Certificate of Fitness for Supervision of Fire Alarm Systems and Other Related Systems (S-95)
Every building with a fire alarm system needs someone physically present with an S-95 Certificate of Fitness for supervision of fire alarm systems and other related systems.
A fire alarm system sends a signal to a New York City Fire Department (FDNY) approved central station.
These systems are needed in:
- Commercial buildings
- Office buildings
- Hotels and motels
- Schools
- Shelters
- Hospitals
- Marinas
- High-rise or low-rise apartment buildings
- Buildings listed in New York City Building Code section 309.1
This Certificate of Fitness is valid only at the specific place and for only the person to whom it is given.
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Review exam and study materials:
- You can get this Certificate of Fitness by passing a written exam or qualifying for an exemption based on your education and experience.
- All applicants should review the Notice of Exam and Study Materials.
- S-95 Notice of Exam and Study Materials (PDF)
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Documents for exam applicants:
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If you need to take the exam, you must apply in person and bring the following 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. At least one must be a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport
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Documents for exemption applicants:
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If you qualify for the exemption, review the S-95 Alternative Issuance Procedure Information (PDF).
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Apply online and provide the following information:
- Your name, mailing address, phone number, email, gender, social security number, date of birth, weight, height and work location.
- A completed Applicant Affirmation Form (PDF). Individual applicants must have this form notarized.
- An electronic copy of your diploma or license.
- If required, a notarized statement confirming you have two years of post-baccalaureate experience.
- A recent ID photo (2x2 color headshot) in JPG or JPEG format.
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Online applications:
- If your application meets all New York City Fire Department (FDNY) requirements, you will get your certificate in the mail within five business days.
- If FDNY has questions about your application, they will contact you within two business days. If you do not respond within 10 days, your application will be canceled. You will need to apply again and pay the fee.
In-person applications:
- If you pass the exam, you will get your certificate right after you finish the exam.
- If you do not pass the exam, you will get a report that says you did not pass. To retake the exam, you will need to apply again and pay the fee.
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Read the latest Study Materials: The New York City Fire Code changes often.
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Renew your certificate every three years: The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) will send you a Renewal Notice 90 days before your certificate expires. This notice includes your certificate number, the 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 retake the exam when you renew. No certificate will be renewed without the required certification form or a retake of the exam.
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Change your mailing address: Submit the following in person or by mail to:
FDNY, Cashier's Unit, 9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201:-
A letter requesting the change of mailing address
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A copy of your certificate with the old address
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A $5.00 personal check or money order made payable to the "Fire Department City of New York"
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Change your work location: Submit the following in person or by mail to:
FDNY, Cashier's Unit, 9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201:-
A letter from your current employer (on company letterhead) confirming that you are an employee and stating your new work location
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If self-employed, a letter requesting a change to your work location
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A copy of your certificate with the old address
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A $5.00 personal check or money order made payable to the "Fire Department City of New York"
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Request a replacement certificate: Submit the following in person or by mail to:
FDNY, Cashier's Unit, 9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor, 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
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Your Social Security number
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Your mailing address
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A $5.00 personal check or money order made payable to the "Fire Department City of New York"
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Gather documents:
- Collect electronic copies of your supporting documents.
Pay the application fee:
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Pay the $25 application fee online by using one of these methods:
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Credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa)
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Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)
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E-check
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- A 2.49 percent convenience fee will be added to all credit card payments. The application fee is non-refundable.
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City employees can request a fee exemption by submitting:
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A copy of their employee ID
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A letter from their City agency on official letterhead confirming they are a current employee and that the Certificate of Fitness will be used for work-related responsibilities.
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Submit your application:
- Click the Apply Online button. If you are an individual, you can only submit your own application.
- If you are submitting applications for a company’s employees, you must be authorized by the company to act as a Designated Coordinator and the company must be approved by FDNY.
- To request approval, email: pubcert@fdny.nyc.gov.
Visit the Public Certification Unit:
- Arrive ready to submit your application form and supporting documents, pay the application fee and take the exam. No appointment is needed.
Location:
NYC Fire Department (FDNY)
Public Certification 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.
Submit your documents:
- Submit your completed application form and all supporting documents.
Pay the application fee:
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Pay the $25 application fee by using one of these methods:
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Cash
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Credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa)
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Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)
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Personal or company check payable to the New York City Fire Department
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Money order payable to the New York City Fire Department
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- A 2.49 percent convenience fee will be added to all credit card payments. The application fee is non-refundable.
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City employees can request a fee exemption by submitting:
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A copy of their employee ID
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A letter from their City agency on official letterhead confirming they are a current employee and that the Certificate of Fitness will be used for work-related responsibilities.
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Receive your certificate:
- If you pass the exam, your Certificate of Fitness will be issued immediately.
- If you do not pass the exam, you will need to submit a new application, pay the application fee again and retake the exam.
Ensure you have your Certificate of Fitness Access ID:
- If you are an individual, use the 12-digit Access ID. This is on your Renewal Notice
- If you do not have your Renewal Notice, your Access ID is your 8-digit Certificate of Fitness number and the last four digits of your Social Security number
- If you are renewing for company employees, the company must be FDNY-approved and have an 8-digit Company Code
- To request approval, email: pubrenew@fdny.nyc.gov
Pay the $15 renewal fee online:
Accepted payment methods:
- Credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa)
- Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)
- E-check
A $25 late penalty applies if renewing 90 days to one year after the expiration date in addition to the renewal fee.
A 2.49 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.
Pay the $15 renewal fee:
Accepted payment methods:
- Cash
- Credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa)
- Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)
- Personal or company check (payable to the New York City Fire Department)
- Money order (payable to the New York City Fire Department)
A $25 late penalty applies if renewing 90 days to one year after the expiration date in addition to the renewal fee.
A 2.49 percent convenience fee will be added to all credit card payments.
The renewal fee is non-refundable.
City employees may request a fee exemption by submitting:
- A copy of their employee ID
- 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.
Submit your documents:
- Bring 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.
Pay the $15 renewal fee:
- Personal or company check payable to the New York City Fire Department
- Money order payable to the New York City Fire Department
A $25 late penalty applies if renewing 90 days to one year after the expiration date in addition to the renewal fee.
The renewal fee is non-refundable.
City employees may request a fee exemption by mailing:
- A copy of their employee ID
- 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.
Mail your documents:
- Send 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
Open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. Closed on public holidays.