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Fire alarm registration, license, and test information

On this page:

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.

    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

  • We can’t register a company without a licensed employee.
  • To be issued an Alarm Certificate of Registration, your designated employee must hold a Fire Alarm Technician, Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent, or Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent license. The Residential Fire Alarm Technician license alone is not enough for an Alarm Certificate of Registration.

Alarm Certificate of Registration

If your company plans, certifies, leases, sells, services, installs, monitors, or maintains fire detection devises or systems, you must have an Alarm Certificate of Registration (ACR). The extent of the work allowed by the company will depend on the license held by your employees.

To get an ACR:

  1. Submit a Fire Alarm Certificate of Registration application (PDF).
  2. Submit a Certificate of Liability Insurance for bodily injury and property damage.
  3. Provide the name of the designated full-time employee who is or will be licensed on the ACR application. Your designated full-time employee must hold a Fire Alarm Technician, Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent, or Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent license issued by SFMO.
  4. Include one or both of these forms:
  5. Submit the applications, forms, and fees at the same time.

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

Alarm Branch Office Certificate of Registration

You must have an Alarm Branch Office Certificate of Registration (ACR – Branch Office) for each separate office location that does the same business as the company with the ACR.

To get an ACR – Branch Office:

  1. Submit a Fire Alarm Certificate of Registration application (PDF).
  2. Provide the name of the designated full-time employee who is or will be licensed on the ACR application. Your designated full-time employee must hold an Fire Alarm Technician, Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent, or Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent license issued by SFMO.
  3. Include one or both of these forms:
  4. Submit the applications, forms, and fees at the same time.

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

Alarm Certificate of Registration – Single-Station

If your company plans, certifies, leases, sells, services, installs, monitors, or maintains only single-station devices, your company must have an Alarm Certificate of Registration – Single-Station (ACR-SS).

To get an ACR–SS:

  1. Submit a Fire Alarm Certificate of Registration Application (PDF).
  2. Submit a Certificate of Liability Insurance for bodily injury and property damage.
  3. Submit a letter stating, “the company will only engage in the business of planning, certifying, leasing, selling, servicing, installing, monitoring, or maintaining single-station devices which are not part of or connected to any other detection device or system in a single-family or two-family residence.”
  4. Provide the name of the designated full-time employee who is or will be licensed on the ACR application.
  5. Include one or both of these forms:
  6. Submit the applications, forms, and fees at the same time.

Note: Please send 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.

An individual must pass all required tests and have a fingerprint background check on file with SFMO before submitting a new license application.

Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent

If you sell, plan, install, certify, service, and monitor all types of fire alarm or detection devices or systems, you must have a Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS) license.

To get an APS:

  1. You must meet one of the following requirements:
  2. Pass the Fire Alarm Statutes and Rules test. The study material for the test is the Fire Alarm Statutes and Rules guide (PDF).
  3. Have a fingerprint background check done if you don’t have one on file with SFMO.
  4. Submit an Individual Application for All Types of Fire Alarm Licenses (PDF).
  5. 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 Alarm Certificate of Registration application (PDF).
  6. Submit the applications, forms, and fees at the same time.

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

Fire Alarm Technician

An individual with an Fire Alarm Technician (FAL) is permitted to sell, install, certify, service, and monitor all types of fire alarm or detection devices or systems. An FAL is not allowed to do any type of planning.

To get an FAL:

  1. Pass these tests:
  2. Have a fingerprint background check done if you don’t have one on file with SFMO.
  3. Submit an Individual Application for All Types of Fire Alarm 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 Alarm Certificate of Registration application (PDF).
  5. Submit the applications, forms, and fees at the same time.

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

Fire Alarm Monitoring Technician

An individual with an Fire Alarm Monitoring Technician (AMT) is only permitted to monitor residential or commercial fire alarm or detection devices or systems.

To get an AMT:

  1. Pass these tests:
  2. Have a fingerprint background check done if you don’t have one on file with SFMO.
  3. Submit an Individual Application for All Types of Fire Alarm 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 Alarm Certificate of Registration application (PDF).
  5. Submit the applications, forms, and fees at the same time.

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

Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent

An individual with an Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent (RAS) is permitted to sell, plan, install, certify, service, and monitor fire alarm or detection devices or systems in one- and two-family dwellings. An RAS can also perform all the functions of an FAL.

To get an RAS:

  1. Pass these tests:
  2. Have a fingerprint background check done if you don’t have one on file with SFMO.
  3. Submit an Individual Application for All Types of Fire Alarm 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 Alarm Certificate of Registration application (PDF).
  5. Submit the applications, forms, and fees at the same time.

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

Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent - Single Station

An individual with an Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent - Single Station (RAS-SS) is permitted to only sell, plan, install, certify, and service single- station heat or smoke detectors that are not connected to any other detection device or system, in one- or two-family dwellings.

To get an RAS-SS:

  1. Pass these tests:
  2. Have a fingerprint background check done if you don’t have one on file with SFMO.
  3. Submit an Individual Application for All Types of Fire Alarm 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 Alarm Certificate of Registration application (PDF).
  5. Submit the applications, forms, and fees at the same time.

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

Residential Fire Alarm Technician

An individual with an Residential Fire Alarm Technician (RAL) is permitted to install, service, inspect, and certify residential single- family or two-family fire alarm or detection systems. A fire alarm certificate of registration cannot be issued to a company that only employs a person with an RAL license.

