The FDNY Certificate of Fitness (COF) program covers many fire-safety responsibilities in New York City. The certificate you need depends on the duties you perform and the type of building, operation, or worksite involved.
What is a Certificate of Fitness?
A Certificate of Fitness documents that an individual has met FDNY requirements for a particular fire-safety responsibility. Some certificates are citywide, while others are tied to a specific person and location. Application, exam, renewal, and experience requirements differ by certificate.
Common Fire Guard certificates
Tribune provides exam preparation and training resources for several common FDNY credentials, including F-01 Fire Guard for Impairment, F-02 Fire Guard for Shelters, and F-03/F-04 Place of Assembly. Browse the broader Fire Guard course center for additional options.
What about F-89 FLSD?
The F-89 Fire and Life Safety Director credential has a more extensive qualification process. FDNY states that new F-89 candidates should successfully complete a 31-hour FLSD course from an FDNY-certified school before proceeding through the applicable examination and onsite requirements. Tribune’s F-89 FLSD training page explains the training program, and FLSD resources provides study support.
Other common FDNY credentials
Depending on the job, applicants may encounter credentials such as F-60 Fire Guard for Torch Operations, S-95 Supervision of Fire Alarm Systems, and F-80 Coordinator of Fire Safety and Alarm Systems in Homeless Shelters.
Where do I verify the current rules?
Always check the current FDNY page for the exact Certificate of Fitness you need. The FDNY directory provides official exam notices, study materials, application instructions, fees, and renewal information.
Official references: FDNY Certificate of Fitness directory and FDNY F-89 Fire and Life Safety Director.
FDNY requirements can change. Confirm the current Notice of Examination and official FDNY instructions for your specific certificate.