Texas Fire Sprinkler License: RME Requirements, Tests, and Fees
Every Texas fire sprinkler RME license needs the TFM-08 Statutes & Rules test. Here is which license needs which NICET level or TFM-10, plus the license and company fees.
Contents
Texas Fire Sprinkler License: RME Requirements, Tests, and Fees
Texas regulates fire sprinkler work under Insurance Code Chapter 6003 and the State Fire Marshal's rules in 28 TAC Chapter 34, Subchapter G. Two layers apply:
- The company must hold a certificate of registration.
- The Responsible Managing Employee (RME) must hold an RME license.
What each RME license needs
Every RME license has two parts: a technical qualification, and the Texas TFM-08 Sprinkler Statutes & Rules test.
| License | Technical qualification | State test |
|---|---|---|
| RME-G (General) | NICET Water-Based Systems Layout, Level III | TFM-08 |
| RME-D (Dwelling) | NICET Water-Based Systems Layout, Level II | TFM-08 |
| RME-U (Underground) | TFM-10 Sprinkler Underground | TFM-08 |
| RME-I (Inspector) | NICET Inspection & Testing of Water-Based Systems, Level II | TFM-08 |
Three points worth knowing:
- A Texas PE license waives the technical part of the RME-G, and waives TFM-10 for the RME-U. It does not waive TFM-08.
- For the RME-U, the SFMO notes that a civil engineer license is "preferred".
- TFM-08 has no substitute. Every RME applicant takes it.
For what each license lets you do, see our Texas RME license guide.
The two Texas tests
- TFM-08 Sprinkler Statutes & Rules. SFMO bases it on "the Texas Insurance Code Chapter 6003 and the Texas Administrative Code 34.700". Under 28 TAC §34.715(a), the test covers the subchapter and Chapter 6003, and you need at least 70%.
- TFM-10 Sprinkler Underground. Based on NFPA 24, the Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances. Texas adopts the 2019 edition (28 TAC §34.707(10)).
Both are closed book, 50 questions, with 70% to pass.
The NICET half
For the RME-G, RME-D and RME-I, the technical qualification is a NICET certification, so most of your study time goes there:
- RME-G and RME-D: our NICET Water-Based Systems Layout practice tests.
- RME-I: our NICET Inspection & Testing of Water-Based Systems practice tests.
Fees
RME licenses, from the SFMO:
| License | Initial | Renewal (two years) |
|---|---|---|
| RME-G | $200 | $350 |
| RME-D | $150 | $200 |
| RME-U | $150 | $200 |
| RME-I | $50 | $100 |
Company registration:
| Registration | Initial | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| General | $950 (includes the $50 application fee) | $1,800 |
| Underground or dwelling | $350 | $600 |
PSI charges $48 per test on top, paid to PSI and non-refundable.
Test results expire
A passing result is valid for one year for applying. Pass TFM-08 too early, before your NICET certification or TFM-10 is in hand, and you may have to sit it again.
Next step
TFM-08 is pure statute and rule, and it is closed book. Experienced fitters and designers miss it because they never read Subchapter G. Try our free Texas fire sprinkler practice test, or see the full question bank with separate TFM-08 and TFM-10 exams.
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