L&I requires that all contractors use certified applicators for applying fire-resistant materials in certain buildings. 

NOTE: FRMA certification enforcement was originally scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026. Because the supporting systems will not be fully in place by that date, enforcement will not begin on July 1, 2026. 

L&I will begin accepting and reviewing applications for applicators beginning January 1, 2026. Applicators are encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid processing backlogs and to be prepared ahead of the revised enforcement date. Additional updates, including the new enforcement date and detailed guidance, will be posted here and shared with email subscribers.

Chapter 296-156 WAC makes sure that anyone applying these materials has the necessary training and certification. This new standard establishes training requirements and enforcement procedures leading to public safety benefits. Contractors must verify certifications and maintain records. Applicators must maintain current credentials to perform this work in covered building projects.

The requirement applies to those contractors that are:

• Installing spray on fire proofing in all building types I-V according to the International Building Code.
  • Examples are mixed-use buildings, offices, schools and medical buildings.
• Working on risk category III and IV buildings. They must use certified applicators.
  • Examples are high occupancy schools and medical facilities.

The training program(s) shall be provided by:

• An apprenticeship program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
• Fire-resistant materials manufacturers.
• Certified training providers approved by L&I.

To have your training approved and become a certified training provider, complete the following steps:

• Read and understand the process and requirements as outlined in WAC 269-156-030.
• Complete the application:
  • Gather the necessary information and upload the required documents as outlined in WAC 296-156-050.
  • Develop a training program for approval.
    • Approvals are valid for three (3) years.
    • Any updates to an approved training course must be reviewed and approved by L&I in advance of being incorporated into a training course.
  • Create a list of the instructors and obtain a completed application for each of them using the instructor application form: Fire Resistant Materials Applicator Instructor Application (F417-315-000).
  • Complete the course sponsor application form: Fire Resistant Materials Applicator Training Course Sponsor Application (F417-314-000).
  • Email the completed forms to FRMApplicators@Lni.wa.gov.
  • Once the applications have been received, you will receive a secure link via email to upload the required documents.

L&I may deny, suspend, or revoke a course approval if the authorized training provider does not comply with the training requirements of chapter 296-156 WAC.

• Denial, suspension, and revocation (WAC 296-156-060)

To become a certified applicator, complete the following steps:

• Attend and successfully complete an approved spray fireproofing or firestop training course for applicators.
• Complete the Fire-Resistant Materials Applicator Certified Application (F417-317-000).
• Email the completed application to FRMApplicators@Lni.wa.gov.
• Maintain the certification by attending a certified refresher training every five (5) years.
  • Initial training must be repeated for certifications that have lapsed more than two (2) years.
• Email necessary documentation to L&I.

The following list of course sponsors are certified instruct certified Fire-Resistant Material Courses. It does not imply endorsement of any company by L&I. This list was last updated January 7, 2026.

Publications, Handouts, Checklists

• Q&A: Fire-Resistant Materials Application Certification

Requirements

• Applicator training and certification requirements (WAC 296-156-020)
• Training course approval requirements (WAC 296-156-030)

Applications

• Instructor Application (F417-315-000)
• Training Course Sponsor Application (F417-314-000)
• Fire-Resistant Materials Applicator Certified Application (F417-317-000)

Other Resources

• International Building Code
• Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council
• FRMA Rulemaking Stakeholder Information — Background information about the rule, Chapter 296-156 WAC, and the rulemaking process.