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FIRE EXTINGUISHER TECHNICIAN LICENSE EXAM
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR
Fire Extinguisher Technician License Exam
POINT-FORM SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
• Exam Format & Logistics:
o Provider varies by state (PSI, Prometric, state fire marshal)
o Typically 50–100 multiple-choice questions
o Time limit: 1–2 hours
o Passing score: 70–75%
o Open-book? Usually closed-book (NFPA 10 allowed in some states)
o Renewal: Typically every 1–3 years with continuing education or re-examination
• Core Knowledge Domains – NFPA 10 (2022 Edition):
o Chapter 4 – Selection of Extinguishers: Travel distance, classification (A, B, C, D, K),
rating system (e.g., 4-A, 20-B, 1-A:10-B:C), placement requirements
o Chapter 5 – Installation: Height (not more than 5 ft to handle, 3.5 ft for wheels),
clearance (at least 4 inches from floor for wheeled units), obstruction rules,
temperature limits (-40°F to 120°F typical)
o Chapter 6 – Inspection & Maintenance: Monthly visual inspection (location, seals,
pressure, physical damage, instruction legibility), annual maintenance (internal/external
examination, weighing, disassembly per manufacturer), 6-year hydrostatic test interval
for certain cylinders, 12-year hydrostatic test interval for others (e.g., DOT 4BA, 4BW,
4B)
o Chapter 7 – Hydrostatic Testing: Test intervals by cylinder type (CO₂ every 5 years, dry
chemical/stored pressure every 12 years, cartridge-operated every 12 years), test
pressure (5/3 of service pressure for most, 1.1× for CO₂), test marking, replacement of
lost or damaged labels
o Chapter 8 – Recharging: Discharging, recharging with correct agent (per manufacturer),
sealing, labeling, recording
o Annex A (Explanatory Material): Additional guidance on ratings, travel distances,
occupancy hazards
• Extinguisher Types & Components:
o Stored Pressure vs. Cartridge-Operated: Stored pressure (agent and propellant in same
cylinder), cartridge-operated (separate gas cartridge punctured to pressurize)
o Agents: Dry chemical (ABC, BC, Purple K), Halogenated (Halotron, FM-200, FE-36), Wet
chemical (Class K), Clean agent, CO₂ (Class B/C), Foam (AFFF, FFFP), Dry powder (Class D)
o Valve assemblies: Handles, locking pins, squeeze levers, gauges (dial type, tattletale)
o Hose assemblies, nozzles, gaskets, o-rings
o Safety devices: Rupture disc, relief valve, anti-static hose (for CO₂)
• Extinguisher Ratings (UL/ULC):
o Class A: Wood, paper, cloth (numeric rating: 1-A through 40-A)
o Class B: Flammable liquids (numeric rating: 1-B through 640-B)
o Class C: Energized electrical equipment (letter only, no numeric)
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o Class D: Combustible metals (specific metal type listed on label)
o Class K: Cooking media (vegetable oils, animal fats) – used in commercial kitchens
• Inspection & Servicing Terminology:
o Inspection: Quick visual check (monthly)
o Maintenance: Full internal/external exam, disassembly, replacement of worn parts
(annual)
o Hydrostatic Testing: Pressure-test cylinder shell (every 5, 6, or 12 years depending on
type)
o 6-Year Tear-Down: Internal maintenance for stored pressure extinguishers (NFPA 10
2022: internal maintenance required at 6-year interval, regardless of hydrostatic test
due date, except for single-use cartridges)
o Recharging: Refill with agent and repressurize after discharge or leak
• Safe Handling & OSHA Requirements:
o Hazard Communication (HazCom) – 29 CFR 1910.1200: Access to Safety Data Sheets
(SDS), container labeling, employee training
o Respiratory protection (29 CFR 1910.134): Required when airborne dry chemical
