Texas Fire Sprinkler License

The Texas State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO), a division of TDI, licenses everyone who designs, installs, or services fire sprinkler systems in Texas. Two parallel tracks exist: individual Responsible Managing Employee (RME) licenses for technicians and Sprinkler Contractor (SCR) registrations for companies. Both renew on a two-year cycle.

Individual RME licenses: NICET certification determines which category fits

SFMO issues four RME categories. The RME-General is the standard credential for commercial install and service work — $200 initial application fee, $350 biennial renewal.

• RME-General ($200 initial / $350 biennial renewal): requires NICET Water-Based Systems Layout Level III
• RME-Dwelling ($150 initial / $200 biennial renewal): requires NICET Water-Based Systems Layout Level II
• RME-Underground ($150 initial / $200 biennial renewal): the exception — no NICET required; applicants pass written exams only
• RME-General Inspector ($50 initial / $100 biennial renewal): requires NICET Sprinkler Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems Level II

All RME applicants must submit fingerprints for a background check with SFMO before the license is issued. Expired licensees who do not have another active SFMO credential on file must submit new fingerprints before reinstatement.

Company (SCR) registrations require active liability insurance

Contracting companies register separately as Sprinkler Contractors (SCR) — the company-side credential that mirrors RME scope:

• SCR-General ($950 initial / $1,800 biennial renewal)
• SCR-Dwelling ($350 initial / $600 biennial renewal)
• SCR-Underground ($350 initial / $600 biennial renewal)

SFMO requires active general liability insurance for all SCR registrations; minimum coverage amounts and policy requirements are published at tdi.texas.gov/fire/certificate-liability-insurance.html.

Renewals go through Sircon; revisions require a fee

Renewals go through the Sircon portal linked from tdi.texas.gov/fire/fmlisprinkler.html. License revisions and copies require a $35 fee submitted with the Company Information Update Form to SFMO.

Practical takeaway

A Texas fire sprinkler operation needs both layers: the individual RME credential (NICET required for three of four categories) and the company SCR registration (active liability insurance required, $1,800 biennial renewal for SCR-General). SFMO can suspend or revoke licenses and assess administrative penalties for unlicensed work under 28 TAC Chapter 34.

*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current requirements directly with SFMO at tdi.texas.gov/fire/fmlisprinkler.html.*