Certificate of Fitness to Supervise the Storage and Handling of Chemicals in NYC K-12 School Laboratories (D-15)

All lab workers who store and handle chemicals in NYC K-12 schools need a Certificate of Fitness (D-15). This certificate is valid only at a specific location and for the person it is issued to.

To get this Certificate of Fitness, you need one of these:

• A New York State (NYC) Permanent Certification as a Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science or Physics (7-12) Teacher
• A NYS General Science (7-12) Teacher Extension Certification
• A New York City Department of Education Certification as a laboratory specialist

You also need to meet special requirements and review the Study Materials.

D-15 Study Materials (PDF)

You should review the D-15 Alternative Issuance Procedure Information (PDF). You must apply online and provide this information:

• Your name, mailing address, phone number, email, gender, Social Security number, date of birth, weight, height and work location
• A completed D-15 Applicant Affirmation Form (PDF), which must be notarized
• A NYS Permanent Certification as a Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science or Physics (7-12) Teacher or a NYS General Science (7-12) Teacher Extension Certification or a New York City Department of Education Certification as a laboratory specialist
• A certificate or letter on the Department of Education official letterhead stating that you have completed the DOE Science Safety training
• A recent ID photo (2x2 color headshot) in JPG or JPEG format
• A copy of your employee ID

Online applications:

• If your application meets all New York City Fire Department (FDNY) rules, you will get a certificate in the mail within five business days.
• If the FDNY has questions, they will call you in two business days.
• If you do not answer within 10 days, your application will be canceled. You will need to apply again and pay the fee.

• The New York City Fire Code changes often: You must read and know the latest Study Materials.
• Renewal frequency: You need to renew this certificate every three years. The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) will send you a Renewal Notice 90 days before your certificate expires. This letter will have 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 New York City 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 copy of your employee ID
  • A letter from your City agency on official letterhead confirming you are a current employee and that the Certificate of Fitness will be used as part of your work-related responsibilities

• 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 copy of your certificate with the old address
  • A copy of your employee ID
  • A letter from your City agency on official letterhead confirming you are a current employee and that the Certificate of Fitness will be used as part of your work-related responsibilities

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

  • A letter requesting a replacement certificate and stating your Social Security number and mailing address
  • 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
  • A copy of your employee ID
  • A letter from your City agency on official letterhead confirming you are a current employee and that the Certificate of Fitness will be used as part of your work-related responsibilities

• Gather electronic copies of your supporting documents.
• To request a fee exemption: upload a copy of your employee ID and a letter from the NYC Department of Education (DOE) on official letterhead. This letter should confirm that you are a current employee and that you will use the Certificate of Fitness for your work-related responsibilities.
• To submit an application: click the Apply online button. If you are an individual, you can only submit your own application. If you are submitting an application for a science teacher, you must be authorized by the NYC DOE to act as a Designated Coordinator and be approved by the NYC Fire Department (FDNY). To request approval, email pubcert@fdny.nyc.gov.

• Submit your Renewal Notice (or if you did not receive a Renewal Notice, a copy of your certificate) and, if needed, your fee payment and supporting documents to:
  
  NYC Fire Department (FDNY)
  Cashier's 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.

• To request a fee exemption: Submit a copy of your employee ID and a letter from the NYC Department of Education (DOE) on official letterhead confirming you are a current employee and that the Certificate of Fitness will be used as part of your work-related responsibilities.

• Certificate issuance: If all the requirements are met, a certificate will be issued immediately.

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

• To request a fee exemption: Mail a copy of your employee ID and a letter from the NYC Department of Education (DOE) on official letterhead confirming you are a current employee and that the Certificate of Fitness will be used as part of your work-related responsibilities.

• Certificate issuance: If all the requirements are met, a certificate will be mailed out within four to six weeks.