Certificate of Fitness for Coordinator of Fire Safety and Alarm Systems in Homeless Shelters (F-80)

The City Fire Department says all homeless shelters need a person with a Certificate of Fitness for Coordinator of Fire Safety and Alarm Systems in Homeless Shelters (F-80). This certificate is also needed in any building or occupancy that must have a one-way voice communication system. This applies if the building is used by more than 15 people for more than 30 days, including emergency shelters.

This Certificate of Fitness is valid only at a specific location and for the specific person to whom it is issued.

• Pass the written exam: You need to pass a written exam to get this Certificate of Fitness. Review the Notice of Exam and Study Materials before taking the exam.
  F-80 Notice of Exam and Study Materials (PDF)

• Apply in person: Bring these documents when you apply in person:

  • 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.

• Submit extra documents if you work in a shelter: If you work in a shelter, you also need to submit:

  • An F-80 Verification Letter
  • An F-80 Application completed by your employer, shelter director or the Department of Homeless Services (DHS)
    These documents must be on official letterhead and notarized. Samples are in the F-80 Notice of Exam and Study Materials.

• Complete an approved course: Show proof that you completed an approved course for Coordinator of Fire Safety & Alarm Systems in Homeless Shelters from an FDNY certified school.
  Approved School List (PDF)

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.

• 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:
  The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) will send a Renewal Notice 90 days before your certificate expires. This letter 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 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, 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 personal check or money order for $5.00 made payable to the "Fire Department City of New York"

• To change your work location, 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 from your current employer (on company letterhead) confirming that you are an employee and stating your new work location, or if self-employed, a letter requesting a change to 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"

• To request a replacement certificate, 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 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"

• Schedule an appointment: You need to schedule an appointment to take the exam.
  Online Appointment Scheduler

• Arrive at the Public Certification Unit: Go to the Public Certification Unit with your application form, supporting documents and the application fee. Be ready to take the exam.
  Address:
  NYC Fire Department (FDNY)
  Public Certification Unit
  9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor
  Brooklyn, NY 11201

• Submit your application and documents: Hand in your completed application form and supporting documents.

• Pay the application fee: The fee is $25. 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)
    Note: A 2 percent convenience fee applies to credit card payments. The fee is non-refundable. City employees can request a fee exemption by submitting a copy of their employee ID and a letter from their City agency on official letterhead.

• Take the exam: Take the exam at your scheduled appointment.

• Get your certificate: If you pass the exam, you will get your Certificate of Fitness right away. If you fail, you need to submit a new application, pay the fee again and retake the exam.