Certificate of Fitness for Cleaning and Testing of Smoke Detectors (F-78 / S-78)

An individual who tests and cleans smoke detectors in New York City must hold a valid Certificate of Fitness for Cleaning and Testing of Smoke Detectors (F-78 / S-78).

The NYC Fire Department (FDNY) requires that smoke detectors in a building or structure be tested and cleaned in accordance with Fire Code, Section 901, the NYC Fire Rules and NFPA 72, 2002 edition (FC 907.20). An owner or operator may hire either an employee with a Certificate of Fitness for Cleaning and Testing of Smoke Detectors (F-78), or an FDNY CERTIFIED SMOKE DETECTOR COMPANY (or an FDNY CERTIFIED FIRE ALARM COMPANY), which employs an individual with a Certificate of Fitness for Cleaning and Testing of Smoke Detectors (S-78).

These Certificates of Fitness are valid only for the specific people to whom they are issued. F-78 can only be used at a specific location. S-78 can be used anywhere within New York City.