Certificate of Fitness for Special Effects (E-series)

The City Fire Department offers a Certificate of Fitness for Special Effects (E-series). This includes E-01, E-02, E-03, E-04, E-05 and E-06.

E-01: Special Effects for Film

• Used to be called E-18
• Allows high-level special effects for films, TV and movies
• Must know the Film Fire Safety plan
• Works with the Film Site Safety Certificate holder
• Apprentice: E-03

E-02: Pyrotechnician in Charge

• Used to be called E-18, Class A
• Allows you to supervise and perform high-level special effects
• Covers indoor and outdoor effects, including concerts and festivals
• Apprentice: E-04

E-03: Apprentice Special Effects for Film

• Used to be called E-19, Class B
• Allows low-level effects like candles, lighters and matches

E-04: Apprentice Pyrotechnician for Special Events

• Used to be called E-19, Class B
• Allows low-level effects

E-05: Theatrical Special Effects C

• Used to be called E-27/E-30
• Covers minor effects for theatre shows
• Includes water-based smoke/haze effects and minor flame effects
• Confirms usage of candles, cigarettes, lighters and matches
• Responsible for fire safety practices
• Can serve as Safety Personnel when not doing pyrotechnic tasks

E-06: Smoke/Haze Operator/Special Effects Safety

• Used to be called E-27/E-30
• Covers water-based smoke machines and hazers
• Uses no more than 20 lb compressed gas tanks
• Includes nitrogen for confetti and streamers
• Responsible for fire safety practices
• Can serve as Safety Personnel when not doing pyrotechnic tasks

• Certificate of Fitness: You can get this by passing a written test or qualifying for an exemption based on your education and experience. You should also review the Notice of Exam and Study Materials by reading Certificate of Fitness E-series Study Materials (SPFX) (PDF).

• Applicants who need to take the exam: You must apply in person and bring these documents:

  • A completed Certificate of Fitness Application Form (PDF)
  • A letter of employment
  • Two forms of ID (one must be a government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license or passport)

• FDNY Contact: The Fire Department, City of New York (FDNY) will contact you if they have questions. This will happen within 3-5 business days.
• Check test information: After you submit your application, check the Public Certification Unit business hours for test information.

Contact information

Fire Department, City of New York
Public Certification Unit
9 MetroTech Center, 1st Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Email: pubcert@fdny.nyc.gov

Phone: 718-999-1988

Additional help: For more help, call 311 and ask for Certificate of Fitness. They are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. They are closed on public holidays.

• The New York City Fire Code changes often: You must read and know the latest Certificate of Fitness E-series Study Materials (SPFX) (PDF).

• You need to renew this certificate every three years:

  • The NYC Fire Department (FDNY) will send you a Renewal Notice 90 days before it expires.
  • This letter will have your certificate number, expiration date and the renewal fee.
  • You must renew your certificate within 364 days of the expiration date. If your certificate is more than one year past its expiration date, you will need to apply again.
  • FDNY may ask you to take a re-exam when you renew.
  • No certificate will be renewed without the required form or a retake of the exam.

• To change your mailing address or work location, or to request a replacement:

  • Follow the FDNY Business portal instructions.
  • For work location changes, include a letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your employment and new work location.
  • If you are self-employed, include a letter requesting the work location change and a copy of your certificate with the old address.
  • You can refer to Certificate of Fitness Update Instructions (PDF) for more information.

• Gather electronic copies of your supporting documents

• Pay the $25 application fee online using one of these methods:

  • Credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa)
  • Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)
  • E-Check

• Convenience fee:

  • A 2 percent fee will be added to all credit card payments.
  • The application fee is non-refundable.
  • City employees can ask for a fee exemption if they upload a copy of their employee ID and a letter from their city agency on official letterhead.
  • The letter must confirm their employment and that the Certificate of Fitness will be used for their work-related tasks.

• To apply:

  • Select Apply Online.
  • If you are an individual, you can only submit your own application.
  • If you are submitting applications for a company's employees, you must be authorized by the company to act as a Designated Coordinator.
  • The company must be approved by FDNY.

• Review the Certificate of Fitness renewal instructions:

  • If you are an individual, have your 8-digit Certificate of Fitness Number, last 4 digits of your Social Security number (SSN) and an email address ready.
  • If you are renewing for a company's employees, the company must be approved by FDNY and have a Company Code. To request approval, email pubrenew@fdny.nyc.gov.

• Pay the renewal fee online using one of these methods:

  • Credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa)
  • Debit card (Mastercard or Visa)
  • E-Check

• If you renew 90 days to one year after the expiration date: You will pay a $25 penalty plus the renewal fee. A 2 percent convenience fee applies to all credit card payments. The renewal fee is non-refundable.

• If you meet all the requirements: You will get your certificate in the mail within 10 days.

• To renew your certificate: Go to the Renew Online page. If you are an individual, you can only renew your own certificate.