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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Gather electronic copies of your supporting documents.
• Pay the $25 application fee online by credit card, debit card, or E-Check.
• A 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 and a letter from their City agency on official letterhead confirming that they are a current employee and that the Certificate of Fitness will be used as part of their work-related responsibilities.
• If you are an individual, you can only submit your own application.
• If you are submitting applications on behalf of a company's employees, you must be authorized by the company to act as a Designated Coordinator, and the company must be approved by FDNY. To request approval, email pubcert@fdny.nyc.gov.

• 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 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.

• 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.