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Qualified Elevator Inspector Training Fund (QEITF),
Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) Certification Exam
Actual Test Questions and Correct Answers With
Rationales LATEST THIS YEAR
Summarized Exam Coverage Outline
The QEI Certification Exam validates your ability to protect the public and elevator personnel by
ensuring compliance with safety codes . The exam is based on a formal job analysis and covers the
following core domains .
1. Codes and Standards
• Primary: ASME A17.1/CSA B44 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators), ASME A17.2 (Guide
for Inspection), and ASME QEI-1 (Standard for the Qualification of Elevator Inspectors) .
• Secondary: NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code - NEC), local jurisdictional requirements, and fire
safety codes (e.g., for Firefighter's Service) .
2. Elevator Systems & Components
• Electric Traction Elevators: Geared and gearless machines, ropes, sheaves, counterweight, and
controllers .
• Hydraulic Elevators: Jacks, cylinders, pumps, valves, and fluid/pressure testing .
• Machine-Room-Less (MRL) Elevators: Unique component locations and safety access
requirements .
• Components: Hoistway enclosures, guide rails, car frame and platform, buffers, governors,
safety gears, and door systems (interlocks, hangers, and reopening devices) .
3. Inspection Types & Procedures
• Acceptance Inspections: For new installations or major alterations .
• Periodic Inspections: Annual or semi-annual checks for continued compliance .
• Witness Testing: Observing Category 1, 3, and 5 tests (e.g., full-load brake tests, governor
tripping, and buffer tests) .
4. Safety & Administrative Duties
• Inspector Safety: Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, PPE, and safe practices for pit and car-top
access .
• Emergency Systems: Firefighter's Service (Phase I & II), emergency lighting, and two-way
communication .
• Documentation: Proper completion of inspection reports, maintaining violation notices, and
securing/placing inspection certificates .
200 Scenario-Based MCQs (Exam-Relevant)
Domain 1: General Administration, Safety, & Code Application (1-30)
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1. You arrive at a site to perform an annual inspection. Before entering the machine room, what is your
FIRST action regarding safety?
A. Check the machine room lighting.
B. Verify the oil level in the hydraulic pump.
C. Ensure the machine room is clean and organized.
D. Perform lockout/tagout procedures on the mainline disconnect.
Answer: D
Rationale: Lockout/tagout ensures the elevator cannot be accidentally activated, protecting the
inspector from moving machinery while working inside the machine room or hoistway .
2. Which national standard specifically defines the qualifications, duties, and responsibilities for
becoming a certified elevator inspector?
A. ASME A17.1
B. NFPA 70 (NEC)
C. ASME QEI-1
D. ASME A17.2
Answer: C
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Rationale: The QEI-1 Standard establishes the requirements for the qualification, certification, and
responsibilities of elevator inspectors and their supervisors .
3. You identify a critical safety defect (e.g., failed door interlock) during an inspection. According to
standard protocols, what must you do?
A. Note it in the report for repair within 30 days.
B. Order the elevator removed from service immediately.
C. Inform the building owner and leave it for the mechanic.
D. Complete the inspection and fail it at the end.
Answer: B
Rationale: If an imminent hazard or critical defect is found that poses a direct threat to public safety, the
inspector must immediately remove the elevator from service and notify the appropriate authorities .
4. The ASME A17.1 code book is updated regularly. As a QEI, what is your responsibility regarding which
code edition to enforce?
A. Always enforce the most current ASME edition available.
B. Enforce the edition currently adopted by the local jurisdiction (AHJ).
C. Enforce the edition that was in effect when the elevator was built.
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D. Enforce the edition the building owner prefers.
Answer: B
Rationale: The legally enforceable code is the version adopted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (local
city or state), not necessarily the newest printing .
5. You are inspecting a building with a fire alarm system. What automatically initiates Phase I Emergency
In-Car Operation (Firefighter's Service)?
A. Activation of the mainline disconnect switch.
B. A passenger pressing the emergency stop button.
C. Activation of a smoke detector in the machine room, hoistway, or lobby.
D. The fire department arriving on site.
Answer: C
Rationale: Phase I recall is automatically initiated by smoke detectors or fire alarm interfaces, which
signals the controller to bring cars to the designated alternate or main recall floor .
6. During an inspection, a helper asks you to hold the car door open while they retrieve a tool from the
pit. What is the proper safety protocol?
