Certificate of Fitness for Flame Retardant Treatment (C-15)

The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) says that some places need flame-resistant decorations. These places include Groups A, E, I and M occupancies; Group R-1 college and university dorms; common areas in Groups B, R-1 and R-2 occupancies; and any building or place used for public gatherings.

A C-15 Certificate of Fitness holder must treat or supervise the treatment of materials with a certified flame-retardant chemical. The C-15 holder makes sure that decorations and scenery are flame retardant or naturally flame resistant.

This Certificate of Fitness is only for the person it is given to and can be used anywhere in New York City.

• You need to pass a written exam to get this Certificate of Fitness. Review the C-15 Notice of Exam and Study Materials.

• You must apply in person and bring these documents:

  • A completed Certificate of Fitness Application Form

  • A letter of employment:

    • Sample Employer Recommendation Letter
    • Sample Self-Employment Letter

  • Two forms of ID, which include one government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or a passport

In-person applications

• If you pass the test, you will get your certificate right after you finish the exam.
• If you do not pass the test, you will get a failure report. To retake the test, you need to submit a new application and pay the fee again.

• The New York City Fire Code changes often: You must read and know the latest Study Materials.
• You need to renew this certificate every three years: The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) will send a Renewal Notice 90 days before your certificate expires. This letter includes your certificate number, expiration date and renewal fee. You must renew your certificate within 364 days of the expiration date.
  
  If your certificate is more than one year past its expiration date, you will need to apply again. FDNY may ask you to take a re-examination when you renew. No certificate will be renewed without the required certification form or a retake of the exam.

• To change your mailing address: You must submit the following in person or by mail to the FDNY, Cashier's Unit, 9 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201:

  • A letter requesting the change of mailing address
  • A copy of your certificate with the old address
  • A personal check or money order for $5.00 made payable to the Fire Department City of New York

• To change your work location: You must submit the following in person or by mail to FDNY, Cashier's Unit, 9 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201:

  • A letter from your current employer (on company letterhead) confirming that you are an employee and stating your new work location; if self-employed, a letter requesting a change to your work location
  • A copy of your certificate with the old address
  • A personal check or money order for $5.00 made payable to the Fire Department City of New York

• To request a replacement certificate: You must submit the following in person or by mail to the FDNY, Cashier's Unit, 9 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201:

  • A government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport), with the name on the ID matching the name on the certificate
  • Your Social Security number
  • Your mailing address
  • A personal check or money order for $5.00 made payable to the Fire Department City of New York

• Go to the Public Certification Unit: Arrive at the Public Certification Unit ready to submit your application form and supporting documents, pay the application fee, and take the exam. No appointment is needed.
  
  NYC Fire Department (FDNY)
  Public Certification Unit
  9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor
  Brooklyn, NY 11201
  Hours: Open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Closed on public holidays.

• Submit your application form and documents.

• Pay the $25 fee:

  • Cash
  • Credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa)
  • Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)
  • Personal or company check (payable to the New York City Fire Department)
  • Money order (payable to the New York City Fire Department)
    
    Note: A 2 percent fee will be added to credit card payments. The fee is nonrefundable. If you are a City employee, you can request a fee exemption by submitting a copy of your employee ID and a letter from your City agency on official letterhead confirming that the Certificate of Fitness will be used for work-related responsibilities.

• Take the exam.

• Receive your certificate: If you pass the exam, your Certificate of Fitness will be issued immediately. If you do not pass, you will need to submit a new application, pay the fee again and retake the exam.

• Pay the $15 renewal fee by one of these methods:

  • Personal or company check (made payable to the New York City Fire Department)
  • Money order (made payable to the New York City Fire Department)
    
    Renewals submitted 90 days (up to one year) after the expiration date will incur a $25 penalty in addition to the renewal fee. The renewal fee is nonrefundable. If you are a City employee, you may request a fee exemption if you mail a copy of your employee ID and a letter from your City agency on official letterhead to confirm that you are a current employee and that the Certificate of Fitness will be used as part of your work-related responsibilities.

• Mail your Renewal Notice (or if you did not receive a Renewal Notice, a copy of your certificate), and, if applicable, your fee payment and supporting documents to:
  
  NYC Fire Department (FDNY)
  Cashier’s Unit
  9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor
  Brooklyn, NY 11201

• If all the requirements are met: A certificate will be mailed out within four to six weeks.