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Texas State Fire Marshal Office (SFMO)
The State Fire Marshal Office (SFMO) is the regulatory body in control of the licensing issuance and registration processes for fire-related industry trades in Texas. It preserves life and property by enforcing behavioral codes, reviewing plans, conducting fire inspections, and determining the cause of fires. It also checks commercial establishments, high-risk operations, and fire protection systems around the State. The Office has been an active component of the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) since 1997 (SB 371 of the 75th Legislature). The TDI supervises the management of the Texas workers' compensation system, controls the State's insurance industry, fulfills the responsibilities of the SFMO, and provides administrative support to the Office of Injured Employee Counsel. On the other hand, the Office aims to reduce casualties and damage to property through prevention, awareness, and security.
Anyone who sells, installs, certifies, or services Alarms, Extinguishers, Fireworks, or Sprinklers is subject to the regulation frameworks; each of the four categories has pre-established requirements and processes depending on the area of profession. Examinations may also vary, but PSI© is the conducting provider for most tests, where the candidate must complete and choose the portion of the exam to be taken in one setting.
According to the State Fire Marshal Office, registrations are given to businesses, whereas licenses are given to individuals. When the company and the individual are new, applications for the corresponding titles must be filed together. A licensure application must be sent with a fingerprint receipt unless this information is already on file with the Office. A renewal notice is sent 90 days before the license expiration date; after initial renewal, notifications are to be expected every two years.
Alarm Category - Licenses and Registrations
Official List of Alarm Trades
- Alarm Branch Office Certificate of Registration
- Alarm Certificate of Registration (ACR)
- Alarm Certificate of Registration - Single-Station (ACR-SS)
- Fire Alarm Monitoring Technician (AMT)
- Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS)
- Fire Alarm Residential Superintendent (RAS)
- Fire Alarm Residential Superintendent - Single-Station (RAS-SS)
- Fire Alarm Residential Technician (RAL)
- Fire Alarm Technician (FAL)
How to Get an SFMO Alarm Certificate of Registration in Texas?
A company can only be registered with a licensed employee. To be issued an Alarm Certificate of Registration (ACR), the designated employee needs to have a license as a Fire Alarm Technician, Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent, or Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent.
- Read the Alarm Registration document to learn about the scopes of work and application criteria
- Comply with the requisites pertaining to the intended registration:
Alarm Branch Office Certificate of Registration
- Fire Alarm Certificate of Registration Application (SF031)
- Name of the designated full-time employee who is or will be licensed on the ACR Application; the designated full-time employee must possess a FAL, APS, or RAS License given by SFMO
Alarm Certificate of Registration (ACR)
- Application for a Fire Alarm Certificate of Registration (SF031)
- Certificate of Insurance (SF239) for property damage and bodily injury
- Name of the designated full-time employee who is or will be licensed on the ACR Application; the designated full-time employee must possess a FAL, APS, or RAS License given by SFMO
Alarm Certificate of Registration - Single-Station (ACR-SS)
- Registration Application for Fire Alarm Certificate (SF031)
- Certificate of Insurance (SF239) for property damage and bodily injury
- Letter stating the following: “The company will only engage in the business of planning, certifying, leasing, selling, servicing, installing, monitoring, or maintaining single-station devices which are not part of or connected to any other detection device or system in a single-family or twofamily residence”
- Name of the designated full-time employee who is or will be licensed on the ACR Application
- Include the relevant form(s) according to the Alarm Certificate of Registration needs:
- Complete the application by sending any necessary paperwork or additional forms, and pay the fees all at once by mailing them to the Texas Department of Insurance (State Fire Marshal’s Office - P.O. Box 12107, Austin, Texas 78711-2107) or through the online platform of Sircon
- Fee costs for different applications must be combined into a single payment to cover all amounts
- Expect an answer from the Office after the application has been successfully validated
- For more info on the process, please contact the State Fire Marshal Office at (512) 676-6800 (option 51), or at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- For more info on the process, please contact the State Fire Marshal Office at (512) 676-6800 (option 51), or at
How to Get an SFMO Alarm License in Texas?
Applicants should remember that an Individual License can only be issued once a Registered Company employs them.
