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Certificate of Fitness Information

Certificate of Fitness for Supervision of Chemical Laboratories (C-14).
There are two ways to obtain a Certificate:

1. Self-Certification program at CU  requires:

  • A Bachelors degree plus 2 years of lab experience OR
  • A Masters or Doctoral degree in a science related field.

All claimed experience must be post baccalaureate. Any experience gained prior to the receipt of the degree will not be accepted toward meeting the requirements to take the exam at Columbia University.

  • Photocopy of Diploma in English or a copy of transcript showing degree earned with date.
  • Related paperwork will be filled out at exam site.
  • Pass multiple-choice test (70%).
  • Paperwork + Exam = 1 hour.
  • To PASS the EXAM you need:  Study Material
  • To TAKE the EXAM:

2. Take the test at FDNY headquarters.

You may take the Examination for the Certificate of Fitness for The Supervision of Chemical Laboratories (C-14) at Fire Department Headquarters at 9 Metro Tech, Brooklyn N.Y. For study material, requirements, directions and further information go to the New York City Fire Department website at:
http://nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/c_of_f/coff.shtml


Certificate of Fitness Renewals:

  • If you are currently in the EH&S Certificate of Fitness database, your renewal will automatically be processed and paid for by Columbia University. Disregard renewal notices mailed to your home. Call EH&S to verify that your name is listed in the database.
  • If you discover that you are not in the EH&S database, EH&S will then enter your name and all renewal fees will be paid by Columbia University.
  • If your Certificate of Fitness is expired by less than 1 year, call EH&S to renew your C of F, which will be paid for by Columbia University.
  • If your Certificate of Fitness is expired for more than 1 year, you will be required to retake the C-14 test.

For further information, requirements and study material, please contact
Jeremiah Meehan, Fire Safety Specialist, at jm2143@columbia.edu, telephone (212) 854-8750 (Morningside)
Edward Moran, Fire Safety Specialist, at esm2136@columbia.edu, telephone (212)305-6780 (Medical Center)

For translating help email cutta@columbia.edu or go to http://www.columbia.edu/cutta