A. Use the door-hold button on the car operating panel.
Qualified Elevator Inspector Training Fund (QEITF),
Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) Certification Exam
Actual Test Questions and Correct Answers With
Rationales LATEST THIS YEAR
Summarized Exam Coverage Outline
The QEI Certification Exam validates your ability to protect the public and elevator personnel by
ensuring compliance with safety codes . The exam is based on a formal job analysis and covers the
following core domains .
1. Codes and Standards
• Primary: ASME A17.1/CSA B44 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators), ASME A17.2 (Guide
for Inspection), and ASME QEI-1 (Standard for the Qualification of Elevator Inspectors) .
• Secondary: NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code - NEC), local jurisdictional requirements, and fire
safety codes (e.g., for Firefighter's Service) .
2. Elevator Systems & Components
• Electric Traction Elevators: Geared and gearless machines, ropes, sheaves, counterweight, and
controllers .
• Hydraulic Elevators: Jacks, cylinders, pumps, valves, and fluid/pressure testing .
• Machine-Room-Less (MRL) Elevators: Unique component locations and safety access
requirements .
• Components: Hoistway enclosures, guide rails, car frame and platform, buffers, governors,
safety gears, and door systems (interlocks, hangers, and reopening devices) .
3. Inspection Types & Procedures
• Acceptance Inspections: For new installations or major alterations .
• Periodic Inspections: Annual or semi-annual checks for continued compliance .
• Witness Testing: Observing Category 1, 3, and 5 tests (e.g., full-load brake tests, governor
tripping, and buffer tests) .
4. Safety & Administrative Duties
• Inspector Safety: Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, PPE, and safe practices for pit and car-top
access .
• Emergency Systems: Firefighter's Service (Phase I & II), emergency lighting, and two-way
communication .
• Documentation: Proper completion of inspection reports, maintaining violation notices, and
securing/placing inspection certificates .
200 Scenario-Based MCQs (Exam-Relevant)
Domain 1: General Administration, Safety, & Code Application (1-30)
, Page 2 of 112
1. You arrive at a site to perform an annual inspection. Before entering the machine room, what is your
FIRST action regarding safety?
A. Check the machine room lighting.
B. Verify the oil level in the hydraulic pump.
C. Ensure the machine room is clean and organized.
D. Perform lockout/tagout procedures on the mainline disconnect.
Answer: D
Rationale: Lockout/tagout ensures the elevator cannot be accidentally activated, protecting the
inspector from moving machinery while working inside the machine room or hoistway .
2. Which national standard specifically defines the qualifications, duties, and responsibilities for
becoming a certified elevator inspector?
A. ASME A17.1
B. NFPA 70 (NEC)
C. ASME QEI-1
D. ASME A17.2
Answer: C
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Rationale: The QEI-1 Standard establishes the requirements for the qualification, certification, and
responsibilities of elevator inspectors and their supervisors .
3. You identify a critical safety defect (e.g., failed door interlock) during an inspection. According to
standard protocols, what must you do?
A. Note it in the report for repair within 30 days.
B. Order the elevator removed from service immediately.
C. Inform the building owner and leave it for the mechanic.
D. Complete the inspection and fail it at the end.
Answer: B
Rationale: If an imminent hazard or critical defect is found that poses a direct threat to public safety, the
inspector must immediately remove the elevator from service and notify the appropriate authorities .
4. The ASME A17.1 code book is updated regularly. As a QEI, what is your responsibility regarding which
code edition to enforce?
A. Always enforce the most current ASME edition available.
B. Enforce the edition currently adopted by the local jurisdiction (AHJ).
C. Enforce the edition that was in effect when the elevator was built.
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D. Enforce the edition the building owner prefers.
Answer: B
Rationale: The legally enforceable code is the version adopted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (local
city or state), not necessarily the newest printing .
5. You are inspecting a building with a fire alarm system. What automatically initiates Phase I Emergency
In-Car Operation (Firefighter's Service)?
A. Activation of the mainline disconnect switch.
B. A passenger pressing the emergency stop button.
C. Activation of a smoke detector in the machine room, hoistway, or lobby.
D. The fire department arriving on site.
Answer: C
Rationale: Phase I recall is automatically initiated by smoke detectors or fire alarm interfaces, which
signals the controller to bring cars to the designated alternate or main recall floor .
6. During an inspection, a helper asks you to hold the car door open while they retrieve a tool from the
pit. What is the proper safety protocol?
A. Use the door-hold button on the car operating panel.