- View the Alarm License and Test Information document to learn about the scopes of work, application criteria, and exam clarifications
- Meet the mandatory requirements and/or pass the corresponding examinations; for PSI© tests, please search by code within the trade to find more details:
Fire Alarm Monitoring Technician (AMT)
- Fire Alarm Technical (TFM14)
- Fire Alarm Statute & Rules (TFM11)
Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS)
Fire Alarm Residential Superintendent (RAS)
- Fire Alarm Technical (TFM12)
- Fire Alarm Residential (TFM13)
- Fire Alarm Statute & Rules (TFM11)
Fire Alarm Residential Superintendent - Single-Station (RAS-SS)
- Fire Alarm Residential (TFM13)
- Fire Alarm Statute & Rules (TFM11)
Fire Alarm Residential Technician (RAL)
- Residential Fire Alarm Technician Course by an approved Training School
Fire Alarm Technician (FAL)
- Fire Alarm Technical (TFM12)
- Fire Alarm Statute & Rules (TFM11)
- Obtain a biometric background check if one is not already on SFMO's records
- Read, fulfill, and submit the Fire Alarm License Application (SF032)
- Provide the name of the company where the employee will be registered
- The business must apply for a Fire Alarm Certificate of Registration (SF031) if the SFMO has not licensed it yet
- Send any required documentation, and pay the fees in full by mailing them to the Texas Department of Insurance (State Fire Marshal’s Office - P.O. Box 12107, Austin, Texas 78711-2107) or through the online platform of Sircon
- The cost for more than one application must be combined into a singular payment to cover all fees
- Expect an answer from the Office after the application has been successfully validated
- Individual Licenses are sent via email to the licensee's registered email address; paper licenses and pocket cards are no longer provided
- Contact the State Fire Marshal Office at (512) 676-6800 (option 51), or at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to obtain more details about the licensure process
Links and Information for Alarm Candidates
Informative Pages & Documents
- Candidate Information Bulletin
- State Fire Marshal’s Office Portal
- Alarm Licensing Forms for Individuals
- Alarm Registration Forms for Companies
- Alarm License, Registration, and Test Information
- Texas Resident Individual License Application Instruction Guide
- Non-Texas Resident Individual License Application Instruction Guide
- Alarm Forms from the State Fire Marshal's Office
- Insurance Requirements Information Sheet
- Alarm Statute & Rules
Extinguisher Category - Licenses and Registrations
Official List of Extinguisher Trades
- Extinguisher Apprentice Permit (EAP)
- Extinguisher Branch Office Certificate of Registration
- Extinguisher Certificate of Registration (ECR)
- Extinguisher Type A Fixed System (FEL-A)
- Extinguisher Type B Portable Fire Extinguisher (FEL-B)
- Extinguisher Type K Kitchen Cooking Systems (FEL-K)
- Extinguisher Type PL Planning (EPL)
How to Get an SFMO Extinguisher Certificate of Registration in Texas?
Note: A company can only be registered with a licensed employee.
- Read the Extinguisher Registration document to learn about the scopes of work and application criteria
- Comply with the requisites of the intended registration:
Extinguisher Branch Office Certificate of Registration
- Fire Extinguisher Certificate of Registration Application (SF025)
- Attach the applicable form(s) for Extinguisher Certificates of Registration:
- Fill out the application, any extra documents or paperwork, and pay the fees all at once by submitting them to the Texas Department of Insurance (State Fire Marshal’s Office - P.O. Box 12107, Austin, Texas 78711-2107) or through the Sircon online platform
- Fee costs for different applications must be combined into a single payment to cover all fees
- Await an answer from the Office after the application has been accepted
- For questions about the application, get in touch with the State Fire Marshal Office at (512) 676-6800 (option 51), or at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- For questions about the application, get in touch with the State Fire Marshal Office at (512) 676-6800 (option 51), or at
How to Apply for an SFMO Extinguisher License or Apprentice Permit in Texas?
Applicants should remember that an Individual License/Apprentice Permit can only be issued once a Registered Company employs them.
