FSD ON-SITE PREP EXAM
Fire Safety Director / Fire Life Safety Director
2026/2027 Comprehensive Practice Examination
100 Questions | NYC Fire Code & NFPA Aligned
Instructions:
• 100 multiple-choice questions (single best answer each)
• Correct answers are shown in bold green; rationales are in italic font
• Passing score: 70% (70/100 correct)
• Aligned with NYC Fire Code (FC Chapter 9, 3 RCNY §113), NFPA 72, NFPA 25, NFPA 10, NFPA 101
• Total suggested time: 2–3 hours
I. NYC Fire Code & Administrative Rules
1. Under NYC Fire Code Chapter 9, which buildings are required to have a designated Fire
Safety Director (FSD)?
A. All commercial buildings in NYC
B. Buildings with an occupancy classification of Group B or R-1 exceeding 75 feet in height
C. All buildings with more than 50 occupants
D. Only buildings with a Certificate of Occupancy issued after 2008
Answer: B
Rationale: FC Chapter 9 mandates that buildings classified as Group B (business) or R-1 (residential/hotel)
that exceed 75 feet in height must appoint a Fire Safety Director. This requirement applies regardless of the
year the Certificate of Occupancy was issued. The 75-foot threshold is measured from the lowest level of fire
department access to the highest occupied floor.
2. According to 3 RCNY §113-01, what is the minimum frequency for updating the Fire Safety
Plan (FSP) in a high-rise office building?
A. Every 6 months
B. Annually, or whenever a material change occurs
C. Every 3 years
D. Only upon FDNY request
Answer: B
Rationale: 3 RCNY §113-01 requires the Fire Safety Plan to be reviewed and updated at least annually, and
additionally whenever there is a material change in building occupancy, construction, fire protection
systems, or emergency procedures. The updated plan must be submitted to the FDNY for review and
approval within 30 days of the change.
FSD On-Site Prep Exam 2026/2027 | Page 1
,3. Under FC Article 401, which of the following is a required component of an Emergency
Action Plan (EAP)?
A. Floor plans showing only stairwell locations
B. Procedures for accounting for all building occupants after an evacuation
C. A list of all building tenants organized by lease expiration
D. Architectural drawings of the building mechanical systems
Answer: B
Rationale: FC Article 401 mandates that every Emergency Action Plan include procedures for accounting
for all occupants after an evacuation has been ordered. This typically involves designated assembly areas,
fire warden reports, and headcount procedures. Floor plans, tenant lists, and mechanical drawings, while
useful, are not specifically required by Article 401.
4. What is the maximum penalty for failure to appoint a required Fire Safety Director under
NYC Fire Code?
A. A written warning with no monetary fine
B. Up to $25,000 per violation
C. Criminal misdemeanor charges only
D. Revocation of the building Certificate of Occupancy
Answer: B
Rationale: Under the NYC Fire Code and Administrative Code, failure to appoint a required Fire Safety
Director is a violation that carries a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per violation. Repeated violations may
also result in criminal prosecution. The FDNY may also issue vacate orders for buildings operating without
a required FSD.
5. Per 3 RCNY §113-02, which individual is responsible for maintaining the Fire Safety Plan
on-site?
A. The building owner exclusively
B. The Fire Safety Director
C. The FDNY Borough Commander
D. The building architect
Answer: B
Rationale: 3 RCNY §113-02 designates the Fire Safety Director as the individual responsible for
maintaining the approved Fire Safety Plan on the premises. While the building owner has ultimate legal
responsibility, the FSD is the operational custodian of the plan and must ensure it is current, accessible,
and distributed to appropriate staff.
6. According to NYC Fire Code, what is the required posting location for the Fire Safety Plan
summary?
A. In the basement mechanical room
B. In a conspicuous location near each elevator bank on every floor
C. In the building superintendent’s office only
D. In the FDNY fire command station only
Answer: B
Rationale: NYC Fire Code requires that a summary of the Fire Safety Plan be posted in a conspicuous
location near the elevator bank on every occupied floor. The purpose is to ensure that all building
FSD On-Site Prep Exam 2026/2027 | Page 2
,occupants can quickly locate emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and fire safety contact information
regardless of their location in the building.
7. Under FC Chapter 9, what constitutes a ‘material change’ requiring revision of the Fire
Safety Plan?
