F-03 Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield F-03 facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Tissue paper decorations are permitted in a place of assembly under what condition? → Only if treated with flame-retardant chemicals
2. The FDNY can revoke an F-03 Certificate of Fitness for which reason? → Failure to perform required duties or violation of fire codes
3. What is the minimum required width for an exit aisle in a place of assembly? → 44 inches
4. Are bilingual signs required in NYC places of assembly? → Signs may need to be in multiple languages depending on the community served
5. Hot work permits are generally valid for what maximum time period? → One shift (up to 12 hours)
6. What is the responsibility of an F-03 fire guard regarding the occupant count at an ongoing event? → Continuously monitor the number of occupants throughout the event to prevent overcrowding
7. How often must a fire guard conduct and record inspections in the logbook during an event? → Every 30 minutes throughout the event
8. What does a 'trouble' signal on a fire alarm control panel indicate? → A system malfunction requiring attention
9. What type of hot work requires a permit under NYC Fire Code? → Welding, cutting, brazing, or grinding that produces sparks or open flame
10. After a pyrotechnic effect is completed, what should the fire guard do? → Inspect the area for hot debris, smoldering materials, and any fire damage
11. Which FDNY bureau is responsible for issuing and renewing Certificates of Fitness for fire guards? → Bureau of Fire Prevention
12. What are the renewal requirements for an FDNY F-03 Certificate of Fitness? → Renewal required every 3 years with a fee and potentially a new examination
13. Where must the Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation be kept? → On the premises and available for inspection at all times
14. When should a fire guard conduct a fire drill at a place of assembly? → At regular intervals as specified by the fire safety plan
15. Where must the Certificate of Occupancy or place of assembly permit be posted? → In a conspicuous location visible to the public
16. Under NYC Fire Code, where is the preferred location for bulk flammable liquid storage on a construction site? → In a dedicated outdoor storage area away from the building and away from means of egress
17. What is the minimum age requirement to obtain an F-03 Certificate of Fitness? → 18 years old
18. If a fire alarm is accidentally triggered, what should the Fire Guard do? → Investigate the cause and inform building occupants if there is no emergency
19. What is the first step an F-03 fire guard should take upon discovering a fire? → Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station
20. Where are standpipe hose connections typically located in buildings under construction? → In or adjacent to stairwells at each floor landing
21. If a performer begins to use an open flame device without the required FDNY permit during a live show, what must the F-03 fire guard do? → Immediately stop the use of the open flame and notify the fire safety director
22. What should a Fire Guard do if they identify a fire code violation during an inspection? → Report it to the appropriate authorities or supervisor immediately
23. What is the required water flow test pressure for a temporary standpipe system on an NYC construction site? → 25 psi minimum at the highest outlet when flowing 250 gpm
24. What is the purpose of a flame arrester in an approved safety can for flammable liquids? → To prevent external flames from igniting vapors inside the can and causing an explosion
25. When a fire alarm activates at a place of assembly, what is the Fire Guard's FIRST priority? → Notify occupants and begin evacuation procedures
26. Which of the following is NOT a requirement of NYC Fire Code §1415 for construction sites? → Posting FDNY permit numbers at all site entrances
27. How should an F-03 fire guard communicate a non-emergency fire code violation to FDNY? → Call 311, the NYC non-emergency service line, to report non-emergency fire code violations
28. Where must the maximum occupant load be posted in a place of assembly? → In a conspicuous location near the main entrance
29. What must an F-03 Certificate of Fitness holder carry while on duty? → Their original Certificate of Fitness or a valid FDNY-issued photo ID card
30. What provision does NYC Fire Code §1415 include regarding access for FDNY vehicles at construction sites? → A minimum 20-foot wide access lane must be maintained at all times for fire apparatus