Certificate of Fitness for Fire Alarm Systems Inspection, Testing and Service Principal (S-97)

A principal of a company that installs, inspects, tests and services fire alarm systems in New York City needs a Certificate of Fitness for Fire Alarm Systems Inspection, Testing and Service Principal (S-97). You must know the manufacturer's recommendations for different fire alarm systems.

This Certificate of Fitness is only for the person to whom it is issued. You can use it anywhere in New York City.

• Review the study materials: You need to meet special requirements to get this Certificate of Fitness. Check the S-97 Study Materials (PDF).

• Review the alternative issuance procedure information: If you qualify, read the S-97 Alternative Issuance Procedure Information (PDF). You must apply online and provide the following:

  • Your name, address, phone number, email, gender, Social Security number, date of birth, weight, height and work location
  • A completed and signed S-97 Application Form (PDF)
  • A completed Applicant Affirmation Form (PDF). If you apply alone, you must get this form notarized
  • An electronic copy of your diploma or license
  • If needed, a notarized statement to show you have two years of experience after college
  • A recent ID photo (2x2 color head shot) in JPG or JPEG format

Online applications:

• If your application meets all FDNY requirements, you will get a 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 terminated. You will need to submit a new application and pay the fee again to reapply.

• 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 NYC Fire Department (FDNY) will send you 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-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 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"

• 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"

• 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"

• Gather your documents: Collect electronic copies of your documents.

• Pay the application fee: Pay the $25 fee online using:

  • Credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa)
  • Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)
  • E-check
    
    A 2.49 percent fee will be added to all credit card payments. The fee is non-refundable. City workers can ask for a fee waiver if they upload their employee ID and a letter from their city agency on official letterhead. The letter must confirm they are a current worker and that the Certificate of Fitness is needed for their job.

• Submit your application: Click the Apply Online button to submit your application. If you are an individual, you can only submit your own application. If you are submitting applications for a company's workers, you must be authorized by the company as a Designated Coordinator. The company must be approved by FDNY. To request approval, email pubcert@fdny.nyc.gov.