Does New York Require NICET Certification for Fire Alarm Work?

Yes, a state license is required. Licensing runs through New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. The state gate is 81 hours of coursework plus a written exam, with New York City adding FDNY certification on top.

Does New York require a fire alarm technician or contractor license?

Yes, a state license is required. Licensing runs through New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services.

Does NICET certification count toward it?

No. New York’s Security or Fire Alarm Installer License comes from the Department of State and is gated by 81 hours of approved coursework plus a written state exam, which Licensed Master Electricians can have waived. NICET is not a state requirement. New York City then layers FDNY certification on top of the state license.

What New York actually says

New York requires a Security or Fire Alarm Installer License from the Department of State, Division of Licensing Services, to install or service fire alarm systems in the state.

The path to this license runs through 81 hours of approved coursework and a state written exam covering New York fire alarm codes, NFPA 72, installation, inspection, and state law. Licensed Master Electricians have a waiver pathway around the exam.

NICET certification is not required by New York State for this license, though it remains the credential most employers and out-of-state technicians recognize.

New York City adds its own layer: FDNY certification requirements apply on top of the state license for anyone working on fire alarm systems within the five boroughs. Confirm both the state license and, separately, any NYC FDNY requirement before working in the city.

Before you rely on this

Licensing rules, accepted certification pathways, and fees change. This page is a study and planning aid, not legal advice, and it is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by NICET or New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. Confirm your specific situation directly with New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services before making a licensing or employment decision, and use the Level Requirements Navigator to see where you stand on the NICET I to IV ladder itself.

Source and verification date: Licensing aggregator summary of NY Department of State, Division of Licensing Services requirements (verify directly before relying on fee figures) Last verified 2026-07-30.

See the full state licensing matrix for how New York compares to other states, or the Level Requirements Navigator to check your own eligibility.