FDNY F-89 Fire and Life Safety Director Certificate of Fitness — Questions and Answers

Question 1: After an 'all-clear' has been given by authorities following a major non-fire emergency, what is a critical post-incident responsibility of the Fire and Life Safety Director?

To immediately file a report with the building's insurance carrier.
To oversee the safe and systematic restoration of building systems to normal operation. (Correct answer)
To dismiss all EAP staff until their next scheduled drill.
To conduct a media briefing in the lobby.

Correct answer: To oversee the safe and systematic restoration of building systems to normal operation.

The FLSD's responsibilities extend beyond the immediate emergency. A crucial final step is to manage the safe return to normalcy, which includes ensuring that all life safety systems (fire alarm, sprinklers) and other essential building systems (HVAC, elevators) are properly and safely restored to their normal operational status before allowing full re-occupancy.

Question 2: When firefighters are using Phase II elevator service, which button allows them to hold the doors open for an extended period while loading equipment?

The 'Door Open' button held continuously (Correct answer)
The Phase I key switch turned to 'Hold'
The lobby call button pressed three times
The 'Door Hold' or independent service switch in the cab

Correct answer: The 'Door Open' button held continuously

In Phase II service, continuously holding the 'Door Open' button keeps doors open, allowing firefighters to load equipment without the doors automatically closing.

Question 3: A building occupant reports an unknown chemical spill with a strong odor on the 7th floor, and several people feel nauseous. What is the Fire and Life Safety Director's IMMEDIATE response?

Call 911 to report a possible hazardous materials incident, begin evacuation of the affected floor, and prevent others from entering the area (Correct answer)
Increase HVAC airflow on the 7th floor to dilute the chemical vapors
Wait for the odor to dissipate naturally before taking action
Send the fire warden to identify the chemical before calling 911

Correct answer: Call 911 to report a possible hazardous materials incident, begin evacuation of the affected floor, and prevent others from entering the area

A chemical spill with symptoms (nausea, strong odor) is a potential hazmat emergency requiring immediate 911 notification. Evacuating the affected floor and isolating the area prevents additional exposure. Increasing HVAC flow can spread contaminated air to other floors; sending an unprotected warden into an unknown chemical environment is dangerous.

Question 4: What is the purpose of a Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan (FSEP) as distinct from an EAP?

The FSEP specifically addresses fire emergencies and is required by the FDNY (Correct answer)
The FSEP replaces the EAP in high-rise buildings
They are the same document with different names
The FSEP is only for residential buildings

Correct answer: The FSEP specifically addresses fire emergencies and is required by the FDNY

The FSEP is a fire-specific plan required by the FDNY that details fire emergency procedures, while an EAP covers all types of emergencies.

Question 5: Which of the following best describes the 'defend in place' strategy used in certain occupancies?

Evacuating all occupants to the roof for helicopter rescue
Locking all doors to contain a fire
Sending all occupants to the basement
Keeping occupants in a protected area of the building rather than evacuating them (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Keeping occupants in a protected area of the building rather than evacuating them

Defend in place means keeping occupants sheltered in fire-rated areas of the building rather than evacuating, often used in healthcare facilities or when evacuation poses greater risk.

Question 6: According to FDNY regulations, how long must the FLS Log Book be kept on the premises and be available for inspection?

5 years
3 years (Correct answer)
10 years
1 year

Correct answer: 3 years

The FLS Log Book, which documents all fire and life safety activities, drills, and incidents, must be retained at the premises for a period of at least three years and made available for inspection by any FDNY representative upon request.

Question 7: What is the significance of NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) in NYC fire safety?

It is a voluntary guideline with no legal standing
It only applies to healthcare facilities
It provides the foundation for many building and fire code provisions related to means of egress, fire protection, and life safety features (Correct answer)
It is not applicable in NYC

Correct answer: It provides the foundation for many building and fire code provisions related to means of egress, fire protection, and life safety features

NFPA 101 is a widely referenced standard that provides comprehensive requirements for life safety features and means of egress that inform NYC's building and fire codes.

Question 8: During a required fire drill, the FLSD is informed that a group of occupants on one floor are refusing to participate, stating they are too busy. Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding this situation?

