenced alongside NFPA 13 in sprinkler design exams and in broader fire protection engineering credentials. Understanding how the underground piping network connects to and supports the above-ground suppression system is critical for both design professionals and exam candidates.

7. NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code (2018 & 2021 Handbook)

For professionals working in gas utilities, mechanical contracting, or building inspection with a focus on fuel gas systems, the NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code 2018 is the governing standard. It covers the design, installation, and inspection of natural gas and LP-gas piping systems inside buildings.

Read N Write Books also carries the NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code Handbook 2021 Edition — the annotated handbook version with full code text plus commentary, diagrams, and explanatory notes from NFPA technical staff. For exam candidates, the handbook format is often far more useful than the base code alone because the commentary clarifies the intent behind each requirement — invaluable for application-based exam questions.

8. NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (2020 Edition)

The NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code 2020 Edition is the essential reference for anyone dealing with propane or LP-gas systems. It covers the storage, handling, transportation, and use of liquefied petroleum gas in all settings — residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial.

For exam candidates in LP-gas service, automotive gas system work, or rural utility infrastructure, NFPA 58 may actually be more relevant to your daily practice than NFPA 54. Many state LP-gas licensing exams draw questions directly from this standard.

9. NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator (2022)

The NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator 2022 Edition is the foundational reference for anyone pursuing fire investigation certification. It defines the minimum job performance requirements (JPRs) for fire investigators, covering scene examination, evidence documentation, cause determination, and legal testimony.

For candidates pursuing the CFI (Certified Fire Investigator) credential from the IAAI or similar bodies, NFPA 1033 is the competency framework around which the entire certification is built. Understanding each JPR and its associated knowledge, skills, and abilities is essential for passing investigation exams.

10. NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC) 2026 — Electrical Hazard Crossover

While primarily an electrical standard, the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code 2026 has significant relevance for fire safety professionals. Electrical malfunctions remain one of the leading causes of structure fires, and fire inspectors, building code officials, and fire protection engineers must have working knowledge of NEC requirements for wiring methods, overcurrent protection, grounding, and hazardous location classifications.

Many fire safety certification exams include NEC-adjacent questions, and having this current edition in your study library rounds out your preparation comprehensively.