A. Minor furniture rearrangement within a single tenant space
B. Change in occupancy classification, fire protection system modification, or structural
alteration
C. Replacement of light fixtures with LED equivalents
D. Rotation of security guard staffing schedules
Answer: B
Rationale: A material change under FC Chapter 9 includes any modification that affects the fire safety of
the building, such as changes in occupancy classification, alterations to fire protection or suppression
systems, structural modifications affecting egress paths, or changes in hazardous material storage. Minor
cosmetic changes and routine maintenance do not qualify as material changes.
8. What is the required minimum width for a means of egress corridor in a high-rise building
under NYC Fire Code?
A. 28 inches B. 36 inches
C. 44 inches D. 60 inches
Answer: C
Rationale: NYC Fire Code requires means of egress corridors in high-rise buildings to be a minimum of 44
inches in clear width. This measurement must be maintained at all times and does not include projections
such as handrails, molding, or door stops. For stairwells serving as means of egress, the minimum clear
width is also 44 inches.
9. Per the NYC Fire Code, how often must a Fire Safety Director receive refresher training
after initial certification?
A. Every 6 months
B. Every 2 years
C. Every 3 years
D. No refresher training is required after initial certification
Answer: C
Rationale: NYC Fire Code requires that a certified Fire Safety Director complete refresher training every 3
years to maintain their Certificate of Fitness. The refresher course covers updates to the Fire Code, new fire
safety technologies, changes in FDNY procedures, and best practices for emergency preparedness. Failure
to complete refresher training results in certificate expiration.
10. Under 3 RCNY §113, what must the Fire Safety Director do immediately upon assuming
the role?
A. Order a full building evacuation drill within 24 hours
B. Review the approved Fire Safety Plan and verify compliance with all applicable
requirements
C. Submit a new building inspection report to the DOB
D. Replace all existing fire wardens with new appointments
Answer: B
FSD On-Site Prep Exam 2026/2027 | Page 3
, Rationale: Upon assuming the role, the Fire Safety Director must immediately review the approved Fire
Safety Plan, verify that all fire safety systems are operational, confirm that fire wardens and deputy fire
wardens have been properly designated, and ensure that all required logs and records are current. This
initial review establishes a baseline for ongoing compliance.
11. Which NYC administrative rule governs the Certificate of Fitness requirements for Fire
Safety Directors?
A. 3 RCNY §101-06 B. 3 RCNY §113-03
C. 1 RCNY ©400-01 D. 3 RCNY §502-01
Answer: B
Rationale: 3 RCNY §113-03 specifically governs the Certificate of Fitness (COF) requirements for Fire
Safety Directors. This section outlines eligibility criteria, examination requirements, renewal procedures,
and conditions for COF suspension or revocation. It is distinct from other COF sections that govern fire
guards, standpipe operators, and other fire safety personnel.
12. Under NYC Fire Code, when must a fire watch be implemented in a building?
A. Only during construction hours
B. When any fire protection system is out of service for more than 4 hours in a occupied
building
C. Only when directed by the building owner
D. During holiday periods when building occupancy is reduced
Answer: B
Rationale: NYC Fire Code requires that a fire watch be implemented whenever a required fire protection
system (such as automatic sprinklers, fire alarm systems, or standpipe systems) is out of service for more
than 4 hours in an occupied building. The fire watch must be conducted by trained personnel who patrol
the affected areas at regular intervals.
13. What is the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention’s primary role regarding FSD oversight?
A. Responding to fire incidents as first responders
B. Issuing and enforcing Certificates of Fitness and conducting compliance inspections
C. Designing building fire alarm systems
D. Prosecuting criminal arson cases
Answer: B
Rationale: The FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention is responsible for issuing and enforcing Certificates of
Fitness, conducting fire safety inspections, reviewing Fire Safety Plans, and ensuring compliance with the
NYC Fire Code and administrative rules. Fire suppression is handled by FDNY operational units, not the
Bureau of Fire Prevention.
14. Under FC Chapter 9, which buildings require a Fire Life Safety Director (FLSD) rather
than a standard FSD?
