Fact check
What do you need to bring to the F-80 test?
For the F-80 you need three documents and two IDs. The documents are an unexpired school graduation diploma, a notarized F-80 verification letter and a notarized F-80 application. One of the two IDs must be a government photo ID. You upload copies when you apply. The FDNY recommends bringing the originals to the test at FDNY Headquarters in Brooklyn.
Plan ref 5.6Updated October 25, 2026
Required for the F-80
3 documentsplus 2 IDs
The Study Material requires three documents: a valid school graduation diploma, a notarized verification letter and a notarized F-80 application form. Candidates without them are not allowed to take the exam. You also need two forms of ID, one a government-issued photo ID.
Source: FDNY F-80 Notice of Exam and Study Material, pp. 4–5 · checked October 25, 2026
Your folder for MetroTech
- School graduation diploma from an approved F-80 course, still inside its one-year window
- F-80 verification letter from your employer, shelter director or DHS, notarized
- F-80 application form, completed by the person who watched you work the panel, notarized
- A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport Source: NYC Business F-80 page
- A second form of ID
- Optional: a clean paperback dictionary with no writing in it Source: FDNY General Notice of Exam
Who prepares each document
Who signs what for the F-80
| Who | What they prepare | The rule | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| The approved school | Issues the graduation diploma after you attend every class and score at least 70% on its graduation test | Source: Study Material p. 5 | The diploma counts for one year. A diploma from last fall may run out before a test date next fall. |
| Employer, shelter director or DHS | Writes and signs the F-80 verification letter in front of a notary | Source: Study Material p. 5 | The FDNY sample letter names the shelter, its address and your regular shifts. |
| The signer who watched you work | Completes the F-80 application, including the list of panel and elevator tasks | Source: Study Material p. 10 | Each task is marked yes (the signer saw you do it at your shelter) or N/A with a reason. |
| You | Upload copies of all three documents when you apply, then bring the originals | Source: Study Material p. 4 | Keep the notarized originals together in one folder for test day. |
The FDNY may make an unannounced visit to your shelter to check the letter and the application Source: Study Material p. 5.
In the exam room
What the FDNY allows during the test, as of October 2026
| Item | Allowed? | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Your Study Material or other booklets | No | Source: Study Material p. 13 |
| Reference material | Only what exam room staff give you, if a question needs it | Source: Study Material p. 13 |
| Paperback dictionary | Yes, a clean copy with no writing; it may be inspected | Source: FDNY General Notice of Exam |
| Electronic dictionary | No | Source: FDNY General Notice of Exam |
| Phone and other electronics | Turned off when you enter the exam room | Source: FDNY General Notice of Exam |
The diploma has an end date
The school diploma is valid for only one year for taking the FDNY test Source: Study Material p. 5. An expired diploma does not qualify you. Read the F-80 course requirement before you pick a test date. The full order of steps is on how to get the F-80.
Our app for iPhone and iPad
F-80 is on the App Store. Android and desktop readers can use the free practice on this site instead.