exceeds PEL
o Lockout/Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147): For maintenance of powered test equipment
o PPE: Safety glasses, gloves, apron; fresh air mask for confined spaces (e.g., CO₂ storage
rooms)
• Special Occupancy Requirements:
o Kitchen extinguishers (Class K): Must be within 30 ft travel distance of cooking
appliances, installed in kitchen, not under cooking surface
o Commercial cooking operations: Suppression system plus portable Class K required
o High-piled storage (NFPA 13, 30, 231): Larger units, higher ratings, specific spacing
o Flammable liquid storage (NFPA 30): Class B rated, often wheeled units
• Recordkeeping & Tags:
o Tamper seal verification
o Inspection tags (monthly – handwritten date & initials)
o Maintenance tags (annual – type of service, technician name/ID, date)
o Hydrostatic test labels (metal strap or adhesive label with test date, pressure, retest
due, technician ID)
• Extinguisher Maintenance Procedures:
o Weighing (CO₂, halon, clean agents): Determine loss of agent (more than 10% loss
requires recharge)
o Checking pressure gauge (stored pressure): Needle in green zone
o Examining hose & nozzle: Cracks, obstructions, deterioration
o Checking locking pin & tamper seal: Intact, not bent
o Internal examination: Corrosion, moisture, damaged valve, obstruction
o Leak testing: Soap solution on valve/cap threads and gauge connections
o Baking & drying (CO₂ cylinders): After hydrostatic test, remove moisture (bake at 150°F
for 2+ hours)
o Replacement of defective parts (OEM specified)
• Common Violations / Red Flags:
o Expired hydrostatic test (overdue by more than 1 year)
o Missing or illegible inspection tag
o Corroded shell (pitting, rust, bulging)
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o Incomplete or missing 6-year disassembly
o Wrong agent in an extinguisher (e.g., ABC used where Class K required)
o Unauthorized parts (non-OEM)
o Overcharged or undercharged pressure
• Certification Levels (IFSAC, ProBoard, NICET, Manufacturer-Specific):
o Level I – Portable Fire Extinguisher Technician: Basic inspection, maintenance,
recharge, hydrostatic testing knowledge
o Level II (if applicable): Advanced maintenance, fixed systems
o State licensing: Varies (some states require a license; others recognize national
certification)
1. According to NFPA 10, what is the maximum travel distance to a Class A fire extinguisher in a
building with ordinary hazard?
A) 50 feet
B) 75 feet
C) 100 feet
D) 150 feet
Answer: B
Rationale: NFPA 10 Table 6.2.1.1 specifies a maximum travel distance of 75 feet (23 m) for Class A
extinguishers in ordinary hazard occupancies.
2. The hydrostatic test interval for a stored-pressure dry chemical extinguisher (with a DOT
specification 4BA cylinder) is:
A) Every 5 years
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B) Every 6 years
C) Every 12 years
D) Every 15 years
Answer: C
Rationale: Per NFPA 10, Table 7.1.3.1, non-rechargeable stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers and
those with DOT 4BA, 4BW, 4B cylinders require hydrostatic testing every 12 years.
3. A fire extinguisher labeled with a rating of “4-A:80-B:C” would be suitable for which of the following
hazards?
A) Only ordinary combustibles and electrical fires
B) Only flammable liquid and electrical fires
C) Ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and energized electrical equipment
D) Combustible metals only
Answer: C
Rationale: The rating “4-A:80-B:C” means it is rated for Class A (ordinary combustibles), Class B
(flammable liquids), and Class C (energized electrical fires).
