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Sprinkler Fitter ·
Fitter Certifications
In 2009, Washington State legislation passed into law a requirement that any and all individuals who install and/or repair fire protection sprinkler systems shall be individually certified.
This certification program is biennial and begins on odd-years and ends on even-years. This program certifies anyone performing any installation, alteration, and/or repair of any fire protection sprinkler system within a building, and runs in conjunction with the Fire Protection Sprinkler System Contractors Licensing and Certification Programs.
Because fitter certifications are governed by a separate law, there are requirements and caveats specific to these certifications that should be noted. For a more detailed review, please review RCW 18.270 and WAC 212-80. Below are a few considerations to be aware of:
- Fitters are required to carry their individual certification wallet card on them at all times when they are working, which clearly indicates their certification level and expiration date.
- Fire Protection Sprinkler System Contractors are required to use only certified sprinkler fitters for installation and repair, and must verify the certication status of anyone they employ to install and/or repair fire protection sprinkler systems.
- Those certified as a Fitter Trainee can never work unsupervised.
- Journey Fitters can supervise Fitter Trainees for any type of work: commercial or residential; Residential Fitters can only supervise a Fitter Trainees while working on residential fire protection sprinkler systems.
- Only fully certified fitters – those certified as either Journey or Residential level fitters – can work independently or without supervision.
- Residential Fitters are fully certified to work independently without supervision on residential sprinkler systems. However, the Residential Fitter certification is also considered a Fitter Trainee for commercial work; they are not issued a separate trainee card.
- Licensed plumbers are exempt from fitter certification only when working on a combination fire sprinkler and plumbing system in a residential home.
- Only fully certified fitters can supervise Fitter Trainees. An exempted licensed plumber cannot supervise a Fitter Trainee in the sprinkler trade.
- Certification as a Fitter is only good for installation and/or repair. Inspection and testing is covered under WAC 212-80-018 Specialized Level ITT) and anyone currently possessing both certifications will carry both wallet cards, each bearing identical certification numbers.
- Anyone installing or repairing fire sprinkler systems within a building will have an F (Residential), a G (Journey), or an H (Trainee) in their certification number. Those with an H shall never work unsupervised.
- ALL Fitter certifications expire on December 31 of even-numbered years. ANYONE not renewed or at least submitted for renewal prior to this date will be dropped from the program. There are no exceptions allowed by law.
All relevant forms pertaining to this certification process can be located on our Forms Repository page.
Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding the Fire Sprinkler Licensing Program, please contact:
Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Daniel E. Johnson
Phone: 360.596.3913
Dan.Johnson@wsp.wa.gov
Mr. Humberto Rodriguez
Phone: 360.596.3914
Humberto.Rodriguez@wsp.wa.gov
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