Certificate of Fitness Emergency One-Way Voice Announcement Personnel (F-53)
The City Fire Department has rules for all one-way emergency voice services. Only the FDNY or building workers with an F-53 Certificate of Fitness can use these services.
If a building needs a fire alarm with a one-way voice system, at least one worker with an F-53 Certificate must be there during business hours.
This Certificate is valid only for the person to whom it is issued. It can be used anywhere in New York City.
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Pass the written exam: You need to pass a written exam or qualify for an exemption based on your education and experience. You must review the Notice of Exam and Study Materials.
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To take the written exam, you must apply and submit the following documents:
- A completed Certificate of Fitness Exam Application (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.
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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 failed. To take the test again, you need to submit a new application and pay the fee again.
Pay the application fee: The fee is $25. You can pay by:
- Credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa)
- Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)
- E-Check
Note: - A 2 percent convenience fee applies to all credit card payments
- The fee is non-refundable
- City employees can request a fee exemption by uploading 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 as part of their work-related tasks.
To take the written exam, you must apply in person and bring these documents:
- A completed Certificate of Fitness Application Form (PDF)
- Proof that you have completed training from the fire alarm company for your fire alarm control panel. You can refer to this sample: F-53 Fire Alarm Panel Verification Letter (PDF)
- A completed and signed F-53 Employment Verification Letter (PDF)
- Two forms of ID. One must be a government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or a passport.
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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
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If you renew 90 days to one year after the expiration date:
- You will pay a $25 penalty plus the renewal fee
- A 2 percent convenience fee applies to all credit card payments
- The renewal fee is non-refundable
- City employees may request a fee exemption. They must submit 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 as part of their work-related tasks.
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Submit your Renewal Notice: if you did not get 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
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.
Open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. Closed on public holidays.