- Revise the Extinguisher License and Test Information document to know the scopes of work, application criteria, and exam clarifications/exemptions
- Meet the prerequisites, mandatory requirements and/or pass the corresponding examinations; for PSI© exams, please search by the trade code to find more information:
Extinguisher Apprentice Permit (EAP)
- No testing is required for this permit, but all work must be done under the direct supervision of a valid licensee
Extinguisher Type A Fixed System (FEL-A)
- Prerequisite - FEL-B License or Apprentice Permit for a minimum of 6 months
- Fire Extinguisher Type A (TFM04)
- Fire Extinguisher Type B (TFM02)
- Fire Extinguisher Type K (TFM03)
- Fire Extinguisher Statute & Rules (TFM01)
Extinguisher Type B Portable Fire Extinguisher (FEL-B)
- Fire Extinguisher Type B (TFM02)
- Fire Extinguisher Statute & Rules (TFM01)
Extinguisher Type K Kitchen Cooking Systems (FEL-K)
- Prerequisite - FEL-B License or Apprentice Permit for a minimum of 6 months
- Fire Extinguisher Type B (TFM02)
- Fire Extinguisher Type K (TFM03)
- Fire Extinguisher Statute & Rules (TFM01)
Extinguisher Type PL Planning (EPL)
- Approved National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level III Test
- Fire Extinguisher Statute & Rules (TFM01)
- Obtain a biometric background check if one is not already on SFMO's records
- Review, fulfill, and submit the Fire Extinguisher License Application (SF026) or the Fire Extinguisher Apprentice Permit Application (SF027), as corresponds
- Provide the name of the company where the employee will be registered
- The business must apply for a Fire Extinguisher Certificate of Registration (SF025) if the SFMO has not licensed it yet
- Fill out the applications, send any necessary paperwork, and pay the fees all at once by mailing them to the Texas Department of Insurance (State Fire Marshal’s Office - P.O. Box 12107, Austin, Texas 78711-2107) or through the online platform of Sircon
- Each application's fee expenses must be combined into a single payment to cover all costs
- The SFMO will contact the candidate once the application has been approved
- The registered licensee will receive the Individual Licenses via email; paper licenses and pocket cards are no longer provided
- For further information, please get in touch with the State Fire Marshal Office at (512) 676-6800 (option 51), or at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Useful Resources for Extinguisher Candidates
List of Informative Docs and Pages
- Candidate Information Bulletin
- State Fire Marshal’s Office Portal
- Extinguisher Licensing Forms for Individuals
- Extinguisher Registration Forms for Companies
- Extinguisher License, Registration, and Test Information
- Texas Resident Individual License Application Instruction Guide
- Non-Texas Resident Individual License Application Instruction Guide
- Extinguisher Forms from the State Fire Marshal's Office
- Insurance Requirements Information Sheet
- Extinguisher Statute & Rules
Firework Category - Licenses
Official List of Firework Trades
- Fireworks Flame Effects Operator
- Fireworks Pyrotechnic Operator
- Fireworks Pyrotechnic Special Effects Operator
How to Get an SFMO Firework License in Texas?
- Read the Firework License and Test Information document to learn about the scopes of work, application criteria, and exam clarifications
- Meet the mandatory requirements and pass the corresponding examinations; for PSI© tests, please search by the license code to find more information:
Fireworks Flame Effects Operator
- Fireworks Flame Effects Operator (TFM07)
Fireworks Pyrotechnic Operator
- Fireworks Pyrotechnic Operator (TFM05)
Fireworks Pyrotechnic Special Effects Operator
- Fireworks Special Effects Operator (TFM06)
- Pass a biometric background check if one is not already on SFMO's records
- Fulfill and submit the Fireworks Pyrotechnic, Special Effects, and Flame Effects Operator License Application (SF045)
- Turn in the completed form with any necessary paperwork, and payment for all the fees by mailing them to the Texas Department of Insurance (State Fire Marshal’s Office - P.O. Box 12107, Austin, Texas 78711-2107) or through the Sircon online platform
- Combine all costs for the different application fees into a single payment
- Expect an answer from the Office after the application has been successfully validated
- Individual Licenses are sent via email to the licensee's registered email address; paper licenses and pocket cards are no longer provided
- Get in touch with the State Fire Marshal Office at (512) 676-6800 (option 51), or at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information
Links and Information for Firework Candidates
Informative Pages & Documents
- Candidate Information Bulletin
- State Fire Marshal’s Office Portal
- Firework Licensing Forms for Individuals
- Firework Registration Forms for Companies
- Firework License, Registration, and Test Information
- Texas Resident Individual License Application Instruction Guide
- Non-Texas Resident Individual License Application Instruction Guide
- Firework Forms from the State Fire Marshal's Office
- Insurance Requirements Information Sheet
- Fire Statute & Rules
Sprinkler Category - Licenses and Registrations
Official List of Sprinkler Trades
- Sprinkler Certificate of Registration - Dwelling (SCR-D)
- Sprinkler Certificate of Registration - General (SCR)
- Sprinkler Certificate of Registration - Underground (SCR-U)
- Sprinkler Responsible Managing Employee - Dwelling (RME-D)
- Sprinkler Responsible Managing Employee - General (RME-G)
- Sprinkler Responsible Managing Employee - General Inspector (RME-I)
- Sprinkler Responsible Managing Employee - Underground (RME-U)
How to Apply for an SFMO Sprinkler Certificate of Registration in Texas?
