Certificate of Fitness for Citywide Standpipe Systems (S-13)

The S-13 Certificate of Fitness is required for individuals who inspect, test, and maintain standpipe 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 inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for standpipe systems.

The S-13 Certificate of Fitness allows the holder to work on all standpipe systems except multi-zone standpipe systems. Buildings with multi-zone standpipe systems must have the work supervised by a person holding an S-14 Certificate of Fitness.

The certificate is issued to an individual and is valid for use anywhere in New York City.

• You need to pass a written exam to get this Certificate of Fitness. Review the Notice of Exam and Study Materials.

  • S-13 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. Here are samples:

    • Sample Employer Recommendation Letter (PDF)
    • 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 test, you will get your certificate right away.
• If you do not pass the test, you will get a report that says you did not pass. To take the test again, 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 your certificate expires. This letter will have your certificate number, expiration date and the 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-exam when you renew. No certificate will be renewed without the required certification form or a retake of the exam.

• 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 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 out 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 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 out 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 (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 out to the "Fire Department City of New York"

• Access ID: If you are an individual, you need 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:

  • 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.

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

• Renewal link: 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:

  • Personal or company check (made out to the New York City Fire Department)
  • Money order (made out 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 for work-related responsibilities.

• Mailing: Mail your Renewal Notice (or if you did not get 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

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