A. Buildings classified as Group B over 100 feet tall
B. Buildings classified as Group E (educational) or Group I (institutional) over 75 feet
C. All residential buildings regardless of height
D. Only mixed-use buildings with retail on the ground floor
Answer: B
FSD On-Site Prep Exam 2026/2027 | Page 4
Fire Safety Director / Fire Life Safety Director
2026/2027 Comprehensive Practice Examination
100 Questions | NYC Fire Code & NFPA Aligned
Instructions:
• 100 multiple-choice questions (single best answer each)
• Correct answers are shown in bold green; rationales are in italic font
• Passing score: 70% (70/100 correct)
• Aligned with NYC Fire Code (FC Chapter 9, 3 RCNY §113), NFPA 72, NFPA 25, NFPA 10, NFPA 101
• Total suggested time: 2–3 hours
I. NYC Fire Code & Administrative Rules
1. Under NYC Fire Code Chapter 9, which buildings are required to have a designated Fire
Safety Director (FSD)?
A. All commercial buildings in NYC
B. Buildings with an occupancy classification of Group B or R-1 exceeding 75 feet in height
C. All buildings with more than 50 occupants
D. Only buildings with a Certificate of Occupancy issued after 2008
Answer: B
Rationale: FC Chapter 9 mandates that buildings classified as Group B (business) or R-1 (residential/hotel)
that exceed 75 feet in height must appoint a Fire Safety Director. This requirement applies regardless of the
year the Certificate of Occupancy was issued. The 75-foot threshold is measured from the lowest level of fire
department access to the highest occupied floor.
2. According to 3 RCNY §113-01, what is the minimum frequency for updating the Fire Safety
Plan (FSP) in a high-rise office building?
A. Every 6 months
B. Annually, or whenever a material change occurs
C. Every 3 years
D. Only upon FDNY request
Answer: B
Rationale: 3 RCNY §113-01 requires the Fire Safety Plan to be reviewed and updated at least annually, and
additionally whenever there is a material change in building occupancy, construction, fire protection
systems, or emergency procedures. The updated plan must be submitted to the FDNY for review and
approval within 30 days of the change.
FSD On-Site Prep Exam 2026/2027 | Page 1
,3. Under FC Article 401, which of the following is a required component of an Emergency
Action Plan (EAP)?
A. Floor plans showing only stairwell locations
B. Procedures for accounting for all building occupants after an evacuation
C. A list of all building tenants organized by lease expiration
D. Architectural drawings of the building mechanical systems
Answer: B
Rationale: FC Article 401 mandates that every Emergency Action Plan include procedures for accounting
for all occupants after an evacuation has been ordered. This typically involves designated assembly areas,
fire warden reports, and headcount procedures. Floor plans, tenant lists, and mechanical drawings, while
useful, are not specifically required by Article 401.
4. What is the maximum penalty for failure to appoint a required Fire Safety Director under
NYC Fire Code?
A. A written warning with no monetary fine
B. Up to $25,000 per violation
C. Criminal misdemeanor charges only
D. Revocation of the building Certificate of Occupancy
Answer: B
Rationale: Under the NYC Fire Code and Administrative Code, failure to appoint a required Fire Safety
Director is a violation that carries a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per violation. Repeated violations may
also result in criminal prosecution. The FDNY may also issue vacate orders for buildings operating without
a required FSD.
5. Per 3 RCNY §113-02, which individual is responsible for maintaining the Fire Safety Plan
on-site?
A. The building owner exclusively
B. The Fire Safety Director
C. The FDNY Borough Commander
D. The building architect
Answer: B
Rationale: 3 RCNY §113-02 designates the Fire Safety Director as the individual responsible for
maintaining the approved Fire Safety Plan on the premises. While the building owner has ultimate legal
responsibility, the FSD is the operational custodian of the plan and must ensure it is current, accessible,
and distributed to appropriate staff.
6. According to NYC Fire Code, what is the required posting location for the Fire Safety Plan
summary?
A. In the basement mechanical room
B. In a conspicuous location near each elevator bank on every floor
C. In the building superintendent’s office only
D. In the FDNY fire command station only
Answer: B
Rationale: NYC Fire Code requires that a summary of the Fire Safety Plan be posted in a conspicuous
location near the elevator bank on every occupied floor. The purpose is to ensure that all building
FSD On-Site Prep Exam 2026/2027 | Page 2
,occupants can quickly locate emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and fire safety contact information
regardless of their location in the building.
7. Under FC Chapter 9, what constitutes a ‘material change’ requiring revision of the Fire
Safety Plan?
