FDNY F-80 Certificate of Fitness 2026 – Fire Department – Current
Exam Questions and Answers
FDNY F-80 CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Part I: F-80 Duties, Responsibilities & Building Evacuation Supervisor Role
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the primary role of the F-80 Certificate of
Fitness holder in a homeless shelter?
A) To perform maintenance on fire alarm system components B) To serve as the Building
Evacuation Supervisor and coordinate fire safety and alarm systems C) To conduct annual
inspections of sprinkler systems as a certified technician D) To replace the Fire Safety Director in
high-rise office buildings
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The F-80 Certificate of Fitness holder serves as the Coordinator of Fire Safety and
Alarm Systems in Homeless Shelters and acts as the Building Evacuation Supervisor when no
Fire Safety Director is required on duty. According to FDNY study materials, the F-80 holder is
responsible for operating the fire alarm control panel, conducting emergency drills, coordinating
with Fire and Emergency Preparedness (FEP) staff, and ensuring the safety of shelter occupants
during emergencies. Option A is incorrect because while F-80 holders supervise systems, they
do not perform technical maintenance—that requires S-97 or S-98 certification. Option C is
incorrect because annual sprinkler inspections require specialized certification, not the F-80.
Option D is incorrect because F-80 holders do not replace Fire Safety Directors; they serve in
shelters where no FLSD is required.
Question 2: An F-80 Certificate of Fitness holder may be certified for a maximum of how many
homeless shelter locations simultaneously without obtaining a variance from the FDNY?
A) One location B) Two locations C) Three locations D) Five locations
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: According to FDNY regulations, F-80 Certificate of Fitness holders can only be
certified in two homeless shelter locations at one time without applying for a variance. To work
at three or more locations, the holder must apply for a variance with the FDNY and submit both
the F-80 Letter of Verification and F-80 Application for each individual location. This limitation
ensures that the F-80 holder can effectively perform their duties as Building Evacuation
,Supervisor at each location without being overextended. Options A, C, and D do not reflect the
specific regulatory limitation established by the FDNY for this Certificate of Fitness.
Question 3: Which Certificate of Fitness is an F-80 holder exempt from obtaining when working
exclusively in homeless shelters?
A) F-01 Fire Guard for Impairment B) F-02 Fire Guard for Shelters C) S-95 Supervision of Fire
Alarm Systems D) W-96 Portable Fire Extinguisher Servicing
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Individuals certified for the F-80 Certificate of Fitness are exempt from having to
obtain a separate S-95 Certificate of Fitness for Supervision of Fire Alarm Systems and Other
Related Systems, provided they work exclusively in shelters. This exemption recognizes that the
F-80 training and examination cover the necessary competencies for supervising fire alarm
systems within the specific context of homeless shelters. However, this exemption applies only
to shelter environments; if the individual seeks to supervise fire alarm systems in other types of
premises, they would need to obtain the S-95 certification. Options A, B, and D represent
distinct certifications with different scopes that are not covered by the F-80 exemption.
Question 4: When acting as Building Evacuation Supervisor during a fire drill, what is the FIRST
action the F-80 holder must take upon activation of the fire alarm?
A) Evacuate the building immediately B) Report to the fire alarm control panel C) Contact the
FDNY to report the drill D) Begin searching floors for occupants
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: According to FDNY F-80 study materials, the first action the Coordinator of Fire
Safety and Alarm Systems must take upon fire alarm activation is to report to the fire alarm
control panel. From this location, the F-80 holder can assess the nature of the alarm, determine
the affected zone, activate voice communication systems to provide instructions to occupants,
and coordinate with FEP staff throughout the evacuation process. The fire alarm control panel
serves as the command center for emergency operations. Option A is incorrect because the F-80
holder must remain at the control panel to coordinate the response, not evacuate. Option C is
incorrect because the FDNY is only contacted for actual emergencies, not drills. Option D is the
responsibility of designated searchers and floor wardens, not the Building Evacuation
Supervisor.
