FLS Certification: What Contractors Need to Know Now
Last week, SMART Local 19 partnered with National Energy Management Institute to host a focused session on Fire Life Safety (FLS) certification and evolving market requirements.
Led by Phil Montuori, Northeast Representative for NEMI, and Bryan Bush, Business Manager of Local 19, the session provided contractors with a clear, practical look at where the FLS market stands today and where it is heading.
Why This Matters Right Now
The biggest shift is straightforward: FLS is no longer just about compliance. It is about life safety.
Improperly functioning dampers and smoke control systems directly impact smoke movement, building pressurization, and safe egress during an emergency. As a result, jurisdictions are placing increased emphasis on verified performance, proper documentation, and qualified contractors performing the work.
Across Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware, requirements are tightening, and enforcement is increasing. The direction is clear. Accountability is rising, and certification is becoming expected, not optional.
Understanding the Certification Pathways
A core focus of the session was the role of the International Certification Board (ICB) and the pathways available for contractors and their teams.
ICB certifications, which are ANSI-accredited under ISO/IEC standards, establish nationally recognized benchmarks for competency in FLS work.
Key certification tracks include:
- Fire and Smoke Damper (FSD) Technician
- Fire and Smoke Damper Supervisor
- FLS Contractor Certification
- Additional pathways such as Smoke Control Systems (SCS) and TABB
For contractors, certification is not just an individual credential. It requires:
- Employing certified technicians and supervisors
- Demonstrating project experience
- Providing references
- Maintaining ongoing education and renewal requirements
The takeaway is simple: firms must build and maintain a certified workforce to remain competitive in this space.
New Jersey: A Clear Signal of Where the Market Is Going
New Jersey provides one of the clearest examples of how FLS requirements are evolving.
Contractors performing fire and smoke damper inspections must not only hold ICB certification, but also register with the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety and obtain the proper contractor credentials and business permits.
This includes:
- Securing ICB Contractor Certification
- Registering through the state’s certification portal
- Obtaining a DFS ID
- Applying for a business permit to legally perform work
This model reinforces a broader trend. States are moving toward requiring both qualified personnel and formally registered contractors, raising the bar for entry into the FLS market.
What Contractors Should Take Away
For SMCA contractors, the message is clear and consistent:
- Certification is quickly becoming a baseline requirement
- Documentation and verification are critical deliverables, not afterthoughts
- Jurisdictional requirements will continue to expand
- Early adoption provides a competitive advantage
Contractors who take steps now to understand the requirements and begin the certification process will be better positioned as enforcement continues to increase.
Resources
For those looking to learn more or begin the certification process: