Automated Loan Filling (ALF) Core
Training Study Guide based on the
updated 2026/2027 syllabus
Domain 1: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) & Contaminants
1. What is the definition of a "micron" as it relates to air filtration?
A unit of length equal to one-millionth of a meter (µm), used to measure particle size
and filter efficiency.
ANSWER ✓
2. Particles between 0.01 µm and 1.0 µm are primarily captured by which
mechanism?
Diffusion (Brownian motion).
ANSWER ✓
3. What are the three primary mechanisms of mechanical filtration?
Inertial Impaction, Interception, and Diffusion.
ANSWER ✓
4. Which filtration mechanism is most effective for particles larger than 1.0 µm?
Inertial Impaction.
ANSWER ✓
5. What is the size range of respirable particles that penetrate deepest into the
alveolar region of the lungs?
0.5 µm to 3.0 µm.
ANSWER ✓
6. What is the difference between "viable" and "non-viable" particulates?
Viable particulates are living (bacteria, mold spores); non-viable are inert (dust, smoke,
fumes).
ANSWER ✓
7. What is "sick building syndrome" (SBS)?
A situation where building occupants experience acute health effects linked to time
, spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.
ANSWER ✓
8. What are the primary sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in
commercial buildings?
Office furnishings, cleaning agents, paints, adhesives, and carpeting.
ANSWER ✓
9. What is the typical particle size range for tobacco smoke?
0.01 µm to 1.0 µm.
ANSWER ✓
10. What is the role of activated carbon in air filtration?
Adsorption—the adhesion of gas molecules (VOCs, odors) to the surface of the carbon
media.
ANSWER ✓
Domain 2: Standards, Testing, and Classifications
11. What organization publishes ASHRAE Standard 52.2?
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE).
ANSWER ✓
12. What does MERV stand for?
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value.
ANSWER ✓
13. According to ASHRAE 52.2, what particle size range defines the "E1" (0.3–1.0
µm) composite average efficiency?
Particles between 0.30 µm and 1.0 µm.
ANSWER ✓
14. A filter with a MERV 14 rating has a minimum composite efficiency of what
percentage for the E3 (3.0–10.0 µm) range?
75% to 84.9% for E3; also requires 90% or higher for E2.
ANSWER ✓
Training Study Guide based on the
updated 2026/2027 syllabus
Domain 1: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) & Contaminants
1. What is the definition of a "micron" as it relates to air filtration?
A unit of length equal to one-millionth of a meter (µm), used to measure particle size
and filter efficiency.
ANSWER ✓
2. Particles between 0.01 µm and 1.0 µm are primarily captured by which
mechanism?
Diffusion (Brownian motion).
ANSWER ✓
3. What are the three primary mechanisms of mechanical filtration?
Inertial Impaction, Interception, and Diffusion.
ANSWER ✓
4. Which filtration mechanism is most effective for particles larger than 1.0 µm?
Inertial Impaction.
ANSWER ✓
5. What is the size range of respirable particles that penetrate deepest into the
alveolar region of the lungs?
0.5 µm to 3.0 µm.
ANSWER ✓
6. What is the difference between "viable" and "non-viable" particulates?
Viable particulates are living (bacteria, mold spores); non-viable are inert (dust, smoke,
fumes).
ANSWER ✓
7. What is "sick building syndrome" (SBS)?
A situation where building occupants experience acute health effects linked to time
, spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.
ANSWER ✓
8. What are the primary sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in
commercial buildings?
Office furnishings, cleaning agents, paints, adhesives, and carpeting.
ANSWER ✓
9. What is the typical particle size range for tobacco smoke?
0.01 µm to 1.0 µm.
ANSWER ✓
10. What is the role of activated carbon in air filtration?
Adsorption—the adhesion of gas molecules (VOCs, odors) to the surface of the carbon
media.
ANSWER ✓
Domain 2: Standards, Testing, and Classifications
11. What organization publishes ASHRAE Standard 52.2?
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE).
ANSWER ✓
12. What does MERV stand for?
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value.
ANSWER ✓
13. According to ASHRAE 52.2, what particle size range defines the "E1" (0.3–1.0
µm) composite average efficiency?
Particles between 0.30 µm and 1.0 µm.
ANSWER ✓
14. A filter with a MERV 14 rating has a minimum composite efficiency of what
percentage for the E3 (3.0–10.0 µm) range?
75% to 84.9% for E3; also requires 90% or higher for E2.
ANSWER ✓
