The National Insurance Services Office (ISO) rates communities and their available resources for responding to and controlling fires. The ISO uses a scale of 1 (the best rating) to 10 (no protection available). These ratings are then used by the state and other rating bureaus to establish fire insurance rates. 

Greensboro was last evaluated in 2001 and attained a Class 1 rating effective February 1, 2002, which the GFD has maintained since that time. Greensboro is the only community in North Carolina, and one of only 30 in the nation, to have a Class 1 Rating. This rating ensures the lowest possible fire insurance rates in the state. The difference between a Class 2 and a Class 1 saves Greensboro about $1.8 million in insurance premiums each year. 

The Class 1 rating also serves as an enticement when recruiting companies to the area, resulting in new jobs for the community. In addition, the rating translates into a service capability that provides a safer environment when citizens are in commercial properties to work or conduct business.

During the late 1980s, leaders in the fire service, City and County government recognized a need to develop a comprehensive system of fire service evaluation that could help local governments determine their risks and fire safety needs, evaluate performance of the organizations involved, and provide a method for continuous improvement.

In 1988, the executive boards of the International City Management Association (ICMA) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) signed a memorandum of understanding committing both organizations to develop a voluntary international fire service accreditation system. This system became the specific vehicle by which communities can evaluate their risks and allocate their resources based on the mission and objectives of their organization.

During the development phase of the accreditation model, Greensboro was selected, along with 12 other fire organizations internationally, to be a beta test site. The GFD participated as a test site during late 1993 and early 1994, and conducted a self-assessment and peer-assessment in 1994. As a beta test site, the Greensboro Fire Department was determined to be a credible organization if an accrediting body had actually been in place.

Following the successful completion of the beta test phase, the ICMA and the IAFC formed an independent third party to administer the fire service accreditation process. The Commission on Fire Accreditation International was created in late 1996 and began taking applications from agencies in early 1997. Greensboro was postured to be one of the first agencies considered for an accreditation award because of its position as a beta test site and the City's commitment to keep the self-assessment study current.

The department has adopted the self-assessment process, including all the categories, criterion, and performance indicators, as its primary evaluation, planning and management tool since 1994. Only six agencies were considered ready for an onsite review during the summer of 1997. Five of these agencies, all beta test sites, were determined to be credible and were granted accredited status at the IAFC international conference in Dallas, Texas on August 25, 1997.

Accreditation is effective for five years, as long as the agency stays in good standing. The agency must submit an annual report of compliance and conduct the in-depth self-assessment every five years. A peer review is conducted every five years. The accreditation model is one for improvement; therefore, the organization must demonstrate continual efforts to improve the quality of services provide while deploying resources as efficiently and effectively as possible.