N95 Mask Fit Testing

As part of the clinical compliance process, all undergraduate nursing students are required to complete an annual N95 hospital-grade respirator fit test. While students may not always need to wear an N95 during clinicals, most of our clinical sites require students to be fit-tested in case it becomes necessary.

Compliance: You will not be allowed to attend clinicals if you have not completed fit testing by the end of the first week of classes.

Fit Test Expiration: If you have been fit-tested before, please note that fit tests expire after one year. Carefully review the instructions below to determine if you need to be fitted again.

Instructions for fit testing, depending on the semester are listed below.

Spring 2026 Clinical Students Fit Test Instructions

Follow the instructions in pathway A, B, C, D, or E below based on your situation.  Fit tests expire after 1 year, so even if you have been previously fitted, you may need to do it again. Hint:  New accel students, you're probably C or E.

A. If you were fit tested between May 1, 2025, and today at USM

• No action is needed since you are already in compliance.
  
  

B. If you were fit-tested at your workplace between May 1, 2025, and today, AND you previously submitted proof of that fit test to Netty or Stacey

• No action is needed since you are already in compliance.
  
  

C. If you were fit-tested at your workplace between May 1, 2025, and today AND you have NOT already submitted proof of that fit test to Netty or Stacey

1. You may submit proof of that workplace fit test here. 

2. The document must have your full name, the date of the fit test, and the mask you were fitted to.  

3. We can only accept fits for the following masks:

   1. • 3M 1860

      • 3M 1860S

      • 3M 1870+

      • 3M 9205+

      • 3M 1820

      • a form that notes you are assigned to use a PAPR

4. We will review the documentation, and if we cannot accept it for some reason, we will let you know. 
   
   

D. If you were fit-tested at USM BEFORE May 1, 2025, you will need a new fit test (yours either has or will expire before the end of Spring). 
We only offer fit tests at the start of each semester. Steps 1-5 must be completed by January 2, 2026.

1. Download and complete the Re-Fit OSHA Short Form.  Save it to your computer first, then type in your answers.  

2. Submit the Re-Fit form here.

3. Click here to sign up for a fit test appointment.  YOU CANNOT BEGIN SPRING CLINICALS WITHOUT A CURRENT FIT TEST.

   • If you have the flexibility, we'd appreciate if you try to cluster your appointment near others that are already booked.  It helps us if things are somewhat grouped together.  If you can't, not worries though.

4. On the day of your fit test, be aware of the following:

   • • You may not have anything to eat or drink except plain water for 30 minutes before your fit test.  This includes toothpaste, gum, and mouthwash.

     • If you have facial hair, you must be clean-shaven to be fitted.  

     • Fit tests take between 5 and 15 minutes to complete. Plan extra time since if there are several students to be fitted, you may have a short wait.
       
       

E. If none of the above apply, then you will need a fit test at USM - Steps 1-5 must be completed by January 2, 2026.

1. 1. 1. 1. Complete the First-Time Fit OSHA Form.

         2. Submit the First-Time Fit OSHA form here.

            • Your form will be reviewed by Dr. Brenda Petersen, FNP, RN, Associate Dean of Nursing, for medical clearance. If you have questions about the medical portion of the form, please contact her. brenda.petersen@maine.edu

         3. Review the Respirator Training PowerPoint.

         4. Complete the Respirator Training Google Quiz.  You must earn a 13/13 on the quiz.  If your score at the end is not 13/13 retake the quiz until that score is achieved.

         5. Click here to sign up for a fit test appointment.  YOU CANNOT BEGIN SPRING CLINICALS WITHOUT A CURRENT FIT TEST.

            • • If you have the flexibility, we'd appreciate if you try to cluster your appointment near others that are already booked.  It helps us if things are somewhat grouped together.  If you can't, not worries though.

         6. On the day of your fit test, be aware of the following:

            • • You may not have anything to eat or drink except plain water for 30 minutes before your fit test.  This includes toothpaste, gum, and mouthwash.

              • If you have facial hair, you must be clean-shaven to be fitted.  

              • Fit tests take between 5 and 15 minutes to complete. Plan extra time since if there are several students to be fitted, you may have a short wait.