Certificate of Qualification for Refrigerating System Operating Engineer (Q-01)

If a refrigerating system needs a permit from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), you need a Certificate of Qualification (Q01) to watch the system while it is running. This certificate is specific to the location.

The refrigerating system may need personal or general supervision, as stated in the FC Table 606.1.1.

Personal supervision

• A Q-01 holder must be in the building at all times while the system is running and must personally direct and control the operation.
• If the system is off, the Q-01 holder does not need to be in the building.
• A Q-01 holder cannot supervise systems in more than one building at the same time.
• A Q-01 holder can supervise multiple systems if they are all in the same building.

General supervision

• A Q-01 holder does not need to be in the building while the system is running.
• The Q-01 holder is still responsible for the safe operation of the system and must make sure it is under their general direction and control.

Additional work locations

• To register more than one work location: A Certificate of Qualification holder must provide extra documents listed in the Notice of Exam from all employers for each work location.
• Application fee: A $60 application fee is charged for each additional Certificate of Qualification card.

• Exams required: You need to pass a written exam and a practical exam to get this certificate. Review the Notice of Exam before applying.
  Q-01 Notice of Exam (PDF)

• Written exam requirements: Apply in person and bring these documents:

  • Proof of completing a 200-hour course for Refrigerating System Operating Engineers from an FDNY certified school or a letter verifying one year of practical experience working with a refrigerating system
    Certified Schools for Refrigeration (PDF)
  • A completed Certificate of Fitness Application Form (PDF)
  • A completed and signed Z-51 Application Form (PDF)
  • A Universal Technician Certificate
  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Two forms of identification, which include one government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport

• Practical exam requirements: You need to:

  • Pass the written exam and get a temporary Z-52 letter from FDNY
  • Pay the $225 practical exam fee
  • Schedule an appointment for the practical exam

After the written exam

If you pass the written exam: You will get a temporary Z-52 letter right after the exam. To take the practical exam, show this letter and pay $225 in person.

If you do not pass the written exam: You will get a failure report after the exam. To retake the exam, schedule an appointment online and pay the fee again.

After the practical exam

If you pass the practical exam: You will get your certificate right after the exam.

If you do not pass the practical exam: You will get a failure report after the exam. To retake the exam, schedule an appointment in person and pay the fee again. You can take the practical exam up to three times. If you do not pass three times, you must retake the written exam.

• The New York City Fire Code changes often: You must read and know the latest Notice of Exam.
• Renewal frequency: You need to renew this certificate every three years. The New York City 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 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 work location: You must 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 work there and stating your new work location
  • A copy of a permit issued by FDNY for refrigeration equipment at the new 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: You must 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, such as a driver's license or passport, with the name on the ID matching 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

• Schedule an appointment: You need to schedule an appointment to take the exam.
  Online Appointment Scheduler

• Visit the Public Certification Unit: Go to the Public Certification Unit with your application form and supporting documents. Be ready to pay the fee and take the exam.

• NYC Fire Department (FDNY)
  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: The fee is $60. You can pay by:

  • 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)
  • Note: A 2.49 percent convenience fee applies to credit card payments. The fee is nonrefundable. If you are a City employee, you can request a fee exemption by uploading a copy of your employee ID and a letter from your City agency on official letterhead confirming that you are an employee and that the Certificate of Fitness will be used for your work-related responsibilities.

• Take the exam.

• Certificate of Fitness Access ID: Make sure you have 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 8-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 8-digit Company Code. To request approval, email pubrenew@fdny.nyc.gov.

• Renewal fee: 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 convenience fee of 2.49 percent will be added to all credit card payments. The renewal fee is nonrefundable. You cannot request a fee exemption if you renew online.

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

• Renewal process: To renew a certificate, click the Renew online button. If you are an individual, you can only renew your own certificate.

• Renewal fee: Pay the $15 renewal fee by one of these 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 have a $25 penalty in addition to the renewal fee. A convenience fee of 2.49 percent will be added to all credit card payments. The renewal fee is nonrefundable. If you are a City employee, you may request a fee exemption if you submit a copy of your employee ID and a letter from your City agency on official letterhead to confirm that you are a current employee and that the Certificate of Fitness will be used as part of your work-related responsibilities.

• Submit your documents: 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:
  
  New York City 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.

• Certificate issuance: If all the requirements are met, a certificate will be issued immediately.

• Renewal fee: Pay the $15 renewal fee by one of these 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 have a $25 penalty in addition to the renewal fee. The renewal fee is nonrefundable. If you are a City employee, you may request a fee exemption if you mail a copy of your employee ID and a letter from your City agency on official letterhead to confirm that you are a current employee and that the Certificate of Fitness will be used as part of your work-related responsibilities.

• Mail your documents: 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:
  
  New York City Fire Department (FDNY)
  Cashier's Unit
  9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor
  Brooklyn, NY 11201

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