NFPA Certified Fire Inspector I (CFI-I) Exam — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under NFPA 72, which type of detector is best suited for detecting slow, smoldering fires with little visible smoke?
- Photoelectric smoke detector (Correct answer)
- Rate-of-rise heat detector
- Ionization smoke detector
- Fixed-temperature heat detector
Correct answer: Photoelectric smoke detector
Photoelectric smoke detectors are most effective at detecting slow, smoldering fires that produce large combustion particles.
Question 2: Under NFPA 25, what is the required inspection frequency for internal inspection of steel dry pipe and preaction system piping?
- Every 10 years
- Every 3 years
- Every 15 years
- Every 5 years (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Every 5 years
NFPA 25 requires an internal inspection of dry pipe and preaction system piping every 5 years to check for obstructions.
Question 3: Under NFPA 25, how frequently must fire department connections (FDCs) be inspected?
- Quarterly
- Monthly (Correct answer)
- Annually
- Weekly
Correct answer: Monthly
NFPA 25 requires quarterly inspections of fire department connections to verify they are accessible, undamaged, and have proper caps.
Question 4: According to NFPA 1, what action must the responsible party take when a fire inspector identifies a code violation?
- Dispute the finding in writing within 10 days
- Pay the fine and continue operations
- Correct the violation within the timeframe specified by the AHJ (Correct answer)
- Request a variance before any corrective action
Correct answer: Correct the violation within the timeframe specified by the AHJ
NFPA 1 requires that violations identified by the AHJ be corrected within the timeframe established by the AHJ.
Question 5: What is the NEC requirement for receptacles installed in bathrooms?
- They must be protected by a GFCI (Correct answer)
- They must be installed at least 5 feet away from water sources
- They must have a switch built-in
- They must be 15-ampere rated
Correct answer: They must be protected by a GFCI
To prevent electrical shock, the NEC requires that all bathroom receptacles be protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
Question 6: According to NFPA 30, what is the maximum quantity of Class I and Class II liquids that may be stored in a single cabinet without special permits?
- 240 gallons
- 30 gallons
- 60 gallons (Correct answer)
- 120 gallons
Correct answer: 60 gallons
NFPA 30 limits flammable liquid storage cabinets to a maximum of 60 gallons of Class I and Class II liquids combined.
Question 7: According to NFPA 72, what signal must a fire alarm control unit transmit when a detector or device is removed for maintenance?
- Alarm signal
- Supervisory signal
- No signal required
- Trouble signal (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Trouble signal
NFPA 72 requires that removal of a detector or initiating device from its base generate a trouble signal at the control unit.
Question 8: What does NEC Article 210 cover?
- Wiring methods
- Grounding and bonding
- Overcurrent protection
- Branch circuits (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Branch circuits
Article 210 of the NEC focuses on the installation and specifications for branch circuits.
Question 9: According to NFPA 13, which occupancy classification applies to offices, schools, and churches?
- Extra hazard
- Ordinary hazard Group 2
- Ordinary hazard Group 1
- Light hazard (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Light hazard
Offices, schools, and churches are classified as light hazard occupancies under NFPA 13.
Question 10: According to NFPA 30, what type of electrical equipment is required in a flammable liquid storage room classified as a Division 1 hazardous location?
- Weatherproof only
- GFCI-protected only
- Standard commercial grade
- Explosion-proof or intrinsically safe (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Explosion-proof or intrinsically safe
NFPA 30 requires explosion-proof or intrinsically safe electrical equipment in Division 1 hazardous locations where flammable vapors may be present.
Question 11: According to NFPA 10, when must a fire extinguisher be removed from service regardless of its condition?
- When it has been recharged more than twice
- When stored outdoors for any period
- When its nameplate is removed or illegible (Correct answer)
- When it is more than 5 years old
Correct answer: When its nameplate is removed or illegible
NFPA 10 requires removal from service of any extinguisher whose nameplate or operating instructions are missing or illegible.
Question 12: According to the NFPA Life Safety Code, what is the minimum width requirement for egress doors in new buildings?
- 28 inches
- 36 inches
- 24 inches
- 32 inches (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 32 inches
The LSC requires that egress doors in new buildings must be at least 32 inches wide to ensure safe evacuation.
Question 13: According to NFPA 25, what is the minimum hydrostatic test pressure for a new sprinkler system installation?
- 150 psi or 50 psi above maximum system pressure, whichever is greater (Correct answer)
- 100 psi or 50 psi above maximum system pressure, whichever is greater
- 200 psi for all systems
- Maximum working pressure plus 100 psi
Correct answer: 150 psi or 50 psi above maximum system pressure, whichever is greater
NFPA 25 requires that new systems be hydrostatically tested at 200 psi or 50 psi above the maximum system working pressure, whichever is greater, for 2 hours.
