State licensing directory
New Jersey fire protection licensing
Who licenses fire sprinkler, fire alarm, extinguisher and kitchen hood work in New Jersey, from official state sources.
Who licenses what
| Type of work | Licensing agency | License types | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire sprinkler work | New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Fire Safety, Contractor Certification Unit (N.J.A.C. 5:74) | Fire Sprinkler System Contractor certification (install, service, repair, inspect, maintain) plus a business permit. Requires NICET Level II in Inspection and Testing of Water-based Systems and passing the Water-based Layout Level 1 exam. An All Fire Protection Equipment Contractor class also exists. | Verified |
| Fire alarm work | Division of Fire Safety (N.J.A.C. 5:74) | Fire Alarm System Contractor certification: NICET Level II in Fire Alarm Systems. (Separate state alarm business licensing: details being verified.) | Verified |
| Portable extinguisher service | Division of Fire Safety | Portable Fire Extinguisher Contractor: pass the NAFED Portable Fire Extinguisher Technician exam. | Verified |
| Kitchen hood suppression and exhaust work | Division of Fire Safety | Kitchen Fire Suppression System Contractor: pass the NAFED Restaurant Fire Suppression System exam. Special Hazard class: NICET Level II Special Hazards. Hood cleaning: details being verified. | Verified |
Fees, renewal and key rules
- Fees (N.J.A.C. 5:74-2.10): business permit $250 initial and $250 per three-year renewal; certification $75 initial and $75 per three-year renewal; amended permit $50; amended certificate $25; duplicate $25.
- Late renewals pay a late fee of twice the renewal fee.
- NICET and NAFED exam and certification fees are paid separately to those organizations.
Town and fire marshal reporting
The Division publishes quarterly and annual sprinkler inspection report forms on its Contractor Certification page.
Official sources
- NJ DCA Division of Fire Safety: Contractor Certification
- N.J.A.C. 5:74-2.3, Requirements for certification (Cornell LII)
- N.J.A.C. 5:74-2.10, Fees (Cornell LII)
Last reviewed October 2026. General information only, not legal advice. Fees and rules change; confirm with the agency before applying.