The FLSD should document the non-participation and proceed with the drill.
The FLSD can exempt the floor from the drill if a supervisor provides a written justification.
Participation is optional for tenants, but mandatory for building staff.
Participation in required drills is legally mandated for all building occupants, and employers are responsible for ensuring their employees comply. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Participation in required drills is legally mandated for all building occupants, and employers are responsible for ensuring their employees comply.

NYC Fire Code Section 401.7 and related rules mandate that building owners and employers are legally required to ensure all specified occupants participate in fire and non-fire emergency drills. It is not optional, and the FLSD must enforce this requirement as part of their duties.

Question 9: Which of the following is a key responsibility of the Fire and Life Safety Director regarding non-fire emergencies?

Implementing the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for threats like active shooters or severe weather. (Correct answer)
Conducting criminal investigations within the building.
Authorizing structural repairs to the building after an earthquake.
Performing complex medical procedures beyond basic first aid.

Correct answer: Implementing the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for threats like active shooters or severe weather.

The F-89 certification encompasses both fire and non-fire emergencies. The FLSD is responsible for implementing the building's Emergency Action Plan (EAP), which covers all-hazard threats other than fires, such as active shooter events, medical emergencies, and weather-related issues.

Question 10: A deluge sprinkler system differs from a pre-action system because:

Deluge systems are only used in residential occupancies
Deluge uses open sprinkler heads and discharges water from all heads simultaneously upon detection (Correct answer)
Deluge requires two detection events while pre-action requires one
Deluge uses closed sprinkler heads while pre-action uses open heads

Correct answer: Deluge uses open sprinkler heads and discharges water from all heads simultaneously upon detection

Deluge systems have open (unplugged) heads and flood the entire protected area when the deluge valve opens upon detector activation.

Question 11: What is the difference between a wet-pipe and dry-pipe sprinkler system?

Wet-pipe has water constantly in the pipes; dry-pipe has pressurized air until activation (Correct answer)
There is no difference; both terms describe the same system
Wet-pipe uses foam; dry-pipe uses water
Wet-pipe is for indoor use; dry-pipe is for outdoor use only

Correct answer: Wet-pipe has water constantly in the pipes; dry-pipe has pressurized air until activation

A wet-pipe system has water under pressure in the pipes at all times, while a dry-pipe system has pressurized air that holds water back until a sprinkler head activates.

Question 12: During a morning walkthrough, the FLSD notices the caps are missing from the building's Fire Department Connection (Siamese connection) on the street level. Why does this condition require immediate corrective action?

Insurance regulations require caps at all times or coverage is voided
Debris, vandalism, or obstructions may block the FDC inlet, preventing firefighters from supplementing water supply during an emergency (Correct answer)
Missing caps will cause a supervisory signal at the FACP within 24 hours
The building's sprinkler water pressure will drop significantly without the caps in place

Correct answer: Debris, vandalism, or obstructions may block the FDC inlet, preventing firefighters from supplementing water supply during an emergency

The FDC allows FDNY to pump additional water into the sprinkler or standpipe system during a fire. Missing caps expose the inlets to debris, ice, vandalism, or foreign objects that can obstruct the connection at a critical moment. FDNY relies on a functional FDC to maintain system pressure during fire operations, so impaired FDC access is an immediate life-safety concern.

Question 13: The latest published version of NFPA 72 is

2013
2017
2016 (Correct answer)
2015

Correct answer: 2016

NFPA 72 is the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, which provides requirements for the application, installation, location, performance, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm and emergency communications systems. The 2016 edition was a significant and widely adopted version of this code, setting standards for fire safety systems.

Question 14: A high-rise building's data center on the 30th floor requires fire suppression protection. The room houses mission-critical servers and irreplaceable electronic equipment that would be destroyed by water. Which suppression system would the FLSD recommend as most appropriate for this occupancy?

Dry pipe sprinkler system with standard-response heads
Deluge system with open sprinkler heads
Wet pipe sprinkler system with fast-response heads
Clean agent total-flooding suppression system (e.g., FM-200 or Novec 1230) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Clean agent total-flooding suppression system (e.g., FM-200 or Novec 1230)

Clean agent systems suppress fire using gaseous agents that leave no residue and do not damage sensitive electronic equipment. Unlike water-based systems, they are safe to discharge in occupied spaces and will not destroy the irreplaceable equipment they protect. Wet, dry, and deluge systems all discharge water or are water-dependent, which would cause catastrophic damage to electronics.