Question 14: A flammability rating of 4 in NFPA 704 describes a material that:
- Ignites only after prolonged exposure to heat
- Will not burn under any conditions
- Requires an oxidizer to ignite
- Burns readily at ambient conditions with a flash point below 73°F (22.8°C) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Burns readily at ambient conditions with a flash point below 73°F (22.8°C)
A flammability rating of 4 indicates materials that rapidly vaporize at normal temperatures, with a flash point below 73°F and a boiling point below 100°F.
Question 15: According to NFPA 72, how frequently must a fire alarm system receiving central station monitoring be tested?
- Semi-annually
- Quarterly
- Monthly
- Annually (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Annually
NFPA 72 requires that most fire alarm system components be tested at least annually unless more frequent testing is specified.
Question 16: According to NFPA 10, what information must appear on the tag attached to a fire extinguisher after annual maintenance?
- Next recharge due date only
- Owner name and address
- Date of service, servicing company, and technician initials or ID (Correct answer)
- Manufacturer's date of manufacture only
Correct answer: Date of service, servicing company, and technician initials or ID
NFPA 10 requires the maintenance tag to show the date of service, the name of the servicing organization, and the technician's identification.
Question 17: Under NFPA 72, which initiating device is classified as a spot-type smoke detector?
- Duct smoke detector
- Ionization smoke detector (Correct answer)
- Linear beam detector
- Air sampling detector
Correct answer: Ionization smoke detector
An ionization smoke detector is a spot-type detector that responds to products of combustion in its immediate vicinity.
Question 18: In the context of the NFPA Life Safety Code, what is the purpose of an automatic sprinkler system?
- To provide illumination during a fire
- To alert emergency services of a fire
- To assist in the manual evacuation of occupants
- To suppress and control fires automatically (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To suppress and control fires automatically
Automatic sprinkler systems are designed to control and suppress fires, thereby enhancing occupant safety and minimizing property damage.
Question 19: According to the NFPA Life Safety Code, what is the minimum number of exits required for any story of a building with an occupant load exceeding 500?
- Two exits
- Three exits (Correct answer)
- One exit
- Four exits
Correct answer: Three exits
The LSC requires a minimum of three exits for any story of a building with an occupant load exceeding 500 to ensure safe egress.
Question 20: According to NFPA 72, what is the maximum allowable supervisory signal response time from the control unit to the supervising station?
- 30 seconds
- 5 minutes (Correct answer)
- 60 seconds
- 90 seconds
Correct answer: 5 minutes
NFPA 72 requires that supervisory signals be received at the supervising station within 5 minutes of occurrence.
Question 21: Under NFPA 25, what is the required testing frequency for antifreeze solution concentration in a sprinkler system?
- Every 5 years
- Quarterly
- Annually (Correct answer)
- Monthly
Correct answer: Annually
NFPA 25 requires annual testing of antifreeze solution concentration to ensure freeze protection remains adequate.
Question 22: Which NFPA 13 system type uses a pneumatic or electric detection system to open the valve before a sprinkler fuses?
- Dry pipe
- Preaction (Correct answer)
- Wet pipe
- Deluge
Correct answer: Preaction
A preaction system requires operation of a supplemental detection system to open the preaction valve before water can flow to sprinklers.
Question 23: If a material has an NFPA 704 rating of 3-4-2-OX, which single hazard category has the most severe numerical rating?
- Health (3)
- Special hazard (OX)
- Flammability (4) (Correct answer)
- Instability (2)
Correct answer: Flammability (4)
A flammability rating of 4 is the highest numerical value in this combination, indicating the material burns readily at ambient conditions.
Question 24: In the NFPA 704 system, which color section represents instability or reactivity?
- White
- Orange
- Yellow (Correct answer)
- Green
Correct answer: Yellow
The yellow section, located on the right side of the diamond, represents the instability/reactivity hazard rating.
Question 25: Under NFPA 25, when a waterflow alarm fails to activate during a quarterly test, what is the required corrective action?
- Immediately restore to operation, investigate, and repair before leaving the site (Correct answer)
- Document and retest annually
- Notify the fire department and restore within 24 hours
- Restore the system to service and schedule repair within 30 days
Correct answer: Immediately restore to operation, investigate, and repair before leaving the site
NFPA 25 requires that when a waterflow alarm fails, the system be restored, the deficiency investigated, and the issue corrected before the inspector leaves.
