FDNY Fire Life & Safety Director Final
Test Study Guide 2026 Latest
Update.Highly Graded For A+ Students
What is the purpose of the R-58 exam? - ANSWER-The R-58 exam is for candidates
who currently hold one or more Certificate(s) of Fitness for Fire Safety Director and
have failed two or more important responses for the Fire Component of the On-Site
Exam.
What must applicants do before arriving at the FDNY for the R-58 exam? - ANSWER-
Applicants are required to apply and pay for the exam online.
How long does the online application process take? - ANSWER-It can take about 30
minutes to complete.
What identification is required for the R-58 exam applicants? - ANSWER-Applicants
must provide two forms of identification, including at least one government-issued photo
ID.
What additional document must applicants present from their employer? - ANSWER-A
letter of recommendation on official letterhead stating the applicant's full name,
experience, and work address.
What is the A-20 form? - ANSWER-The A-20 form is a completed application for a
certificate of fitness that applicants must present.
Can applicants take the R-58 exam without required documentation? - ANSWER-Yes,
applicants not currently employed may take the exam without required documentation,
but will only receive a temporary letter if they pass.
What special requirements must applicants bring for the R-58 exam? - ANSWER-
Applicants must bring all current F-89/T-89/F-85 Certificate of Fitness cards and the
Notice of Failure from the Fire Department.
What is the application fee for the R-58 exam? - ANSWER-The application fee is $25.
What payment methods are accepted for the application fee? - ANSWER-Cash, credit
card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa), debit card (MasterCard, Visa), or
personal/company check/money order.
What additional fee is applied to credit card payments? - ANSWER-A convenience fee
of 2% will be applied to all credit card payments.
,Who is eligible for fee waivers for the R-58 exam? - ANSWER-Only government
employees who will use their Certificate of Fitness for work-related responsibilities are
eligible for fee waivers.
What must be included in a fee waiver request? - ANSWER-A letter on the agency's
official letterhead stating the applicant's full name, exam type, and address, along with a
copy of the identification card issued by the agency.
How many questions does the R-58 exam consist of? - ANSWER-The R-58 exam
consists of 20 multiple-choice questions.
What type of exam format is used for the R-58 exam? - ANSWER-The exam is
administered on a touch screen computer monitor.
Is the R-58 exam timed? - ANSWER-Yes, it is a time-limit exam.
What happens if an applicant surrenders all their F-89/T-89/F-85 cards? - ANSWER-
They are not subject to the R-58 exam.
What should applicants do if they receive a Notice of Failure? - ANSWER-They must
take the R-58 exam as required.
What is the significance of the R-58 exam in relation to the Fire Safety Director
certification? - ANSWER-It is a remedial exam for those who have failed critical
components of the certification process.
What must self-employed applicants submit instead of a letter of recommendation? -
ANSWER-A notarized letter attesting to their qualifications.
Where can applicants find simplified instructions for the online application? - ANSWER-
Instructions can be found in the document titled 'individuals-short.pdf'.
What is the release version of the study guide? - ANSWER-Release 1.0, with updates
planned periodically.
What should applicants check before their test date? - ANSWER-They should check the
FDNY website for any updates to the guide.
What is the time limit for the Fire Safety Knowledge exam? - ANSWER-30 minutes.
What is the minimum passing score required for the Fire Safety Knowledge exam? -
ANSWER-At least 70%.
What must you do if you pass the R-58 examination? - ANSWER-Submit a request to
re-take the FLSD on-site examination for certification.
,What happens if you fail the R-58 examination? - ANSWER-All current F-89/T-89/F-85
Certificate(s) of Fitness will be suspended, and you cannot take any on-site exam until
certain steps are completed.
What are the steps to take if you fail the R-58 examination? - ANSWER-1. Complete the
31-hr FLSD courses from an FDNY approved school. 2. Pass two FLSD computer-
based exams: the Fire component (FSD) and the Non-Fire component (EAPD).
Where is the exam site for the Fire Safety Knowledge exam? - ANSWER-FDNY
Headquarters, 9 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY.
What should you check before taking the Fire Safety Knowledge exam? - ANSWER-
Always check for the latest revised booklet at the FDNY website.
What is the purpose of the Fire Safety Knowledge exam? - ANSWER-To demonstrate
basic Fire Safety Knowledge for serving as a Fire and Life Safety Director.
What is the contact number for additional information regarding the exam? - ANSWER-
Call <phone>.
What is the significance of the Acknowledge switch or button in fire alarm systems? -
ANSWER-It is used to acknowledge the activation of a fire alarm.
What does the Alarm silence switch or button do? - ANSWER-It silences the alarm once
it has been acknowledged.
What is the function of the System reset switch or button? - ANSWER-It resets the fire
alarm system after an alarm or trouble signal.
What are the duties of the FLS Director? - ANSWER-Responsibilities include
overseeing fire safety protocols and ensuring compliance with regulations.
