C-14 Laboratory Certificate of Fitness (FDNY)

In New York City, whenever a laboratory is in operation, a C-14 Laboratory Certificate of Fitness holder must be present. This is a Fire Department of New York (FDNY) requirement. Laboratories for each principal investigator must have a sufficient number of staff with C-14 Laboratory Certificates of Fitness to provide coverage for all times when the laboratory is in operation.

TRAINING FREQUENCY: C-14 Laboratory Certificate of Fitness training is a one-time training requirement, as long as renewals are properly maintained. C-14s that have expired may require the training to be repeated. C-14 Laboratory Certificates of Fitness may be completed as follows:

  • EHS-provided C-14 training program (eligibility restrictions apply)
  • FDNY-provided C-14 program (eligibility restrictions apply)

EHS-Provided C-14 Training Program

Eligibility: The FDNY restricts attendees of the EHS-provided C-14 training program to those that meet one of the following criteria. All others may obtain a C-14 Laboratory Certificate of Fitness via the FDNY-provide C-14 program.

  • Clinical Laboratory Director license issued by the New York State Department of Health.
  • Doctor of Medicine (MD) OR Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
  • Master’s or Doctoral degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental or Health Sciences, Medical Technology, Chemical or Environmental Engineering, or related field.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental or Health Sciences, Medical Technology, Chemical or Environmental Engineering, or related field AND two years of post-baccalaureate experience in an operating chemical laboratory.

Training Requirements:

  • Attend C-14 Laboratory Certificate of Fitness (FDNY) training session (register)
  • Pass FDNY-required competency exam.
  • Fill out and bring to the training session:

FDNY-Provided C-14 Program

Eligibility: FDNY provides C-14 Laboratory Certificate of Fitness (FDNY) to those meeting the following requirements.

  • A degree in: Chemical Engineering, Medicine, Biology, or any Chemical or Physical Science
  • A working knowledge of the English language
  • Attained your 18th birthday on or prior to the test date
  • Letter of recommendation from employer on College letterhead

FDNY Requirements:

  • Travel to FDNY Headquarters at 9 Metrotech Center (enter through Flatbush Avenue entrance only). Monday - Friday (except legal holidays) 9:00am - 2:30pm. Subway directions:
    • N-R subway to Lawrence Street
    • A-C-F to Jay Street
    • 2-3-4-5 to Boro Hall/Nevins
    • 2-3 to Hoyt
    • O-D-M-N-R to DeKalb
  • Pass FDNY-provided competency exam
  • Bring two #2 pencils, a pen, and the following documentation.
    • FDNY A-20 form (fill out)
    • Letter of Recommendation, on College letterhead, signed by your immediate supervisor (sample letter)
    • Check or money order for $25 payable to the New York City Fire Department
    • Two pieces of Identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport and one other piece of identification)
    • Proof of academic degree (copy)

C-14 Renewals

Certificates may be renewed from 60 days before the expiration date to one year after the expiration date by mail or in person at the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention in Brooklyn. Certificates expired for more than one year cannot be renewed.

AVOID PENALTIES, RENEW ON TIME

Below are the mail-in instructions:

  • Mail in payments can be made by check or money order payable to the New York City Fire Department. The fee is $15 for a C-14. Late fees of $25 in addition to the renewal fee will be assessed if renewing the certificate after 91 days but before one (1) year from the date of expiration.
  • Attach one of the following: Renewal Coupon (received in mail from FDNY); Part B of expired Certificate of Fitness (attached at bottom paper copy of the certificate); or a copy of the CoF.
  • If there are any changes in address, name, etc., attach a completed copy of a Certificate of Fitness Application (A-20) and a letter from the Department.
  • Attach signed Renewal Form to certify that the NEW C-14 Study Materials have been reviewed.
    All correspondence should be sent to:
    Cashier's Office
    Bureau of Fire Prevention
    9 MetroTech
    East Brooklyn, NY 11201-3857

For further information concerning renewals of Certificates of Fitness, call (718) 999-0368.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND MATERIALS