Fact check
How much does the F-80 exam cost?
Each attempt at the F-80 costs $25, as of October 2026. You pay the fee through FDNY Business when you apply, before you book a test date, and it is not refunded. Credit card payments carry a convenience fee on top. A second attempt means paying again; the F-80 retake rules explain how many attempts you get.
Plan ref 5.4Updated October 25, 2026
F-80 application fee
$25per attempt
The F-80 application fee is $25 for each attempt. You pay it when you apply, by credit card, debit card or e-check. The fee is non-refundable, and a convenience fee applies to credit card payments.
Source: NYC Business: Certificate of Fitness F-80 · checked October 25, 2026
Check your papers before you pay
The fee is non-refundable Source: NYC Business F-80 page. The Study Material makes it your job to confirm you qualify before you pay and schedule Source: Study Material p. 4. That means an unexpired school diploma and both notarized employer documents are ready first. The list is on what to bring to the F-80.
Every F-80 charge the FDNY lists
FDNY fees for the F-80, as of October 2026
| Item | Amount | When you pay it | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $25 | Each time you apply to take the test | Source: NYC Business F-80 page |
| Card convenience fee | Applies | On credit card payments; FDNY pages give different rates, so check the amount at checkout | Source: NYC Business F-80 page |
| Renewal | $15 | Every three years, to keep the certificate | Source: NYC Business F-80 page |
| Late renewal penalty | $25 extra | When you renew 91 days to one year after expiry; more than one year late, you take a new test | Source: FDNY General Notice of Exam |
| Change of work location or replacement card | $5 | When you update your certificate | Source: FDNY General Notice of Exam |
The approved F-80 course is paid to the school. The FDNY does not set its price, so it is not in this table.
Waivers, courses and renewals
Who can get the fee waived?
Only government employees who will use the certificate for their work, per the Study Material as of October 2026. The request needs a letter on the agency’s letterhead with your full name, the exam type and the premises address, plus a copy of your agency ID card Source: Study Material p. 6.
Does the $25 include the course?
It does not. You pay the school you choose, and the school sets its own price. The F-80 prep comparison lists schools with dated prices where we found them.
Do I pay again to renew?
Yes: $15 every three years as of October 2026. Renewing 91 days to one year after expiry adds a $25 late penalty; more than one year late, you need a new test Source: FDNY General Notice of Exam. The steps are on the F-80 renewal page.
Where each fee is written
- Source: NYC Business F-80 pageApplication fee of $25, non-refundable; renewal fee of $15; convenience fee on card payments.
- Source: Study Material p. 6Fee waivers for government employees; a separate application and payment for each testing opportunity.
- Source: FDNY General Notice of ExamThe $25 late renewal penalty and the $5 change fee.
Next exit: the App Store
F-80 is on the App Store for iPhone and iPad. On any other device, the free practice here is the way through.