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.
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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).
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Documents for exam applicants:
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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
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Documents for exemption applicants:
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If you qualify for the exemption, review the S-98 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 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
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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.
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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"
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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"
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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 documents
- Collect electronic copies of your supporting documents.
Pay the application fee online using:
- Credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa)
- Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)
- E-check
A convenience fee of 2.49 percent applies to all 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 the Certificate of Fitness will be used for work-related responsibilities.
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 as a Designated Coordinator. The company must be approved by FDNY. To request approval, email pubcert@fdny.nyc.gov.
Schedule an appointment
- Schedule an appointment to take the exam using the Online Appointment Scheduler.
Arrive at the Public Certification Unit
- Arrive ready to submit your application form and supporting documents, pay the application fee and take the exam.
NYC Fire Department (FDNY) address
Public Certification Unit
9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Submit your application
- Submit your completed application form and supporting documents.
Pay the application fee
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Pay the $25 application fee using:
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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 (made payable to the New York City Fire Department)
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Money order (made payable to the New York City Fire Department)
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- A convenience fee of 2.49 percent applies to all credit card payments. The application fee is non-refundable.
- City employees may request a fee exemption by submitting a copy of their employee ID and a letter from their City agency on official letterhead confirming that the Certificate of Fitness will be used for work-related responsibilities.
Receive your certificate
- If you pass the exam, your Certificate of Fitness will be issued immediately.
- If you fail the exam, you will need to submit a new application, pay the application fee again and retake the exam.
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 2.49 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.
Pay the $15 renewal fee by one of the following methods:
- Cash
- Credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa)
- Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)
- 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. A convenience fee of 2.49 percent will be applied to all credit card payments. The renewal fee is non-refundable. City employees may request a fee exemption if they submit 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.
Submit 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 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.
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
Open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. Closed on public holidays.