A. Minor furniture rearrangement within a single tenant space
B. Change in occupancy classification, fire protection system modification, or structural
alteration
C. Replacement of light fixtures with LED equivalents
D. Rotation of security guard staffing schedules
Answer: B
Rationale: A material change under FC Chapter 9 includes any modification that affects the fire safety of
the building, such as changes in occupancy classification, alterations to fire protection or suppression
systems, structural modifications affecting egress paths, or changes in hazardous material storage. Minor
cosmetic changes and routine maintenance do not qualify as material changes.
8. What is the required minimum width for a means of egress corridor in a high-rise building
under NYC Fire Code?
A. 28 inches B. 36 inches
C. 44 inches D. 60 inches
Answer: C
Rationale: NYC Fire Code requires means of egress corridors in high-rise buildings to be a minimum of 44
inches in clear width. This measurement must be maintained at all times and does not include projections
such as handrails, molding, or door stops. For stairwells serving as means of egress, the minimum clear
width is also 44 inches.
9. Per the NYC Fire Code, how often must a Fire Safety Director receive refresher training
after initial certification?
A. Every 6 months
B. Every 2 years
C. Every 3 years
D. No refresher training is required after initial certification
Answer: C
Rationale: NYC Fire Code requires that a certified Fire Safety Director complete refresher training every 3
years to maintain their Certificate of Fitness. The refresher course covers updates to the Fire Code, new fire
safety technologies, changes in FDNY procedures, and best practices for emergency preparedness. Failure
to complete refresher training results in certificate expiration.
10. Under 3 RCNY §113, what must the Fire Safety Director do immediately upon assuming
the role?
A. Order a full building evacuation drill within 24 hours
B. Review the approved Fire Safety Plan and verify compliance with all applicable
requirements
C. Submit a new building inspection report to the DOB
D. Replace all existing fire wardens with new appointments
Answer: B
FSD On-Site Prep Exam 2026/2027 | Page 3
, Rationale: Upon assuming the role, the Fire Safety Director must immediately review the approved Fire
Safety Plan, verify that all fire safety systems are operational, confirm that fire wardens and deputy fire
wardens have been properly designated, and ensure that all required logs and records are current. This
initial review establishes a baseline for ongoing compliance.
11. Which NYC administrative rule governs the Certificate of Fitness requirements for Fire
Safety Directors?
A. 3 RCNY §101-06 B. 3 RCNY §113-03
C. 1 RCNY ©400-01 D. 3 RCNY §502-01
Answer: B
Rationale: 3 RCNY §113-03 specifically governs the Certificate of Fitness (COF) requirements for Fire
Safety Directors. This section outlines eligibility criteria, examination requirements, renewal procedures,
and conditions for COF suspension or revocation. It is distinct from other COF sections that govern fire
guards, standpipe operators, and other fire safety personnel.
12. Under NYC Fire Code, when must a fire watch be implemented in a building?
A. Only during construction hours
B. When any fire protection system is out of service for more than 4 hours in a occupied
building
C. Only when directed by the building owner
D. During holiday periods when building occupancy is reduced
Answer: B
Rationale: NYC Fire Code requires that a fire watch be implemented whenever a required fire protection
system (such as automatic sprinklers, fire alarm systems, or standpipe systems) is out of service for more
than 4 hours in an occupied building. The fire watch must be conducted by trained personnel who patrol
the affected areas at regular intervals.
13. What is the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention’s primary role regarding FSD oversight?
A. Responding to fire incidents as first responders
B. Issuing and enforcing Certificates of Fitness and conducting compliance inspections
C. Designing building fire alarm systems
D. Prosecuting criminal arson cases
Answer: B
Rationale: The FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention is responsible for issuing and enforcing Certificates of
Fitness, conducting fire safety inspections, reviewing Fire Safety Plans, and ensuring compliance with the
NYC Fire Code and administrative rules. Fire suppression is handled by FDNY operational units, not the
Bureau of Fire Prevention.
14. Under FC Chapter 9, which buildings require a Fire Life Safety Director (FLSD) rather
than a standard FSD?
A. Buildings classified as Group B over 100 feet tall
B. Buildings classified as Group E (educational) or Group I (institutional) over 75 feet
C. All residential buildings regardless of height
D. Only mixed-use buildings with retail on the ground floor
Answer: B
FSD On-Site Prep Exam 2026/2027 | Page 4
