Certificate of Fitness for Powder Actuated Tools (E-21)

You need a Certificate of Fitness to use powder actuated tools. These tools can be dangerous, so you must create a safe zone behind the work area.

You can do this by:

• Using a half-inch steel back-up plate
• Keeping the area clear of all people

This certificate is issued to one specific person and can be used anywhere in New York City.

You can get an E-21 Certificate of Fitness by:

• Passing a written exam or

• Qualifying for an exemption based on your education and experience

Review the E-21 Notice of Exam and Study Materials (PDF).

If you need to take the exam: Apply in person and bring:

• A completed Certificate of Fitness Application Form (PDF)

• A letter of employment:

  • Sample Employer Recommendation Letter (PDF)
  • Sample Self-Employment Letter (PDF)

• Proof that you completed an FDNY-approved training program in the safe use of powder actuated tools

• Two forms of ID - at least one must be a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport)

If you qualify for the exemption: Review the E-21 Alternative Issuance Procedure Information (PDF). Apply online and provide:

• Your name, mailing address, phone number, email address, gender, Social Security number, date of birth, weight, height and work location

• A completed Applicant Affirmation Form (PDF), which must be notarized

• Proof that you completed an FDNY-approved training program in the safe use of powder actuated tools

• A recent ID photo (2x2 color headshot in JPG or JPEG format)

Online applications

• If your application meets all New York City Fire Department (FDNY) requirements, your certificate will be mailed to your address within five business days.
• If FDNY has questions, they will contact you within two business days.
• If you do not respond within 10 days, your application will be terminated. To reapply, you must submit a new application and pay the fee again.

In-person applications

• If you pass the exam, you will receive your certificate immediately after the exam.
• If you fail the exam, you will get a failure report. To retake the exam, you must submit a new application and pay the fee again.

• The New York City Fire Code changes often. You must read and understand the latest Study Materials.

• You must renew your certificate every three years.

  • The NYC Fire Department (FDNY) will send a Renewal Notice 90 days before your certificate expires.
  • The notice 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 must submit a new application.
  • FDNY may require you to retake the exam when you renew.
  • No certificate will be renewed without the required form or exam.

Change your mailing address:

• Submit the following in person or by mail to:
  NYC Fire Department (FDNY)
  Cashier's Unit
  9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor
  Brooklyn, NY 11201
  
  Include:

  • A letter requesting the change

  • A copy of your certificate with the old address

  • A $5 check or money order payable to New York City Fire Department

Change your work location:

• Submit the following in person or by mail to:
  NYC Fire Department (FDNY)
  Cashier's Unit
  9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor
  Brooklyn, NY 11201
  
  Include:

  • A letter from your employer (on company letterhead) confirming your new work location

    • If self-employed, submit a letter requesting the change

  • A copy of your certificate with the old address

  • A $5 check or money order payable to New York City Fire Department

Request a replacement certificate:

• Submit the following in person or by mail to:
  NYC Fire Department (FDNY)
  Cashier's Unit
  9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor
  Brooklyn, NY 11201
  
  Include:

  • A government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport); name must match the certificate

  • Your Social Security number

  • Your mailing address

  • A $5 check or money order payable to New York City Fire Department

1. Gather your documents

   • Collect electronic copies of all supporting documents.

2. Pay the $25 application fee using:

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

   • Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)

   • E-check
     
     A 2 percent convenience fee applies to credit card payments. The application fee is non-refundable.
     City employees may request a fee exemption by uploading:

     • A copy of their employee ID
     • A letter from their City agency on official letterhead confirming they are a current employee and will use the certificate for work-related duties

3. Submit your application:

   • Click the Apply Online button.
   • If you are an individual, you can only submit your own application.
   • If you are submitting on behalf of company employees, you must be a Designated Coordinator approved by FDNY.
   • To request approval, email: pubcert@fdny.nyc.gov.

1. Visit the Public Certification Unit:

   • No appointment is needed.

   • Bring your application form and supporting documents and be ready to take the exam.

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

2. Submit your documents.

3. Pay the $25 application fee using:

   • Cash

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

   • Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)

   • Personal or company check

   • Money order
     
     A 2 percent convenience fee applies to credit card payments. The application fee is non-refundable.
     City employees may request a fee exemption by submitting:

     • A copy of their employee ID

     • A letter from their City agency on official letterhead confirming they are a current employee and will use the certificate for work-related duties

4. Take the exam.

5. Get your certificate:

   • If you pass, you'll receive your Certificate of Fitness immediately.

   • If you fail, you must submit a new application, pay the fee again and retake the exam.

1. Get your Access ID: Make sure you 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 Social Security number. 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.

2. Pay the $15 renewal fee, using:

   • Credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa)
   • Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)
   • E-check
     
     A $25 late penalty applies if renewing 90 days to one year after expiration A 2.49 percent convenience fee applies to credit card payments. The renewal fee is non-refundable. Fee exemptions are not available for online renewals.

3. Receive your certificate:

   • If all the requirements are met, your certificate will be mailed within 10 days.

4. Submit your renewal:

   • Click the Renew Online button.

   • Individuals can only renew their own certificate.

1. Pay the $15 renewal fee, using:

   • 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
     
     A $25 late penalty applies if renewing 90 days to one year after expiration. A 2.49 percent convenience fee applies to credit card payments. The renewal fee is non-refundable.
     City employees may request a fee exemption by submitting:

     • A copy of their employee ID
     • A letter from their City agency on official letterhead confirming the certificate is for work-related duties

2. Submit your documents:

   • Renewal Notice (or a copy of your certificate)

   • Fee payment and any supporting documents

   • Visit:
     NYC Fire Department (FDNY) Cashier's Unit
     9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor
     Brooklyn, NY 11201
     Open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Closed on public holidays.

3. Receive your certificate:

   • If all requirements are met, your certificate will be issued immediately.

1. Pay the $15 renewal fee, using:

   • Personal or company check payable to New York City Fire Department

   • Money order payable to New York City Fire Department
     
     A $25 late penalty applies if renewing 90 days to one year after expiration. The renewal fee is non-refundable.
     City employees may request a fee exemption by mailing:

     • A copy of their employee ID
     • A letter from their City agency on official letterhead confirming the certificate is for work-related duties

2. Mail your documents:

   • Renewal Notice (or a copy of your certificate)

   • Fee payment and any supporting documents

   • Send to:
     NYC Fire Department (FDNY) Cashier's Unit
     9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor
     Brooklyn, NY 11201

3. Receive your certificate:

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