DFS Licensing

The Department of Fire Services gives exams for licenses and certifications.

Look up a DFS License

Licensing Topic Areas

The Department of Fire Services issues licenses, permits and certificates for: 

• Aboveground Storage Tanks
• Blasting and explosives
• Boilers and pressure vessels (Oil burner technicians, BPV inspectors, steam firemen and engineers.)
• Cannons and mortars
• Commercial hood cleaning and inspections (hood cleaning)
• Crowd managers
• Fireworks and special effects
• Fire suppression (fire extinguishers)
• Marine fueling
• Self-service gas stations

License Exam Schedule

Exam	Exam Date	Application Deadline
Fire Suppression and Commercial Hood Cleaning	November 18, 2026 January 13, 2027 March 24, 2027 May 12, 2027 July 21, 2027 September 22, 2027 November 17, 2027	October 23, 2026 December 18, 2026 February 26, 2027 April 16, 2027 June 25, 2027 August 27, 2027 October 22, 2027

Exam	Exam Date	Application Deadline
Cannon/Mortar, Fireworks, Special Effects, Blasting, and Blasting R & D	October 21, 2026 February 17, 2027 April 21, 2027 June 23, 2027 August 18, 2027 October 20, 2027	September 25, 2026 January 22, 2027 March 26, 2027 May 28, 2027 July 23, 2027 September 24, 2027

Licensing Exam Guidelines

Review these licensing guidelines before you submit an application or take an exam. The guidelines answer questions about:

• License applications
• Fees
• Test preparation
• Cheating
• Re-taking exams
• Testing responsibilities

Licensing Exam Study Materials

Download the following study materials for any exam you plan to take. 

Licensing Exam Information

• You must be pre-registered for all license exams. 
• We must receive your complete current application by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline date listed above. If we get your application after the deadline, you cannot take the exam. 
• No photocopies of applications will be accepted. 
• You can take exams at: 1 State Road in Stow (park in the remote lot at the top of the hill); and 100 Grochmal Avenue in Springfield. Directions are available at www.mass.gov/dfs.
• Questions? Contact the Licensing Desk at 978-567-3700 or by email at [e-mail].
• For questions on Boiler and Pressure Vessel licenses, contact: [phone].

Penalties for Working After a License is Suspended or Revoked

Amendments to 527 CMR 1.00, effective May 15, 2020. On May 15, 2020, penalties took effect for performing work that requires a license after it has been suspended or revoked, and for unlicensed individuals who falsely represent themselves as licensed to perform work regulated by the State Fire Code. Additional changes hold companies responsible for knowingly allowing their employees to falsely represent themselves as valid license holders.