Certification Testing
Latest News
- 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 a program. To ensure a continued supply of workers to perform the essential life safety function of testing and maintaining smoke control systems in buildings in Seattle, SFD has provided a temporary transition period regarding enforcement of RCW 19.27.720. During this time, applicants are encouraged to take steps to gain certifications consistent with RCW 19.27.720 and present them to the SFD Certification Unit. Starting July 1, 2023, technicians will be required to present qualifications consistent with RCW 19.27.720 when applying for new certification or renewing an existing certification of the SC-1 and SC-ITM types.
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.
COVID Requirements for People Taking Exams at the Fire Marshal's Office: As of April 4, 2022, masks will be recommended but not required. If you would like a mask and do not have one, we will provide one for you. At this time, visitors to City buildings are not required to show vaccination/negative test results.
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
Since July 1, 2018, state law requires technicians working on fire alarm systems to hold a NICET II certification to perform all inspection, testing, maintenance and programming not defined as "electrical construction trade" by Chapter 19.28 RCW. Beginning July 1, 2019, the state and SFD will also accept Electronic Security Association/National Testing School Certified Fire Technician Level II (ESA/NTS CFAT II). All technicians seeking to receive or renew the City of Seattle FA-1 and FA-ITM certifications must demonstrate that they have the NICET II or ESA/NTS CFAT II.
Electricians solely performing installation of wiring or performing other work on fire alarm systems consistent with the meaning of "electrical construction trade" in Chapter 19.28 RCW do not require an FA-1 or FA-ITM certification to work in Seattle.