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Certificate of Qualification

Effective 5/17/2021, Certificate of Qualification holders can apply, renew and make payments online to save time. The Q-01 Certificate of Fitness application must be completed online BEFORE coming to FDNY Headquarters to take an exam.

About

Any refrigerating system requiring an FDNY permit must be under supervision of a Certificate of Qualification (Q-01 Refrigerating System Operating Engineer) holder while the system is in operation. This Certificate of Qualification is premises related.

The refrigerating system may require to be under personal or general supervision, as set forth in the FC Table 606.1.1

If personal supervision is required:

  • A Q-01 holder must be PRESENT IN THE BUILDING at all times while the refrigerating system is in operation and the operation of such system is under his or her personal direction and control. Alternatively, if the refrigerating system is shut down, no Q-01 holder is required to be in the building.
  • A Q-01 holder cannot provide personal supervision, at the same time, for refrigerating systems that are in operation in more than one building. Alternatively, an Q-01 holder can provide personal supervision for the operation of more than one system at the same time provided the systems are all installed IN THE SAME BUILDING.
If general supervision is required:
  • A Q-01 holder is not required to be present in the building while the refrigerating system is in operation. However, the Q-01 holder is still responsible at all time to ensure the safe operation of the system and that such system is operated under his/her general direction and control
This Certificate of Qualification is valid only at a specific location and for the specific person to whom it is issued.


  • New Application Fees: $60 for the first part Z-51 exam; $ 225 for the second part Z-52 exam
  • Renewal Fees: $15
  • Additional Work Location: $60 application fee will be charged for the additional Certificate of Qualification card.
  • Application Reviewed Within: 1-2 Days
  • Renewal Cycle: 3 Years

All fees can be paid by credit/debit card, check or money order only. Cash is no longer accepted.

Requirements for the First Part Z-51 Computer Exam

Before You Submit Your Application

All applicants should review the Notice of Exam to ensure if the qualification requirements are met.

Other additional forms and resources:

To Submit Your Application and Make Appointment

An appointment is required to take the Z-51 computer exam. You must complete the online Certificate of Fitness Application and payment to receive an FDNY COF application ID prior to scheduling the appointment.

Online Certificate of Fitness Application (FDNY Business)


NOTE: If you do not have NYC.ID, you must “create account” first to obtain your NYC.ID. After your NYC.ID has been created, you can click log in to proceed with a COF application.

Requirements for the Second Part Z-52 Practical Exam

Before You Submit Your Application

You must pass the first part, Z-51 computer exam, to obtain the Z-52 passing letter before applying for the Z-52 practical exam. You must be familiar with the following materials to prepare for the Z-52 practical exam.

To Submit Your Application and Make Appointment

You must follow the procedure on the Z-52 letter to submit the application and to schedule the Z-52 practical exam.

Certificate of Fitness/Certificate of Qualification Renewals

Certificate of Fitness/Certificate of Qualification can be renewed online, in-person, or by mail.

Online renewal can be processed by the following methods:

(1) Simplified COF Renewal: Renewal the COF without creating a NYC ID


Fee Exempt COFs and COFs that require changes cannot be renewed via simplified COF renewal process.

NOTE: Fee Exempt applies to the NYC city agency employees who have submitted a recommendation letter with city agency letterhead.

(2) Comprehensive COF Renewal: Renewal COF with a NYC ID.

All COFs can be renewed online by logging in with a NYC ID, including Fee Exempt COFs. The FDNY strongly encourages you to create a NYC ID account and log in to view and/or renew all of your Certificates of Fitness information and expiration dates. You can also upload supporting documents (such as proof of employment) and change your mailing address online.

NOTE: Notices of Exam (NOEs), Study Guides and Small Business Services instructions (SBS) are currently being updated and may not contain instructions for online applications, renewals and payments. Please consult the user guide for online filing, renewal and payment details. Requests for address changes and replacement cards must still be filed via US Mail or in-person at 9MTC.

Need Help?

FDNY Business Support Team: For assistance with online filing or questions about the New York City Fire Code, call 311 and ask for the FDNY Customer Service Center or send an email to FDNY.BusinessSupport@fdny.nyc.gov.