Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People
															Search
		×
			NIOSH
			NIOSH
				All CDC
				Submit
			For a full list of topics:A-Z Index
			Advanced Search
		Advanced Search


The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL)


Facebook
        Twitter
        LinkedIn
        Syndicate





The Respiratory Protection Information Trusted Source										Related Pages
					Fit Test FAQsFit TestingWhat is a respirator fit test?
	A fit test is a test protocol conducted to verify that a respirator is both comfortable and provides the wearer with the expected protection. Fit testing uses a test agent, either **qualitatively** detected by the wearer’s sense of taste, smell, or involuntary cough (irritant smoke) or **quantitatively** measured by an instrument, to verify the respirator’s fit.
For more information, view the OSHA Respirator Fit Testing videoexternal icon and NIOSH fact sheet, Filtering out Confusion: Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing.Are fit tests required?
	Yes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (29 CFR 1910.134) requires respirator users to be fit tested to confirm the fit of any respirator that forms a tight seal on your face before using it in the workplace. Fit testing is important to ensure the expected level of protection is provided by minimizing the total amount of contaminant leakage into the facepiece through the face seal.What types of respirators require fit testing?
	Tight-fitting respirators used within a workplace respiratory protection program are required to be fit tested prior to use. Tight-fitting respirators include filtering facepiece respirators, elastomeric half and full facepiece respirators, tight-fitting powered-air purifying respirators, self-contained breathing apparatus, etc..
For more information, see the NIOSH fact sheet, Filtering out Confusion: Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing.How often do I need to complete a fit test?
	You should be fit tested at least annually to ensure your respirator continues to fit you properly. Because each brand, model, and size of respirators will fit slightly different, you should be fit tested every time you wear a new model, manufacturer type/brand, or size. Also, if your weight changes or facial/dental alterations occur, a fit test should be done again to ensure your respirator remains effective.
For more information, see the NIOSH infographic, Why are annual fit tests requiredpdf icon?Can I use any brand/make/model respirator after I pass a fit test if it is the same size?
	No. A fit test only qualifies you to use the specific brand/make/model/size of respirator for which you successfully passed a fit test. Respirator sizing varies across different manufacturer brands and models. Therefore, you should only wear the specific brand, model, and size respirator that you wore during a successful fit test.What is a qualitative fit test?
	A qualitative fit test (QLFT) relies on the respirator wearer’s senses to determine if there is a gap in the seal of the respirator to the wearer’s face. The OSHA-accepted fit test protocolsexternal icon provide complete instructions for conducting QLFTs with the accepted test agents.**Note:** NIOSH does not endorse or recommend the use of the irritant smoke fit test. To learn more about preparing solutions for qualitative fit testing, view the NIOSH webpage.
For more information, see the NIOSH fact sheet, Filtering out Confusion: Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing.What is a quantitative fit test?
	A quantitative fit test uses a fit testing instrument(s) to provide quantitative, or numerical, measurements of the amount of face seal leakage present when a user wears a respirator. Quantitative fit testing requires a hole punched in the respirator to perform the test. Therefore, the fit tester must dispose of the respirator after the test.
For more information, see the NIOSH fact sheet, Filtering out Confusion: Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing.Do I need any requirements or certifications to perform fit testing?
	There are companies and organizations that provide training on performing a fit test. The ANSI/AIHA/ASSE Z88.10-2010 Respirator Fit Testing Methods standard consists of recommendations for qualifications of individuals who conduct respirator fit testing.
Contact OSHAexternal icon for additional guidance as they are the agency that regulates fit testing.User Seal ChecksWhat is a respirator user seal check?
	A user seal check is a quick procedure you conduct every time you wear a respirator to make sure you donned the respirator properly. The user seal check can be either a positive pressure or negative pressure check. The appropriate type of user seal check depends on the respirator.
**Positive pressure user seal check**—The person wearing the respirator exhales gently while blocking the paths for air to exit the respirator to make sure there aren’t any leaks. A successful check is when slight pressure builds up in the respirator without any leakage.
**Negative pressure user seal check**— The person wearing the respirator quickly inhales while blocking the paths for air to enter the facepiece. A successful check is when the facepiece collapses slightly under the negative pressure.**How often do I need to perform a user seal check?**
According to the OSHA respiratory protection standard, appendix B-1external icon, once  you successfully pass a fit test, you should complete a user seal check **every time** you put on the respirator to ensure you achieve an adequate seal.How often do I need to perform a user seal check?
	According to the OSHA respiratory protection standard, appendix B-1external icon, once  you successfully pass a fit test, you should complete a user seal check **every time** you put on the respirator to ensure you achieve an adequate seal.How can I perform a user seal check on a filtering facepiece respirator?
	Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to perform a user seal check on the specific model you are wearing. This information is available on the box or individual respirator packaging. There are positive and negative pressure user seal checks, and not every respirator can be checked using both.
Please refer to our fact sheet, Filtering out Confusion: Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Protection, User Seal Check, for additional information.Medical EvaluationWhat is a medical evaluation?
	A medical evaluation determines your ability to wear a respirator. You must complete a medical evaluation before you are fit tested and before using a respirator in a workplace.Do I need to get a medical evaluation if I am required to wear a respirator?
	Yes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard (29 CFR 1910.134) requires a medical evaluation as an element of the written respiratory protection program.
View the OSHA Medical Evaluations for Workers Who Use Respirators videoexternal icon.How often do I need to get a medical evaluation?
	A medical evaluation is required once, prior to initial fit testing and use in your workplace. However, you may need an additional medical evaluation if you, your supervisor, or your respiratory program administrator recognize signs or symptoms that may affect your ability to use the assigned respirator. Additionally, a licensed healthcare professional may determine that you have a condition that causes you to need another medical evaluation.
View the OSHA Medical Evaluations for Workers Who Use Respirators videoexternal icon.Additional ResourcesBlogs
	To Beard or not to Beard? That’s a good Question! (2017)
New NIOSH Study Supports the OSHA Annual Fit Testing Requirements for Filtering Facepiece Respirators (2016)Infographics
	Summary of Respirator Fit Test Requirementspdf icon (2015)
Why are Annual Fit Tests Required?pdf icon (2016)
Facial Hairstyles and Filtering Facepiece Respiratorspdf icon (2017)NIOSH Documents
	Filtering out Confusion: Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing (2018)
Filtering out Confusion: Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Protection, User Seal Check (2018)Videos
	Respiratory Fit Testingexternal icon (2012)
							
