Certificate of Fitness for Fire Alarm Systems Inspection, Testing and Service Technician (S-98)

A technician who 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 Technician (S-98).

This certificate is only for the person who gets it. It can be used anywhere in New York City.

• Review the Notice of 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 (PDF).

• Documents for exam applicants:

  • If you need to take the exam, apply in person and 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 identification. One must be a government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license or passport

• Documents for exemption applicants:

  • If you qualify for the exemption, review the S-98 Alternative Issuance Procedure Information (PDF).

  • 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 and signed S-98 Application Form (PDF)
    • A completed Applicant Affirmation Form (PDF). Individual applicants must have this form notarized
    • An electronic 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 headshot) in JPG or JPEG format

Online applications:

• If your application meets all 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 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.

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 submit a new application and pay the fee again to retake the exam.

• 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 a Renewal Notice 90 days before your certificate expires. This letter includes 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 submit a new application. FDNY may require 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 electronic copies of your supporting documents.
• Pay the $25 application fee online by credit card, debit card, or E-Check.
• A convenience fee applies to credit card payments. The application fee is non-refundable.
• City employees may request a fee exemption by uploading a copy of their employee ID and a letter from their City agency on official letterhead confirming that they are a current employee and that the Certificate of Fitness will be used as part of their work-related responsibilities.
• If you are an individual, you can only submit your own application.
• If you are submitting applications on behalf of 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.