Notice To Current or Perspective Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensees

              We are pleased to post for your information and reference the revised Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Regulations, as established through the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 29.06.05, and approved by the State Fire Prevention Commission.  These revised regulations are effective on May 13, 2003 and will be implemented on a phased-in basis as each new or renewal application is received for our review and approval.  Also, the Fire Sprinkler Contractor License Application has been updated to reflect the information required in the revised regulations.

 1.      The “Classification of Licenses” has been expanded from three classifications to seven classifications as prescribed under Section .04 entitled “Licensure”.  This was done in order to distinguish between sprinkler contractors who wish to engage in work related only to sprinkler system inspection, testing & maintenance, as opposed to those who wish to do installation or layout work, or those who wish to do both installation and layout work.  The classifications are further sub-divided between residential (NFPA 13D & 13R Systems) and all residential and commercial sprinkler systems.  Accordingly, the corresponding NICET (National Institute for the Certification in Engineering Technologies) certification for each  classification has been changed to reflect a re-alignment of the requirements, respectively.  It is hoped that these changes will encourage sprinkler contractors who currently have a “Temporary License” to seek a permanent license by becoming NICET certified as soon as possible.

 2.      As per Section .04B entitled “Class I Fire Sprinkler Contractor License”, any contractor who wishes to perform sprinkler system inspection, testing and/or maintenance work must have a Class I License in addition to any other class of sprinkler license for which they may apply.  There is no extra charge to apply for a Class I License if it is in addition to a request for another class of license on the same application form.  As prescribed in the above referenced section, a Class I License requires a NICET Level II or higher certification or equivalent in the field of fire protection, inspection and testing of water-based systems.  This is a relatively new level of NICET certification created specifically for contractors who perform sprinkler system inspection, testing and maintenance work.  As indicated above, currently licensed sprinkler contractors who currently perform this work may continue to do so until such time that their license is due for renewal.

 3.       VERY IMPORTANT!  As per Section .04K entitled “Temporary Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licenses”, all temporary sprinkler contractor licenses shall automatically expire on July 1, 2005.  This also applies to sprinkler contractors who have relied on a third-party certified technician or professional engineer as a means to qualify for a license.  This means that on or after this date all sprinkler contractors who currently have a temporary license or use a third-party NICET certified person or professional engineer to do their layout work, and who wish to continue in the sprinkler contractor business, must possess a permanent license.  This will require that they employ a “Designated Qualified Individual” on their staff who has either the required NICET certification for the respective class of license or is a Maryland Registered Professional Engineer.  As per these revised regulations, both the sprinkler contractor and the third-party consultant must be a licensed fire sprinkler contractor and employ a NICET certified person or registered professional engineer as required for the respective class of license.

 4.       As per Section .04M entitled “Liability Insurance Requirements”, it should be noted that the previous requirement for “Errors and Omissions” insurance has been deleted for all classes of sprinkler contractor licenses, effective with the date of these revised regulations.  Sprinkler contractors are cautioned that they need to seriously consider their business risk and liability exposure should they elect to delete this type of insurance coverage from their current policy.  

 5.      As per Section .04B(2) under definition of “Fire Sprinkler System”, a new item (e) has been added to specify that a sprinkler system includes potable water multipurpose piping systems as defined in NFPA 13D.  Please note that in order to install one of these systems you must also be a Maryland master plumber and comply with all applicable provisions of the state law to practice plumbing as well as the state/local plumbing code.

 6.      As per Section .04B(8), a new term “Designated Qualified Individual” has been added to replace the previous term “Responsible Managing Employee” to better clarify the definition of this individual.

 7.      As per Section .04 N(2) and (3), a copy of the required insurance certificate and proof of current NICET qualification or professional engineer registration status must be submitted with the application.  The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall be named as the insurance certificate holder.  (Note:  Please submit copies of all this information with the application as a package, since separate submittals, particularly insurance certificates, can easily be misplaced and this will delay our review of the application in a timely fashion.)

         To apply for a new or renewal Fire Sprinkler Contractor License, please forward the completed application form along with a check in the amount of $100, made payable to the OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL.  Please forward the application and fee to:

 Your application subsequently will be reviewed and acted upon within 30 days upon receipt thereof.

 For additional information regarding NICET certification requirements, please contact:

Website:  www.nicet.org

 Thank you for your interest in Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing.  Should you have further questions regarding the application or application process, please contact our Salisbury Office at 410-543-6573 for assistance.