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 that training be repeated. C-14 laboratory certificates of fitness may be acquired in the following ways:
- an EHS-provided C-14 training program (eligibility restrictions apply)
- an FDNY-provided C-14 program (eligibility restrictions apply)
EHS-Provided C-14 Training Program
Eligibility
The FDNY restricts participants 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-provided C-14 program.
- clinical laboratory director license issued by the New York State Department of Health
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.)
- 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 & Application Requirements
Please refer to our C-14 Application Overview and Checklist for information on how to register for our online C-14 training and complete the application process.
FDNY-Provided C-14 Program
Eligibility
The FDNY provides C-14 laboratory certificates 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
- a minimum age of 18 on or prior to the test date
- a letter of recommendation from an employer on a college letterhead
FDNY Requirements
The FDNY has made updates to the application process for in-person applicants:
- Applicants must submit the application materials and pay for the exam online before arriving at the FDNY Headquarters to take the test.
- The C-14 study materials list online application instructions and required documentation starting on page 1 after the table of contents -or- follow the Step-by-Step Guide and Video tutorial to fill out the Online Application.
- A letter of recommendation, on a college letterhead, signed by your immediate supervisor is required. Use this document as a template. (
FDNY sample letter), ( FDNY sample letter for Hunter College applicants)
- Once you have email confirmation of your approved application, travel to FDNY Headquarters at 9 Metrotech Center (enter through Flatbush Avenue entrance only): Monday - Friday (except legal holidays) 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Subway Directions
- N or R - Lawrence Street
- A, C, or F - Jay Street
- 2, 3, 4 or 5 - Boro Hall/Nevins
- 2 or 3 - Hoyt
- O, D, M, N or R - DeKalb
- Pass an FDNY-provided competency exam
- Bring two #2 pencils, a pen and the following documentation:
- Proof of online application submission and payment confirmation (e.g. confirmation email). You will be turned away at the door if there is no proof of application.
- Two pieces of Identification (driver's license, state ID or passport, and one other piece of identification)
C-14 Renewals
Certificates may be renewed online with the FDNY or by mail from 60 days before the expiration date to one year after the expiration date. Certificates expired for more than one year cannot be renewed.
Avoid penalties. Renew on time.
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 year from the date of expiration.
- Attach one of the following
- a renewal coupon (received in the mail from the FDNY)
- part B of an expired certificate of fitness (attached at the bottom of paper certificate copies)
- 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 a signed renewal form to certify that the new C-14 study materials have been reviewed.
- All correspondence should be sent to:
NYC Fire Department
9 Metrotech Center
Cashier's Office 1S-5
Brooklyn, New York 11201-3857
For further information concerning renewals of certificates of fitness, call (718) 999-0368.
Additional Information and Materials
C-14 Application Overview & Checklist
C-14 Certificate of Fitness WCM Alternate Issuance Application
Sample Test (Intranet Only)