Fire extinguisher registration, license, and test information

Instructions

• Licenses are issued to individuals; registrations are issued to companies.
• Submit company and individual applications together when both the company and the individual are new.
• You must include a fingerprint receipt with your application unless you already have fingerprints on file with the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO).
• We will send a renewal notice 90 days before your license expires. After your initial renewal, we will send the notice every two years.
  
  

  SFMO address

  Mailing address:	Delivery address:
  State Fire Marshal’s Office PO Box 12107 Austin, Texas 78711-2107	State Fire Marshal’s Office Texas Department of Insurance 1601 Congress Avenue, Ste. 6.900 Austin, Texas 78701

Company registrations

Extinguisher Certificate of Registration

If your company is in the business of portable fire extinguishers or fixed extinguisher systems, you must have a Fire Extinguisher Certificate of Registration (ECR). The extent of work, allowed by the company (installing or servicing portable fire extinguishers or planning, certifying, installing, or servicing fixed fire extinguisher systems) will depend on the license held by your employees.

To get an ECR:

1. Submit a Fire Extinguisher Certificate of Registration application (PDF).
2. Submit a Certificate of Liability Insurance for bodily injury and property damage.
3. Include one or both of these forms:
   • Application to Revise or Transfer All Types of Fire Extinguisher Licenses (PDF) for transferring an existing licensee with an ECR application.
   • Individual Application for All Types of Fire Extinguisher Licenses (PDF) for a new individual licensee application with an ECR application.
4. Submit the applications, forms, and fees at the same time.

Note: Please send only one payment to cover all fees. Combine fee payments for other applications.

Extinguisher Branch Office Certificate of Registration

You must have an extinguisher branch office certificate of registration (ECR – Branch Office) for each separate office location that does the same business as the company with the ECR.

To get an ECR – Branch Office:

1. Submit a Fire Extinguisher Certificate of Registration application (PDF).
2. Include one or both of these forms:
   • Application to Revise or Transfer All Types of Fire Extinguisher Licenses (PDF) for transferring an existing licensee with an ECR application.
   • Individual Application for All Types of Fire Extinguisher Licenses (PDF) for a new individual licensee application with an ECR application.
3. Submit the applications, forms, and fees at the same time.

Note: Please send only one payment to cover all fees. Combine fee payments for other applications.

Type C Hydrostatic Testing Registration

If your company has been issued a requalification identification number (RIN) by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the company is permitted to hydrostatically test DOT specification fire extinguisher cylinders.

To get a Type C Hydrostatic Testing Registration (HCR):

1. Submit a Fire Extinguisher Certificate of Registration application (PDF).
2. Submit a Certificate of Liability Insurance for bodily injury and property damage.
3. Submit the applications, forms, and fees at the same time.

Note: Please send only one payment to cover all fees. Combine fee payments for other applications.

Individual licenses

We can’t issue an individual license until you’re employed by a registered company.

Type PL Planning License

An individual with an Type PL Planning License (EPL) is permitted to plan, install, certify, or service fixed fire extinguisher systems. This individual is also permitted to sell, install, certify, or service portable fire extinguishers.

To get an EPL:

1. Pass these tests:
   • The National Institute of Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level III Special Hazards Systems test.
   • The Fire Extinguisher Statutes and Rules. The study material for the test is the Fire Extinguisher Statutes and Rules guide (PDF).
2. Have a fingerprint background check done if you don’t have one on file with SFMO.
3. Submit a Individual Application for All Types of Fire Extinguisher Licenses (PDF).
4. Provide the name of the company where the employee will be registered. If the company is not licensed with SFMO, the company will need to submit a Fire Extinguisher Certificate of Registration application (PDF).
5. Submit the applications, forms, and fees at the same time.

Note: Please send only one payment to cover all fees. Combine fee payments for other applications.

Type A – Fixed System License

Prerequisite: You must hold an Type B - Portable Fire Extinguisher License or an Apprentice permit for a minimum of 6 months.

An individual with a Fixed System License (FEL-A) license is permitted to install, certify, or service all pre-engineered fixed fire extinguishing systems and portable extinguishers. Fixed fire extinguisher systems other than pre-engineered systems must be planned by an EPL or professional engineer. Installation and servicing of such a system may also be performed by or supervised by an individual with an FEL-A license.

Note: Your Type B - Portable Fire Extinguisher License, Type K – Kitchen Cooking Systems License, or Apprentice permit will be inactivated once your FEL-A license is issued.

