Certified Chimney Professional (CCP) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the most critical safety requirement in maintenance protocols?

Following all applicable safety regulations and wearing required PPE (Correct answer)
Speed of completion
Cost minimization
Working alone to avoid delays

Correct answer: Following all applicable safety regulations and wearing required PPE

Safety regulations and proper PPE use are the most critical requirements in maintenance protocols to prevent injury and ensure compliance.

Question 2: How should fireplace ashes be stored after removal?

In a paper bag in the garage
In a metal container with a tight lid on a noncombustible surface away from the house (Correct answer)
In a cardboard box next to the woodpile
In a plastic bucket on the porch

Correct answer: In a metal container with a tight lid on a noncombustible surface away from the house

Ashes can hold live embers for days, so they belong in a lidded metal container on a noncombustible surface away from buildings.

Question 3: Which type of inspection is required after a chimney fire?

Level 1
Level 2 (Correct answer)
Level 3
Visual only

Correct answer: Level 2

A Level 2 inspection is mandatory after a chimney fire because it involves a comprehensive examination beyond a basic visual check. This inspection includes all accessible portions of the chimney, often utilizing video scanning to detect hidden damage to the flue liner or structure that may not be apparent from the outside, ensuring the chimney's safety and integrity.

Question 4: What tool is typically used to clean soot from chimney walls?

Vacuum cleaner
Wire brush (Correct answer)
Garden hose
Paint roller

Correct answer: Wire brush

A wire brush, specifically designed for chimney cleaning, is the most effective tool for removing soot and creosote from chimney walls. These brushes come in various shapes and sizes to match different flue dimensions and are robust enough to scrape away stubborn deposits without damaging the flue liner. Other options like a garden hose or vacuum cleaner are ineffective for this task.

Question 5: The net free outlet area of a chimney cap with spark arrestor should be at least how many times the flue area?

Two times
Four times (Correct answer)
Ten times
Equal to the flue area

Correct answer: Four times

Code requires the arrestor's net free area to be at least four times the net free area of the flue outlet.

Question 6: An aluminum flue liner is acceptable for which application?

Coal stove
Oil-fired boiler
Listed Category I gas appliances (Correct answer)
Wood-burning fireplace

Correct answer: Listed Category I gas appliances

Aluminum liners are limited to certain gas appliances because they cannot withstand solid-fuel or oil flue conditions.

Question 7: Why do sweeps run a high-powered vacuum, often with HEPA filtration, at the firebox opening during cleaning?

To dry out moisture in the flue tiles
To increase the draft so the fire burns hotter afterward
To create negative pressure that keeps soot and fine particles out of the living space (Correct answer)
To pull creosote up and out of the chimney top

Correct answer: To create negative pressure that keeps soot and fine particles out of the living space

The vacuum creates negative pressure at the opening so soot does not escape into the home.

Question 8: Firewood is generally considered properly seasoned when its moisture content is below about what level?

50%
35%
20% (Correct answer)
45%

Correct answer: 20%

Wood under roughly 20% moisture burns cleaner and hotter, producing less creosote.

Question 9: Which eye protection standard should safety glasses meet for chimney work?

ANSI Z87.1 (Correct answer)
ANSI A14.2
NFPA 211
ANSI Z89.1

Correct answer: ANSI Z87.1

ANSI Z87.1 is the US standard for occupational eye and face protection.

Question 10: How should hazardous conditions be handled during quality inspection work?

Stop work, secure the area, report the hazard, and follow safety protocols (Correct answer)
Continue working if the hazard seems minor
Report hazards only at the end of the day
Let someone else deal with it

Correct answer: Stop work, secure the area, report the hazard, and follow safety protocols

All hazardous conditions require immediate action: stop work, secure the area, report the hazard, and follow established safety protocols.

Question 11: What should you do if you suspect a chimney fire?

Evacuate and call 911 (Correct answer)
Ignore it if small
Use water to extinguish it
Turn off the thermostat

Correct answer: Evacuate and call 911

If you suspect a chimney fire, the immediate and most critical action is to evacuate everyone from the house and call 911. Attempting to extinguish it yourself with water can be extremely dangerous due to the intense heat and potential for steam explosions. Professional firefighters are equipped to handle such emergencies safely and effectively.