What is the role of the Deputy FLS Director? - ANSWER-Assists the FLS Director and
may take over responsibilities in their absence.
What is the purpose of the FLS brigade? - ANSWER-To assist in fire safety and
evacuation procedures.
What does the FLS building evacuation supervisor do? - ANSWER-Oversees the
evacuation process during a fire emergency.
What is the role of an FLS warden? - ANSWER-Responsible for managing fire safety
and evacuation procedures in their designated area.
, What is the function of a Deputy FLS warden? - ANSWER-Assists the FLS warden and
may take over their duties if necessary.
What are Fire Alarm Signals? - ANSWER-Signals that indicate the presence of a fire or
emergency situation.
What are Supervisory Signals in fire alarm systems? - ANSWER-Signals that indicate a
supervisory condition, such as a malfunction or maintenance requirement.
What are Trouble signals in fire alarm systems? - ANSWER-Signals that indicate a
problem with the fire alarm system that needs attention.
What should be done if any fire alarm, supervisory, or trouble signal is generated? -
ANSWER-Follow the established protocols for acknowledging and responding to the
signals.
What is the primary focus of the R-58 booklet? - ANSWER-The R-58 booklet focuses on
the duties of the FLS Director and other FLS staff, particularly their responsibilities in fire
emergencies.
What should you do in addition to reading the R-58 study guide? - ANSWER-You
should re-read the FLSD booklet in its entirety to obtain additional knowledge for
passing the exam.
What is the responsibility of the FLS Director regarding laws and regulations? -
ANSWER-The FLS Director must become familiar with all applicable laws, rules, and
regulations from federal, state, and city agencies, even if not included in the study
guide.
What is the purpose of the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)? - ANSWER-The FACP
monitors inputs and controls outputs through various circuits, processing signals from
initiating devices and activating appropriate signals.
Who is allowed to operate the Fire Alarm Control Panel during business hours? -
ANSWER-Only persons holding an FLS Director Certificate of Fitness (C of F) are
allowed to operate and address alarms and signals at the FACP.
What initiates a fire alarm signal? - ANSWER-A fire alarm signal is initiated by devices
such as manual fire alarm pull stations, smoke detectors, or water-flow switches,
indicating the presence of a fire.
What happens when a fire alarm signal is generated? - ANSWER-The FACP activates
building audible and visual devices, sends a signal to an FDNY approved central
station, and controls certain building functions.
Test Study Guide 2026 Latest
Update.Highly Graded For A+ Students
What is the purpose of the R-58 exam? - ANSWER-The R-58 exam is for candidates
who currently hold one or more Certificate(s) of Fitness for Fire Safety Director and
have failed two or more important responses for the Fire Component of the On-Site
Exam.
What must applicants do before arriving at the FDNY for the R-58 exam? - ANSWER-
Applicants are required to apply and pay for the exam online.
How long does the online application process take? - ANSWER-It can take about 30
minutes to complete.
What identification is required for the R-58 exam applicants? - ANSWER-Applicants
must provide two forms of identification, including at least one government-issued photo
ID.
What additional document must applicants present from their employer? - ANSWER-A
letter of recommendation on official letterhead stating the applicant's full name,
experience, and work address.
What is the A-20 form? - ANSWER-The A-20 form is a completed application for a
certificate of fitness that applicants must present.
Can applicants take the R-58 exam without required documentation? - ANSWER-Yes,
applicants not currently employed may take the exam without required documentation,
but will only receive a temporary letter if they pass.
What special requirements must applicants bring for the R-58 exam? - ANSWER-
Applicants must bring all current F-89/T-89/F-85 Certificate of Fitness cards and the
Notice of Failure from the Fire Department.
What is the application fee for the R-58 exam? - ANSWER-The application fee is $25.
What payment methods are accepted for the application fee? - ANSWER-Cash, credit
card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa), debit card (MasterCard, Visa), or
personal/company check/money order.
What additional fee is applied to credit card payments? - ANSWER-A convenience fee
of 2% will be applied to all credit card payments.
,Who is eligible for fee waivers for the R-58 exam? - ANSWER-Only government
employees who will use their Certificate of Fitness for work-related responsibilities are
eligible for fee waivers.
What must be included in a fee waiver request? - ANSWER-A letter on the agency's
official letterhead stating the applicant's full name, exam type, and address, along with a
copy of the identification card issued by the agency.
How many questions does the R-58 exam consist of? - ANSWER-The R-58 exam
consists of 20 multiple-choice questions.
What type of exam format is used for the R-58 exam? - ANSWER-The exam is
administered on a touch screen computer monitor.
Is the R-58 exam timed? - ANSWER-Yes, it is a time-limit exam.
What happens if an applicant surrenders all their F-89/T-89/F-85 cards? - ANSWER-
They are not subject to the R-58 exam.
