N95 Mask Fit Test
Get properly fitted for the N95 Mask you use at work. Book an individual qualitative fit test at our training centre, with appointments typically completed in 10–15 minutes and same-day certification following a successful test.
What Is an N95 Fit Test?
A tight-fitting N95 relies on a proper seal against your face. If the respirator does not fit correctly, air may leak around the edges of the facepiece rather than passing through the filter material.
The N95 provides the filtration. The fit test checks whether that specific respirator can achieve an acceptable fit on your face.
Fit testing is specific to the individual wearer and the respirator manufacturer, model, and size where applicable. A successful result on one N95 does not automatically mean another manufacturer, model, or size will fit you.
We perform qualitative N95 respirator fit testing. We do not currently offer quantitative N95 fit testing.
We currently carry the 3M 8210, 3M 8110S, and 3M 1870+ for fit testing. If your employer, school, clinical placement, or workplace specifies a particular N95, confirm the required manufacturer, model, and size before attending. Availability should be confirmed when a specific respirator is required.
Fit testing is one part of a respiratory-protection program. The correct respirator must still be selected for the actual workplace hazard and used in accordance with applicable workplace procedures.
What to Expect
During your appointment, we identify the N95 being tested, help you establish the initial fit, conduct the qualitative fit-testing procedure and required exercises, record the result, and provide documentation following a successful test.
Understand Respirator Fit
Understand why a tight-fitting N95 must seal correctly against your face to provide its intended protection.
Wear the Tested Respirator Correctly
Receive practical guidance on positioning and wearing the specific respirator being tested.
Understand User Seal Checks
Understand the importance of following the respirator manufacturer’s seal-check instructions whenever the respirator is put on.
Understand Model-Specific Fit
Understand that a successful result applies to the particular respirator manufacturer, model, and size tested and does not automatically transfer to another respirator.
What Your Fit Test Result Means
Passing your fit test confirms the fit of the specific respirator successfully tested. Fit testing is one part of respiratory protection and does not replace proper respirator selection, workplace hazard assessment, correct use, or employer respiratory-protection procedures.
Your Result Is Model-Specific
Your successful result applies to the specific N95 manufacturer, model, and size recorded during your appointment. It does not automatically apply to a different respirator.
Check the Seal Every Time
Passing a fit test does not eliminate the need to wear the respirator correctly. Follow the manufacturer’s user seal-check instructions whenever you put the respirator on.
Facial Hair Can Break the Seal
Facial hair cannot come between your skin and the respirator’s sealing surface or interfere with the respirator’s function. The sealing area must remain clean-shaven when the tight-fitting respirator is used.
Your Fit Can Change
Another fit test may be needed if the required respirator changes or if physical changes affect how the respirator fits your face.
Who N95 Fit Testing Is For
N95 fit testing is used by workers and students who are required to wear a tight-fitting N95 respirator as part of their work, school, clinical placement, or respiratory-protection program. The need for an N95 and fit testing depends on the actual hazard, respirator selected, and applicable workplace, employer, school, or placement requirements.
- Healthcare Workers
- Nursing & Healthcare Students
- Personal Support Workers
- Medical & Laboratory Professionals
- Long-Term Care & Retirement-Home Workers
- Emergency & First-Response Personnel
- Workers Required to Wear Tight-Fitting N95 Respirators
- Students Completing Clinical or Workplace Placements
Ready to Book Your Fit Test?
Appointments typically take approximately 10–15 minutes and are completed in person in Kingston. Following a successful test, we provide same-day fit-test documentation. Students receive 15% off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about the fit-testing process, preparation requirements, respirator models, record validity, and what your result applies to.
Do I need to be clean-shaven for my N95 fit test?
Yes. You must be clean-shaven anywhere the N95 sealing surface contacts your face. Facial hair that crosses the sealing area can prevent an effective seal and can prevent the fit test from being successfully completed.
What if I can’t shave for religious reasons?
A tight-fitting N95 must seal directly against the skin, so facial hair cannot interfere with the sealing surface. If shaving conflicts with your religious beliefs, contact us before your appointment.
How long is my N95 fit-test record valid?
StartSafe’s N95 fit-test record or certificate is valid for one year. A new fit test may also be needed sooner if the required respirator changes or if physical changes could affect respirator fit. Employer, school, placement, or respiratory-protection-program requirements may differ.
Can I eat, drink, or smoke before my fit test?
We recommend avoiding eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum for at least 30 minutes before your appointment. This helps ensure your qualitative fit test can be completed accurately.
Does passing one N95 fit test mean I can wear any N95?
No. Your successful result applies to the specific respirator manufacturer, model, and size that was tested. A different respirator may fit differently and may require another fit test.
Related Training & Fit Testing
Explore additional fit-testing services and workplace safety training related to respiratory protection, hazardous products, and worker safety.