Question 12: What is the most appropriate response when a customer disputes a service charge?

Calmly review the work performed and provide supporting documentation (Correct answer)
Immediately offer a full refund
Refuse to discuss it and demand immediate payment
Ignore the complaint and move on

Correct answer: Calmly review the work performed and provide supporting documentation

Calmly reviewing completed work with documentation demonstrates professionalism and resolves most disputes without escalation or financial loss.

Question 13: How far must an extension ladder extend above the roof edge when it is used to get onto the roof?

1 foot
3 feet (Correct answer)
5 feet
2 feet

Correct answer: 3 feet

OSHA requires the side rails to extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing so there is a safe handhold.

Question 14: Which type of combustion produces the most creosote in a chimney?

High-temperature burns with seasoned hardwood
Short, intense fires with dry wood
Hot, fast combustion with ample air
Slow, smoldering combustion with restricted air (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Slow, smoldering combustion with restricted air

Slow, smoldering fires with restricted air supply produce the most creosote because unburned hydrocarbons condense on the cooler flue walls.

Question 15: Firebox walls of a masonry fireplace lined with firebrick must use firebrick at least how thick, laid in refractory mortar?

1 inch
4 inches
6 inches
2 inches (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2 inches

IRC R1001.5 allows a firebrick lining at least 2 inches thick set in medium-duty refractory mortar.

Question 16: What are the three elements of the fire triangle required for combustion?

Wood, coal, and gas
Fuel, nitrogen, and spark
Fuel, oxygen, and heat (Correct answer)
Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen

Correct answer: Fuel, oxygen, and heat

Combustion requires fuel, oxygen, and heat — the three sides of the fire triangle — and all three must be present simultaneously.

Question 17: Which brush type is generally recommended for cleaning a stainless steel chimney liner?

Flat steel chain whip
Carbon steel wire brush
Polypropylene (poly) brush (Correct answer)
Brass wire wheel

Correct answer: Polypropylene (poly) brush

Poly brushes clean stainless liners without scratching or damaging the metal, as most liner manufacturers recommend.

Question 18: What effect does a cold chimney flue have on initial draft when an appliance is first lit?

It reduces draft until the flue warms up (Correct answer)
It immediately increases draft
It permanently damages the appliance
It has no effect on draft

Correct answer: It reduces draft until the flue warms up

A cold flue creates poor initial draft because the temperature differential between flue gases and the flue walls is insufficient to drive airflow upward.

Question 19: How does chimney height affect draft performance?

Height has no effect on draft
Taller chimneys generally produce stronger draft (Correct answer)
Shorter chimneys always produce better draft
Taller chimneys only improve draft in winter

Correct answer: Taller chimneys generally produce stronger draft

Taller chimneys create a greater column of buoyant hot gases, increasing the pressure difference and strengthening natural draft.

Question 20: According to NFPA 211, how often should chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected?

Every five years or at time of sale
Only after a chimney fire
Every three years
At least once a year (Correct answer)

Correct answer: At least once a year

NFPA 211 calls for an annual inspection of chimneys, fireplaces, and vents.

Question 21: What is the professional obligation of a chimney sweep who discovers evidence of a recent chimney fire during a routine cleaning?

Complete the routine cleaning without additional steps
Note it in the report but take no further action
Only report it if the customer specifically asks
Upgrade to a Level 2 inspection and document findings thoroughly (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Upgrade to a Level 2 inspection and document findings thoroughly

Evidence of a chimney fire requires upgrading to a Level 2 inspection because structural damage from a chimney fire may not be visible during routine cleaning.

Question 22: What code compliance requirement applies to quality inspection?

Code compliance only matters for commercial projects
All work must comply with applicable local, state, and national codes (Correct answer)
Codes are guidelines, not requirements
Follow codes only when inspectors are present

Correct answer: All work must comply with applicable local, state, and national codes

Code compliance is mandatory for all work, ensuring safety, quality, and legal adherence.

