Certificates of Fitness (COF) certify that employees of dangerous jobs know how to safely use, store, and handle hazardous materials. The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) administers tests and issues COFs.
Some occupations and professions that require certificates of fitness are:
- Acetylene Burning
- Air Compressor Operator
- Boatyards and Marinas Supervisor
- Compressed/Liquified Natural Gas Use, Storage, and Handling
- Explosives Handler
- Explosives Magazine Keeper
- Explosive Powder Wagon Operator
- Fire Drill Conductor
- Fire Guard
- Fire Safety Director
- Heliport Foam System Operator
- Motor Fuel Storage and Dispensing Systems
- Oil Burner Operators and Selling Stations
- Oxygen Certificate of Fitness and Permit
- Pyrotechnics Operator
- Refrigerating Machines and Systems Maintainer
- Servicing Portable Fire Extinguishers
- Smoke Detectors Maintainer
- Spray Booths Operator
- Sprinkler Systems Maintainer
Take a COF Test
You can take the test at FDNY headquarters in Brooklyn. No appointment is necessary for walk-in hours (Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 2:30 PM).
If you can’t make walk-in hours, call (718) 999-2000 to schedule an appointment.
You must bring:
- An application
- A government issued ID
- $25 test fee (payable by cash, check, money order, debit card or credit card)
You should also bring a dated and signed letter of recommendation from your employer. It must state what type of dangerous work you perform. You can still take the test without a letter from your employer. You will receive a temporary letter stating that you passed your exam.
You will receive your test results immediately after your exam. If you pass the exam, you will also receive your COF card.
Renewal
Most COFs are valid for 3 years. COFs can be renewed online, in-person, or by mail.
Learn More
You can get more detailed information about COFs online or by phone.
Online
Learn more about Certificates of Fitness.
By Phone
