Certificate of Fitness for Citywide Sprinkler Systems (S-12)

The S-12 Certificate of Fitness is required for individuals who inspect, test, and maintain sprinkler systems in buildings and structures in New York City. Issued by the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), the certificate confirms that the holder understands the operation and maintenance requirements for these fire protection systems.

• 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.
  • S-12 Notice of Exam and Study Materials (PDF)

• Apply in person:

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

In-person applications:

• If you pass the exam, you get your certificate right away.
• If you fail the exam, you get a failure report.
• To retake the exam, you need to submit a new application and pay the fee again.

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

• Renewal: You need to renew this certificate every three years.

  • The NYC Fire Department (FDNY) will send a Renewal Notice 90 days before the expiration date. This letter includes the certificate number, the expiration date and the renewal fee.
  • You must renew the certificate within 364 days of the expiration date. Certificates that are more than one year past their expiration date will not be renewed. You will need to submit a new application.
  • FDNY may require you to take a re-examination when you submit your renewal application. No certificate will be renewed without the required certification form or a retake of the examination.

• Change of 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: 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, 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"

• 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 (such as 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"

• Gather documents:

  • Collect electronic copies of your supporting documents.

• Pay the application fee:

  • The fee is $25. You can pay online using:

    • Credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa)
    • Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)
    • E-check

  • A 2 percent convenience fee applies to all credit card payments.

  • The application fee is non-refundable.

  • City employees can request a fee exemption by uploading their employee ID and a letter from their City agency.

• Submit your application:

  • Click on the Apply Online button.
  • You must be authorized by your company to act as a Designated Coordinator.
  • Your company must be approved by FDNY.
  • To request approval, email pubcert@fdny.nyc.gov.

• Access ID: If you are an individual, make sure you have your 12-digit Certificate of Fitness Access ID. This can be found 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 submitting renewals on behalf of 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 the following methods:

  • 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 incur a $25 penalty in addition to the renewal fee. A convenience fee of 2 percent will be applied 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 the following 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 incur 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.