Question 15: Which action by a floor warden is INCORRECT during a fire emergency?

Sweeping the floor to confirm all occupants have evacuated
Communicating floor status to the FLSD at the fire command station
Directing mobility-impaired occupants to the nearest area of refuge
Using a personal elevator to assist a mobility-impaired occupant to the lobby (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Using a personal elevator to assist a mobility-impaired occupant to the lobby

Floor wardens must never use elevators during a fire emergency because elevators are recalled and removed from normal service for safety.

Question 16: After a fire drill, what document must the Fire and Life Safety Director prepare?

A revised emergency action plan
A fire drill report documenting participation, timing, and deficiencies (Correct answer)
A building inspection certificate
An incident report for the fire department

Correct answer: A fire drill report documenting participation, timing, and deficiencies

A post-drill report must document the drill details including timing, participation rates, and any deficiencies identified for correction.

Question 17: A newly constructed high-rise building is equipped with a Class III standpipe system. An FLSD trainee asks what distinguishes a Class III system from Class I and Class II systems. What is the correct answer?

A Class III system provides both 2½-inch outlets for FDNY use and 1½-inch hose stations with hose for occupant use (Correct answer)
A Class III system provides only 2½-inch outlets for exclusive FDNY use on each floor
A Class III system is a dry standpipe charged only when the FDNY connects at the FDC
A Class III system provides only 1½-inch hose stations with pre-connected hose for occupant use

Correct answer: A Class III system provides both 2½-inch outlets for FDNY use and 1½-inch hose stations with hose for occupant use

A Class III standpipe combines the features of Class I (2½-inch outlets for trained fire brigade or FDNY use) and Class II (1½-inch hose stations with pre-connected hose for occupant first-aid use). This dual configuration ensures both professional firefighter capability and occupant self-rescue options are available on each floor.

Question 18: During a fire, when a stairwell is unavailable because it is disabled or inaccessible, it is okay to use the elevators when exiting a building.

TRUE
FALSE (Correct answer)

Correct answer: FALSE

Elevators should never be used as a means of egress during a fire emergency, even if stairwells are unavailable. Fires can cause power outages, elevator malfunctions, or trap occupants due to smoke and heat in the shaft. Emergency protocols always advise using stairs for evacuation, and only fire service personnel use elevators in specific, controlled situations.

Question 19: Under NYC Fire Code, which of the following is required when a sprinkler system will be out of service for more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period?

Evacuate the building immediately
Notify FDNY and implement a fire watch (Correct answer)
Notify the building owner only
Disconnect the fire alarm system to avoid false notifications

Correct answer: Notify FDNY and implement a fire watch

When a sprinkler system is out of service for more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period, the NYC Fire Code requires notifying FDNY and establishing a fire watch.

Question 20: Explanatory material included in the electrical code helps you to argue your point with the AHJ and is an enforceable section of the code.

TRUE
FALSE (Correct answer)

Correct answer: FALSE

Explanatory material in electrical codes, such as the National Electrical Code (NEC), provides guidance and context for understanding the code's requirements. However, this material is typically informational and not enforceable as part of the code itself. Only the mandatory rules and regulations within the code are legally binding and must be followed by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Question 21: Which of the following is a primary duty of the FLSD during a shelter-in-place event?

Contact the media to inform the public of the event
Lock all building entrances and disable elevators
Direct all occupants to evacuate to the nearest exit
Communicate protective action instructions to occupants via the emergency communication system (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Communicate protective action instructions to occupants via the emergency communication system

During a shelter-in-place event, the FLSD uses the emergency communication system to deliver clear, calm protective action instructions to all occupants.

Question 22: A Class I standpipe system is designed to be used by:

Both trained personnel and building occupants
Trained fire department personnel only (Correct answer)
Automatic sprinkler systems only
Building occupants without fire training

Correct answer: Trained fire department personnel only

Class I standpipes provide 2.5-inch hose connections for trained fire department use only.

Question 23: What is the purpose of an evacuation assembly point?

To stage ambulances for medical emergencies
To provide a designated location for accounting for evacuated occupants (Correct answer)
To serve as a temporary fire command center
To store emergency equipment for the fire department

Correct answer: To provide a designated location for accounting for evacuated occupants

Assembly points allow the FLSD and fire wardens to account for all evacuated occupants and identify anyone who may still be inside the building.

