Fire protection licensing in Maryland
Maryland licenses fire sprinkler contractors statewide through the State Fire Prevention Commission and the Office of the State Fire Marshal (COMAR 29.06.05). Each license class needs a Designated Qualified Individual: NICET Level II in ITM Water-Based for inspection and testing, NICET II in sprinkler layout for most installation classes, and NICET III in layout for commercial layout. The State Fire Marshal also licenses extinguisher and non-water-based system servicers, who pass an in-person NFPA 10 exam. A 2026 law (Ch. 422) creates a new statewide license for fire alarm system technicians and companies; the regulations that will set its requirements have not been adopted yet.
Some cities and counties in Maryland add their own requirements on top of the state's. Confirm with your local fire marshal before you rely on this page.
What each trade needs in Maryland
Fire alarm
Fire Alarm System Technician / Fire Alarm System Company license (new; regulations pending)
- Issued by
- Maryland State Fire Prevention Commission (Public Safety §9-901/9-902 as amended by 2026 Ch. 422, HB 149)
- Who needs it
- Fire alarm system technicians (defined as people doing periodic inspection and testing of existing fire alarm systems, not commissioning of new systems) and fire alarm system companies
- What it takes
- The State Fire Prevention Commission will adopt regulations setting licensure requirements, professional and technical standards, insurance and fees. The law takes effect October 1, 2026. The statute itself does not require NICET or any other certification.
Sources: HB 149 (2026RS), Chapter 422: legislation page; HB 149 enrolled text
Fire sprinkler
Fire Sprinkler Contractor License, Classes IIa-IId (residential) and IIIa (commercial installation)
- Issued by
- Maryland State Fire Prevention Commission / OSFM (COMAR 29.06.05.04)
- Who needs it
- DQI for contractors installing, repairing or modifying (and, for IIb/IIc, laying out) residential or commercial systems
- What it takes
- 3 years' (residential) or 5 years' (IIIa) experience and a DQI with NICET Level II or higher in automatic sprinkler system layout. Class IId (13D only) also requires a Maryland master plumber license
NICET: NICET Water-Based Systems Layout Level II or higher
Source: COMAR 29.06.05.04 (Cornell LII)
Fire Sprinkler Contractor License, Classes IIIb (commercial layout) and IIIc (commercial install + layout)
- Issued by
- Maryland State Fire Prevention Commission / OSFM (COMAR 29.06.05.04)
- Who needs it
- DQI for contractors that lay out commercial NFPA 13 systems
- What it takes
- Five years' experience and a DQI with NICET Engineering Technician Level III or higher in automatic sprinkler system layout, or layout supervised by a Maryland-registered PE knowledgeable in sprinklers. A DQI may serve at most 3 contractors
NICET: NICET Water-Based Systems Layout Level III or higher required
Source: COMAR 29.06.05.04 (Cornell LII)
Inspection, testing and maintenance
Fire Sprinkler Contractor License, Class I (inspection, testing and maintenance)
- Issued by
- Maryland State Fire Prevention Commission / Office of the State Fire Marshal (COMAR 29.06.05.04)
- Who needs it
- Designated Qualified Individual (DQI) for a contractor that inspects, tests and maintains NFPA 13/13D/13R systems
- What it takes
- Three years' experience and a DQI with NICET Engineering Technician Level II or higher in inspection and testing of water-based systems (or equivalent)
NICET: NICET ITM Water-Based Systems Level II or higher required
Source: COMAR 29.06.05.04 (Cornell LII)
Extinguishers and kitchen suppression
Portable Fire Extinguisher and Non-Water-Based Fixed System license
- Issued by
- Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal
- Who needs it
- Individuals and companies installing or servicing fire extinguishers and non-water-based suppression systems
- What it takes
- Pass an in-person written exam based on NFPA 10 with a grade of 70% or higher (new or expired applicants), and submit a resume and copies of your current training certificates.
State exam: OSFM in-person written exam on NFPA 10, 70% to pass
Source: OSFM Fire Extinguishers and Non-Water Based System Licensing
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 Sprinkler Contractor License, Classes IIa-IId (residential) and IIIa (commercial installation); Fire Sprinkler Contractor License, Classes IIIb (commercial layout) and IIIc (commercial install + layout)
NICET I&T of Water-Based Systems
Test and service sprinklers, standpipes & fire pumps in-field.
Named in: Fire Sprinkler Contractor License, Class I (inspection, testing and maintenance)
Sources
Statutes, administrative codes and licensing agency pages, checked November 13, 2026. Rules change; the agency's current text governs.