Start with the official annotated sample, then use the reading map below.
Appendix II of FSD Circular 5/2025 includes annotated Rev. 1/2025 samples for building common areas and licensed or registered premises. The map below is our original explanation of the fields. It is a reading guide, not an official certificate, and cannot be used for submission or certification.
Open the official annotated FSD sample (PDF, from page 5) (opens in a new tab)A six-part reading map
Reading guide · not an official certificate
These groups follow a useful reading order. Their numbers are navigation labels for this page, rather than certificate field numbers. There are no invented certificate entries, signatures, seals or scannable QR codes. Expand a group to see what to check.
Premises and client: establish what was coveredClient, building or premises, address and the actual scope.
Check that the floor, unit and building common areas are clearly identified. A tenant's premises and the entire building are different scopes. Ask the contractor to clarify similar names, missing units or ambiguous coverage.
Does this certificate describe the equipment you are responsible for?
Part I: annual inspection and datesEquipment types, locations, condition, completion and next inspection date.
Compare the listed equipment and locations with the inspection scope and read the recorded condition. FSD says installations must be inspected by a registered contractor at intervals no longer than 12 months. The sample notes say the next annual inspection date is normally one year after completion unless FSD specifies otherwise.
Do the equipment and dates agree with your inspection and maintenance records?
Part II: other completed workThe nature, condition and completion dates of installation, maintenance, repair or inspection work.
Read this separately from the annual inspection section. Check what was actually done, the recorded condition and completion dates, together with any shutdown notification reference. A particular repair entry does not establish that every installation received its annual inspection.
Does this record an annual inspection, specific work, or both?
Part III: defects and remedial itemsDefect descriptions, remedial notes and major defects marked with *.
Do not skip defects because the document is called a certificate. Match each issue to the equipment, location and follow-up work. The official notes require major defects to be marked with an asterisk. Ask the contractor about the necessary remedy and subsequent checks, and retain repair records.
Which issues remain open, and who is following them up?
Contractor and signature: establish who carried out the workRegistration class and number, contractor, contact and authorised signatory details.
Compare the contractor name, registration number and relevant class with the FSD register. Classes 1, 2 and 3 cover different equipment scopes. One registration number does not imply authority for every type. Query mismatched details with the issuing contractor.
Do the registration details match the register and the work involved?
Current electronic version: check submission and QR informationFinal version, certificate number and QR verification for newly issued certificates.
The designated online system is required from July 2026. The official FAQ says unsigned or unsuccessfully submitted documents have a watermark and no certificate number or QR code. Once you receive the final version, scan the bottom-left QR code and compare the contractor, address, work scope and dates.
Does the verification result agree with the certificate you received?
What should you do with a defect entry?
FS251 records actual work and condition. Check ‘inspection completed’ separately from ‘defect repaired’: do the listed issues have matching quotations, repair arrangements or retest results? Contact the responsible contractor and management promptly about major defects or equipment that is not operating properly. Clarify the required response instead of waiting for the next annual inspection.
- Match each entry to its equipment, location and defect description.
- Ask what remedy is needed, who is responsible and what is arranged.
- Keep repair and retest records after completion, then check the relevant certificate entries.
QR verification and registration are two different checks
The QR code checks the system details for that electronic certificate. The contractor register checks the contractor's registration and class. These checks complement each other; you still need to read the work, equipment condition and defects.
Check the certificate
Scan the bottom-left QR code and compare the contractor, premises address, work scope and dates. Query suspicious or mismatched information. A layout, logo or filename alone cannot establish authenticity.
Check the contractor
Use the FSD register to search the name or registration number and check the relevant class. Class 3 covers portable equipment; do not assume Class 1 or 2 registration also covers Class 3 work.
Check the issue date and final version
For certificates newly issued on or after 1 July 2026, Circular 4/2026 invites reports to FSD if the QR code is absent or the verification details appear suspicious. Interpret older documents against their issue date and the arrangements then in place.
A sample, a service form and an issued certificate serve different purposes
| Document | What it is useful for | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Official annotated sample | Understanding certificate fields and completion principles. It is not a record for your premises. | Use it as a reading reference; follow the online system for current submission. |
| Our service information sheet or enquiry form | Organising contact details, premises and requirements for scope review and a quotation. | Send your requirements through the service enquiry form. |
| A formally issued FS251 | Recording the contractor's actual completed work and related equipment condition. | Check premises, scope, dates, defects and current QR details; retain the final version. |
FS251 certificate sample questions
Can I download a blank sample and fill it in myself?
You can read the public FSD annotated sample to understand the fields. A registered contractor must handle formal FS251 certification according to actual work and current procedures. Our reading map is not a fillable or submittable certificate.
Does the next inspection date mean the certificate is always valid for a year?
Do not treat the next inspection date as a blanket compliance guarantee. FSD requires installations to remain in efficient working order and be inspected at intervals no longer than 12 months. Read the work scope, completion date and unresolved defects together.
Does receiving FS251 complete every fire safety requirement?
Interpret it according to the equipment, work and defects actually recorded. FS251 does not automatically replace every works or licensing document. For example, some sprinkler or hose-reel changes may also require FSI/314A or FSI/314B documentation. Check FSD requirements against the actual work.
Is a contractor signature enough?
The signature is one item to check. You should also establish the final version, premises, scope, dates and defects. For a certificate issued through the current system, verify its QR information and check the contractor's registration details.
Is an older certificate without a QR code fake?
That conclusion cannot be drawn from the missing QR code alone. The Circular 4/2026 reminder concerns certificates newly issued on or after 1 July 2026. Check older documents against their date and the earlier arrangements. Ask the issuing contractor or FSD if uncertain.
Where does this information come from?
The official sources below were checked on 3 October 2026. Cypress Engineering prepared the practical advice and original reading map on this page. Individual work must still be assessed against the premises and current FSD requirements.
- FSD FS251 information and official system entry (opens in a new tab)
- FSD Circular 4/2026: designated online system and QR codes (opens in a new tab)
- FSD Circular 5/2025: annotated Rev. 1/2025 sample (Appendix II) (opens in a new tab)
- FSD FS251 system FAQ (June 2026 edition) (opens in a new tab)
- FSD FS251 system user guide (June 2026 edition) (opens in a new tab)
- FSD register of fire service installation contractors (opens in a new tab)
- FSD fire safety FAQ: annual inspection and registration classes (opens in a new tab)
Turn an unclear certificate question into a clear next step.
Tell us about your premises, requirements and known issues. We review the scope and quote first. Our FS251 certificate fee is HK$0; inspection, testing, repairs and retesting are quoted separately. Sending an enquiry does not complete an inspection or issue a certificate.
Start a service enquiry