Question 24: An FLSD is performing a quarterly inspection of the building's wet pipe sprinkler system. To verify that the water flow alarm will activate and signal at the FACP, which specific test must be conducted?

Full system flush, which opens the main drain completely to clear sediment
Hydrostatic pressure test, which pressurizes the system to 200 psi for two hours
Main drain test, which measures residual pressure at the base of the riser
Inspector's test valve (ITV) operation, which simulates the flow of one sprinkler head (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Inspector's test valve (ITV) operation, which simulates the flow of one sprinkler head

The inspector's test valve (ITV) is located at the end of the most remote branch line and is sized to simulate the flow of a single sprinkler head. When opened, it should trigger the water flow alarm and produce a signal at the FACP within 90 seconds. The main drain test checks pressure, not alarm activation; hydrostatic testing is for new installations; and flushing clears debris but does not verify alarm function.

Question 25: What daily duties should an FLSD perform to maintain building fire safety?

Only respond to alarms; no daily duties are required
Daily duties are limited to checking the fire alarm panel once
Monitor fire alarm and sprinkler systems, verify fire safety staffing, inspect egress routes, and maintain the fire command station log (Correct answer)
Daily duties are delegated entirely to security staff

Correct answer: Monitor fire alarm and sprinkler systems, verify fire safety staffing, inspect egress routes, and maintain the fire command station log

The FLSD has daily responsibilities including system monitoring, staffing verification, egress inspections, and maintaining operational logs.

Question 26: During an active shooter incident in a high-rise building, what is the Fire and Life Safety Director's FIRST priority upon receiving notification?

Proceed personally to the floor where the incident is reported
Lock all stairwell doors to prevent the shooter from moving between floors
Notify FDNY and building security, then assess whether to evacuate or shelter-in-place based on shooter location (Correct answer)
Initiate building-wide evacuation via the public address system immediately

Correct answer: Notify FDNY and building security, then assess whether to evacuate or shelter-in-place based on shooter location

The FLSD must first notify FDNY and security, then make an informed decision about evacuation versus shelter-in-place based on the shooter's known or suspected location. A blanket evacuation could move occupants toward the threat; that decision requires situational awareness. The FLSD must never personally respond to the incident location.

Question 27: How should an emergency response plan address multi-tenant coordination in a commercial building?

Each tenant handles their own emergency independently
The plan must establish unified procedures with tenant coordinators reporting to the FLSD (Correct answer)
Multi-tenant coordination is handled by the fire department
Only the largest tenant needs to participate

Correct answer: The plan must establish unified procedures with tenant coordinators reporting to the FLSD

Multi-tenant buildings require unified emergency procedures with designated tenant coordinators who are part of the building's overall fire safety organization.

Question 28: A tenant on the 22nd floor calls to report they smell gas but there is no fire alarm activation. What is the FLSD's first action?

Tell the tenant to open windows and wait for the smell to dissipate
Only evacuate if a second tenant on the same floor confirms the odor
Contact the gas utility, notify FDNY, and begin precautionary evacuation of affected floors (Correct answer)
Wait for the alarm system to activate before responding

Correct answer: Contact the gas utility, notify FDNY, and begin precautionary evacuation of affected floors

A reported gas odor is a life-safety emergency requiring immediate notification of the utility and FDNY, plus precautionary evacuation of the area, regardless of alarm activation.

Question 29: Under New York City rules, who has authority to return elevators to normal service after Phase I recall has been activated?

The building owner or property manager
The Incident Commander of the fire department (Correct answer)
The FLSD after confirming the alarm was false
The elevator mechanic on call

Correct answer: The Incident Commander of the fire department

Only the Incident Commander of the responding fire department has authority to authorize return of elevators to normal service after emergency recall.

Question 30: What is the significance of a building's fire command center in emergency response planning?

It is an optional feature in modern buildings
It is the centralized command post equipped with communication, fire protection system controls, and building information for coordinating emergency response (Correct answer)
It is a room reserved exclusively for FDNY use
It is simply where the fire alarm panel is located

Correct answer: It is the centralized command post equipped with communication, fire protection system controls, and building information for coordinating emergency response

The fire command center is the nerve center of emergency response, equipped with all necessary systems and information for coordinating building-wide emergency operations.

