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DFS Licensing

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

Look up a DFS License

Get information on Boiler and Pressure Vessel Licenses. These include licenses for:

  • steam firemen and engineers (power plant operators),
  • boiler and pressure vessel inspectors,
  • oil burner technicians.

Emergency Order on Sale and Transfer Inspections

The Governor's Executive Order allowing the deferral of smoke and carbon monoxide alarm inspections ended on July 10, 2020. Buyers who agreed to defer these inspections must have them completed by October 9, 2020.  This includes all sales or transfers of residential property. The seller must make sure these inspections occur for any new sales or transfers after July 10. Contact your local fire department to schedule an inspection. Read the advisory from the State Fire Marshal for more information.

State Fire Marshal Advisory & Gov.'s Exec. Order Reinstating LIcensing Deadlines and Resuming Certain Inspections

Recent amendments to 527 CMR 1.00 effective May 15, 2020. On May 15, 2020, new 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.

Licensing Topic Areas

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

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

License Exam Schedule

 ALL exams are held at 10:00 a.m.

Exams

 Exam dates Application deadlines

BOTH Fire Suppression AND
Commercial Hood Cleaning

July 17, 2020

June 26, 2020

Cannon/Mortar, Fireworks,
Special Effects, Blasting,
Blasting R & D

August 12, 2020

July 24, 2020

Licensing Exam Study Materials

DFS provides study materials for licensing exams. Download and study the materials for any exam you plan to take. 

Additional Resources

Fire suppression study materials (PDF 170.37 KB)
Commercial hood cleaning study materials (PDF 39.62 KB)
Cannon and mortar study materials (PDF 135.6 KB)
Fireworks study materials (PDF 134.65 KB)
Special effects study materials (PDF 134.63 KB)
Blasting study materials (PDF 137.93 KB)
Blasting research and development license study materials (PDF 136.09 KB)
See all 7 See all of the resources for DFS Licensing 

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. 
  • All exams start promptly at 10:00 a.m.
  • 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 dfs.licensing@dfs.state.ma.us.
  • For questions on Boiler and Pressure Vessel licenses, contact: (978) 567-3780.
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