What should applicants do if they receive a Notice of Failure? - ANSWER-They must
take the R-58 exam as required.
What is the significance of the R-58 exam in relation to the Fire Safety Director
certification? - ANSWER-It is a remedial exam for those who have failed critical
components of the certification process.
What must self-employed applicants submit instead of a letter of recommendation? -
ANSWER-A notarized letter attesting to their qualifications.
Where can applicants find simplified instructions for the online application? - ANSWER-
Instructions can be found in the document titled 'individuals-short.pdf'.
What is the release version of the study guide? - ANSWER-Release 1.0, with updates
planned periodically.
What should applicants check before their test date? - ANSWER-They should check the
FDNY website for any updates to the guide.
What is the time limit for the Fire Safety Knowledge exam? - ANSWER-30 minutes.
What is the minimum passing score required for the Fire Safety Knowledge exam? -
ANSWER-At least 70%.
What must you do if you pass the R-58 examination? - ANSWER-Submit a request to
re-take the FLSD on-site examination for certification.
,What happens if you fail the R-58 examination? - ANSWER-All current F-89/T-89/F-85
Certificate(s) of Fitness will be suspended, and you cannot take any on-site exam until
certain steps are completed.
What are the steps to take if you fail the R-58 examination? - ANSWER-1. Complete the
31-hr FLSD courses from an FDNY approved school. 2. Pass two FLSD computer-
based exams: the Fire component (FSD) and the Non-Fire component (EAPD).
Where is the exam site for the Fire Safety Knowledge exam? - ANSWER-FDNY
Headquarters, 9 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY.
What should you check before taking the Fire Safety Knowledge exam? - ANSWER-
Always check for the latest revised booklet at the FDNY website.
What is the purpose of the Fire Safety Knowledge exam? - ANSWER-To demonstrate
basic Fire Safety Knowledge for serving as a Fire and Life Safety Director.
What is the contact number for additional information regarding the exam? - ANSWER-
Call <phone>.
What is the significance of the Acknowledge switch or button in fire alarm systems? -
ANSWER-It is used to acknowledge the activation of a fire alarm.
What does the Alarm silence switch or button do? - ANSWER-It silences the alarm once
it has been acknowledged.
What is the function of the System reset switch or button? - ANSWER-It resets the fire
alarm system after an alarm or trouble signal.
What are the duties of the FLS Director? - ANSWER-Responsibilities include
overseeing fire safety protocols and ensuring compliance with regulations.
What is the role of the Deputy FLS Director? - ANSWER-Assists the FLS Director and
may take over responsibilities in their absence.
What is the purpose of the FLS brigade? - ANSWER-To assist in fire safety and
evacuation procedures.
What does the FLS building evacuation supervisor do? - ANSWER-Oversees the
evacuation process during a fire emergency.
What is the role of an FLS warden? - ANSWER-Responsible for managing fire safety
and evacuation procedures in their designated area.
, What is the function of a Deputy FLS warden? - ANSWER-Assists the FLS warden and
may take over their duties if necessary.
What are Fire Alarm Signals? - ANSWER-Signals that indicate the presence of a fire or
emergency situation.
What are Supervisory Signals in fire alarm systems? - ANSWER-Signals that indicate a
supervisory condition, such as a malfunction or maintenance requirement.
What are Trouble signals in fire alarm systems? - ANSWER-Signals that indicate a
problem with the fire alarm system that needs attention.
What should be done if any fire alarm, supervisory, or trouble signal is generated? -
ANSWER-Follow the established protocols for acknowledging and responding to the
signals.
What is the primary focus of the R-58 booklet? - ANSWER-The R-58 booklet focuses on
the duties of the FLS Director and other FLS staff, particularly their responsibilities in fire
emergencies.
What should you do in addition to reading the R-58 study guide? - ANSWER-You
should re-read the FLSD booklet in its entirety to obtain additional knowledge for
passing the exam.
What is the responsibility of the FLS Director regarding laws and regulations? -
ANSWER-The FLS Director must become familiar with all applicable laws, rules, and
regulations from federal, state, and city agencies, even if not included in the study
guide.
What is the purpose of the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)? - ANSWER-The FACP
monitors inputs and controls outputs through various circuits, processing signals from
initiating devices and activating appropriate signals.
Who is allowed to operate the Fire Alarm Control Panel during business hours? -
ANSWER-Only persons holding an FLS Director Certificate of Fitness (C of F) are
allowed to operate and address alarms and signals at the FACP.
What initiates a fire alarm signal? - ANSWER-A fire alarm signal is initiated by devices
such as manual fire alarm pull stations, smoke detectors, or water-flow switches,
indicating the presence of a fire.
What happens when a fire alarm signal is generated? - ANSWER-The FACP activates
building audible and visual devices, sends a signal to an FDNY approved central
station, and controls certain building functions.
