STEAMFITTER Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the primary purpose of the Steamfitter-Pipefitter exam? → To certify the competency of steamfitters and pipefitters for professional practice.
2. What is the primary purpose of a Tier II report submitted under EPCRA Section 312? → To inventory hazardous chemicals stored on-site above threshold quantities
3. When selecting a pipe hanger for a high-temperature steam line, which type compensates for axial thermal expansion? → Pipe roller support
4. A steamfitter notices a safety relief valve is 'simmering' (leaking slightly) below its set pressure. What is the correct action? → Tag the valve out of service and replace it
5. What is the purpose of a work breakdown structure (WBS)? → To decompose the project into smaller, manageable work packages
6. When applying for a job as a journeyman pipefitter on a prevailing wage project, which document is an employer legally required to pay based on? → The Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage determination for that project
7. What type of questions can you expect on the Steamfitter-Pipefitter exam? → Multiple-choice questions and practical demonstrations.
8. During a visual weld inspection, what condition in a fillet weld would require immediate rejection? → Undercut exceeding 1/32 inch
9. Which ASME piping code applies to process piping in chemical, petroleum refining, and pharmaceutical facilities? → ASME B31.3
10. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a piping system cleanliness flush before commissioning? → To remove mill scale, weld slag, and debris that could damage valves and equipment
11. When installing new piping in a facility subject to the Risk Management Program (RMP), which threshold quantity of ammonia requires a Program 3 RMP? → 10,000 pounds
12. What role does data collection play in quality improvement? → It provides objective evidence for identifying trends and measuring progress
13. On the steamfitter journeyman exam, questions about pipe schedule refer to which physical property of the pipe? → The wall thickness of the pipe
14. What is preventive maintenance? → Scheduled maintenance performed to prevent breakdowns before they occur
15. What is the primary purpose of a stress-isometric drawing in steamfitting? → To illustrate pipe stress analysis results including support locations and expansion loops
16. Why is it important to document ambient temperature during field hydrostatic testing of carbon steel pipe? → To ensure water temperature does not cause brittle fracture in the pipe
17. Which industry is most likely to employ certified Steamfitters and Pipefitters? → Manufacturing, energy, and construction.
18. Which ASME code section governs the documentation requirements for boiler and pressure vessel inspection records? → ASME Section VIII Div. 1
19. When assessing the risk of water hammer in a steam distribution system, which condition is the GREATEST contributing factor? → Condensate accumulation in horizontal pipe sections
20. How long is the typical duration of the Steamfitter-Pipefitter exam? → 3-4 hours.
21. Which instrument is used to verify that a steam trap is functioning and not passing live steam (blowing through)? → Ultrasonic leak detector or infrared thermometer
22. A steamfitter must grind pipe flanges using an angle grinder. Which combination of PPE best mitigates the specific risks of this task? → Face shield over safety glasses, hearing protection, and cut-resistant gloves
23. A steamfitting crew is behind schedule due to late material delivery. The project manager uses overtime to recover the lost time. This technique is called: → Crashing
24. A concentric reducer is different from an eccentric reducer in that a concentric reducer: → Keeps the pipe centerlines aligned on the same axis
25. A steamfitter must drain a chilled water system containing glycol-based antifreeze. What environmental regulation governs its proper disposal? → Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
26. When studying pipe thread standards for the exam, which standard defines the taper for National Pipe Taper (NPT) threads? → ASME B1.20.1
27. Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, what is the minimum energy control procedure requirement before servicing pressurized piping systems? → Lockout/tagout all energy sources
28. A pipe laser level is most useful during which phase of a steamfitting project? → Establishing grade and elevation for long pipe runs
29. On a large steamfitting project, the project manager wants to track the percentage of work completed vs. planned. What tool is best suited for this? → S-curve (cumulative progress curve)
30. Which organization most commonly administers the Steamfitter/Pipefitter certification exam in the United States? → NCCER