FDNY Certificate of Fitness (COF) Exams Articles & Updates
A Certificate of Fitness (COF) is issued by the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) to people who carry out certain dangerous occupations under the New York City Fire Code, such as fire guards, torch operators and the people who inspect sprinkler systems. Most certificates are obtained by passing a multiple-choice exam taken on a touch-screen computer at FDNY Headquarters, 9 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn. Every exam is time-limited, with the time based on the number of questions, and needs a score of at least 70% to pass. The FDNY publishes a free Notice of Exam and study booklet for each certificate; the study booklet may not be used during the exam. For example, the F-60 Fire Guard for Torch Operations exam has 25 questions in 38 minutes, the G-60 Torch Use of Flammable Gas exam 35 questions in 53 minutes, and the S-12 Citywide Sprinkler Systems exam 75 questions in about 135 minutes. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a reasonable understanding of English. Most certificates must be renewed every three years.
Practice exam
FDNY F-60 practice in the real format: 25 questions in 38 minutes
- 50 original questions, 2 full exams
- Timed like the F-60 test, 70% to pass
- The reason behind every answer
- Your score by topic
Latest articles on FDNY Certificate of Fitness (COF) Exams
FDNY S-12 Exam: Sprinkler Systems Certificate of Fitness Guide
The FDNY S-12 exam: 75 questions in about 135 minutes, 70% to pass. How it differs from the S-15 and T-15, who may do which task, a map of the booklet and the numbers it asks you to know.
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FDNY F-60 Exam: Fire Guard for Torch Operations Study Guide
The FDNY F-60 exam: 25 questions in 38 minutes, 70% to pass. A map of the study booklet and its key distances, times, permit limits and extinguisher ratings.
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Fire Guard License in NYC: Which FDNY Certificate and How to Get It
The FDNY calls it a Certificate of Fitness. Which fire guard certificate applies (F-01, F-02, F-60, F-92), what the F-01 booklet says the job involves, and how to get one.
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FDNY Certificate of Fitness List: All 125 Entries by Code and Name
The FDNY list of Certificates of Fitness, from A21 to W97: every code and name as printed, what the sources say about appointments and where some are valid, and the look-alike codes to avoid.
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FDNY Certificate of Fitness (2026): Exam Format, Fee and How to Apply
How to get an FDNY Certificate of Fitness: apply online, what to bring to 9 MetroTech, the $25 exam, the 70% pass mark, the format of the F-60, G-60, S-12, F-03 and F-04 exams, and renewal.
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