Question 23: Which stainless steel grade is most appropriate for lining a chimney connected to an oil-burning appliance?

304 stainless steel
430 stainless steel
316L stainless steel (Correct answer)
201 stainless steel

Correct answer: 316L stainless steel

316L stainless steel has superior resistance to the sulfuric acid condensate produced by oil combustion, making it the correct choice for oil-burning appliance flues.

Question 24: A 95% AFUE condensing gas furnace needs a vent; which material is typically acceptable per manufacturer listing?

AL29-4C stainless or listed plastic vent (Correct answer)
Type B vent
Clay tile liner
Single-wall galvanized pipe

Correct answer: AL29-4C stainless or listed plastic vent

Category IV condensing appliances need corrosion-resistant AL29-4C or the plastic venting the manufacturer specifies.

Question 25: What should be installed on top of chimneys to enhance fire safety?

Chimney cap (Correct answer)
Ventilation fan
Metal screen door
Thermostat

Correct answer: Chimney cap

A chimney cap should be installed on top of chimneys to enhance fire safety and overall system integrity. Beyond preventing rain and animal entry, a cap with a spark arrestor screen can prevent embers from escaping the chimney and landing on the roof or surrounding areas, thereby reducing the risk of exterior fires. It's a critical component for safe chimney operation.

Question 26: When should a Level 2 chimney inspection be performed?

Every 5 years
Only after a chimney fire
When the fireplace is cleaned
When a property is sold or a system is modified (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When a property is sold or a system is modified

A Level 2 inspection is a more in-depth visual examination required when changes occur to the chimney system or property ownership. This includes when a property is sold, a new appliance is connected, or modifications are made to the flue or chimney structure. It ensures the system is safe and compatible with its current use, providing a higher level of assurance than a routine Level 1 inspection.

Question 27: OSHA's permissible exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica, which can be released when cutting masonry, is:

250 µg/m³
50 µg/m³ (Correct answer)
100 µg/m³
25 µg/m³

Correct answer: 50 µg/m³

OSHA 1926.1153 sets the PEL at 50 µg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA, with an action level of 25 µg/m³.

Question 28: Per the IRC, what is the minimum air-space clearance between an interior masonry chimney and combustible framing?

2 inches (Correct answer)
1 inch
No clearance required
4 inches

Correct answer: 2 inches

Interior masonry chimneys need 2 inches of clearance to combustibles; exterior chimneys need 1 inch.

Question 29: What code compliance requirement applies to technical measurements?

Code compliance only matters for commercial projects
Follow codes only when inspectors are present
Codes are guidelines, not requirements
All work must comply with applicable local, state, and national codes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All work must comply with applicable local, state, and national codes

Code compliance is mandatory for all work, ensuring safety, quality, and legal adherence.

Question 30: How should hazardous conditions be handled during maintenance protocols work?

Continue working if the hazard seems minor
Stop work, secure the area, report the hazard, and follow safety protocols (Correct answer)
Let someone else deal with it
Report hazards only at the end of the day

Correct answer: Stop work, secure the area, report the hazard, and follow safety protocols

All hazardous conditions require immediate action: stop work, secure the area, report the hazard, and follow established safety protocols.

Question 31: Which ladder material is preferred when work may happen near electrical sources?

Fiberglass (Correct answer)
Magnesium alloy
Aluminum
Steel

Correct answer: Fiberglass

Fiberglass does not conduct electricity, so it lowers the risk of electrocution compared with metal ladders.

Certified Chimney Professional (CCP)

The CCP certification from the National Chimney Sweep Guild tests chimney professionals on systems knowledge, inspection and sweeping techniques, safety practices, and combustion science to ensure competency in the chimney service industry.

100

Questions

180 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

certifiedchimneyprofessionals.com — Test delivery, fees, renewal, score validity, eligibility, exam format, time limit, exam information · verified Nov 2026
s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com — Retake fee, score release, test dates · verified Oct 2026