CFPS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CFPS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. During a hazardous materials incident, the 'hot zone' (exclusion zone) is PRIMARILY defined by: → The area of known or suspected contamination where the highest risk exists
2. What term describes the minimum concentration of a gas or vapor in air below which a flame will not propagate from an ignition source? → Lower Flammable Limit (LFL)
3. What is the function of a smoke damper installed in a duct penetrating a smoke barrier? → To close automatically upon activation to prevent smoke passage through the barrier
4. OSHA requires fire fighter training in hazardous materials, respiratory protection, and? → Communicable diseases
5. An end-of-line (EOL) resistor in a conventional fire alarm initiating device circuit provides which function? → Allows the panel to supervise the circuit for open-circuit faults
6. What does the acronym PASS represent in the proper operation of a portable fire extinguisher? → Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
7. Under NFPA 101, which occupancy classification requires the most stringent egress requirements due to occupants being unable to self-evacuate? → Healthcare occupancy
8. According to NFPA 921, the scientific method as applied to fire investigation requires that a hypothesis be: → Testable and either supported or eliminated by available data
9. Inergen (IG-541) is composed of which combination of gases? → Nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide
10. What term describes the systematic, controlled process of moving occupants from a building in danger to a safe location during an emergency? → Staged evacuation
11. A fire prevention program's annual report should MOST appropriately compare current-year fire incident data against which baseline to assess program trends? → A multi-year rolling average to account for statistical variation
12. What does the numerical component of an extinguisher's alphanumeric rating (e.g., the '2' in 2-A) indicate? → Relative firefighting capacity compared to a reference test fire
13. Per NFPA 13, what is the maximum time allowed for water to reach the inspector's test connection in a dry pipe sprinkler system? → 60 seconds
14. What is the Hazen-Williams C-factor assigned to new black steel (Schedule 40) pipe per NFPA 13? → 120
15. The density/area design method for sprinkler systems balances which two variables? → Water application rate (gpm/ft²) and the design area in square feet
16. Which type of smoke detector is generally MORE prone to false alarms from cooking aerosols? → Ionization detector
17. As a member of a financial adviser team, a financial planner's responsibilities for a client typically include which of the following? → Assisting the client identifying financial goals
18. When an existing building undergoes a change of occupancy to a more hazardous classification under the IBC, the code generally requires: → Compliance with requirements applicable to the new occupancy classification
19. Per NFPA 13, what is the maximum allowable coverage area per sprinkler head in an Ordinary Hazard occupancy? → 130 sq ft
20. Through which testing delivery channel is the CFPS exam typically administered? → Computer-based testing at authorized Pearson VUE test centers
21. Which NFPA program is specifically designed as a school-based fire and life safety curriculum for children in grades K–8? → NFPA Learn Not to Burn
22. High-expansion foam is best suited for which type of fire scenario? → Enclosed spaces such as basements, mines, or aircraft hangars
23. Which organization publishes the 'Fire Protection Handbook' widely used as a reference for fire risk concepts and methodologies? → National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
24. Water mist systems suppress fires primarily through which combined mechanisms? → Cooling of the flame and fuel plus inerting through steam generation
25. Which of the following is an example of a 'natural' cause of fire? → Lightning strike igniting a structure
26. A client who has become more concerned about losing what she has than in accumulating more is most likely in which financial life cycle phase? → Conservation/protection phase
27. According to NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, how is a Class I flammable liquid distinguished from a Class II combustible liquid? → By its flash point.
28. An assembly occupancy with an occupant load of 600 persons loses power. Which life safety feature is MOST critical to maintain operational status? → Emergency lighting and exit sign illumination
29. The PASS device used in fire emergency response is designed to alert rescuers when a firefighter: → Becomes motionless for approximately 30 seconds
30. The 'oxygen-depletion calorimeter' (Cone Calorimeter) measures heat release rate based on the principle that: → Approximately 13.1 kJ of heat is released per gram of oxygen consumed