, Question 5: In the context of F-80 responsibilities, what does the term "Defend in Place" refer
to?
A) A strategy where occupants actively fight fires using portable extinguishers B) A strategy
where occupants remain in their rooms with doors closed during a fire emergency C) A strategy
where all occupants immediately evacuate to the street level D) A strategy where fire doors are
permanently sealed to prevent fire spread
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: "Defend in Place" is a critical fire safety strategy, particularly in homeless shelters
and similar occupancies, where occupants remain in their rooms or designated areas with doors
closed rather than evacuating through potentially hazardous conditions. This strategy is
essential when occupants may have mobility limitations, when evacuation routes are
compromised by smoke or fire, or when the fire is localized and compartmentalization can
protect occupants until FDNY arrival. The F-80 holder must be trained to recognize when this
strategy is appropriate and ensure that staff understand how to implement it, including sealing
door gaps, notifying FDNY of occupant locations, and maintaining communication with
sheltered occupants. Options A, C, and D misrepresent the Defend in Place concept as described
in FDNY emergency preparedness guidelines.
Part II: Emergency Preparedness Plans & Fire and Emergency Preparedness (FEP) Staff
Question 6: According to NYC Fire Code requirements, how frequently must emergency drills be
conducted in homeless shelters (Group R-1)?
A) Quarterly B) Monthly C) Semiannually D) Annually
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: According to FC Table 401.7.6 of the NYC Fire Code, Group R-1 homeless shelters
and emergency shelters are required to conduct emergency drills monthly with participation of
all building occupants. This high frequency reflects the vulnerable population served by
homeless shelters and the need to ensure that both staff and residents are thoroughly familiar
with evacuation procedures. The F-80 holder is responsible for coordinating these drills,
ensuring realistic scenarios, varying drill times, and documenting all drill activities in the
required logbook. Options A, C, and D represent drill frequencies for other occupancy types but
do not meet the specific requirements for homeless shelters.
Exam Questions and Answers
FDNY F-80 CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Part I: F-80 Duties, Responsibilities & Building Evacuation Supervisor Role
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the primary role of the F-80 Certificate of
Fitness holder in a homeless shelter?
A) To perform maintenance on fire alarm system components B) To serve as the Building
Evacuation Supervisor and coordinate fire safety and alarm systems C) To conduct annual
inspections of sprinkler systems as a certified technician D) To replace the Fire Safety Director in
high-rise office buildings
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The F-80 Certificate of Fitness holder serves as the Coordinator of Fire Safety and
Alarm Systems in Homeless Shelters and acts as the Building Evacuation Supervisor when no
Fire Safety Director is required on duty. According to FDNY study materials, the F-80 holder is
responsible for operating the fire alarm control panel, conducting emergency drills, coordinating
with Fire and Emergency Preparedness (FEP) staff, and ensuring the safety of shelter occupants
during emergencies. Option A is incorrect because while F-80 holders supervise systems, they
do not perform technical maintenance—that requires S-97 or S-98 certification. Option C is
incorrect because annual sprinkler inspections require specialized certification, not the F-80.
Option D is incorrect because F-80 holders do not replace Fire Safety Directors; they serve in
shelters where no FLSD is required.
Question 2: An F-80 Certificate of Fitness holder may be certified for a maximum of how many
homeless shelter locations simultaneously without obtaining a variance from the FDNY?
A) One location B) Two locations C) Three locations D) Five locations
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: According to FDNY regulations, F-80 Certificate of Fitness holders can only be
certified in two homeless shelter locations at one time without applying for a variance. To work
at three or more locations, the holder must apply for a variance with the FDNY and submit both
the F-80 Letter of Verification and F-80 Application for each individual location. This limitation
ensures that the F-80 holder can effectively perform their duties as Building Evacuation
,Supervisor at each location without being overextended. Options A, C, and D do not reflect the
specific regulatory limitation established by the FDNY for this Certificate of Fitness.
