Certificate of Fitness for Supervision of Flammable and Combustible Finishing Operations (C-30)

The City Fire Department offers a Certificate of Fitness to supervise flammable and combustible finishing operations:

• You will be in charge of safely spraying, dipping or immersing objects in flammable paints, varnish or lacquers.
• You might work in places like spray booths, spray rooms, dipping rooms and storage rooms.
• This certificate is only valid for the specific location and the person to whom it is issued.

• Pass the written exam: You need to pass a written exam to get this certificate. You must review the C-30 Notice of Exam and Study Materials (PDF)

• Apply in person: You must apply in person and bring these documents:

  • A completed Certificate of Fitness Application Form (PDF)
  • A letter of employment. You can use a Sample Employer Recommendation Letter (PDF) or a Sample Self-Employment Letter (PDF)
  • Two forms of ID. One must be a government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license or a passport.

In-person applications:

• If you pass the test: You will get your certificate right away.
• If you do not pass the test: You will get a report that says you did not pass. To take the test again, you need to submit a new application and pay the fee.

• The New York City (NYC) Fire Code changes often: You must read and know the latest Study Materials

• You need to renew your certificate every three years:

  • The NYC Fire Department (FDNY) will send you a Renewal Notice 90 days before your certificate expires
  • This letter will have your certificate number, the expiration date and the 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-exam when you renew
  • No certificate will be renewed without the required form or a retake of the exam

• To change your mailing address, submit the following in person or by mail to the NYC Fire Department (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 New York City Fire Department

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

  • A letter from your current employer on company letterhead confirming your employment and new work location. If you are self-employed, include 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 New York City Fire Department

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

  • A government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license or a passport). The name on the ID must match the name on the certificate
  • Your Social Security number (SSN)
  • Your mailing address
  • A personal check or money order for $5.00 made payable to the New York City Fire Department

• Visit the Public Certification Unit: Go to the Public Certification Unit with your application form and documents. You do not need an appointment

• Submit your application: Hand in your completed application form and documents

• Pay the application fee: The fee is $25. You can pay by:

  • Cash
  • Credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa)
  • Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)
  • Personal or company check made payable to the New York City Fire Department
  • Money order made payable to the New York City Fire Department

• Note:

  • A 2 percent convenience fee applies to all credit card payments

  • The application fee is non-refundable

  • City employees may request a fee exemption by submitting a copy of their employee ID and a letter from their city agency

  • The letter must be on official letterhead and confirm their employment and that the Certificate of Fitness will be used for their work-related tasks

• Take the exam: You will take the exam after submitting your application and paying the fee

• Get your certificate: If you pass the exam, you will get your Certificate of Fitness right away. If you fail, you will need to apply again, pay the fee and retake the exam

Contact information:

NYC Fire Department (FDNY)
Public Certification Unit
9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. They are closed on public holidays.

• If you are an individual, have your 12-digit Certificate of Fitness Access ID:

  • This is on your Renewal Notice

  • If you do not have your Renewal Notice, your Access ID is your 8-digit Certificate of Fitness number and the last four digits of your SSN

  • If you are renewing for a company’s employees, the company must be approved by FDNY and have an 8-digit Company Code. To request approval, email pubrenew@fdny.nyc.gov

• Pay the renewal fee: The fee is $15. You can pay by:

  • Credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa)

  • Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)

  • E-Check

• If you renew 90 days to one year after the expiration date:

  • You will pay a $25 penalty plus the renewal fee

  • A 2.49 percent convenience fee will be applied to all credit card payments

  • The renewal fee is non-refundable

  • You cannot request a fee exemption if you renew online

• If all the requirements are met:  You will get your certificate within 10 days

• To renew your certificate: Select Renew Online. If you are an individual, you can only renew your own certificate

• Pay the renewal fee: The fee is $15. You can pay by:

  • Cash
  • Credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa)
  • Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)
  • Personal or company check made payable to the New York City Fire Department
  • Money order made payable to the New York City Fire Department

• If you renew 90 days to one year after the expiration date:

  • You will pay a $25 penalty plus the renewal fee
  • A 2.49 percent convenience fee will be applied to all credit card payments
  • The renewal fee is non-refundable
  • City employees may request a fee exemption if they submit a copy of their employee ID and a letter from their city agency
  • The letter must be on official letterhead to confirm their employment and that the Certificate of Fitness will be used as part of their work-related tasks

• Submit your Renewal Notice: If you did not receive a Renewal Notice, submit a copy of your certificate. Also, submit your fee payment and other documents to:
  
  NYC Fire Department (FDNY)
  Cashier's Unitc
  9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor
  Brooklyn, NY 11201
  Hours: Open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. They are closed on public holidays

• If all the requirements are met: You will get your certificate right away

• Pay the renewal fee: The fee is $15. You can pay by:

  • Personal or company check made payable to the New York City Fire Department
  • Money order made payable to the New York City Fire Department

• If you renew 90 days to one year after the expiration date:

  • You will pay a $25 penalty plus the renewal fee
  • The renewal fee is non-refundable
  • City employees may request a fee exemption if they mail a copy of their employee ID and a letter from their city agency
  • The letter must be on official letterhead to confirm their employment and that the Certificate of Fitness will be used as part of their work-related tasks

• Mail your Renewal Notice: If you did not receive a Renewal Notice, submit a copy of your certificate. Also, submit your fee payment and other documents to:
  
  NYC Fire Department (FDNY)
  Cashier's Unit
  9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor
  Brooklyn, NY 11201

• If all the requirements are met: You will get your certificate within four to six weeks