Sprinkler fitters: licensing. Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to adopt and administer regulations and building standards he or she deems necessary in order to, among other things, establish and control a program for servicing, testing, and maintaining all automatic fire extinguishing systems, including fire sprinkler systems. Jan 15, 2018  In 2017, CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal announced the approval of the Fire Sprinkler Fitter Certification Regulation. This regulation, which went into effect July 1, 2017, impacts anyone who installs, tests, maintains, and/or provide service to water-based fire protection systems in California.

California Fire Sprinkler Contractor License

According to the California Department of Consumer Affairs, construction is one of the largest industries in California's economy. (See Reference 1) There are many opportunities for licensed contractors to succeed in this large and diverse state. If you have a minimum of four years of experience in designing, building and installing fire prevention systems, getting your official C-16 Fire Prevention License from the California Contractors State License Board may well be the next step in this potentially lucrative and rewarding career.

Complete an application for an original contractor's license. Forms are available on the California Contractors State License Board website. You may also request one at 800-321-2752. Use a pen or a typewriter when filling out your form. Forms completed in pencil will be returned to you.

California Fire Sprinkler Fitter Certification

Fill out a Certification of Work Experience form, also available at the CSLB website. This is used to report your level of experience in building and installing fire prevention systems. A minimum of four years' experience is required for certification.

Fill out the Completed Project List form. This details your work history in building and installing fire prevention systems.

Get fingerprinted. After your application has been accepted, you will be sent information on how to get a full set of fingerprints. You will need to visit a Live Scan station to be processed. Your fingerprints will be sent to the Department of Justice and the FBI. Bring a valid photo ID. Expired cards are not accepted.

Mail one copy of the Live Scan Service form to the Contractors State License Board within 90 days. Retain an additional copy for your records.

Take the C-16 Fire Prevention License exam. If your application is accepted, you will be sent a Notice to Appear for Examination, along with a study guide. Study questions and sample tests are available at the CSLB website. You will be assigned a test center based on your ZIP code.

Tip

Your application will not automatically be rejected if you have been convicted of a crime. Convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. You are not required to reside in California to qualify for a C-16 Fire Prevention License.

Warning

Do not falsify any information on your application form. Doing so may cause it to be rejected.