Washington fire inspection rules
In Washington, the State Fire Marshal's Office licenses the businesses and certifies the individuals who design, install, test and maintain fire sprinkler systems.
Who licenses fire protection companies in Washington
Under RCW 18.160, a fire sprinkler contractor is anyone who contracts to install, inspect, maintain or service a sprinkler system or any part of one.
A Washington city or county may not require its own fire sprinkler contractor license, though it may require a permit and fee for an installation.
Sources: State Fire Marshal licenses sprinkler businesses; Inspection work needs a sprinkler contractor license
Who may inspect and service
Every person who physically inspects and tests sprinkler systems for a Level I&T contractor must be certified as competent by the State Fire Marshal's Office.
Testing and maintenance of preaction, deluge, foam or fire pump systems may be done only by contractors who are also qualified and licensed to design and install that type of system or fire pump.
Sprinkler inspection and testing may not be subcontracted to a contractor licensed only by the Department of Labor and Industries; a subcontractor must hold a fire sprinkler contractor license at the level of the work.
Sources: Inspection and testing technicians must be certified; Preaction, deluge, foam and fire pump systems
License types
A Level 1 contractor license covers residential structures that fall under the NFPA 13D standard.
A Level 2 contractor license covers residential structures under NFPA 13D, NFPA 13R and NFPA 25, and NFPA 24 underground work only when the water main feeding the system is four inches or larger.
A Level 3 contractor license includes all Level 1 and Level 2 work and applies to structures and sprinkler systems defined in NFPA 13, NFPA 24 and NFPA 25.
A Level U contractor license is a specialized license for underground fire service main work (NFPA 24) only.
A Level I&T contractor license is a specialized license for inspection and testing work under NFPA 25, covering inspection or testing of NFPA 13R or NFPA 13 wet and dry pipe sprinkler systems.
Source: Level 1 contractor license
What the state requires
Every sprinkler inspection and testing certificate or record of work must carry the technician's certificate number, the technician's signature and the date signed.
Checking a company's license
The State Fire Marshal publishes a list of all licensed fire sprinkler contractors at every level; the current edition showed 502 licenses, all expiring December 31, 2026.
Common questions
Who may inspect fire sprinklers in Washington?
Every person who physically inspects and tests sprinkler systems for a Level I&T contractor must be certified as competent by the State Fire Marshal's Office.