Division of Hotels and Restaurants

Elevator Worker and Company FAQ

Examinations, Certification, Inspections and General Information

All information on this page is current and was last reviewed by the division on August 24, 2009.

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• Examinations
• Certifications
• Inspections
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• General Information

 

EXAMINATIONS

1. Q: What are the requirements for taking an exam in order to receive a certificate of competency?

A: Currently, the bureau recognizes a minimum of four years of verified work experience in the construction, maintenance, service and repair of elevators and successfully passing one of the following examinations as a standard to qualify for an elevator ertificate of competency as defined in Section 399.01(17), Florida Statutes:

• National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) Elevator Mechanics Certification examination,
• National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) Certified Elevator Technician examination, and
• Elevator World certificate of competency examination.
  

The examination procedure and location is established by the authorized examination provider. You should contact the authorized provider to determine those procedures. Please note that passing an exam is not a guarantee that a license will be issued.

Once you have successfully passed an examination offered by an approved source and qualify for a certificate of competency, you should complete for DBPR HR-7014, Application for Certificate of Competency, available on our APPLY link, and submit it with documented eligibility requirements to the bureau.

The Bureau of Elevator Safety will issue a license to candidates who have successfully completed all licensure requirements.

 

2. Q: Which exam must I take in order to apply for a certificate of competency?

A: Any of the examinations listed above.

 

3. Q: When may elevator personnel take the examination for a certificate of competency?

A: When they meet the minimum qualifications set forth by Florida Statute.

 

4. Q: Who determines if I am qualified to take an examination for a certificate of competency?

A: Information and instructions regarding eligibility and authorization to take an exam are available on our website. The certificate of competency application is available on our APPLY link.

Contact the bureau for additional information to take the exam and instructions for a registration packet by e-mail dhr.elevators@dbpr.state.fl.us

 

5. Q: Which exam must I take to become a certified elevator technician?

A: You must be eligible for a certificate of competency before you can become a certified elevator technician. A separate exam is not required to become a certified elevator technician.

The bureau recommends applying for a certified elevator technician credential at no extra cost when you apply for a certificate of competency. You must check both the certificate of competency and the certified elevator technician boxes on the application to indicate you want to apply for both credentials.

 

6. Q: Which exam must I take in order to become a certified elevator inspector?

A: The national standards qualified elevator inspector exam offered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers through NAESA, Inc, Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund, and QEI Services, Inc.

 

7. Q: If a person fails an exam can he or she retake the exam?

A: Yes. However, there may be additional fees imposed by the examination provider.

 

CERTIFICATIONS

8.Q. How do I apply for a certificate of competency, a certified elevator technician license, or a certified elevator inspector credential.

A. Click our APPLY link for requirements or contact the Customer Contact Center at: 850.487.1395 for more information.

 

9. Q: What is accepted as proof of four years work experience or equivalent training for a certificate of competency application?

A: The bureau accepts the following documents as proof of work experience:

• Employer affirmation on letterhead stating dates of employment, contact name, and contact phone number;
• Union apprentice training transcript;
• Proof of passage of the mechanics exam;
• Union card;
• Equivalent license from another state or local jurisdiction; or
• Other similar documentation showing proof of work experience.

The bureau recommends applying for a certified elevator technician credential at no extra cost when you apply for a certificate of competency.

 

10. Q: What is the difference between a certificate of competency and a certified elevator technician credential?

A: The difference between a certificate of competency (CC) and a certified elevator technician (CET) is the requirement for general liability insurance coverage. Chapter 399.01(15), Florida Statutes, states "Each certified elevator technician must annually register with the division and be covered by general liability insurance coverage in the minimum amounts set by the division."

The bureau recommends all CC holders who are working and are covered by general liability insurance coverage apply for a CET license. CET applicants must provide proof of general liability insurance coverage and a current CC. The CET license does not require the applicant pay an application fee.

 

11. Q: Can a licensed mechanical engineer be granted a certificate of competency?

A: Yes. Section 399.01(17)(b), Florida Statutes, states: "A licensed mechanical engineer whose license is in good standing may be granted an elevator certificate of competency." 

 

12. Q: Can the division authorize a licensed mechanical engineer to be a certified elevator inspector?

A: No. Section 399.01(17)(b), Florida Statutes, states: "A licensed mechanical engineer whose license is in good standing may be granted an elevator certificate of competency." To be qualified as a certified elevator inspector, one must first attain national certification from an ASME accredited sponsor beyond the mechanics training. A qualified elevator inspector credential is required to perform an inspection.

 

13. Q: Is current employer information required with the application to be approved for a certified elevator technician or certified elevator inspector credential ?

A: Certified elevator technician applicants must provide proof of fours years work experience to qualify for the required certificate of competency. This experience must be verified by current or previously registered elevator companies.

Certified elevator inspector applications would be approved if the minimum eligibility requirements, including proof of general liability insurance, are met.

