Techniques for monitoring operation of a flame ignitor are provided. In one embodiment, multiple inputs are received. The inputs are received from at least one of a first group of inputs and a second group of inputs. The first group includes a flame rod voltage, a stop signal for deactivation of the flame ignitor, a fuel supply interruption signal, and an air supply interruption signal. The second group includes a start signal for activation of the flame ignitor, and a flame proven signal indicating presence of a flame produced by the flame ignitor. If inputs from the first group are received, a cause of a failure of the flame ignitor is determined. If inputs from the second group are received, a reliability of the flame ignitor is determined.