Certificate of Fitness for Handling, Use and Storage of Flammable Compressed Gases (G-98)

You need a Certificate of Fitness to handle, use and store compressed flammable gases. This certificate is only valid for the person and location it is issued to.

• Review requirements: You can get this Certificate of Fitness by passing a written test or qualifying for an exemption based on your education and experience. Review the Notice of Exam and Study Materials.
  • G-98 Notice of Exam and Study Materials (PDF)

If taking the exam

• Apply in person and bring:

  • A completed Certificate of Fitness Application Form (PDF)
  • A letter of employment. Use this Sample Employer Recommendation Letter (PDF) or this Sample Self-Employment Letter (PDF)
  • Two forms of ID. One must be a government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license or passport.

If qualifying for exemption

• Review the G-98 Alternative Issuance Procedure Information (PDF). Apply by mail and provide:

  • A completed Certificate of Fitness Application Form (PDF)
  • A completed Applicant Affirmation Form (PDF). Individual applicants must have this form notarized.
  • A copy of your diploma or license file.
  • If required, a notarized statement confirming two years of post-baccalaureate experience.
  • A recent ID photo (2x2 color head shot) in JPG or JPEG format. Email your photo to pubcert@fdny.nyc.gov.

By-mail applications:

• If your application meets all New York City Fire Department (FDNY) rules, you will get your certificate in the mail within five business days.
• If FDNY has questions about your application, they will contact you within five business days. If you do not respond within 10 days, your application will be stopped. You will need to send a new application and pay the fee again to reapply.

In-person applications:

• If you pass the exam, you will get your certificate right after you finish the exam.
• If you fail the exam, you will get a failure report after you finish the exam. You will need to send a new application and pay the fee again to retake the exam.

• Stay updated: The New York City Fire Code changes often. You must read and know the latest Study Materials.

• Renewal frequency: You need to renew this certificate every three years.
  
  The NYC Fire Department (FDNY) will send 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. No certificate will be renewed without the required certification form or a retake of the exam.

• Change of mailing address: To change 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 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"

• Change of work location: To change 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 current employer (on company letterhead) confirming that you are an employee and stating your new work location. 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"

• Request a replacement certificate: To request 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"

• Access ID: If you are an individual, 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 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.

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

  • Credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa)
  • Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)
  • E-check
    
    Renewals submitted 90 days (up to one year) after the expiration date will have a $25 penalty in addition to the renewal fee. A 2 percent convenience fee will be added to all credit card payments. The renewal fee is non-refundable. You cannot request a fee exemption if you renew online.

• Certificate issuance: If all the requirements are met, a certificate will be mailed out within 10 days.

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

• Payment: 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)
    
    Renewals submitted 90 days (up to one year) after the expiration date will have a $25 penalty in addition to the renewal fee. A 2 percent convenience fee 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 as part of their work-related responsibilities.

• Submitting documents: Submit your Renewal Notice (or if you did not receive a Renewal Notice, a copy of your certificate), and if applicable, 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.

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

• Payment: 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)
    
    Renewals submitted 90 days (up to one year) after the expiration date will have a $25 penalty in addition 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 as part of their work-related responsibilities.

• Mailing documents: Mail your Renewal Notice (or if you did not receive a Renewal Notice, a copy of your certificate), and if applicable, your fee payment and supporting documents to:
  
  NYC Fire Department (FDNY)
  Cashier's Unit
  9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor
  Brooklyn, NY 11201

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