 

14. Q: Why do certified elevator technicians have to buy liability insurance?

A: Chapter 399.01(15), Florida Statutes, states "Each certified elevator technician must annually register with the division and be covered by general liability insurance coverage in the minimum amounts set by the division." The bureau interprets "be covered by general liability insurance " to mean having insurance coverage, either individually or through a company.

 

15. Q: Why do certified elevator inspectors have to buy liability insurance?

A: Chapter 399.01(14), Florida Statutes, states "Each certified elevator technician must annually register with the division and provide... proof of general liability insurance coverage in the minimum amounts set by the division." The bureau interprets "proof of general liability insurance coverage" to mean having insurance coverage, either individually or through a company.

 

16. Q: Can I work on an elevator before I receive my certificate of competency?

A: You may only work as an elevator helper until you receive your certificate of competency.

 

17. Q: Once I receive my professional credential, where in Florida can I take the required annual continuing education classes.

A: Several registered providers can deliver the required annual continuing education throughout various locations in Florida. Please check our list of approved continuing education providers and contact a provider near you.

 

18. Q. When do I need to renew my elevator credential?

A. Elevator credentials expire every year on December 31. The Bureau of Elevator Safety will mail a reminder 60-90 days before expiration to your mailing address on record. More information on requirements is available on our webpage.

 

19. Q: Do I have to pay a late fee if I do not renew my elevator credential by January 1?

A: No. Elevator credential holders do not have to pay a late fee. However, you may be subject to disciplinary action if you work with an expired credential.

 

20. Q: How do I obtain a duplicate renewal notice?

A: You may request a duplicate elevator credential renewal notice in writing. Mail your request to the Bureau of Elevator Safety, 1940 N. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1013 or contact us by e-mail @ dhr.elevators@dbpr.state.fl.us or Call.Center@dbpr.state.fl.us to request a duplicate license.  Be sure to include your license number and mailing address with your request.

 

21. Q. My certificate of competency, certified elevator technician or certified elevator inspector credential shows as null and void. What happened and how do I renew it?

A. Your credential was placed in null and void status when you failed to renew it timely. To reactivate and renew your credential you must submit the required renewal documenation and fees. Please click on our APPLY link for more information.

 

22. Can an elevator credential be suspended or revoked?

A: Yes. Section 399.049(1), Florida Statutes, states "The department may suspend or revoke an elevator inspector certification, an elevator company registration, and elevator certificate of compentency, or an elevator certificate of operation issued under this chapter or impose an administrative penalty of up to $1,000 per violation upon any registered elevator company or certificate holder who commits any one or more of the following violations: (a) Any false statement as to a material matter in an application for registration, certification, or any permit or certificate issued under this chapter. (b) Fraud, misrepresentation, or bribery in the practice of the profession." and “(d)Violation of any provision of this chapter.”

 

INSPECTIONS

23. Q: Whomay perform initial and alteration inspections?

A: Only certified elevator inspectors with a current credential may perform independent inspections aside from elevator personnel employed by the elevator company which installed the unit.

 

24. Q: Who may perform routine elevator and other conveyance inspections?

A: Only certified elevator inspectors with a current credential may perform routine or periodic inspections.

 

25. Q: Who is responsible for hiring inspectors to conduct an inspection?

A: The owner is responsible for ensuring the required inspections are conducted. For existing elevators, Section 399.02(5)(b), Florida Statutes, provides that the elevator owner is responsible for the safe operation, proper maintenance, inspection, and correction of code deficiencies of the elevator after the department issues a certificate of operation. The responsibilities of the elevator owner may be assigned by lease. The elevator owner may delegate the authority to the contracted elevator company for the inspection.

For new elevator installations or modifications, Section 399.03, Florida Statutes, provides that permits may be issued only to a person, firm, or corporation licensed under Chapter 399, Florida Statutes, and that the permit holder is responsible for certifying compliance with code in the presence of a licensed inspector not associated with the permit holder.

 

26. Q: May an elevator company arrange for inspection of an existing elevator?

A: Yes. However, the elevator owner must delegate the authority to the contracted elevator company for the inspection.

 

27. Q: Can a certificate of competency holder perform routine inspections?

A: No. Section 399.01(14), Florida Statutes, provides that only a certified elevator inspector with a current credential can perform inspections.

 

28. Q: Must a certificate of competency holder be present for the inspection?

A: While it is not required by Florida Statutes, it is advisable to have a certificate of competency holder to assist in the operation of the elevator during the inspection as well as perform any required tests which must be witnessed by the certified elevator inspector.

 

29. Q: What is an Order to Correct?

A: Section 399.061(4), Florida Statutes, provides that when the division determines that an elevator is in violation of this chapter or the Florida Building Code, the division may issue an order to the elevator owner requiring correction of the violation and reinpsection of the elevator evidencing the correction. All inspections are considered Orders to Correct and the owner must comply within 30 days of the order date.

