F-01 Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield F-01 facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following fire hazards is most commonly associated with illegal occupancy in a building? → Overcrowding with inadequate exits and blocked egress paths
2. Which of the following is considered a fire hazard that a fire guard should report? → Extension cords used as permanent wiring
3. If an assembly event is taking place and the building's fire alarm system activates, the fire guard should FIRST: → Begin immediate orderly evacuation of all occupants
4. Why is it important to keep your back to an exit when fighting a fire with an extinguisher? → To ensure an escape route is always available if conditions worsen
5. According to FDNY fire watch requirements, what must a fireguard do if they feel too ill to safely continue their tour? → Notify building management immediately and ensure a qualified replacement is on duty
6. What should a fire guard do if an exit door is blocked during evacuation? → Direct occupants to the nearest alternative exit and report the blockage
7. A building's fire alarm panel shows a 'supervisory' signal. What does this indicate? → A monitored system (e.g., sprinkler valve) may be impaired or off-normal
8. What study strategy is best for learning fire watch patrol procedures? → Review FDNY requirements for patrol frequency, documentation, and coverage repeatedly
9. After hot work operations have ended, how long must the fireguard continue fire watch in that area? → 30 minutes
10. A stored-pressure fire extinguisher has a gauge reading in the green zone but the hose is cracked. What should the fireguard do? → Tag it out of service and report it for repair
11. When operating a portable fire extinguisher, the acronym P.A.S.S. is a critical memory aid. What does the 'A' in P.A.S.S. stand for? → Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
12. What does the PASS technique stand for? → Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side
13. What is the primary purpose of the F-01 Certificate of Fitness? → To authorize individuals to serve as fire guards for impaired fire protection systems
14. When is it NOT appropriate to attempt to fight a fire with a portable extinguisher? → When the fire is larger than a wastepaper basket
15. A 'pre-impairment inspection' conducted before shutting down a sprinkler system is intended to: → Identify existing fire hazards that need to be corrected or monitored before work begins
16. What should a fire guard do after successfully extinguishing a fire? → Watch for re-ignition, ensure the fire department is notified, and document the incident
17. How should a fire guard handle patrols during a power outage? → Continue patrols with flashlight and heightened awareness of additional hazards
18. How many times should candidates review the study material before the exam? → Multiple times, focusing on different sections each review
19. When a sprinkler system is taken out of service, who must the F-01 Fireguard notify? → The FDNY and the building management
20. Which document records all details of a fire protection system impairment, including start and end times? → Impairment report form
21. What does the term 'impairment' mean in the context of a fire guard's duties? → A condition where a fire protection system is out of service
22. When a fireguard discovers a fire, what is the FIRST action they should take? → Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station
23. What does a notification appliance (horn/strobe) on a fire alarm system do? → Alerts building occupants through audible and/or visual signals to respond to an emergency
24. What type of fire extinguisher is most appropriate for a hot work area where metal cutting is performed? → Class B or multi-purpose ABC dry chemical
25. Which of the following is a likely consequence of not passing the F-01 Fireguard exam? → You must retake the exam after additional study
26. When is a fire watch required in a building? → When a fire protection system is out of service or impaired
27. If a fireguard discovers a new fire hazard during a fire watch patrol, what is the immediate first step? → Alert occupants and notify the fire department immediately
28. A sprinkler system is found to have a leaking pipe that will require a 6-hour repair. What must be done with workers in the affected area? → Workers must be evacuated from the affected area until protection is restored
29. If a fireguard is relieved for a meal break, what must happen before they leave their post? → A qualified relief fireguard must take over and both must sign the log
30. Which party should receive the completed impairment report after the system is restored? → The building owner/manager and should be retained in building records