The Seattle Fire Code requires building owners to maintain their building's fire protection systems in good working condition at all times, and to ensure that these systems are tested on a regular basis. The periodic testing of fire protection systems is called confidence testing.

Building owners are expected to schedule annual and 5-year confidence tests without notification from the Seattle Fire Department. No more than 12 months may expire between annual tests.

Most confidence tests must be conducted by a certified service technician. A certified service technician possesses a certificate issued by the Seattle Fire Department. Certification is obtained by passing a written test administered by the Department.

The certification, good for three years, is only applicable to that particular fire protection system. Many companies with certified employees are listed in your telephone company's yellow pages under headings such as "Fire Alarm Systems" and "Fire Protection".

After the system is tested, a service label must be attached to the system and a confidence testing form must be sent to the Seattle Fire Department Confidence Testing Unit which is part of the Fire Marshal's Office. The company you choose to perform your confidence test will have the correct forms and will usually take care of sending the paperwork to the Fire Department. However, it is important to check with your confidence testing company on this point.

To contact the Seattle Fire Department Confidence Testing Unit, please call (206) 386-1352.