Question 26: Which of the following is required for all kitchen countertop outlets according to the NEC?
- Surge protectors
- Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) (Correct answer)
- Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)
- 20-ampere breakers
Correct answer: Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
GFCIs are required to prevent electrical shock in areas where water is present, such as kitchen countertops.
Question 27: Under NFPA 1, what is the required minimum width of a means of egress door in a new occupancy?
- 28 inches
- 32 inches (Correct answer)
- 36 inches
- 44 inches
Correct answer: 32 inches
NFPA 1 requires a minimum clear width of 32 inches for means of egress doors in new occupancies.
Question 28: Under NFPA 25, how frequently must wet pipe sprinkler system gauges be inspected?
- Weekly
- Quarterly
- Annually
- Monthly (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Monthly
NFPA 25 requires gauges on wet pipe sprinkler systems to be inspected monthly to verify they are in good condition and show normal pressure.
Question 29: According to NFPA 72, what information must be displayed on a fire alarm control unit annunciator?
- Time of last alarm only
- Suppression system type
- Building owner contact information
- Zone or device location of alarm, supervisory, and trouble conditions (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Zone or device location of alarm, supervisory, and trouble conditions
NFPA 72 requires that the annunciator display the location (zone or device) of alarm, supervisory, and trouble conditions.
Question 30: What is the minimum clearance required between the deflector of a sprinkler head and the top of storage under NFPA 13?
- 36 inches
- 12 inches
- 6 inches
- 18 inches (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 18 inches
NFPA 13 requires a minimum 18-inch clearance between the sprinkler deflector and the top of storage.
Question 31: Under NFPA 1, which condition would constitute a 'distinct hazard' requiring immediate correction?
- A blocked means of egress during business hours (Correct answer)
- An expired maintenance certificate
- A missing extinguisher inspection tag
- An unlabeled storage room
Correct answer: A blocked means of egress during business hours
NFPA 1 classifies a blocked or obstructed means of egress as an immediate life safety hazard requiring correction before occupancy continues.
Question 32: According to NFPA 10, how often must a portable fire extinguisher receive an annual maintenance inspection?
- Every 3 years
- Every year (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
- Every 6 months
Correct answer: Every year
NFPA 10 requires that every portable fire extinguisher receive a thorough maintenance examination at least annually.
Question 33: What does NFPA 72 specify as the maximum travel distance to a manual pull station in an educational occupancy?
- 100 feet
- 300 feet
- 150 feet (Correct answer)
- 200 feet
Correct answer: 150 feet
NFPA 72 requires manual pull stations to be located so that travel distance from any point in the protected area does not exceed 200 feet.
Question 34: Under NFPA 30, which liquid class has a flash point at or above 100°F and below 140°F?
- Class II (Correct answer)
- Class IC
- Class IB
- Class IIIA
Correct answer: Class II
NFPA 30 classifies liquids with a flash point at or above 100°F and below 140°F as Class II combustible liquids.
Question 35: In the NEC, what does the term "ampacity" refer to?
- The length of a conductor
- The current-carrying capacity of a conductor (Correct answer)
- The voltage rating of a conductor
- The resistance of a conductor
Correct answer: The current-carrying capacity of a conductor
Ampacity is the maximum amount of electrical current a conductor or device can carry before sustaining immediate or progressive deterioration.
Question 36: What does the symbol 'SA' in the white section of an NFPA 704 diamond indicate?
- Safety approved by OSHA
- Surface-active corrosive
- Simple asphyxiant gas (Correct answer)
- Severe allergen hazard
Correct answer: Simple asphyxiant gas
SA stands for Simple Asphyxiant and identifies gases such as nitrogen or helium that displace oxygen and can cause suffocation without being otherwise toxic.
Question 37: Which organization publishes the National Electrical Code (NEC)?
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
The NFPA is responsible for developing and publishing the NEC.
Question 38: According to NEC Article 110, what is the required working clearance in front of electrical panels?
- 36 inches (Correct answer)
- 48 inches
- 30 inches
- 24 inches
Correct answer: 36 inches
The NEC requires a minimum working clearance of 36 inches in front of electrical panels for safe operation and maintenance.
Question 39: In NFPA 704, a flammability rating of 2 applies to liquids with a flash point in which range?
- Above 200°F (93.3°C)
- Between 73°F and 100°F (22.8–37.8°C)
- Below 73°F (22.8°C)
- Between 100°F and 200°F (37.8–93.3°C) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Between 100°F and 200°F (37.8–93.3°C)
A flammability rating of 2 applies to liquids with flash points between 100°F and 200°F (37.8–93.3°C), which must be moderately heated before ignition.
Question 40: Under NFPA 10, what type of extinguisher is best suited for a Class K kitchen fire involving cooking oils?
- Halon
- Wet chemical (Correct answer)
- CO2
- ABC dry chemical
Correct answer: Wet chemical
NFPA 10 recognizes wet chemical extinguishers as the most effective agent for Class K fires involving cooking oils and fats.
Question 41: How often is the National Electrical Code (NEC) updated?
- Every 5 years
- Annually
- Every 3 years (Correct answer)
- Every 2 years
Correct answer: Every 3 years
The NEC is revised and published every three years to reflect new technologies and safety practices.
Question 42: What is the minimum required flow pressure at the most remote sprinkler in an NFPA 13 light hazard system?
- 15 psi
- 7 psi
- 5 psi
- 10 psi (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 10 psi
NFPA 13 requires a minimum residual pressure of 7 psi at the most remote sprinkler, but design pressure at each sprinkler must meet the hydraulic calculation, commonly 7 psi minimum.
Question 43: Under NFPA 72, smoke detectors must be located at minimum how far from a supply air diffuser?
- 10 feet
- 1 foot
- 5 feet
- 3 feet (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 3 feet
NFPA 72 requires smoke detectors to be located at least 3 feet from air supply diffusers to prevent airflow from diluting smoke before it reaches the detector.
Question 44: According to NFPA 72, where must a remote annunciator panel be located?
- Adjacent to the main fire alarm control unit
- At the main electrical panel
- In the mechanical room
- At a location approved by the authority having jurisdiction (Correct answer)
Correct answer: At a location approved by the authority having jurisdiction
NFPA 72 requires remote annunciator panels to be located where approved by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Question 45: Under NFPA 72, what is the maximum height above the floor at which a manual pull station may be installed?
- 54 inches
- 60 inches (Correct answer)
- 66 inches
- 48 inches
Correct answer: 60 inches
NFPA 72 requires manual pull stations to be mounted between 42 and 60 inches above the finished floor.
Question 46: According to NFPA 25, what is the required weekly test for an electric fire pump?
- Visual inspection only
- Full flow test for 10 minutes
- Pressure test at rated flow
- Churn test (no-flow) for 10 minutes (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Churn test (no-flow) for 10 minutes
NFPA 25 requires electric fire pumps to be run weekly under no-flow (churn) conditions for a minimum of 10 minutes.
Question 47: What does the symbol 'OX' or 'OXY' in the white section of an NFPA 704 diamond indicate?
- The material is an oxidizer that can intensify fires (Correct answer)
- The material is highly toxic and corrosive
- The material is radioactive
- The material releases breathable oxygen
Correct answer: The material is an oxidizer that can intensify fires
OX or OXY in the white section identifies the material as an oxidizer, which can cause or enhance combustion of other materials and may react violently with fuels.
Question 48: Where is the NFPA 704 placard most commonly and appropriately displayed?
- On stationary containers, storage tanks, and building entrances where hazardous materials are stored or used (Correct answer)
- Only on vehicles transporting hazardous materials on highways
- On personal protective equipment worn by chemical handlers
- Exclusively inside chemical storage logs and safety data sheets
Correct answer: On stationary containers, storage tanks, and building entrances where hazardous materials are stored or used
NFPA 704 placards are placed on fixed facilities such as storage tanks, containers, and buildings to alert emergency responders before they enter a hazardous area.
Question 49: An instability rating of 4 in NFPA 704 indicates the material:
- Is readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition at normal temperatures (Correct answer)
- Is normally stable at all temperatures
- Can detonate only with a strong external initiator
- Becomes unstable only at elevated temperatures and pressures
Correct answer: Is readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition at normal temperatures
An instability rating of 4 means the material is readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition at normal temperatures and pressures, representing the maximum reactivity hazard.
Question 50: Under NFPA 72, what is the maximum allowable sound level for a public mode audible alarm signal in a sleeping area?
- 110 dB(A)
- 70 dB(A)
- 75 dB(A) (Correct answer)
- 55 dB(A)
Correct answer: 75 dB(A)
NFPA 72 requires that public mode audible alarms produce a sound level of at least 75 dB(A) at the pillow in sleeping areas.
Question 51: According to NFPA 25, what action is required when a sprinkler head shows signs of corrosion, paint, or loading?
- Replace the sprinkler head immediately (Correct answer)
- Document and monitor for 6 months
- Clean the sprinkler head
- Apply touch-up paint to protect it
Correct answer: Replace the sprinkler head immediately
NFPA 25 requires that any sprinkler showing signs of corrosion, loading, or unauthorized paint be replaced immediately.
Question 52: According to NFPA 1, which of the following is NOT a permitted use of a means of egress?
- Storage of merchandise or supplies (Correct answer)
- Access to a required exit discharge
- Normal daily travel through the building
- Travel to the nearest exit
Correct answer: Storage of merchandise or supplies
NFPA 1 prohibits using means of egress for storage of any materials, as this can block safe evacuation routes.
Question 53: According to NFPA 25, what is the minimum flow required during an inspector's test connection flow test to verify sprinkler system waterflow alarms?
- Flow equivalent to one sprinkler (Correct answer)
- 25 gpm
- 50 gpm
- Flow equivalent to two sprinklers
Correct answer: Flow equivalent to one sprinkler
NFPA 25 specifies that the inspector's test connection must produce a flow equivalent to one sprinkler to test waterflow alarm devices.
Question 54: Which NFPA 704 health rating indicates 'extreme danger' where serious injury is likely from short exposure?
- 1
- 3 (Correct answer)
- 2
- 4
Correct answer: 3
A health rating of 3 indicates short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury, requiring full protective equipment for emergency responders.
Question 55: According to NFPA 1, what must a fire safety and evacuation plan include?
- Emergency procedures, staff assignments, evacuation routes, and training requirements (Correct answer)
- Utility shutoff locations only
- Insurance policy number and coverage details
- Contact information for the fire department only
Correct answer: Emergency procedures, staff assignments, evacuation routes, and training requirements
NFPA 1 requires fire safety and evacuation plans to address emergency procedures, staff responsibilities, evacuation routes, and staff training.
Question 56: Under NFPA 30, underground storage tanks must be equipped with which device to prevent overflow during filling?
- Ball valve with tamper switch
- Overfill prevention device (Correct answer)
- Pressure relief valve
- Check valve
Correct answer: Overfill prevention device
NFPA 30 requires underground storage tanks to have overfill prevention devices to automatically stop or signal when the tank reaches 90–95% capacity.
Question 57: Under NFPA 10, what condition automatically requires a fire extinguisher to be hydrostatically tested?
- When transferred to a new owner
- When more than 10 years old
- When the label is illegible
- After any use, full or partial discharge (Correct answer)
Correct answer: After any use, full or partial discharge
NFPA 10 requires that any extinguisher that has been used, even partially, be subjected to maintenance and potentially hydrostatic testing before being returned to service.
Question 58: According to NFPA 72, which initiating device is required in the air ducts of HVAC systems serving multiple floors?
- Duct smoke detector (Correct answer)
- Sprinkler flow switch
- Heat detector
- Carbon monoxide detector
Correct answer: Duct smoke detector
NFPA 72 requires duct smoke detectors in HVAC systems to prevent smoke from being distributed to other areas through ductwork.
Question 59: According to NFPA 25, which valve must be tested by partially closing it and verifying the waterflow alarm activates?
- Control valve tamper switch (Correct answer)
- Check valve
- OS&Y gate valve
- Butterfly valve
Correct answer: Control valve tamper switch
NFPA 25 requires the control valve supervisory (tamper) switch to be tested by partially closing the valve and verifying the supervisory alarm is received.
Question 60: Under NFPA 72, what minimum standby battery capacity is required for a fire alarm control unit?
- 4 hours alarm + 4 hours standby
- 24 hours standby + 5 minutes alarm (Correct answer)
- 4 hours standby + 15 minutes alarm
- 60 minutes alarm only
Correct answer: 24 hours standby + 5 minutes alarm
NFPA 72 requires fire alarm control units to have battery backup for 24 hours in standby followed by 5 minutes in full alarm.
Question 61: In the NFPA 704 system, which color section represents the health hazard?
- White
- Blue (Correct answer)
- Yellow
- Red
Correct answer: Blue
The blue section, located on the left side of the diamond, represents the health hazard rating.
Question 62: In the NFPA 704 system, which color section represents flammability?
- Red (Correct answer)
- Yellow
- White
- Blue
Correct answer: Red
The red section, located at the top of the diamond, represents the flammability hazard rating.
Question 63: Under NFPA 25, what is the required frequency for a full flow trip test of a dry pipe valve?
- Annually (Correct answer)
- Every 3 years
- Every 10 years
- Every 5 years
Correct answer: Annually
NFPA 25 requires a full flow trip test of dry pipe valves annually to ensure the system operates correctly.
Question 64: According to NFPA 1, what type of permit is typically required before storing hazardous materials in quantities exceeding established thresholds?
- State environmental permit only
- EPA permit only
- Business license
- Hazardous materials permit from the AHJ (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Hazardous materials permit from the AHJ
NFPA 1 requires a hazardous materials permit from the AHJ before storing or handling quantities of hazardous materials above established thresholds.
Question 65: Under NFPA 10, what is the maximum travel distance to a Class B extinguisher in a low-hazard occupancy?
- 30 feet
- 75 feet
- 100 feet
- 50 feet (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 50 feet
NFPA 10 limits travel distance to a Class B extinguisher in low-hazard areas to 50 feet.
Question 66: Under NFPA 13, what type of sprinkler system uses air pressure to hold water back until a sprinkler activates?
- Preaction system
- Wet pipe system
- Dry pipe system (Correct answer)
- Deluge system
Correct answer: Dry pipe system
A dry pipe system uses pressurized air or nitrogen to hold the water back in the supply piping until a sprinkler head opens.
Question 67: According to NFPA 72, when a fire alarm system is out of service for more than how many hours must the authority having jurisdiction be notified?
- 24 hours (Correct answer)
- 8 hours
- 4 hours
- 2 hours
Correct answer: 24 hours
NFPA 72 requires notification of the AHJ when a fire alarm system is out of service for more than 8 hours.
Question 68: Under NFPA 72, what is the minimum visible notification appliance (strobe) candela rating for a public area with 16-foot ceilings?
- 75 cd (Correct answer)
- 30 cd
- 15 cd
- 110 cd
Correct answer: 75 cd
NFPA 72 requires a minimum of 75 candela for strobes in rooms with ceiling heights between 10 and 16 feet when mounted on a wall.
Question 69: According to NFPA 30, which containers are approved for storing Class I flammable liquids in quantities up to 5 gallons?
- Listed safety cans or approved metal containers (Correct answer)
- Standard 5-gallon buckets with lids
- Any plastic container with a screw-top lid
- Clear glass jugs with cork stoppers
Correct answer: Listed safety cans or approved metal containers
NFPA 30 requires Class I flammable liquids in quantities up to 5 gallons to be stored in listed safety cans or approved metal containers.
Question 70: According to the NFPA Life Safety Code, how often should fire drills be conducted in healthcare facilities?
- Monthly
- Annually
- Semi-annually
- Quarterly (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Quarterly
The LSC mandates that fire drills in healthcare facilities should be conducted quarterly to ensure staff preparedness.
Question 71: What is the minimum water supply duration required for a light hazard occupancy sprinkler system under NFPA 13?
- 15 minutes
- 60 minutes
- 90 minutes
- 30 minutes (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 30 minutes
NFPA 13 requires a minimum water supply duration of 30 minutes for light hazard occupancies.
Question 72: Which of the following is a critical component of a means of egress as per the NFPA Life Safety Code?
- HVAC system
- Fire extinguisher
- Emergency lighting (Correct answer)
- Security cameras
Correct answer: Emergency lighting
Emergency lighting is essential in a means of egress to ensure that occupants can see and navigate exits during an emergency.
Question 73: What NEC article covers the installation of photovoltaic (solar) systems?
- Article 334
- Article 310
- Article 750
- Article 690 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Article 690
Article 690 of the NEC provides guidelines and requirements for the installation of photovoltaic (solar) systems.
Question 74: Under NFPA 25, how often must the internal condition of wet pipe system piping be inspected in areas with a history of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC)?
- Every 3 years
- Annually (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
- Only after an obstruction event
Correct answer: Annually
NFPA 25 requires annual internal inspections of wet pipe systems in environments with a history of MIC contamination.
Question 75: Under NFPA 30, which classification applies to a liquid with a flash point below 73°F and a boiling point below 100°F?
- Class II
- Class IC
- Class IA (Correct answer)
- Class IB
Correct answer: Class IA
NFPA 30 classifies liquids with a flash point below 73°F and a boiling point below 100°F as Class IA flammable liquids.
Question 76: Under NFPA 72, what is the purpose of a Class A wiring style for initiating device circuits?
- Permit wireless operation
- Allow continued operation after a single open or ground fault (Correct answer)
- Reduce installation cost
- Support higher device counts
Correct answer: Allow continued operation after a single open or ground fault
Class A wiring uses a loop configuration so that a single open or ground fault does not disable the entire circuit, allowing continued operation.
Question 77: According to NFPA 30, what is the minimum distance between a flammable liquid dispensing station and any ignition source?
- 10 feet
- 20 feet (Correct answer)
- 25 feet
- 5 feet
Correct answer: 20 feet
NFPA 30 requires a minimum separation of 20 feet between flammable liquid dispensing operations and potential ignition sources.
Question 78: What type of occupancy is classified under Assembly Occupancies in the NFPA Life Safety Code?
- Industrial factories
- Office buildings
- Theaters and auditoriums (Correct answer)
- Schools
Correct answer: Theaters and auditoriums
Assembly Occupancies include places where people gather for social, recreational, or entertainment purposes, such as theaters and auditoriums.
Question 79: Under NFPA 13, what is required when a sprinkler system is installed in a building with a combustible concealed space?
- Sprinklers must be installed in the concealed space (Correct answer)
- The space must be filled with fire retardant foam
- No special requirements
- Only smoke detectors are required
Correct answer: Sprinklers must be installed in the concealed space
NFPA 13 requires sprinklers in combustible concealed spaces unless specific exemptions based on construction type and insulation apply.
Question 80: According to NFPA 25, what must be done after any sprinkler system work that requires draining the system?
- Submit a written report to the AHJ
- Perform a main drain test and restore the system to service (Correct answer)
- Wait 24 hours before restoring service
- Replace all sprinkler heads
Correct answer: Perform a main drain test and restore the system to service
NFPA 25 requires that after any system maintenance requiring draining, a main drain test be performed and the system fully restored to service.
Question 81: According to NFPA 25, how often must a main drain test be conducted on a wet pipe sprinkler system?
- Every 5 years
- Monthly
- Quarterly
- Annually (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Annually
NFPA 25 requires an annual main drain test to verify that the water supply is unobstructed and pressure is adequate.
Question 82: Which NFPA code is known as the Life Safety Code?
- NFPA 101 (Correct answer)
- NFPA 10
- NFPA 5000
- NFPA 72
Correct answer: NFPA 101
NFPA 101 is the official Life Safety Code published by the National Fire Protection Association.
Question 83: Under NFPA 1, what is the maximum travel distance to an exit in a business occupancy without a sprinkler system?
- 200 feet
- 250 feet
- 100 feet
- 150 feet (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 150 feet
NFPA 1 limits the travel distance to an exit in a non-sprinklered business occupancy to 200 feet.
Question 84: Under NFPA 13, what hazard classification applies to auto showrooms, bakeries, and laundries?
- Light hazard
- Ordinary hazard Group 2
- Ordinary hazard Group 1 (Correct answer)
- Extra hazard Group 1
Correct answer: Ordinary hazard Group 1
NFPA 13 classifies auto showrooms, bakeries, and laundries as Ordinary Hazard Group 1 occupancies.
Question 85: Under NFPA 30, which type of vent pipe is required on an above-ground atmospheric storage tank containing Class I liquids?
- Flame arrester or pressure-vacuum vent (Correct answer)
- Pressure relief valve set at 15 psi
- Open vent pipe only
- Check valve vent
Correct answer: Flame arrester or pressure-vacuum vent
NFPA 30 requires above-ground atmospheric tanks storing Class I liquids to be equipped with a flame arrester or pressure-vacuum vent to prevent ignition of vapors.
Question 86: An instability rating of 3 in NFPA 704 means the material:
- Undergoes violent chemical change but will not detonate
- Is normally stable under all conditions
- Can detonate or explode but requires a strong initiating source (Correct answer)
- Is readily capable of detonation at normal ambient temperatures
Correct answer: Can detonate or explode but requires a strong initiating source
An instability rating of 3 means the material can detonate or explode but requires a strong initiating source such as heat, shock, or detonator.
Question 87: According to NFPA 10, how often must non-rechargeable (disposable) fire extinguishers be replaced?
- Every 3 years
- Every 12 years (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
- Every 6 years
Correct answer: Every 12 years
NFPA 10 requires non-rechargeable fire extinguishers to be replaced every 12 years from the date of manufacture.
Question 88: Under NFPA 72, a notification appliance circuit (NAC) must be supervised for which of the following conditions?
- Low battery only
- Open circuit and ground fault (Correct answer)
- Loss of AC power only
- Overload and short circuit
Correct answer: Open circuit and ground fault
NFPA 72 requires that notification appliance circuits be monitored for integrity, meaning open circuits and ground faults must be detected.
Question 89: Which NFPA 704 health rating indicates exposure could cause death?
- 4 (Correct answer)
- 2
- 3
- 1
Correct answer: 4
A health rating of 4 indicates that very short exposure could cause death or major residual injury, even with emergency responder protective equipment.
Question 90: According to NFPA 30, what is required around above-ground flammable liquid tanks to contain spills?
- Concrete curbing 4 inches high
- Sand barrier 12 inches wide
- Gravel bed at least 6 inches deep
- Secondary containment capable of holding 100% of the largest tank volume (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Secondary containment capable of holding 100% of the largest tank volume
NFPA 30 requires secondary containment (diked areas or equivalent) capable of holding 100% of the volume of the largest tank within the impoundment area.
Question 91: What shape is used for the NFPA 704 hazard identification system placard?
- Square rotated 45 degrees (diamond) (Correct answer)
- Equilateral triangle
- Circle divided into quadrants
- Rectangle divided into four sections
Correct answer: Square rotated 45 degrees (diamond)
NFPA 704 uses a square rotated 45 degrees, commonly called a 'fire diamond,' divided into four colored sections.
Question 92: According to NFPA 25, what condition requires replacement of a sprinkler head without testing?
- Sprinkler is more than 50 years old in a wet system (Correct answer)
- Sprinkler is a fast-response type
- Sprinkler has a painted finish from factory
- Sprinkler is more than 25 years old
Correct answer: Sprinkler is more than 50 years old in a wet system
NFPA 25 requires that sprinklers 50 years or older in wet systems be replaced or sample-tested; replacement is required if they fail testing.
Question 93: Under NFPA 25, which condition during a hydrostatic test would require the system to fail?
- Pressure drops more than 5 psi in 15 minutes
- Any pressure drop during the test period
- Pressure drops more than 10 psi in 2 hours (Correct answer)
- Pressure drops more than 20 psi in 24 hours
Correct answer: Pressure drops more than 10 psi in 2 hours
NFPA 25 specifies that a hydrostatic test fails if pressure drops more than 10 psi during the 2-hour test period.
Question 94: What color code indicates a sprinkler with a temperature rating of 135–170°F (57–77°C) under NFPA 13?
- Uncolored/Black (Correct answer)
- Blue
- Red
- White
Correct answer: Uncolored/Black
NFPA 13 specifies that sprinklers rated at 135–170°F are uncolored (natural brass) or marked with a black color code.
Question 95: Under NFPA 30, what bonding and grounding requirement applies when transferring Class I flammable liquids from one container to another?
- Bonding is required only for metal containers
- No bonding required for containers under 5 gallons
- Containers must be bonded together and grounded to prevent static sparks (Correct answer)
- Only the receiving container needs grounding
Correct answer: Containers must be bonded together and grounded to prevent static sparks
NFPA 30 requires that both containers be bonded to each other and that the system be grounded to prevent static electricity discharge during transfer.
Question 96: According to NFPA 10, what is the maximum mounting height for the handle of a fire extinguisher weighing more than 40 pounds?
- 4 feet (Correct answer)
- 5.5 feet
- 5 feet
- 3.5 feet
Correct answer: 4 feet
NFPA 10 requires that extinguishers weighing more than 40 pounds be mounted so that the handle is no higher than 3.5 feet above the floor.
Question 97: A rating of '0' in any NFPA 704 category indicates the material:
- Has a severe unclassified hazard
- Has a moderate hazard in that category
- Has an unknown or unstudied hazard
- Poses no significant hazard in that category (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Poses no significant hazard in that category
A rating of 0 means the material poses no significant hazard in that particular category under fire conditions.
Question 98: Under NFPA 1, what is the maximum rise for a single step in a means of egress?
- 10 inches
- 5 inches
- 7 inches
- 8.25 inches (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 8.25 inches
NFPA 1 limits the maximum riser height in egress stairways to 8.25 inches to ensure safe, consistent stepping.
Question 99: Under NFPA 25, what must be done with recorded inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) reports?
- Retained for the life of the system and made available to the AHJ (Correct answer)
- Retained until the next inspection of the same type
- Retained for 1 year only
- Submitted to NFPA headquarters
Correct answer: Retained for the life of the system and made available to the AHJ
NFPA 25 requires that ITM records be retained for the life of the system and be available for review by the authority having jurisdiction.
Question 100: According to NFPA 25, how often must fire pump acceptance tests be repeated after initial installation?
- Annually (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
- Every 10 years
- Every 3 years
Correct answer: Annually
NFPA 25 requires that fire pump annual flow tests be conducted every year to verify the pump delivers rated performance.
NFPA Certified Fire Inspector I (CFI-I) Exam
The NFPA CFI-I (Certified Fire Inspector I) exam is a 100-question multiple-choice test with a 4-hour time limit, requiring a passing score of 70%. It is based on NFPA 1 (Fire Code) and covers fire inspection administration, fire protection systems and equipment, storage and handling of hazardous substances, and occupancy-specific fire and life safety requirements.
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