The Difference Between F-01 and F-02 Fire Guard Certifications in NYC
If you’re planning to work as a Fire Guard in New York City, understanding the difference between the F-01 and F-02 certifications is essential. Both licenses are issued by the FDNY (Fire Department of New York) and are designed to ensure fire safety in buildings and shelters—but they serve very different purposes.
Let’s break it down:
🔐 What is the F-01 Fire Guard Certification?
Purpose:
The F-01 is required for individuals employed in buildings where the fire protection system is temporarily out of service. This can include office buildings, schools, construction sites, or residential buildings during maintenance periods.
Common Job Sites:
- Construction zones
- Commercial buildings with disabled fire alarms or sprinklers
- Buildings undergoing renovations
Responsibilities:
- Conducting fire watch patrols
- Logging patrols in the fire safety logbook
- Notifying the fire department if a fire breaks out
- Making sure exits are clear and systems are restored ASAP
🛌 What is the F-02 Fire Guard Certification?
Purpose:
The F-02 is required for those working in residential buildings, shelters, or hotels where a fire alarm or sprinkler system is out of service—especially when residents are sleeping on the premises.
Common Job Sites:
- Homeless shelters
- Supportive housing facilities
- Transitional residences
- Any facility with overnight occupancy
Responsibilities:
- Ensuring sleeping areas are safe
- Monitoring exits and hallways overnight
- Providing rapid response in emergencies
- Keeping detailed records of patrols and incidents
🔍 Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | F-01 Fire Guard | F-02 Fire Guard |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Commercial & general sites | Residential/shelter facilities |
| Overnight Presence | Not required | Often required when residents are onsite |
| Work Environment | Construction, renovations | Shelters, group homes, hotels |
| Target Certification | Fire watch in non-residential | Fire watch where people are sleeping |
🎓 How to Get Certified
Both exams are administered by the FDNY. You’ll need to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid government-issued photo ID
- Pass the FDNY computer-based test (multiple choice)
- Pay the $25 test fee
- Get fingerprinted (if required by your employer)
You can take preparation courses online or in person at FDNY-approved training centers.
✅ Which One Should You Get?
- If you’re applying to work in a shelter, transitional housing, or hotel, you’ll likely need the F-02.
- If you’re working in buildings under construction, renovations, or any place with a temporarily disabled fire system, the F-01 is for you.
Some employers even require both certifications to increase flexibility and shift coverage—so getting both can boost your employability.
Final Tip:
Fire Guard certifications don’t just open doors to new jobs—they make you a more valuable asset to any facility. In a city that never sleeps, safety is essential, and Fire Guards are at the heart of that mission.
Prepare for the F-01/F-02 Exam with Star Security Training!
Want to ensure you pass the F-01/F-02 Fire Guard exam on your first try? At Star Security Training, we offer both online and in-person preparation courses starting at $55 that are designed to help you:
✔️ Understand key fire safety concepts in simple terms
✔️ Practice with real FDNY-style exam questions
✔️ Feel confident and fully prepared for the test
📍 Location: 1891 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY
💻 Online Classes Available
📞 Call us at 718-773-5000 or visit starsecuritytraining.com for more information!
🔥 Don’t take chances—train with the best and get certified fast! 🔥
