Certification Testing
Latest News
- Fee Changes will take effect Jan. 1, 2025. Certification fees are increasing by 16%, reflecting changes in our costs since our fees were last changed in winter 2022.
- Modification to SFD E-Series Certifications in fall 2024 and winter 2024-2025 affecting pre-engineered kitchen hoods and pre-engineered spray booths and engineered alternative suppression systems. To align SFD certification with the 2021 IFC 904.1.1 as amended in Washington, in fall 2024, SFD modified our E-3 and E-4 certification scope by moving spray booths to E-3 and reserving E-4 for pre-engineered kitchen hood suppression only. Technicians will have their prior scope grandfathered in until they next renew their certification. We expect that the state will further modify its language, so that ICC/NAFED will become acceptable for pre-engineered spray booths. SFD has updated our Ad Rule 9.01.24 so that our certification program will align once the state's actions take effect in 2025.
- Smoke Control and Dampers 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 (see 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. Certification Options for Smoke Control and Dampers Technicians to Comply with RCW 19.27.720.
- Pilot Phase: New Install and ITM forms for smoke control and dampers, and kitchen hood suppression systems. Seattle together with the King County Fire Marshals Association is deploying Install/Acceptance Forms in TCE to be used when new fire protection systems are installed. These forms are optional but encouraged during our pilot roll out, which ends on Jan. 1, 2025. This is a good time to get experience using the forms before they become mandatory.
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- Dec. 19, 2024 Letter from Fire Marshal to TESTING COMPANIES - program changes in 2025
- June 26, 2024 Letter from Fire Marshal re Smoke Control and Dampers Requirements
- June 3, 2024 Letter from Fire Marshal to BUILDING OWNERS – Smoke Control and Dampers (you may print and share this with your customers to educate them)
- Damper Testing Info Sheet - including option to test one quarter of dampers annually vs. 100% every four years
- June 26, 2024 Letter from Fire Marshal re Kitchen Hood Suppression Changes
- 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 | $515 per examination - required once every three (3) years |
| Renewal | No charge - requires annual renewal |
| Replacement Card | $70 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