To get an RAL:

  1. Complete a residential fire alarm technician course conducted by a training school approved by SFMO.
  2. Have a fingerprint background check done if you don’t have one on file with SFMO.
  3. Submit an Individual Application for All Types of Fire Alarm Licenses (PDF).
  4. Provide the name of the company with which the employee will be registered. If the company is not licensed with SFMO, the company will need to submit a Fire Alarm Certificate of Registration application (PDF).
  5. Submit the applications, forms, and fees at the same time.

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

Tests

Work permitted by the type of licenses Required tests 2
Type of licenses Commercial 1 & 2 Family Dwelling Tests
Plan Install Certify 1 Service 3 Monitor Plan Install Certify 1 Service 3 Monitor Fire Alarm Statutes and Rules TFM11 NICET III Fire Alarm Technician TFM12 Fire Alarm Residential TFM13 Fire Alarm Monitoring TFM14 Approved Instruction Course
Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS) X X X X X X X X X X X X 5
Fire Alarm Technician (FAL) X X X X X X X X X X 4
Fire Alarm Monitoring Technician (AMT) X X X X
Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent (RAS) X X X X X X X X X X X 4 X
Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent – Single Station Only (RAS-SS) X X X X X X
Residential Fire Alarm Technician (RAL) X X X X

1 “Certify” means that the licensee certifies that the system meets Chapter 6002 requirements. Certify does not mean the licensee can issue a certificate or placard stating that the system meets central station requirements.

2 The technical testing requirements (other than Statutes and Rules TFM11) may be waived for a professional engineer licensed in Texas.

3 “Service” includes inspecting, maintaining, repairing, or testing.

4 This test can be replaced by meeting the exam requirements for NICET Level II, or by obtaining a current certification through ESA at Level II Fire Alarm Technician.

5 This test can be replaced by meeting the exam requirements for NICET Level III, or by obtaining a current certification through ESA at Level III Fire Alarm Designer.

Scheduling a test

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

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

Fire Alarm Statutes and Rules TFM11 test

All questions on this test are based on the Fire Detection and Alarm Device Installation and Fire Alarm Rules guide (PDF) from the Texas Insurance Code, Chapter 6002 and Section 34.600 of the Texas Administrative Code, Title 28.

Fire Alarm Technician TFM12 test

The technical testing requirements (other than the Statutes and Rules test) may be waived for a professional engineer licensed in Texas.

Most questions on this test are based on the fire alarm sections contained in the NFPA standards adopted in the rules. Refer to Section 34.607 of the Fire Detection and Alarm Device Installation and Fire Alarm Rules guide (PDF) to determine the latest edition date of the adopted standard.

The Fire Alarm Technician test includes the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code – NFPA 72 (except the chapter on Household Fire Alarms).

The Technician Qualifying test includes only Articles 760, 300, and other articles referenced in the following standards:

The Fire Alarm Technician test questions are based on the adopted standards. There may be questions based on practical knowledge of general electrical wiring practices or principles of electricity.

Questions on the test include but are not limited to the following subjects:

  1. Identification of applicable NFPA standards.
  2. Types of equipment and circuits.
  3. Proper type of wire and cable.
  4. Detector operating principles.
  5. Location and limitation for the spacing of detection and notification devices.
  6. Principles, requirements, installation, and use of:
    1. Detection circuits.
    2. Supervisory circuits.
    3. Notification circuits.
  7. Alarm testing requirements and frequency.

Fire Alarm Residential TFM13 test

The technical testing requirements (other than the Statutes and Rules TFM11 test) may be waived for a professional engineer licensed in Texas.

This test is based only on information contained in the chapter on Household Fire Alarm Systems of the  National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code – NFPA 72.

Questions on the Fire Alarm Residential test include the following subjects about household fire alarm systems:

  1. Detector type, location, and spacing.
  2. Required amounts of detectors.
  3. Detector requirements for single and multiple stations.
  4. Power supplies.
  5. Maintenance and tests.

Fire Alarm Monitoring TFM14 test

The technical testing requirements (other than the Statutes and Rules TFM11 test) may be waived for a professional engineer licensed in Texas.

All questions on this test are based on the two following standards. You can find the latest edition date of the adopted standards in the Fire Detection and Alarm Device Installation and Fire Alarm Rules guide (PDF).

NICET Level II or Level III test

You must give SFMO a copy of the completion letter you got from NICET showing that you completed the testing requirements for certification at the required Level II or Level III in Fire Protection Engineering Technology and Fire Alarm Systems.

ESA Level II Fire Alarm Technician or Level III Fire Alarm Designer Certification

You must give SFMO proof of  ESA certification at Level II or Level III. Certifications shouldn’t be expired.

Fees

Company certificate of registration fees
Certificate of registrations Initial fee Renewal fee (2 year)
Main office $ 500 $ 1,000
Branch office (each) $ 150 $ 300
Single-Station only $ 250 $ 500

  • 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.
Individual fire alarm license fees
Type of license Initial fee Renewal fee (2 year)
Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS) $ 120 $ 200
Fire Alarm Technician (FAL) $ 120 $ 200
Alarm Monitoring Technician (AMT) $ 120 $ 200
Residential Alarm Superintendent (RAS) $ 120 $ 200
Residential Alarm Superintendent – Single Station (RAS-SS) $ 120 $ 200
Residential Alarm Technician (RAL) $ 50 $ 100

  • To get a duplicate license, change or add an employer, or change your address, send the Application to Revise or Transfer All Types for Fire Alarm 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.

For more information, contact: FMLicensing@tdi.texas.gov

Last updated: 12/23/2024