Texas Fire Extinguisher License: Type B Requirements, Fees, and How to Apply
The Texas Type B fire extinguisher license: what it covers, the two PSI tests, the ICC certification that replaces one of them, fees, and the firm registration your employer needs.
Contents
Texas Fire Extinguisher License: Type B Requirements, Fees, and How to Apply
Texas regulates fire extinguisher work under Insurance Code Chapter 6001 and the State Fire Marshal's rules in 28 TAC Chapter 34, Subchapter E. Two layers apply:
- The firm must hold a certificate of registration.
- Each individual who services extinguishers must hold a license or an apprentice permit.
The license types
28 TAC §34.511 names four license types:
| License | What it authorizes |
|---|---|
| Type B | Servicing, certifying and low-pressure hydrostatic testing of portable extinguishers |
| Type K | Pre-engineered kitchen (cooking-area) systems, plus portables |
| Type A | Fixed systems and all pre-engineered systems, plus portables |
| Type PL | Planning and supervising fixed systems |
Type B is the entry license for portable extinguisher technicians. Types K and A build on it.
The tests for Type B
The State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) splits the Type B testing into two PSI tests:
- TFM-01 Statutes & Rules. "All questions on this test are based on the Texas Insurance Code Chapter 6001 and the Texas Administrative Code 34.500."
- TFM-02 Type B. Based on NFPA 10, the Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers.
Both are closed book, 50 questions, with 70% to pass.
The ICC shortcut for TFM-02
SFMO accepts the ICC/NAFED Certified Portable Fire Extinguisher Technician exam in place of TFM-02. If you already hold it, you sit only TFM-01. If you work in more than one state, the ICC credential is the portable one. If you only ever work in Texas, TFM-02 is the direct route.
Fees
From 28 TAC §34.515:
| Fee | |
|---|---|
| License (Type A, B or K), initial | $70 |
| License renewal (two years) | $100 |
| Late renewal, 1–90 days | $35 |
| Late renewal, 91 days to two years | $70 |
| Apprentice permit | $30 |
PSI charges its own test fee on top.
The firm side
The company you work for needs a certificate of registration:
- Initial: $450, with a $600 renewal every two years.
- Branch offices: each needs its own certificate, at $100 initial.
- Hydrostatic testing: a firm that does it needs a separate Type C registration.
Apprentice permit
An apprentice permit lets you work under supervision while you prepare for the tests. It is the usual first step for someone new to the trade.
Proof of license
Under §34.511(b), a licensee must be able to show proof of licensure while working.
Next step
Both tests are closed book. TFM-01 is where people strong on NFPA 10 get caught out, because it is pure statute and rule. Try our free Texas fire extinguisher practice test, or see the full question bank with separate TFM-01 and TFM-02 exams.
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