Texas Fire Alarm Rules & Statutes (TFM11) Study Guide –
2026/2027 Syllabus
Disclaimer: This guide is for study purposes only. Always refer to the official Texas
Occupations Code, Texas Administrative Code, and TDI SFMO documents for licensing,
compliance, and legal matters.
Chapter 1: Licensing & Administration (TDI SFMO)
1. What state agency is responsible for licensing and regulating the fire alarm
industry in Texas?
ANSWER ✓ The Texas Department of Insurance, State Fire Marshal's Office (TDI SFMO).
2. What is the title of the primary rule governing fire alarm and sprinkler system
installation and maintenance in Texas?
ANSWER ✓ Texas Administrative Code, Title 28, Chapter 34 (TAC §28.34).
3. Which license is required for a business entity to contract, install, modify, or
service fire alarm systems in Texas?
ANSWER ✓ A Fire Alarm Registration (FAR) license.
4. Who within a registered fire alarm company must hold a individual license to
design fire alarm systems?
ANSWER ✓ A Responsible Party (RP) or Designated Responsible Party (DRP) who is a
licensed Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (FAPS).
5. What individual license is required to supervise the installation of fire alarm
systems?
ANSWER ✓ A Fire Alarm Installation Superintendent (FAIS) license.
6. What is the minimum age requirement to hold a fire alarm license in Texas?
ANSWER ✓ 18 years of age.
7. How often must a Fire Alarm Registration (FAR) license be renewed?
ANSWER ✓ Annually, on the anniversary date of issuance.
, 8. What is the continuing education requirement for renewing a FAPS or FAIS
license?
ANSWER ✓ Eight (8) hours of TDI-approved continuing education every license term,
with specific hours in technical and codes/statutes subjects.
9. A person who only performs routine service, testing, or maintenance on existing
fire alarm systems without making modifications must hold what license?
ANSWER ✓ A Fire Alarm Technician (FAT) license.
10. What document must be carried by all licensed individuals (FAPS, FAIS, FAT)
and shown upon request?
ANSWER ✓ The individual's license certificate or a TDI-issued photo ID license card.
11. What is the primary purpose of the "Responsible Party" (RP) for a registered
fire alarm company?
ANSWER ✓ To be legally responsible for the company's licensed activities and ensure
compliance with all laws, codes, and standards.
12. What must a company do before allowing a licensed employee to leave their
employment?
ANSWER ✓ Notify TDI SFMO within 15 days on the prescribed form and designate a
new RP/DRP if the departing employee served in that role.
13. What is the consequence of performing fire alarm work without the required
TDI license?
ANSWER ✓ Administrative penalties, civil penalties (fines of up to $5,000 per violation
per day), and possible criminal charges (Class A misdemeanor).
14. Where must the company's Fire Alarm Registration number be displayed?
ANSWER ✓ On all proposals, contracts, invoices, and on both sides of all company
vehicles used for fire alarm work.
15. What is required for an individual to qualify for the FAIS examination?
ANSWER ✓ A combination of years of documented, supervised experience in fire alarm
installation (typically 3-6 years) and relevant education.
16. Which license examination focuses on the National Fire Alarm and Signaling
Code (NFPA 72) and system design principles?
ANSWER ✓ The Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (FAPS) examination.
2026/2027 Syllabus
Disclaimer: This guide is for study purposes only. Always refer to the official Texas
Occupations Code, Texas Administrative Code, and TDI SFMO documents for licensing,
compliance, and legal matters.
Chapter 1: Licensing & Administration (TDI SFMO)
1. What state agency is responsible for licensing and regulating the fire alarm
industry in Texas?
ANSWER ✓ The Texas Department of Insurance, State Fire Marshal's Office (TDI SFMO).
2. What is the title of the primary rule governing fire alarm and sprinkler system
installation and maintenance in Texas?
ANSWER ✓ Texas Administrative Code, Title 28, Chapter 34 (TAC §28.34).
3. Which license is required for a business entity to contract, install, modify, or
service fire alarm systems in Texas?
ANSWER ✓ A Fire Alarm Registration (FAR) license.
4. Who within a registered fire alarm company must hold a individual license to
design fire alarm systems?
ANSWER ✓ A Responsible Party (RP) or Designated Responsible Party (DRP) who is a
licensed Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (FAPS).
5. What individual license is required to supervise the installation of fire alarm
systems?
ANSWER ✓ A Fire Alarm Installation Superintendent (FAIS) license.
6. What is the minimum age requirement to hold a fire alarm license in Texas?
ANSWER ✓ 18 years of age.
7. How often must a Fire Alarm Registration (FAR) license be renewed?
ANSWER ✓ Annually, on the anniversary date of issuance.
, 8. What is the continuing education requirement for renewing a FAPS or FAIS
license?
ANSWER ✓ Eight (8) hours of TDI-approved continuing education every license term,
with specific hours in technical and codes/statutes subjects.
9. A person who only performs routine service, testing, or maintenance on existing
fire alarm systems without making modifications must hold what license?
ANSWER ✓ A Fire Alarm Technician (FAT) license.
10. What document must be carried by all licensed individuals (FAPS, FAIS, FAT)
and shown upon request?
ANSWER ✓ The individual's license certificate or a TDI-issued photo ID license card.
11. What is the primary purpose of the "Responsible Party" (RP) for a registered
fire alarm company?
ANSWER ✓ To be legally responsible for the company's licensed activities and ensure
compliance with all laws, codes, and standards.
12. What must a company do before allowing a licensed employee to leave their
employment?
ANSWER ✓ Notify TDI SFMO within 15 days on the prescribed form and designate a
new RP/DRP if the departing employee served in that role.
13. What is the consequence of performing fire alarm work without the required
TDI license?
ANSWER ✓ Administrative penalties, civil penalties (fines of up to $5,000 per violation
per day), and possible criminal charges (Class A misdemeanor).
14. Where must the company's Fire Alarm Registration number be displayed?
ANSWER ✓ On all proposals, contracts, invoices, and on both sides of all company
vehicles used for fire alarm work.
15. What is required for an individual to qualify for the FAIS examination?
ANSWER ✓ A combination of years of documented, supervised experience in fire alarm
installation (typically 3-6 years) and relevant education.
16. Which license examination focuses on the National Fire Alarm and Signaling
Code (NFPA 72) and system design principles?
ANSWER ✓ The Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (FAPS) examination.
