ABSTRACT
The whole point of any meaningful certification program is to improve the quality of work in the field by encouraging professionals to improve their knowledge, skills, and abilities. Competent, professionally involved investigators reflect well on their agency, and a responsible agency will support the continuous professional development of its employees. Professional participation includes not only attending meetings but also teaching, writing, and taking part in efforts by the profession to improve the overall quality of work through standardization. The fire investigation profession has a stake in each investigator's individual practice. An investigator's file for each investigation should contain a complete record of work done and information gathered that can be shown without reservation to anyone with a legitimate interest in seeing that file, especially the client. These records should include adequate photographs, notes, and a report, whether internal or external.
