Fire protection licensing in Virginia
Virginia licenses fire protection contractors through the DPOR Board for Contractors. The fire sprinkler (SPR) specialty requires a qualified individual with NICET Level III or a Virginia PE license. Fire alarm (FAS) and fire suppression (FSP) qualified individuals must pass PSI open-book exams. Sprinkler inspectors must be DPOR-certified, based on NICET Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems Level II or higher. Fire prevention inspectors certify through DHCD, and one path requires ICC Fire Inspector I and II.
What each trade needs in Virginia
Fire alarm
Fire Alarm Systems (FAS) specialty designation - Qualified Individual
- Issued by
- Virginia DPOR, Board for Contractors
- Who needs it
- Contractor firms doing fire alarm work. The Qualified Individual must be pre-approved and pass the exam. The ELE electrical classification also covers fire alarm work.
- What it takes
- Get pre-approved, show 2, 3 or 5 years of experience for Class C, B or A, and pass the PSI technical exam, VA Fire Alarm Systems Contracting.
State exam: PSI VA Fire Alarm Systems Contracting, open book (reference books allowed), $85
Sources: DPOR/PSI Contractor Specialty QI Candidate Information Bulletin; DPOR A501-27EXINFO (09/01/2025)
Fire sprinkler
Fire Sprinkler (SPR) specialty designation - Qualified Individual
- Issued by
- Virginia DPOR, Board for Contractors (18VAC50-22)
- Who needs it
- Contractor firms doing fire sprinkler work. Each designation needs one Qualified Individual (a full-time employee or member of responsible management).
- What it takes
- Employ a Qualified Individual who holds a valid NICET Level III or higher certificate, or a valid Virginia Professional Engineer license with automatic sprinkler layout or installation experience. Class experience requirements also apply: 2, 3 or 5 years for Class C, B or A.
NICET: NICET Level III or higher required (sprinkler layout)
Sources: DPOR A501-27EXINFO (09/01/2025); DPOR A501-27ADDSP additional specialty application
Inspection, testing and maintenance
Certified Automatic Fire Sprinkler Inspector
- Issued by
- Virginia DPOR, Board for Contractors (Va. Code 54.1-1147; 18VAC50-30-41)
- Who needs it
- Individuals who perform NFPA 25 fire sprinkler inspections. Trainees may work alongside a certified inspector.
- What it takes
- The Board certifies anyone who holds NICET Level II or higher in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems, or a substantially similar certification from a nationally recognized program.
NICET: NICET Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems Level II or higher required
Special hazards suppression
Fire Suppression (FSP) specialty designation - Qualified Individual
- Issued by
- Virginia DPOR, Board for Contractors
- Who needs it
- Contractor firms installing non-water fire suppression systems
- What it takes
- Get pre-approved, show the required experience, and pass the PSI technical exam, VA Fire Suppression Contracting.
State exam: PSI VA Fire Suppression Contracting, open book, $85
Source: DPOR/PSI Contractor Specialty QI Candidate Information Bulletin
Fire inspectors
DHCD Fire Prevention Inspector certification
- Issued by
- Virginia DHCD, Jack A. Proctor Virginia Building Code Academy; Virginia Dept. of Fire Programs
- Who needs it
- Local fire prevention inspectors enforcing the Statewide Fire Prevention Code
- What it takes
- Path 1 (fire marshal with police powers): DHCD Core class, VDFP 1031 Inspector class, and the VDFP 1031 exam. Path 2 (fire prevention only): DHCD Core class, VDFP Fire Inspector Bridge class, and passing ICC exam 66 (Fire Inspector I) and ICC exam 67 (Fire Inspector II).
ICC: ICC Fire Inspector I (66) and Fire Inspector II (67) required on Path 2
State exam: VDFP 1031 exam (Path 1)
Source: DHCD - Earn a Certification
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 (SPR) specialty designation - Qualified Individual
NICET I&T of Water-Based Systems
Test and service sprinklers, standpipes & fire pumps in-field.
Named in: Certified Automatic Fire Sprinkler Inspector
ICC Fire Inspector I
Inspect finished buildings for fire code compliance.
Named in: DHCD Fire Prevention Inspector certification
ICC Fire Inspector II
Advanced fire code inspection; requires Fire Inspector I.
Named in: DHCD Fire Prevention Inspector certification
Sources
Statutes, administrative codes and licensing agency pages, checked November 13, 2026. Rules change; the agency's current text governs.