					
						Page last reviewed:  September 3, 2021					Content source: 	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health homeNPPTL
What’s New on the NPPTL Websiteplus icon
NPPTL What’s New Archives
A to Z Index
Respiratory Protection Videos
Resources for Mine Workers
Resources for Emergency Responders
Respirator Approval Programplus icon
Respirator Approval Information
Respirator Standards
Respirator User Notices
Resources and Technical Support
Post-market Evaluations
Respirator Assessments to Support COVID-19 Responseplus icon
Beyond Shelf Life/Stockpiled Assessment Results
International Assessment Results
Decontaminated Assessment Results
Non-NIOSH Approved Innovative Filtering Facepiece Respirator Assessment Results
Protective Clothing and Ensembles
Personal Protective Technology Program
NIOSH Respiratory Protection Week 2023
NPPTL Infographics
NPPTL Fact Sheets
Healthcare Respiratory Protection Resourceplus icon
Policies and Procedures
Program Administrator
Evaluation and Selection
Medical Evaluation
Fit Testing
Proper Use and Storage
Training
Program Evaluation
Recordkeeping
Support for Firefighter Personal Protective Equipmentplus icon
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatusplus icon
Program Overview
Evaluation Process
Completed Reports
Resources
Firefighter Turnout Gearplus icon
Current Projects
Completed Projects
Participation on Standards Setting Organizations
Resources
Considerations for Selecting Protective Clothing
NPPTL Participation in Standard Development Committees
Respiratory Protection Information Trusted Sourceplus icon
Types of Respiratory Protection
Use of NIOSH-approved Respirators
Frequently Asked Questionsplus icon
Respirator FAQs
Fit Test FAQs
NIOSH Approval FAQs
Healthcare Setting Specific FAQs
Approved Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators
Certified Equipment List (CEL)
PPE CASE Reports
Respirator User Notices
Meetings, Webinars, & Conferencesplus icon
Archived Meetings and Conferences
Conformity Assessment Notices and Letters to Respirator Manufacturers and Interested Parties
About NPPTL
Contact NPPTL Connect with NPPTL Subscribe to Listserv
PPE concerns? Contact Us
 Follow NIOSH Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
YouTube
 NIOSH Homepage NIOSH A-Z
Workplace Safety & Health Topics
Publications and Products
Programs
Contact NIOSH


About CDC
					Contact Us
					800-232-4636
 Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Pinterest Snapchat
 CONTACT CDC
				Contact Us
							Call 800-232-4636
							Email Us
			ABOUT CDC
				About CDC
							Jobs
							Funding
			POLICIES
				Accessibility
							External Links
							Privacy
							Policies
							No Fear Act
							FOIA
							OIG
							Nondiscrimination
							Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			CONNECT WITH US
				Facebook
								Twitter
								Instagram
								LinkedIn
							Youtube
								Pinterest
								Snapchat
								Email
			LANGUAGES
				Español
							繁體中文
							Tiếng Việt
							한국어
							Tagalog
							Русский
							العربية
							Kreyòl Ayisyen
							Français
							Polski
							Português
							Italiano
							Deutsch
							日本語
							فارسی
							English


U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
			Accessibility
			External Links
			Privacy
			Policies
			No Fear Act
			FOIA
			Nondiscrimination
			OIG
			Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			USA.gov


Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy Close
 Links with this icon  indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
				Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
				You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
				CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Website Disclaimers
 Cancel Continue