Question 3: Which Certificate of Fitness is an F-80 holder exempt from obtaining when working
exclusively in homeless shelters?
A) F-01 Fire Guard for Impairment B) F-02 Fire Guard for Shelters C) S-95 Supervision of Fire
Alarm Systems D) W-96 Portable Fire Extinguisher Servicing
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Individuals certified for the F-80 Certificate of Fitness are exempt from having to
obtain a separate S-95 Certificate of Fitness for Supervision of Fire Alarm Systems and Other
Related Systems, provided they work exclusively in shelters. This exemption recognizes that the
F-80 training and examination cover the necessary competencies for supervising fire alarm
systems within the specific context of homeless shelters. However, this exemption applies only
to shelter environments; if the individual seeks to supervise fire alarm systems in other types of
premises, they would need to obtain the S-95 certification. Options A, B, and D represent
distinct certifications with different scopes that are not covered by the F-80 exemption.
Question 4: When acting as Building Evacuation Supervisor during a fire drill, what is the FIRST
action the F-80 holder must take upon activation of the fire alarm?
A) Evacuate the building immediately B) Report to the fire alarm control panel C) Contact the
FDNY to report the drill D) Begin searching floors for occupants
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: According to FDNY F-80 study materials, the first action the Coordinator of Fire
Safety and Alarm Systems must take upon fire alarm activation is to report to the fire alarm
control panel. From this location, the F-80 holder can assess the nature of the alarm, determine
the affected zone, activate voice communication systems to provide instructions to occupants,
and coordinate with FEP staff throughout the evacuation process. The fire alarm control panel
serves as the command center for emergency operations. Option A is incorrect because the F-80
holder must remain at the control panel to coordinate the response, not evacuate. Option C is
incorrect because the FDNY is only contacted for actual emergencies, not drills. Option D is the
responsibility of designated searchers and floor wardens, not the Building Evacuation
Supervisor.
, Question 5: In the context of F-80 responsibilities, what does the term "Defend in Place" refer
to?
A) A strategy where occupants actively fight fires using portable extinguishers B) A strategy
where occupants remain in their rooms with doors closed during a fire emergency C) A strategy
where all occupants immediately evacuate to the street level D) A strategy where fire doors are
permanently sealed to prevent fire spread
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: "Defend in Place" is a critical fire safety strategy, particularly in homeless shelters
and similar occupancies, where occupants remain in their rooms or designated areas with doors
closed rather than evacuating through potentially hazardous conditions. This strategy is
essential when occupants may have mobility limitations, when evacuation routes are
compromised by smoke or fire, or when the fire is localized and compartmentalization can
protect occupants until FDNY arrival. The F-80 holder must be trained to recognize when this
strategy is appropriate and ensure that staff understand how to implement it, including sealing
door gaps, notifying FDNY of occupant locations, and maintaining communication with
sheltered occupants. Options A, C, and D misrepresent the Defend in Place concept as described
in FDNY emergency preparedness guidelines.
Part II: Emergency Preparedness Plans & Fire and Emergency Preparedness (FEP) Staff
Question 6: According to NYC Fire Code requirements, how frequently must emergency drills be
conducted in homeless shelters (Group R-1)?
A) Quarterly B) Monthly C) Semiannually D) Annually
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: According to FC Table 401.7.6 of the NYC Fire Code, Group R-1 homeless shelters
and emergency shelters are required to conduct emergency drills monthly with participation of
all building occupants. This high frequency reflects the vulnerable population served by
homeless shelters and the need to ensure that both staff and residents are thoroughly familiar
with evacuation procedures. The F-80 holder is responsible for coordinating these drills,
ensuring realistic scenarios, varying drill times, and documenting all drill activities in the
required logbook. Options A, C, and D represent drill frequencies for other occupancy types but
do not meet the specific requirements for homeless shelters.
