Certificate of Fitness for Cleaning and Testing of Smoke Detectors (F-78 / S-78)

If you test and clean smoke detectors in New York City, you need a Certificate of Fitness for Cleaning and Testing of Smoke Detectors (F-78/S-78).

The NYC Fire Department (FDNY) says smoke detectors in buildings and structures must be tested and cleaned. This follows Fire Code, Section 901, the NYC Fire Rules and NFPA 72, 2002 edition (FC 907.20).

An owner or operator can hire:

• An employee with a Certificate of Fitness for Cleaning and Testing of Smoke Detectors (F-78)

• An FDNY-certified smoke detector company

• An FDNY-certified fire alarm company

These certificates are only for the people they are given to. F-78 is for a specific location. S-78 can be used anywhere in New York City.

• You can only get this Certificate of Fitness by passing a written exam. Review the Notice of Exam and Study Materials before applying.
  F-78 / S-78 Notice of Exam and Study Materials (PDF)

• 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 identification. One must be a government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license or passport

In-person applications:

• If you pass the test, you will get your certificate right away.

• If you fail the test, you will get a failure report. You will need to apply again and pay the fee to retake the test.

• The New York City Fire Code changes often. You must read and know the latest Study Materials.
• You need to renew this certificate every three years.

Renewal Notice: The NYC 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. You cannot renew your certificate without the required certification form or retaking the exam.

Changing 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 asking to change your mailing address.
• A copy of your certificate with the old address.
• A personal check or money order for $5.00 made payable to the "Fire Department City of New York."

Changing 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 employer (on company letterhead) confirming you work there and stating your new work location. If you are self-employed, send a letter asking to change 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 "Fire Department City of New York."

Requesting 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 passport). The name on the ID must match the name on the certificate.
• Your Social Security number.
• Your mailing address.
• A personal check or money order for $5.00 made payable to the "Fire Department City of New York."

• Make sure you have your 12-digit Certificate of Fitness Access ID. You can find this on your Renewal Notice. If you do not have your Renewal Notice, your Access ID is your eight-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 eight-digit Company Code. To request approval, email pubrenew@fdny.nyc.gov.

• Pay the $15 renewal fee online by one of these methods:

  • Credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa)
  • Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)
  • E-check
    
    Renewal penalties: Renewals submitted 90 days to one year after the expiration date will have a $25 penalty added to the renewal fee. A convenience fee of 2.49 percent will be added 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, a certificate will be mailed out within 10 days.

• To renew a certificate, click on the Renew Online button. If you are an individual, you can only renew your own certificate.

• Pay the $15 renewal fee by one of these methods:

  • 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)
    
    Renewal penalties: Renewals submitted 90 days to one year after the expiration date will have a $25 penalty added to the renewal fee. A convenience fee of 2.49 percent will be added 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 on official letterhead to confirm that they are a current employee and that the Certificate of Fitness will be used for their work-related duties.

• 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.

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

• Pay the $15 renewal fee by one of these methods:

  • Personal or company check (made payable to the New York City Fire Department)
  • Money order (made payable to the New York City Fire Department)
    
    Renewal penalties: Renewals submitted 90 days to one year after the expiration date will have a $25 penalty added to 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 on official letterhead to confirm that they are a current employee and that the Certificate of Fitness will be used for their work-related duties.

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

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