Question 31: During a high-rise fire emergency, the Fire and Life Safety Director receives conflicting reports: the fire alarm panel shows activation on floor 12, but a tenant calls reporting smoke on floor 14. What is the correct initial action?

Investigate floor 12 per the alarm panel and treat floor 14 as a secondary concern
Wait for FDNY arrival before taking any action
Dispatch a fire warden to verify both floors while notifying FDNY of both reports (Correct answer)
Evacuate only floor 14 based on the tenant report

Correct answer: Dispatch a fire warden to verify both floors while notifying FDNY of both reports

The FLSD must treat all reports seriously, dispatching wardens to verify conditions on both floors while immediately notifying FDNY of the conflicting information.

Question 32: What specific information should the FLSD provide to the arriving fire department?

A copy of the building's lease agreements
The number of tenants in the building
Building status, fire location, evacuation progress, persons needing assistance, and system status (Correct answer)
Only the location of the fire alarm panel

Correct answer: Building status, fire location, evacuation progress, persons needing assistance, and system status

The FLSD must provide a comprehensive briefing including fire location, building systems status, evacuation status, and any persons needing rescue assistance.

Question 33: An FLSD notices that the Fire Department Connection (FDC) for the building's standpipe system is not visible from the street. According to NYC Fire Code, what is required in this situation?

A sign with red letters on a white background must be posted on the FDC itself.
The FLSD must file for a variance with the FDNY, as relocating the FDC is the only acceptable solution.
A continuous green light must be installed above the FDC to increase visibility at night.
An approved sign with letters 'FDC' at least 10 inches high must be mounted on the street front, with an arrow indicating the location. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An approved sign with letters 'FDC' at least 10 inches high must be mounted on the street front, with an arrow indicating the location.

When a Fire Department Connection is not visible from the street, the NYC Fire Code and related standards require an approved sign to be placed on the street-facing side of the building to direct the arriving fire department. This sign must have letters 'FDC' that are a minimum of 10 inches high and include an arrow to point towards the connection's location.

Question 34: After a false alarm activation of the fire alarm system, what should the FLSD document?

Nothing, since no actual fire occurred
The cause, time, location, and corrective actions taken (Correct answer)
Only the time of the alarm
Only the names of wardens who responded

Correct answer: The cause, time, location, and corrective actions taken

False alarms must be documented with cause, time, location, and corrective actions to identify patterns and prevent recurrence.

Question 35: What is the purpose of smoke control systems in high-rise buildings?

To ventilate the building for occupant comfort
To manage smoke movement using pressurization, exhaust, and airflow to maintain tenable conditions in egress paths (Correct answer)
To eliminate all smoke from the building
To reduce fire alarm sensitivity

Correct answer: To manage smoke movement using pressurization, exhaust, and airflow to maintain tenable conditions in egress paths

Smoke control systems manage smoke migration through pressurization and exhaust to maintain tenable conditions in stairwells, corridors, and areas of refuge.

Question 36: During an EAP drill debrief, the FLSD notes that several employees did not know their designated stairwell. What corrective action BEST addresses this gap?

Post disciplinary warnings for employees who did not comply
Increase the number of annual drills to once per month
Change all designated stairwells to reduce confusion
Conduct targeted retraining for those employees and update floor warden briefings before the next drill (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Conduct targeted retraining for those employees and update floor warden briefings before the next drill

Targeted retraining and updated floor warden communications directly address the knowledge gap identified in the drill debrief.

Question 37: A building has 30 floors and the fire is on floor 18. Firefighters activate Phase II service on elevator 3. To which floor should they initially travel to stage operations?

The lobby to confirm equipment before ascending
Floor 16, two floors below the fire floor (Correct answer)
Floor 17, two floors below the fire floor
Floor 18 to directly engage the fire

Correct answer: Floor 16, two floors below the fire floor

FDNY and NFPA protocols direct firefighters to stop two floors below the fire floor when using Phase II service to avoid opening doors into a smoke or fire condition.

Question 38: What is the minimum width required for a means of egress corridor serving an occupant load of more than 50 persons in a New York City building under the Fire Code?

36 inches
44 inches (Correct answer)
60 inches
28 inches

Correct answer: 44 inches

Egress corridors serving more than 50 occupants must be at least 44 inches wide to allow simultaneous egress flow.