Note: A company can only be registered with a licensed employee.
- Confirm the scopes of work and application criteria for Sprinkler Registration
- Comply with the requisites of the intended certificate:
- Include the relevant form(s) according to the needs:
- Mail the required documents or any extra forms, and pay the fees all at once by sending them to the Texas Department of Insurance (State Fire Marshal’s Office - P.O. Box 12107, Austin, Texas 78711-2107) or through the online platform of Sircon
- Fees for multiple applications must be consolidated into a single payment to cover all costs
- After the application has been completely approved, expect an official response from the Office
- Make sure to contact the State Fire Marshal Office at (512) 676-6800 (option 51), or at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions
- Make sure to contact the State Fire Marshal Office at (512) 676-6800 (option 51), or at
How to Get an SFMO Sprinkler License in Texas?
An Individual License can only be issued once a Registered Company employs them.
- Learn more about the work scopes, application requirements, and test clarifications/exemptions by reading the Sprinkler License and Test Information document.
- Meet the mandatory requirements and pass the corresponding examinations; for PSI© tests, please search by license exam code for additional info:
Sprinkler Responsible Managing Employee - Dwelling (RME-D)
- Approved National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II Test
- Fire Sprinkler Statute & Rules (TFM08)
Sprinkler Responsible Managing Employee - General (RME-G)
- Approved National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level III Test
- Fire Sprinkler Statute & Rules (TFM08)
Sprinkler Responsible Managing Employee - General Inspector (RME-I)
- Approved National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II Test
- Fire Sprinkler Statute & Rules (TFM08)
Sprinkler Responsible Managing Employee - Underground (RME-U)
- Fire Sprinkler Underground (TFM10)
- Fire Sprinkler Statute & Rules (TFM08)
- Complete a biometric background check if one is not already registered on SFMO's records
- Send the Fire Sprinkler Responsible Managing Employee (RME) License Application (SF036)
- Fulfill any additional paperwork with the application, and pay all fees by mailing them to the Texas Department of Insurance (State Fire Marshal’s Office - P.O. Box 12107, Austin, Texas 78711-2107) or through their online platform also known as Sircon
- To pay for all fees, the amount for each application must be combined into only one payment
- Await an answer from the Office after the application has been successfully accepted
- Individual Licenses are sent via email to the licensee's registered email address; paper licenses and pocket cards are no longer provided
- For more details, please get in touch with the State Fire Marshal Office at (512) 676-6800 (option 51), or at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Useful Resources for Sprinkler Candidates
List of Informative Docs and Pages
- Candidate Information Bulletin
- State Fire Marshal’s Office Portal
- Sprinkler Licensing Forms for Individuals
- Sprinkler Registration Forms for Companies
- Sprinkler License, Registration, and Test Information
- Texas Resident Individual License Application Instruction Guide
- Non-Texas Resident Individual License Application Instruction Guide
- Sprinkler Forms from the State Fire Marshal's Office
- Insurance Requirements Information Sheet
- Sprinkler Statute & Rules
Relevant Contact Details for SFMO Candidates
Texas State Fire Marshal Office
Official Website
800-578-4677
512-676-6800
Option 51 for licensing inquiries
From 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays
1601 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
PSI© Examinations
Official Website
PSI© Exams Online
855-746-8170
Specialist Support and Resources
Test Taker Support FAQ for the Test(s)
3210 East Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV 89121