 

30. Q: How long does the elevator owner have to correct a violation cited during an inspection?

A: All inspections are considered Orders to Correct and the owner must comply within 30 days of the order date. Section 399.105, Florida Statutes, provides that an elevator owner who fails to comply with an Order to Correct within 30 days of its issuance is subject to administrative fine up to $1,000.

 

31. Q: What is a "call back" inspection?

A: A "call back" inspection is a follow-up inspection to ascertain that cited violations have been corrected.

 

ELEVATOR COMPANIES

32. Q: How do I obtain a registered elevator company license?

A: Click our APPLY link for information on becoming a registered elevator company or contact the Customer Contact Center at: 850.487.1395 for more information.

 

33. Q: Is there a fee to obtain a registered elevator company license?

A: No. The registered elevator company license is provided at no cost.

 

34. Q: Will each of the branch offices receive a license?

A: You will receive a license for each application you submit. You must submit an application for each branch office you want to register and receive a license.

 

35. Q: When does a registered elevator company license expire?

A: Elevator company registrations expire each year on December 31. The Bureau of Elevator Safety will mail a reminder 60-90 days before expiration to your mailing address on record.

 

36. Q: Do I have to renew each branch office registration each year?

A: Yes. Branch office registrations are individual licenses and expire each year on December 31. The Bureau of Elevator Safety will mail a reminder 60-90 days before expiration to your mailing address on record.

 

37. Q: Is there a late fee if I do not renew my registered elevator company license by January 1?

A: No. The registered elevator company license is provided at no cost, regardless of when the renewal is submitted.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

38. Q: Can a certified elevator technician or certified elevator inspector be employed by more than one registered elevator company at the same time?

A: Yes. However, the certificateholder must provide proof of general liability insurance coverage from each employing registered elevator company or the certificateholder must provide proof of individual insurance.

 

39. Q: Must a certificate of competency holder be physically present in order to supervise an elevator helper?

A: Elevator helpers, including mechanics, who do not possess a certificate of competency may continue to construct, maintain, service and repair any vertical conveyance under the direct supervision of a certificate of competency holder who may also be a certified elevator technician or certified elevator inspector. “Direct supervision” means a certificate of competency holder supervising an elevator helper as set forth in section 399.01(16), Florida Statutes, is within physical proximity of the person being directly supervised such that timely observation and evaluation of the work being performed is facilitated to ensure the work is completed in accordance with applicable statutory and administrative code requirements.

 

40. Q: Is there a limit to the number of elevator helpers a certificate of competency holder can supervise?

A: No. Florida Statutes are silent on this issue. However, a certificate of competency holder must be able to provide direct supervision. “Direct supervision” means a certificate of competency holder supervising an elevator helper as set forth in section 399.01(16), Florida Statutes, is within physical proximity of the person being directly supervised such that timely observation and evaluation of the work being performed is facilitated to ensure the work is completed in accordance with applicable statutory and administrative code requirements.

 

41. Q: How can I bring in help from out of state in times of special need and get them authorized to work in Florida?

A: Florida statutes require elevator personnel who construct, install, maintain or repair elevators and vertical conveyances to be certified and licensed by the bureau. Unlicensed elevator personnnel, called elevator helpers, may construct, maintain, service, or repair any vertical conveyance under the direct supervision of a certificate of competency holder [pursuant to Section 399.01(16) Florida Statutes, definition of an elevator helper].

 

42. Q: Must a custom elevator cab manufacturer, when working as a subcontractor, have a certificate of competency holder supervise the work?

A: Florida statutes do not define a "custom cab manufacturer." A subcontractor or elevator contractor working for a registered elevator company must be supervised by a certificate of competency holder. The elevator company must be registered with the Bureau of Elevator Safety.

 

43. Q: Is an elevator inspector bound by professional ethics, code of conduct or conflict of interest requirements while performing inspection duties?

A: Yes. A certified elevator inspector is required to maintain national certification as a qualified elevator inspector (QEI) in good standing as governed by the current ASME QEI-1 Standards, which includes professional ethics, code of conduct and conflict of interest requirements.

Additionally, Section 399.03(5), Florida Statutes, states that "Before any vertical conveyance is used, except those is a private residence, it must be inspected by a certified elevator inspector not employed, associated, or having a conflict of interest with the elevator construction permitholder or elevator owner and certified as meeting the safety provisions of the Florida Building Code, including the performance of all required safety tests."

 

44. Q: Is a certified elevator inspector (CEI) responsible for reporting a conveyance not in compliance with the code even if the CEI is not working on the particular conveyance?

A: Yes. As a qualified elevator inspector, a certified elevator inspector has a professional obligation under the ASME QEI-1 Standards to report an unsafe condition to the authority having jurisdiction and the certificate of operation holder.