Certification Testing
Latest News
- Modification to SFD E-Series Certifications in fall 2024 To align SFD certification with the state’s approach to kitchen hood suppression qualifications, SFD will be modifying our E-4 certification scope to kitchen hood suppression only. Spray booths will be moved to E-3. Kitchen hood suppression will be in E-4 only. Technicians will have their prior scope grandfathered in until they next renew their certification.
- Alternative Extinguishing Systems Certification Beginning Jan.1, 2025, the Washington State Fire Code requires technicians working on automatic fire-extinguishing systems, other than automatic sprinkler systems, to possess a NICET Level II or higher in “special hazards suppression systems” (2021 Fire Code section 904). There is an exception for pre-engineered kitchen hood systems, which allows a current ICC/NAFED certification in lieu of the NICET Level II or higher. This 2021 code originally had July 1, 2024, for this requirement, and the SBCC voted on May 24, 2024, to extend that date until Jan. 1, 2025.
- Smoke Control Certification RCW 19.27.720.1(b) now requires technicians who test and maintain smoke control systems to obtain specific certifications from the International Certification Board or other ANSI-approved program. Here are options. Technicians are required to present qualifications consistent with RCW 19.27.720 1(b) when applying for new certification or renewing an existing certification of the SC-1 and SC-ITM types.
- Installation forms for new Range Hood Suppression Systems are mandatory as of Sept. 1, 2024, prior to SFD Fire Final.
- Letter from Fire Marshal to Testing Companies – Kitchen Hood Suppression
- Installation forms for new Dampers and new Smoke Control systems are in pilot through the end of 2024. These forms are being piloted by many fire departments in the Puget Sound region. These forms are optional but encouraged during our pilot roll out, which ends no sooner than Sept. 1. Review information regarding this process in our FAQ. Also see:
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- Letter from Fire Marshal to Testing Companies – Smoke Control and Dampers
- Letter from Fire Marshal to Building Owners – Smoke Control and Dampers (you may print and share this with your customers to educate them)
- Dampers Testing Info Sheet
- Letter from Fire Marshal to Testing Companies – Kitchen Hood Suppression
- See also our Acceptance Test Information Sheet for contractors.
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A certification is required if you install, maintain, service or test fire and life safety systems in the city. Please refer to Administrative Rule 9.01 for the specific requirements.
Members of the public who wish to have work performed on a fire and life safety system should review:
Examinations are administered based on the study information packet. The packet contains:
- Exam dates and times
- How to schedule an exam
- Resources about fire and life safety issues
- Study material bibliographies
Review this document for information about the types of certification exams.
| Applications | Fees |
|---|---|
| Exam | $444 per examination - required once every three (3) years |
| Renewal | No charge - requires annual renewal |
| Replacement Card | $60 per card |
You can pay certification fees by check (payable to the City of Seattle) or online by credit card.
To schedule an exam:
- Email application to sfd_fmo_certification@seattle.gov
- Call (206) 386-1444 or (206) 386-1351
Note: If you receive the recorded message, please follow the instructions. If you wish to receive a confirmation call, please request one in the message.
You may schedule up to two exams. Test takers have one hour to complete each test. Re-tests will not be administered on the same day as the original test; a separate appointment must be made.
Testing hours are:
Mondays at 1 p.m.
Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m.
Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m.
Location:
220 3rd Avenue South, 2nd floor
Seattle, WA 98104-2608