To get an FEL-A license:

1. Pass these tests:
   • TFM02 – Extinguisher Type B test.
   • TFM03 – Extinguisher Type K test.
   • TFM04 – Extinguisher Type A test.
   • Extinguisher Statutes and Rules test. The study material for the test is the Fire Extinguisher Statutes and Rules guide (PDF).
2. Have a fingerprint background check done if you don’t have one on file with SFMO.
3. Submit a Individual Application for All Types of Fire Extinguisher Licenses (PDF).
4. Provide the name of the company where the employee will be registered. If the company is not licensed with SFMO, the company will need to submit a Fire Extinguisher Certificate of Registration application (PDF).
5. Submit the applications, forms, and fees at the same time.

Note: Please send only one payment to cover all fees. Combine fee payments for other applications.

Test exemptions

The following are certifications offered by the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED) that can replace the requirement to take and pass the Extinguisher Type B,  Extinguisher Type K, and Extinguisher Type A technical exams for a FEL-A license.

• Certified Portable Fire Extinguisher Technician Exam.
• Pre-Engineered Kitchen Fire Extinguishing Systems Technician Exam.
• Pre-Engineered Industrial Fire Extinguishing System Technician Exam.
• Engineered Fire Suppression Systems Technician Exam.

Type B - Portable Fire Extinguisher License (FEL-B)

An individual with an FEL-B license is permitted to install, certify, or service portable fire extinguishers and test DOT non-specification portable fire extinguishers. The testing of DOT specification fire extinguishers must be completed by a Type C registered company.

To get an FEL-B license:

1. Pass these tests:
   • TFM02 – Extinguisher Type B test.
   • Extinguisher Statutes and Rules test. The study material for the test is the Fire Extinguisher Statutes and Rules guide (PDF).
2. Have a fingerprint background check done if you don’t have one on file with SFMO.
3. Submit a Individual Application for All Types of Fire Extinguisher Licenses (PDF).
4. Provide the name of the company where the employee will be registered. If the company is not licensed with SFMO, the company will need to submit a Fire Extinguisher Certificate of Registration application (PDF).
5. Submit the applications, forms, and fees at the same time.

Note: Please send only one payment to cover all fees. Combine fee payments for other applications.

Test exemptions

The Certified Portable Fire Extinguisher Technician Exam is offered by the ICC and NAFED and can replace the requirement to take and pass the TFM02 technical exam for an FEL-B license.

Type K – Kitchen Cooking Systems License

Prerequisite: You must hold an FEL-B license or an Apprentice permit for a minimum of 6 months.

An individual with a Type K – Kitchen Cooking Systems License (FEL-K) is permitted to install, certify, or service any pre-engineered fixed fire extinguisher systems used to protect a cooking area, and portable extinguishers.

Note: Your FEL-B license or Apprentice permit will be inactivated once your FEL-K license is issued.

To get an FEL-K license:

1. Pass these tests:
   • TFM02 – Extinguisher Type B test.
   • TFM03 – Extinguisher Type K test.
   • Extinguisher Statutes and Rules test. The study material for the test is the Fire Extinguisher Statutes and Rules guide (PDF).
2. Have a fingerprint background check done if you don’t have one on file with SFMO.
3. Submit a Individual Application for All Types of Fire Extinguisher Licenses (PDF).
4. Provide the name of the company where the employee will be registered. If the company is not licensed with SFMO, the company will need to submit a Fire Extinguisher Certificate of Registration application (PDF).
5. Submit the applications, forms, and fees at the same time.

Note: Please send only one payment to cover all fees. Combine fee payments for other applications.

Test exemptions

The following are certifications offered by the ICC and NAFED that can replace the requirement to take and pass the Extinguisher Type B and Extinguisher Type K technical exams for an FEL-K license.

• Certified Portable Fire Extinguisher Technician Exam.
• Pre-Engineered Kitchen Fire Extinguishing Systems Technician Exam.

Apprentice Permit

An individual issued a Fire Extinguisher Apprentice Permit (EAP) can install or service fixed fire extinguishing systems and portable fire extinguishers. This can only be done under the direct visual supervision of a valid licensee who certifies the work by signing the tag.

• A licensed individual may not perform the above services unless employed by a registered extinguisher company.
• There is no testing required for this permit.

To get an EAP:

1. Submit a Fire Extinguisher Apprentice Permit application (PDF).
2. Provide the name of the company where the employee will be registered. If the company is not licensed with SFMO, the company will need to submit a Fire Extinguisher Certificate of Registration application (PDF).
3. Have a fingerprint background check done if you don’t have one on file with SFMO.
4. Submit the applications, forms, and fees at the same time.

