Fire protection licensing in Kentucky
Kentucky's Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), working through the State Fire Marshal's office, issues sprinkler and suppression system contractor licenses and certificates of competency. A fire sprinkler certificate holder needs NICET Level III or higher in sprinkler layout, and an engineered chemical (special hazards) certificate needs NICET Special Hazards Level III. Fire alarm inspectors are certified either through NICET Fire Alarm Level II or higher or through a department-approved exam.
What each trade needs in Kentucky
Fire sprinkler
Fire Protection Sprinkler System Certificate of Competency
- Issued by
- Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (KRS 198B.550 et seq.; 815 KAR 7:080)
- Who needs it
- Certificate holder qualifying a licensed sprinkler contractor
- What it takes
- Proof of current NICET certification in automatic sprinkler system layout, Level III or higher, plus forms FPS-SC-2/2a and a $125 fee. You must also meet the examination requirements of KRS 198B.570.
NICET: NICET Water-Based Systems Layout Level III or higher required
Source: 815 KAR 7:080
Inspection, testing and maintenance
Fire Alarm Systems Inspector Certification
- Issued by
- Kentucky DHBC (815 KAR 10:060 Section 7)
- Who needs it
- Anyone who inspects and tests fire alarm systems. Fire alarms in state-licensed hospitals, nursing homes and ambulatory surgical centers must be tested quarterly by a Kentucky certified inspector.
- What it takes
- NICET Level II, III or IV in fire alarm systems, or a passing score on the alarm inspector exam from a department-approved provider. You also need at least 18 months of installation, repair or testing experience in the last 5 years. The fee is $50 per classification per year; renewal requires 6 hours of continuing education or current NICET certification.
NICET: NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level II or higher accepted in lieu of the exam
State exam: Alarm inspector exam from a department-approved provider
Sources: 815 KAR 10:060; DHBC Form FPS 33-01 (Apr 2023)
Special hazards suppression
Chemical Systems Certificate of Competency: engineered chemical systems (unlimited)
- Issued by
- Kentucky DHBC (815 KAR 7:080)
- Who needs it
- Certificate holder for a contractor working on engineered chemical (special hazard) systems
- What it takes
- Proof of current NICET Level III certification in special hazard systems layout.
NICET: NICET Special Hazards Level III required
Source: 815 KAR 7:080
Extinguishers and kitchen suppression
Range Hood Suppression System Certificate / Pre-engineered Chemical Systems (limited) Certificate of Competency
- Issued by
- Kentucky DHBC (815 KAR 7:080)
- Who needs it
- Certificate holder for contractors installing or servicing kitchen hood and pre-engineered chemical systems
- What it takes
- Proof of current manufacturer's training certification, plus the application forms and a $125 fee. No NICET or ICC certification is required.
Source: 815 KAR 7:080
Practice for these credentials
These national exams are named in the requirements above. Each has a free sample test.
NICET Water-Based Systems Layout
Sprinkler & standpipe layout — design, hangers, hydraulics.
Named in: Fire Protection Sprinkler System Certificate of Competency
NICET Fire Alarm Systems
Most-pursued fire-alarm credential — design, layout & installation.
Named in: Fire Alarm Systems Inspector Certification
NICET Special Hazards Systems
CO₂, clean agent, water mist, foam & deluge suppression systems.
Named in: Chemical Systems Certificate of Competency: engineered chemical systems (unlimited)
Sources
Statutes, administrative codes and licensing agency pages, checked November 13, 2026. Rules change; the agency's current text governs.