Question 39: Under NYC fire code, how often must an FLSD renew their certificate of fitness?

Every year
Every two years
Every five years
Every three years (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Every three years

The FDNY Certificate of Fitness for Fire and Life Safety Director must be renewed every three years.

Question 40: A building's EAP must designate a primary and alternate assembly area. What is the MAIN reason for designating an ALTERNATE assembly area?

To separate evacuees by floor level for accountability
To comply with ADA accessibility requirements
To provide a shaded area during summer drills
To ensure an alternative location is available if the primary area is inaccessible or unsafe during an emergency (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To ensure an alternative location is available if the primary area is inaccessible or unsafe during an emergency

The alternate assembly area ensures evacuees have a safe gathering point if the primary area is blocked, compromised, or too close to the hazard.

Question 41: A tenant informs the FLSD that they have added 15 new employees to a floor. What EAP-related action should the FLSD take?

Update the floor warden list, occupant count, and brief new employees on EAP procedures (Correct answer)
Require the tenant to hire a private safety consultant
Wait until the annual review to update the EAP
Notify the fire department of the occupancy change only

Correct answer: Update the floor warden list, occupant count, and brief new employees on EAP procedures

Changes in occupancy must be reflected in the EAP immediately — updated headcounts, floor warden assignments, and new employee briefings are required.

Question 42: What is the FLSD's responsibility when the FDNY conducts an inspection of the building?

Accompany inspectors, provide access to all required areas, and present required documentation (Correct answer)
Defer all inspector questions to the building owner or legal counsel
Conduct a self-inspection report in advance and submit it instead
Remain available as a resource but allow building management to lead the inspection

Correct answer: Accompany inspectors, provide access to all required areas, and present required documentation

During an FDNY inspection, the FLSD must accompany inspectors, facilitate access to all areas, and present required records such as the fire safety plan and drill logs.

Question 43: Which of these are not part of a fire prevention plan?

Details of employees responsible for maintaining equipment to prevent fires
Details of employees responsible for controlling fuel source hazards
Details of employee who can use the fire alarm (Correct answer)
List of major fire hazards and type of fire protection equipment to use
Procedure to control accumulation of flammable and combustible materials

Correct answer: Details of employee who can use the fire alarm

A fire prevention plan focuses on proactive measures to prevent fires and control their spread, such as managing flammable materials, identifying hazards, and maintaining equipment. Details about who can use a fire alarm pertain to emergency response and evacuation procedures, not the prevention of a fire itself. Therefore, it is not typically a component of the fire *prevention* plan, which aims to stop fires from starting or escalating.

Question 44: When must the FLSD contact the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention regarding changes to the building's fire safety plan?

Whenever significant changes to building use, occupancy, or fire protection systems occur (Correct answer)
Only after a fire incident causes structural changes
Only when the building owner requests it
Once every five years during routine renewal

Correct answer: Whenever significant changes to building use, occupancy, or fire protection systems occur

The fire safety plan must be updated and submitted to the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention whenever significant changes to building use, occupancy, or fire protection systems take place.

Question 45: What is the FLSD's authority regarding a building occupant who repeatedly ignores fire safety rules?

The FLSD may impose fines directly on the occupant
The FLSD may physically remove the occupant from the building
The FLSD has no authority over individual occupants' behavior
The FLSD must document violations and escalate to building management and, if necessary, the FDNY (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The FLSD must document violations and escalate to building management and, if necessary, the FDNY

The FLSD documents violations, works through building management to enforce compliance, and can involve the FDNY for persistent or serious non-compliance.

Question 46: What color EXIT sign is required in New York City buildings?

White with red lettering
Green with white lettering
White with green lettering
Red with white lettering (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Red with white lettering

NYC requires red EXIT signs with white lettering, unlike the international green standard used in many other jurisdictions.

Question 47: What is a critical procedural requirement for the FLSD or other certified drill conductor when conducting a mandatory fire drill to ensure occupants are familiar with the alarm?

Play a pre-recorded video of the alarm system activating.
Distribute written materials describing the alarm tones.
Verbally describe the sound of the alarm over the PA system.
Activate the fire alarm system to sound the alarm tones. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Activate the fire alarm system to sound the alarm tones.

