Becoming a Fire Alarm Contractor

Becoming a Fire Alarm Contractor 

The City of Sioux Falls requires a "Fire Alarm Contractor's License" of contractors doing fire alarm work within the city limits. If you plan to other electrical work, please click the appropriate link for Electrical Contractor, Class B or Sign Wiring Contractor.

In order to acquire this license, you must apply for examination with the City of Sioux Falls. This examination is a timed open book test, based on the National Electrical Code and NFPA Standard (see the instructions with the application for study suggestions). You will receive the City Electrical Ordinance folder upon application for exam (This folder is also available for purchase for $5.00). There is a $75.00 examination fee due upon application. This exam is offered once per month. Please review the examination application(2B25016 link on the right) for more information as well as the exam schedule.

Once the applicant has taken and passed the exam, he or she can then apply for the Fire Alarm Contractor’s License. Upon license application you must submit a $10,000 Compliance Bond and the appropriate license fees within 90 days of examination. Please review the license application(2B25002 link on the right) for more information.

Also available to individuals who have taken and passed exam is the "Inactive Fire Alarm Contractor's License." This license does not allow you to do fire alarm work as a contractor, but does allow you to hold a current license with the city, allowing you to reinstate your contractor's license without being required to retest.

For more information, you may contact Building Services at:

Electrical Contractors FAQs

Why does Sioux Falls require licenses?
The main objective is to protect the residents and properties in the city of Sioux Falls. Life safety is the number one goal! General knowledge of electrical work is needed to pass examination. Licensure assures protection of the contractor, the home or business owner, and the city.
I already have a license in another state, does Sioux Falls reciprocate?
No, the city of Sioux Falls does not reciprocate any licenses. The South Dakota Electrical Commission may be able to reciprocate your license, but once you receive your South Dakota state license you will still need to take and pass examination with the city before applying for the city license. You may contact the South Dakota Electrical Commission at http://dlr.sd.gov/electrical/default.aspx for more information regarding state license requirements.
What is required to pass examination?
Fire Alarm Contractor examination requires 80% or higher score for passing.
What type of questions should I expect on the examination?
Please review the study suggestions on the examination application (2B25016 Link on the right) for more information
What if I want to do construction, plumbing, or mechanical (HVAC) work?

Separate licenses are required for each field (building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical). There are examinations required for each field. Electrical and plumbing also require state licenses before applying for examination with the city.

Under no circumstances is an Electrical Contractor allowed to do any plumbing, mechanical or residential building work unless they also hold the appropriate, additionally required, licenses.

What if I fail the test, can I take it again next month?
The first time you take an exam and fail, you are able to retest again in 30 days. Each time you fail the exam following, you must wait 90 days before you are able to retest.
What if I pass the test, but don’t apply for the license within 90 days?
You must retest if you do not apply for a license with 90 days of exam. It is recommended that you apply for Inactive Electrical Contractor before the 90 day deadline to avoid retesting, if not immediately applying for Electrical Contractor.
Once I get the license, is it good forever?
No, licenses must remain active by providing current bond (when required). Licenses also must be renewed every two years. If a license expires, it cannot be renewed after 12 months from expiration without re-examination, unless the Electrical Contractor has applied for and kept current his Inactive license.

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