Fire protection licensing in Montana
Montana's Department of Labor and Industry (Fire Protection License Program, ARM Title 24 Chapter 144) requires an individual endorsement to sell, service or install fire alarm systems, special agent fire suppression systems or fire extinguishing systems (including sprinkler systems), plus a business entity license for the firm. There is no state exam: the endorsement is granted on NICET Level II or higher in the matching field (or candidacy for it), ESA/NTS CFAT Level II for fire alarm, an approved apprenticeship, an engineering license, or an equivalent out-of-state endorsement; pre-engineered systems can be endorsed brand-by-brand on manufacturer training.
What each trade needs in Montana
Fire alarm
Individual Endorsement - Fire Alarm Systems (sell, service, install)
- Issued by
- Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Fire Protection License Program
- Who needs it
- Any individual who sells, services or installs fire alarm systems (apprentices under immediate personal supervision of an endorsee are exempt); the firm also needs a Business Entity license
- What it takes
- Any one of: an equivalent endorsement from another jurisdiction; a letter certifying NICET Level II or higher (or candidacy for Level II or higher) specific to the endorsement; ESA/NTS Certified Alarm Technician Level II or higher; certification from another department-approved national testing agency; an engineering license; or a department-approved apprenticeship (ARM 24.144.502). Pre-engineered fire alarm systems can instead be endorsed brand by brand and model by model, based on manufacturer training. 4 hours of CE per year; $100 fee.
NICET: NICET Fire Alarm Level II or higher (or Level II candidacy)
Sources: ARM 24.144.501-.502 and .411 (DLI unofficial compilation as of 6/30/2021); MT Fire Protection License Program - Individual Endorsement
Fire sprinkler
Individual Endorsement - Fire Extinguishing Systems (sell, service, install)
- Issued by
- Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Fire Protection License Program
- Who needs it
- Any individual who sells, services or installs fire extinguishing systems, which include fire sprinkler systems (ARM 24.144.301)
- What it takes
- Any one of: NICET Level II or higher specific to the endorsement (or candidacy), certification from an approved national testing agency, an engineering license, an approved apprenticeship, or an equivalent out-of-state endorsement (ARM 24.144.502). 4 hours of CE per year; $100 fee.
NICET: NICET Level II or higher specific to the endorsement
Source: ARM 24.144.301 definitions, 24.144.501-.502 (DLI compilation)
Special hazards suppression
Individual Endorsement - Special Agent Fire Suppression Systems (sell, service, install)
- Issued by
- Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Fire Protection License Program
- Who needs it
- Any individual who sells, services or installs special agent fire suppression systems, including pre-engineered (e.g., kitchen) systems
- What it takes
- Engineered and pre-engineered systems: NICET Level II or higher specific to the endorsement (or candidacy), certification from an approved testing agency, an engineering license, an approved apprenticeship, or an equivalent out-of-state endorsement (ARM 24.144.502). Pre-engineered systems only: manufacturer training on the specific brand and model, with the endorsement valid only for that brand and model.
NICET: NICET Level II or higher specific to the endorsement
Source: ARM 24.144.502 (DLI compilation)
Practice for these credentials
These national exams are named in the requirements above. Each has a free sample test.
NICET Fire Alarm Systems
Most-pursued fire-alarm credential — design, layout & installation.
Named in: Individual Endorsement - Fire Alarm Systems (sell, service, install)
NICET Water-Based Systems Layout
Sprinkler & standpipe layout — design, hangers, hydraulics.
Named in: Individual Endorsement - Fire Extinguishing Systems (sell, service, install)
NICET I&T of Water-Based Systems
Test and service sprinklers, standpipes & fire pumps in-field.
Named in: Individual Endorsement - Fire Extinguishing Systems (sell, service, install)
NICET Special Hazards Systems
CO₂, clean agent, water mist, foam & deluge suppression systems.
Named in: Individual Endorsement - Special Agent Fire Suppression Systems (sell, service, install)
Sources
Statutes, administrative codes and licensing agency pages, checked November 13, 2026. Rules change; the agency's current text governs.