F-02 Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield F-02 facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. How long is the F-02 Fireguard certification valid after passing the exam? → 2 years
2. A fireguard observes someone smoking in a non-smoking area near stored flammable materials. The fireguard should: → Ask the person to stop, remove any ignition sources, and report the violation
3. What is flashover in fire behavior? → When all exposed combustible surfaces in a room simultaneously ignite due to radiant heat
4. What is the difference between an ionization and a photoelectric smoke detector? → Ionization detects flaming fires faster; photoelectric detects smoldering fires faster
5. During a nighttime patrol, a warden finds a locked door in a fire exit corridor that is supposed to remain unlocked. What should the warden do? → Immediately notify the fire safety director to have the door unlocked
6. A fireguard encounters heavy smoke filling a corridor during a fire watch patrol. What is the FIRST action to take? → Get to a safe location, call 911 immediately, and activate the building fire alarm
7. What is the primary purpose of maintaining a fire watch log? → To document that inspections were conducted and any hazards found or corrected
8. Under NYC Fire Code, a Certificate of Fitness (COF) holder performing fire watch must maintain which record on-site? → A written log noting each patrol round with time and date
9. A fireguard is conducting a fire watch during a sprinkler system shutdown. How often must rounds be conducted? → Every 30 minutes
10. A fireguard Certificate of Fitness is issued by which agency in New York City? → New York City Fire Department (FDNY)
11. What kind of danger could combustible liquid cause? → Toxic
12. What is a 'riser' in the context of a fire protection system? → A vertical pipe that supplies water to multiple floors of a building
13. What does the term 'water flow alarm' indicate in a sprinkler system? → Water is flowing through the system due to sprinkler activation or a leak
14. During a night patrol, a fireguard smells smoke but cannot see any visible fire or flame. The first action should be: → Investigate the source by tracing the odor and check for heat with the back of the hand
15. Which of the following scenarios during a patrol indicates a potential issue with the building's fire suppression system that must be reported immediately? → A sprinkler system water supply valve is found in the partially closed position
16. What does PASS stand for in the context of operating a portable fire extinguisher? → Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
17. A candidate arrives at the F-02 exam appointment but realizes they forgot their photo ID. What will most likely happen? → They will not be permitted to take the exam and must reschedule
18. A tenant reports smoke coming from a door that is hot to the touch. What should the Fireguard do? → Call 911, do not open the door, and evacuate the floor
19. What does a red tag on a fire extinguisher typically indicate? → The extinguisher has been inspected and is out of service or needs maintenance
20. What FDNY regulation governs the conduct of fire drills in shelters? → NYC Fire Code Section 404 and the facility's approved fire safety and evacuation plan
21. How frequently must portable fire extinguishers in a place of assembly receive a visual inspection? → Monthly
22. What does a steady (continuous) fire alarm signal typically indicate? → An evacuation order for building occupants
23. What is the primary responsibility of a fireguard during a building evacuation? → Direct occupants to the nearest available exit
24. Under NFPA 25, how frequently must a wet pipe sprinkler system undergo a full internal inspection? → Every 5 years
25. During patrol, a fireguard notices the battery-powered emergency lighting in a stairwell has failed. This should be: → Documented and reported to building management immediately
26. Which of the following items should a fireguard carry while on patrol? → A charged portable fire extinguisher
27. A fireguard notices smoke coming from under a closed door. What is the FIRST action to take? → Activate the fire alarm and call 911
28. What type of sign must be posted at every exit in a place of assembly? → An illuminated 'Exit' sign in green or red
29. What happens if an F-02 Fireguard certification expires? → The holder must retake the F-02 Fireguard exam to regain certification.
30. What is the RACE acronym used for in fire emergency response? → Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish/Evacuate