The National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) is searching for the best Fire Sprinkler Design Technicians! If you excel in NFPA 13 standards, can optimize spacing for uniquely shaped rooms, or have mastered suction pipe sizing for fire pumps, you might have what it takes to win the Top Tech competition. 

Access the 2025 Top Tech Exam Here

Event Details: 

• When: May 7–9, 2025 

• Where: Music City Center, Nashville, TN 

• Hosted by: North American Fire Sprinkler Expo® (NAFSE) 

• Prize: Up to $2,000 USD in cash! 

Competition Format 

The 2025 contest consists of three stages: 

Online Examination: 

• A 25-question, open-book exam on NFPA standards (see details below). 

• Layout and hydraulic calculations must be completed by hand and uploaded as a PDF. 

• Time Limit: 60 minutes for multiple-choice questions, plus 90 minutes for layout submission.

Onsite Written Test: 

• Held in Nashville to determine the top 18 finalists. 

Game Show Elimination Round: 

• Live competition in the exhibition hall on May 8–9, 2025. 

• Finalists compete for the title of NFSA’s 2025 Top Tech and cash prizes: 

• Winner: $2,000 

• Runner-up: $1,000 

• Semi-finalists: $250 each 

Additional Features: 

• Non-qualifiers at NAFSE can compete in a Poker Run for additional prizes. 

• All top participants receive full NAFSE registration and a $250 travel subsidy. 

Eligibility and Rules 

• Open to members of NFSA, CASA, and AMRACI. 

• Participants must create a unique NFSA website account and provide their name, company affiliation, and contact information. 

• Winners’ names and affiliations will be published in NFSA materials. 

• The exam is based on the following NFPA standards: 
  • NFPA 13, 13R, 13D, 20 (2025 editions) 
  • NFPA 14 (2024 edition) 
  • NFPA 22 (2023 edition) 
• Required materials: 
  • NFPA standards 
  • Calculator with an yˣ function 

Online Exam Details 

• Availability: Noon (EST), December 16, 2024, to Noon (EST), January 31, 2025. 

• Participants can take the exam once. 

• Ethical conduct is required; sharing exam details is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification. 

Important Notes: 

• Late submissions or technical issues will not be accommodated. 

• Up to 28 top scorers will be invited to Nashville. Declined spots will be offered to the next eligible participants. 
• Invitations will be issued by February 17, 2025.