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The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL)


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The Respiratory Protection Information Trusted Source										Related Pages
					NIOSH Approval FAQsNIOSH ApprovalWhat does NIOSH approval mean?
	The NIOSH National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) Respirator Approval Program is responsible for evaluating and approving respirators for use within U.S. workplace settings. NPPTL certifies that all respirator models meet the minimum construction, performance, and respiratory protection standards.
When a respirator has been approved by NIOSH, you can be confident that the device will provide the expected level of protection, as long as a fit test determines that the respirator fits your face and you wear it correctly.
For more information, view the NIOSH CA 2019-1012, NIOSH Respirator Approval Contents and Meaning.Where can I find information about applying for NIOSH approval?
	For those interested in pursuing NIOSH approval, NIOSH maintains a dedicated webpage for respirator manufacturers or applicants. This Respirator Approval Information webpage provides interested parties with information about the NIOSH approval process. NIOSH has standard application procedures for each respirator type that outlines the approval process and steps that applicants need to take to achieve NIOSH approval.How long does it take to achieve NIOSH approval?
	During normal operations, the total time from start to finish can range from one month to nine months depending on application issues and any non-conformances identified during the application review or initial site visit.What are the costs to get NIOSH approval?
	NIOSH approval fees are available in the standard application procedures and the Respirator Certification Fees Final Rule.Does NIOSH approve respirators certified to international standards?
	No. NIOSH does not recognize any respiratory protection devices claiming to meet international standards as conforming to NIOSH requirements.Does NIOSH approve gowns, gloves, or face shields?
	No. NIOSH only approves respirators in accordance with 42 Code of Federal Regulations Part 84external icon. NIOSH does not approve or certify other PPE items (e.g., gowns, gloves, face shields). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)external icon clears medical masks and other types of PPE for use in healthcare settings.Does NIOSH approve third-party testing laboratories?
	No. NIOSH does not approve independent third-party testing laboratories, nor does NIOSH endorse any third-party laboratories. NIOSH is not an accreditation body and does not accredit independent third-party testing laboratories.Does NIOSH sell respirators?
	No. NIOSH does not sell respirators or any other types of personal protective equipment (PPE). NIOSH cannot recommend specific manufacturers or a specific model for purchasing decisions. Additionally, NIOSH does not keep a list of retailers that sell respirators.Identifying NIOSH-approved RespiratorsHow can I tell if my respirator is NIOSH approved?
	The markings on the respirator and NIOSH approval label are key to helping you identify a NIOSH-approved respirator. All NIOSH-approved respirators have a testing and certification (TC) approval number (e.g., TC 84A-XXXX). The NIOSH approval label, which is found on or within the respirator packaging indicates the TC approval number as well as protection type. You can verify that your respirator approvals are valid by checking the NIOSH Certified Equipment List (CEL). If you have a filtering facepiece respirator (FFR), make sure all the required approval markingspdf icon are on the respirator.Where can I find a listing of NIOSH-approved respirators?
	You can search for NIOSH-approved respirators on the NIOSH Certified Equipment List, which is the official listing of all NIOSH-approved respirators. If you are looking for a filtering facepiece respirator, you can also refer to the approved table listings of NIOSH-Approved Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators.What does it mean if a TC approval number does not appear in the Certified Equipment List (CEL)?
	If you search a NIOSH TC approval number (e.g., TC 84A-XXXX) and no results appear within the CEL, that means it is not a valid approval number and the product is not NIOSH approved.Do NIOSH-approved respirators have ear loops?
	Most valid NIOSH-approved N95 respirators will have two headband straps, not ear loops. However, a few NIOSH-approved models are approved with ear loops because the loops are secured behind the head with a non-removable fastener.What is a private label?
	A private label is when a company enters into an agreement with a NIOSH approval holder and obtains permission to package the product under the private label holder’s name using the same TC approval number as that held by the approval holder (e.g., TC 84A-XXXX). No modifications are made to the respirator except for changing the name on the packaging and on the user instructions. You can verify that a private label holder is valid by searching the NIOSH Certified Equipment List.How do I know if a respirator is falsely advertising NIOSH approval?
	When NIOSH becomes aware of counterfeit respirators or those misrepresenting NIOSH approval on the market, the respirators are posted on the Counterfeit Respirators/Misrepresentation of NIOSH Approval webpage to alert users, purchasers, and manufacturers.How can I report counterfeit respirators to NIOSH?
	Before reporting a counterfeit respirator to NIOSH, you should first verify the identified respirator is counterfeit or misrepresenting a NIOSH approval by looking up the TC approval number (e.g., TC 84A-XXXX) on the NIOSH Certified Equipment List and verifying the required approval markingspdf icon. Then check the Counterfeit Respirators/Misrepresentation of NIOSH Approval webpage to see if that respirator is listed. If not, you may send an email to PPEConcerns@cdc.gov with details about the respirator. If possible, include photos of the respirator and package with your submission.Additional ResourcesInfographics
	Required Labeling of NIOSH-Approved N95 Filtering Facepiece Respiratorspdf icon (2014)NIOSH Documents
	NIOSH National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) Fact Sheet (2018)NIOSH Videos
	What it Means to be NIOSH-Approved: A look into N95 Certification Testing (2013)
Respirator Certification – As Vital as the Air We Breathe (2014)NIOSH Webpages
	Certified Equipment List
NIOSH-approved Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators
Counterfeit Respirators/Misrepresentation of NIOSH-Approval
							
					
						Page last reviewed:  September 3, 2021					Content source: 	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health homeNPPTL
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