Last Modified on 09/19/2007 16:23:11Fire Prevention Contractor Registration
To perform any installation, modification, testing or servicing on Fire Alarm Systems, Automatic Sprinklers, Portable Fire Extinguishing Systems, Underground Fire Lines, Hood Systems, or Special Suppression Systems within the City of Phoenix a contractor must first obtain a City of Phoenix Fire Department Business Certificate.
In addition each jobsite must be overseen by a qualified representative of the contractor referred to as a Competent Party. Below are the registration procedures for both obtaining a Business Certificate and becoming a Competent Party.Contractor Testing
Testing for both the Business Certificate Holder (BCH) and Competent Parties are administered by a testing company called CSA (Codes Standards & Assessments). Candidates may take the computer based test at any hosting site. Currently Peoria Fire and Phoenix Fire have hosting locations. Scheduling and testing information can be obtained directly from their website at csaexams.com.
Business Certificate Holders must also obtain a City of Phoenix permit to conduct business which must be applied for in person. This permit allows companies to do business in the City of Phoenix and is valid for 3 years. The permit fee is $135.00 and is paid to the City of Phoenix.
If we are currently registered with you do we need to re-test and/or re-register
You will need to update your registration and possibly re-test. Your Business Certificate Holder (formerly Responsible Party) must meet one of these qualifications:
See the schedule below to determine when you will need to update your registration.
- Hold a NICET III or higher for the appropriate fire protection system
- Be a Certified Professional Engineer
- Have a valid Business Certificate Holder CSA certification for the fire protection system you are registering for
What are the fees associated with registering?
Business Certificate will be assessed a $135 registration fee and Certificate of Fitness holders will be assessed a $100.00 registration fee payable to the City of Phoenix. If CSA assessments are required, a separate fee will be paid directly to CSA.
How long is my registration/permit valid for?
Any permits to conduct business issued after March 13,2006 have an expiration date of three years. Any existing permits to conduct business obtained prior to the effective date of new fire code (March 13, 2006) will expire as follows:
Underground Private Fire Mains/Lines &Hydrants January 1, 2007 FPHY--UFM4 Portable Fire Extinguishers Inspections/Service January 1, 2008 FPPE--FEX Fire Alarm Systems January 1, 2008 FPFA--FA4 Automatic Sprinklers Commercial January 1, 2009 FPAS-ASCR4 Automatic Sprinklers Residential January 1, 2009 FPAS--ASCR4 Hood Systems & Special Suppression Systems January 1, 2009 FPSS--CDH2
If I took the CSA test in Peoria will Phoenix accept it?
Phoenix will accept testing that was done in Peoria, but will still require an application and registration fee paid to the City of Phoenix to obtain a Business Certificate Holder Permit (Permit to Conduct Fire Protection Business). Also the test taken in Peoria must still be at the Business Certificate Holder level to satisfy the registration requirements. If you passed the Competent Party test in Peoria, that will satisfy Phoenix's requirements for the Competent On-Site person.
If I pass the Business Certificate Holder CSA exam do I also need to take the Competent Party Assessment to satisfy the on-site requirement?
No. The requirement is for a person that is at least a Competent Party be on each job-site. The Business Certificate Holder CSA assessment is at a higher level and therefore, surpasses the minimum qualifications.
When will we need to have a Competent Party on each job-site?
We will begin to enforce the on-site requirement as of September 1, 2006. If you do not have at minimum a Competent Party on the job-site or the installation isn't signed off by one, the inspection process will cease.
For information on how to obtain Blasting and Pyrotechnics Certificate of Fitness Cards click here.