According to NYC Fire Code Section 401.7.5, the fire alarm system must be activated during each drill to initiate the exercise and familiarize occupants with the actual alarm tones. Hearing the actual alarm is a key part of the educational purpose of the drill. An exception may exist if not all occupants are required to participate, but activation is the standard rule.

Question 48: A building's emergency action plan must be reviewed and updated at minimum how often under NYC Fire Code requirements?

Only after a significant incident
Annually (Correct answer)
Every 5 years
Every 3 years

Correct answer: Annually

NYC Fire Code requires the Emergency Action Plan to be reviewed and updated at least annually to reflect any changes in building occupancy, personnel, or procedures.

Question 49: Under NFPA 72, how often must an audible notification appliance (horn/strobe) be tested in a high-rise building?

Annually (Correct answer)
Quarterly
Every 5 years
Monthly

Correct answer: Annually

NFPA 72 requires annual testing of notification appliances to verify proper operation.

Question 50: How often must an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) be reviewed and updated according to NYC regulations?

Annually (Correct answer)
Every 2 years
Only after a fire incident
Every 5 years

Correct answer: Annually

NYC requires annual review and update of Emergency Action Plans to ensure they reflect current building conditions and occupancy.

Question 51: During an emergency drill, an occupant refuses to participate and remains at their workstation. What is the fire warden's appropriate response?

Ignore the occupant and focus on others
Call the police immediately
Document the refusal, report to the FLSD, and continue assisting compliant occupants (Correct answer)
Physically escort the occupant out of the building

Correct answer: Document the refusal, report to the FLSD, and continue assisting compliant occupants

Fire wardens should document non-compliance and report to the FLSD for follow-up, while continuing their primary duty of assisting cooperative occupants during the drill.

Question 52: What is the purpose of the 'accountability' component in an Emergency Action Plan?

Ensuring all occupants are accounted for at the assembly area to identify anyone who may still be in the building (Correct answer)
Recording which employees refused to participate in drills
Tracking the financial cost of each emergency response
Documenting property damage caused by the emergency

Correct answer: Ensuring all occupants are accounted for at the assembly area to identify anyone who may still be in the building

Accountability procedures allow the FLSD and emergency responders to determine if anyone is unaccounted for and may need rescue.

Question 53: During a drill, an employee refuses to participate and returns to their desk. What is the Fire Safety Director's most appropriate immediate action?

Cancel the drill until all occupants comply
Physically escort the employee out
Document the non-compliance and notify building management (Correct answer)
Ignore the behavior and continue the drill

Correct answer: Document the non-compliance and notify building management

The FSD should document non-compliance and escalate to management, as they cannot physically compel participation.

Question 54: In a high-rise office building, a fire alarm system that includes both automatic fire detection and a two-way voice communication system for issuing instructions to occupants is classified as which type of system?

Class J System
Class B System
Class A System
Class E System (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Class E System

A Class E fire alarm system is the designation used in the NYC Fire Code for systems found in high-rise office buildings. These systems are required to feature, among other things, automatic smoke detection, manual pull stations, alarm signals, and a two-way voice communication capability to allow the FLSD and FDNY to provide instructions to occupants during an emergency.

Question 55: When a Fire and Life Safety Director (FLSD) is off-site during business hours, what must be in place to maintain compliance?

A qualified deputy or designee must assume FLSD duties (Correct answer)
The building owner must personally assume all FLSD duties
The building may operate without coverage temporarily
Building security staff can cover FLSD responsibilities informally

Correct answer: A qualified deputy or designee must assume FLSD duties

A qualified deputy or designee must be designated and present to assume all FLSD responsibilities whenever the primary FLSD is unavailable.

Question 56: What is the required inspection frequency for sprinkler system control valves according to NFPA 25?

Annually
Weekly (Correct answer)
Daily
Monthly

Correct answer: Weekly

NFPA 25 requires weekly inspection of sprinkler system control valves to verify they are in the open position and properly secured.

FDNY F-89 Fire and Life Safety Director Certificate of Fitness

The FDNY F-89 Certificate of Fitness exam certifies Fire and Life Safety Directors responsible for implementing fire safety and emergency action plans in high-rise and other designated buildings in New York City. Candidates must pass two computer-based exams covering fire safety and non-fire emergency components.

Questions

83 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds