S95 Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield S95 facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which component continuously monitors fire alarm field wiring for open circuits, ground faults, and short circuits? → The panel's supervisory circuitry operating on each monitored circuit
2. Which of the following best describes the primary power source for a Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)? → A dedicated branch circuit with a marked and locked circuit breaker.
3. After activation, which type of heat detector must be replaced rather than reset? → Fusible-link or fusible-alloy fixed-temperature detector
4. The purpose of a 'waterflow retard' on a wet-pipe sprinkler system alarm check valve is to: → Delay the alarm signal to reduce false activations from surges
5. The NFPA 72 'record of completion' must be signed by: → The contractor or installer responsible for the installation
6. During a fire drill, the S-95 holder's role includes: → Coordinating with building staff and documenting the drill in the log book
7. Which consequence can a building owner face for repeatedly ignoring AHJ orders to repair a non-functional fire alarm system? → Forced building closure, fines, and potential criminal liability
8. An ionization smoke detector is generally more responsive than a photoelectric detector to: → Fast, flaming fires with small, invisible combustion particles.
9. In most US jurisdictions, which agency enforces fire alarm system code compliance in existing commercial buildings? → Local fire marshal or fire prevention bureau
10. The 'reset' function on an FACP is primarily used to: → Return the system to normal standby after alarm or trouble conditions have been cleared
11. According to NFPA 72, smoke detector sensitivity must first be tested within how long after initial installation? → Within 1 year of installation
12. Which of the following events would typically initiate a 'Trouble' signal at the FACP? → A loss of primary AC power to the FACP.
13. A projected beam smoke detector consists of which two primary components? → Transmitter and receiver
14. A fire alarm supervisor discovers a technician falsified inspection records. What is the supervisor's legal obligation? → Correct the records and report the falsification
15. What is the purpose of a fire alarm system inspection report? → To summarize the findings of routine inspections and any corrective actions taken
16. When a notification appliance circuit (NAC) develops an open-circuit fault, the fire alarm control unit will typically: → Display a trouble condition indicating the circuit fault
17. Which condition indicates that the OS&Y valve is properly maintained and functioning as intended? → The stem is extended with the yoke in a vertical position.
18. When does NFPA 72 require a new acceptance test to be performed on an existing fire alarm system? → After any addition, modification, or deletion of system components
19. A partially closed sprinkler system control valve would generate which type of FACP signal? → Supervisory signal
20. Voice evacuation systems use which type of notification appliance to deliver intelligible emergency instructions? → Speakers
21. A fire alarm control unit displays a 'common alarm' condition. This means: → At least one initiating device in the system has activated an alarm condition
22. A smoke detector in a corridor repeatedly goes into alarm during early morning hours with no visible smoke present. The MOST likely cause is: → High humidity or condensation affecting the detector chamber
23. A fire alarm system 'impairment' is defined as a condition in which: → Part or all of the fire protection system is out of service
24. A 'trouble' signal displayed on a fire alarm control panel indicates: → A fault or abnormal condition within the fire alarm system itself
25. When a trouble signal is received at a protected premises FACP, NFPA 72 requires the trouble signal to be: → Acknowledged and investigated within 24 hours
26. An S-95 certificate holder must be present on-site during which activity? → Any impairment to the fire alarm system
27. Under NFPA 72, which signal type has the lowest priority at an FACP when multiple signals are present simultaneously? → Trouble signal
28. A technician is testing a fire alarm system and disconnects a wire on an initiating device circuit. What is the expected signal to appear on the FACP? → A trouble signal, because there is a fault in the circuit wiring.
29. How does a conventional fire alarm system differ from an addressable system in alarm identification capability? → Conventional systems identify alarms only by zone, not by individual device
30. What color is typically used to indicate a TROUBLE signal on a fire alarm control panel? → Yellow or amber