Practice Test Geeks(CFI) Certified Fire Inspector Practice Test
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Building Construction Classifications Flashcards

7 cards from real CFI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Building Construction Classifications flashcards as text

  1. According to NFPA 220, which construction type classification uses Roman numerals I through V with letter sub-designations (A, B, C)?

    Answer: NFPA 220 uses Roman numerals I–V with letters A, B, C for sub-types

    NFPA 220 classifies buildings into Types I through V with sub-designations A, B, and C reflecting decreasing fire-resistance requirements.

  2. A fire inspector notes that floor joists in a renovated building are made of light-gauge steel with no fire protection. The structural frame is similar to Type II, but the rating is the lowest possible. This building is BEST described as:

    Answer: Type II-B

    Light-gauge steel with no fire-resistance protection and noncombustible construction places this building in Type II-B, the unprotected noncombustible category.

  3. Which NFPA 220 construction type sub-designation indicates the LEAST fire-resistance protection for structural members within a combustible construction type?

    Answer: Type V-C

    NFPA 220 Type V-C is the least fire-resistive category, with no fire-resistance requirements on any structural element and combustible materials permitted throughout.

  4. An older downtown building has brick and mortar exterior walls, wooden floor joists, and no fire-stopping. A fire inspector would be MOST concerned about:

    Answer: Rapid fire spread through unprotected floor and wall voids

    Type III (ordinary) construction without fire-stopping allows fire to travel rapidly through concealed floor and wall cavities between floors.

  5. Under IBC, which construction type permits the use of fire-retardant-treated wood in lieu of noncombustible materials for certain elements?

    Answer: Type II-B and Type III

    The IBC allows fire-retardant-treated wood as a substitute for noncombustible materials in certain applications within Type II-B and Type III construction.

  6. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings are typically classified under which IBC construction type?

    Answer: Type IV-A, IV-B, or IV-C (mass timber sub-types added in 2021 IBC)

    The 2021 IBC expanded Type IV into sub-types A, B, and C to accommodate mass timber (including CLT) construction up to 18 stories.

  7. A fire inspector is pre-planning a Type I-A high-rise. The MOST important structural concern during a major fire is:

    Answer: Concrete spalling from the core walls exposing rebar

    In Type I-A concrete construction, prolonged fire exposure can cause spalling of concrete, reducing structural integrity and potentially exposing reinforcing steel.