Note: Please send only one payment to cover all fees. Combine fee payments for other applications.

Tests

Scheduling a test

Tests are registered through PSI Exams Online. You may schedule your test either:

• Online at www.psiexams.com/txfire.
• By phone: 800-733-9267.
• By email: examschedule@psionline.com.

Test description

• All tests are closed book.
• Tests have 50 questions that are true/false or multiple choice.
• Questions may refer to a drawing, chart, or figure included with the test.
• Technical test questions are based on the adopted standards.
• No questions are based on specific manufacturer’s equipment other than those generally referenced by an National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard.

Test scores

• You must have a passing score of 70% or better.
• PSI will send a copy of your official test scores to SFMO.
• If you use another testing provider, include a copy of your NICET official score report with your application.

Test restrictions

You may schedule each type of test only once a week and no more than three times every 12 months.

Test references

Extinguisher Statutes and Rules TFM01 test

All questions on this test are based on the Texas Insurance Code, Chapter 6001, “Fire Extinguisher Service and Installation” and Section 34.500 of the Texas Administrative Code, “Title 28, the Fire Extinguisher Rules.” The study material for the TFM01 test is in the Fire Extinguisher Statutes and Rules guide (PDF).

NICET Level III test

A copy of NICET’s notification letter confirming the applicant’s successful completion of the testing requirements for certification at the required Level III in Fire Protection Engineering Technology and Special Hazard Suppression Systems must be provided to SFMO.

Extinguisher Type A TFM04 test

All questions on this test are based on the information from the following NFPA standards adopted in the rules. See the Fire Extinguisher Statutes and Rules guide (PDF) to determine the latest edition date of the adopted standards.

• Low-, Medium-, and High Expansion Foam – NFPA 11
• Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems – NFPA 12
• Standard on Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems – NFPA 12A
• Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection – NFPA 15
• Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems – NFPA 16
• Standard on Wetting Agents – NFPA 18
• Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems – NFPA 25
• Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems – NFPA 2001

Questions on this test include the following subjects:

1. Selection of the correct type of pipe and fittings permitted on various types of systems.
2. Requirements and frequency for system testing of various types of systems.
3. Requirements and frequency for maintenance of various types of systems.
4. General knowledge of the various types of fire protection systems.
5. Identifying the correct applicable NFPA standard.
6. Classification of fire types.

Extinguisher Type K TFM03 test

All questions on this test are based on the information from the following NFPA standards adopted in the rules. See the Fire Extinguisher Statutes and Rules guide to determine the latest edition date of the adopted standards.

• Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers – NFPA 10
• Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems – NFPA 17A
• Standard for Ventilation Cooking and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations – NFPA 96

Questions on this test include the following subjects:

1. Specific requirements for wet chemical systems.
2. Specific requirements for pre-engineered systems protecting cooking operations.
3. Requirements and frequency for system testing of various types of systems protecting cooking operations.
4. Requirements and frequency for maintenance of various types of systems protecting cooking operations.
5. Classification of fire types.

Extinguisher Type B TFM02 test

All questions on this test are based on the information from the NFPA Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers – NFPA 10 adopted in the rules. See the Fire Extinguisher Statutes and Rules guide (PDF) to determine the latest edition date of the adopted standards.

Questions on this test include but are not limited to the following subjects relating to portable fire extinguishers:

1. General requirements for portable fire extinguishers.
2. Selection of the proper extinguisher based on the type of hazard or fire classification.
3. Distribution, inspection, and maintenance requirements of extinguishers.
4. Hydrostatic testing of extinguishers, hoses, etc.

Fees

• To get a copy of the registration or to revise your registration, send the Company Information Update Form (PDF) and a $20 fee to SFMO.
• Send one payment to cover all fees. Combine multiple fee payments into one.
• All fees are nonrefundable, except for overpayments resulting from mistakes of law or fact.
• We will charge a late fee, as required by statute and rules.

• To get a duplicate license, change or add an employer, or change your address, send the   Application to Revise or Transfer All Types of Fire Extinguisher Licenses  (PDF) and a $20 fee to SFMO.
• Send one payment to cover all fees. Combine multiple fee payments into one.
• All fees are nonrefundable, except for overpayments resulting from mistakes of law or fact.
• We will charge a late fee, as required by statute and rules.