FIRE EXTINGUISHER TECHNICIAN LICENSE EXAM
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR
Fire Extinguisher Technician License Exam
POINT-FORM SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
• Exam Format & Logistics:
o Provider varies by state (PSI, Prometric, state fire marshal)
o Typically 50–100 multiple-choice questions
o Time limit: 1–2 hours
o Passing score: 70–75%
o Open-book? Usually closed-book (NFPA 10 allowed in some states)
o Renewal: Typically every 1–3 years with continuing education or re-examination
• Core Knowledge Domains – NFPA 10 (2022 Edition):
o Chapter 4 – Selection of Extinguishers: Travel distance, classification (A, B, C, D, K),
rating system (e.g., 4-A, 20-B, 1-A:10-B:C), placement requirements
o Chapter 5 – Installation: Height (not more than 5 ft to handle, 3.5 ft for wheels),
clearance (at least 4 inches from floor for wheeled units), obstruction rules,
temperature limits (-40°F to 120°F typical)
o Chapter 6 – Inspection & Maintenance: Monthly visual inspection (location, seals,
pressure, physical damage, instruction legibility), annual maintenance (internal/external
examination, weighing, disassembly per manufacturer), 6-year hydrostatic test interval
for certain cylinders, 12-year hydrostatic test interval for others (e.g., DOT 4BA, 4BW,
4B)
o Chapter 7 – Hydrostatic Testing: Test intervals by cylinder type (CO₂ every 5 years, dry
chemical/stored pressure every 12 years, cartridge-operated every 12 years), test
pressure (5/3 of service pressure for most, 1.1× for CO₂), test marking, replacement of
lost or damaged labels
o Chapter 8 – Recharging: Discharging, recharging with correct agent (per manufacturer),
sealing, labeling, recording
o Annex A (Explanatory Material): Additional guidance on ratings, travel distances,
occupancy hazards
• Extinguisher Types & Components:
o Stored Pressure vs. Cartridge-Operated: Stored pressure (agent and propellant in same
cylinder), cartridge-operated (separate gas cartridge punctured to pressurize)
o Agents: Dry chemical (ABC, BC, Purple K), Halogenated (Halotron, FM-200, FE-36), Wet
chemical (Class K), Clean agent, CO₂ (Class B/C), Foam (AFFF, FFFP), Dry powder (Class D)
o Valve assemblies: Handles, locking pins, squeeze levers, gauges (dial type, tattletale)
o Hose assemblies, nozzles, gaskets, o-rings
o Safety devices: Rupture disc, relief valve, anti-static hose (for CO₂)
• Extinguisher Ratings (UL/ULC):
o Class A: Wood, paper, cloth (numeric rating: 1-A through 40-A)
o Class B: Flammable liquids (numeric rating: 1-B through 640-B)
o Class C: Energized electrical equipment (letter only, no numeric)
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o Class D: Combustible metals (specific metal type listed on label)
o Class K: Cooking media (vegetable oils, animal fats) – used in commercial kitchens
• Inspection & Servicing Terminology:
o Inspection: Quick visual check (monthly)
o Maintenance: Full internal/external exam, disassembly, replacement of worn parts
(annual)
o Hydrostatic Testing: Pressure-test cylinder shell (every 5, 6, or 12 years depending on
type)
o 6-Year Tear-Down: Internal maintenance for stored pressure extinguishers (NFPA 10
2022: internal maintenance required at 6-year interval, regardless of hydrostatic test
due date, except for single-use cartridges)
o Recharging: Refill with agent and repressurize after discharge or leak
• Safe Handling & OSHA Requirements:
o Hazard Communication (HazCom) – 29 CFR 1910.1200: Access to Safety Data Sheets
(SDS), container labeling, employee training
o Respiratory protection (29 CFR 1910.134): Required when airborne dry chemical
exceeds PEL
o Lockout/Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147): For maintenance of powered test equipment
o PPE: Safety glasses, gloves, apron; fresh air mask for confined spaces (e.g., CO₂ storage
rooms)
• Special Occupancy Requirements:
o Kitchen extinguishers (Class K): Must be within 30 ft travel distance of cooking
appliances, installed in kitchen, not under cooking surface
o Commercial cooking operations: Suppression system plus portable Class K required
o High-piled storage (NFPA 13, 30, 231): Larger units, higher ratings, specific spacing
o Flammable liquid storage (NFPA 30): Class B rated, often wheeled units
• Recordkeeping & Tags:
o Tamper seal verification
o Inspection tags (monthly – handwritten date & initials)
o Maintenance tags (annual – type of service, technician name/ID, date)
o Hydrostatic test labels (metal strap or adhesive label with test date, pressure, retest
due, technician ID)
• Extinguisher Maintenance Procedures:
o Weighing (CO₂, halon, clean agents): Determine loss of agent (more than 10% loss
requires recharge)
o Checking pressure gauge (stored pressure): Needle in green zone
o Examining hose & nozzle: Cracks, obstructions, deterioration
o Checking locking pin & tamper seal: Intact, not bent
o Internal examination: Corrosion, moisture, damaged valve, obstruction
o Leak testing: Soap solution on valve/cap threads and gauge connections
o Baking & drying (CO₂ cylinders): After hydrostatic test, remove moisture (bake at 150°F
for 2+ hours)
o Replacement of defective parts (OEM specified)
• Common Violations / Red Flags:
o Expired hydrostatic test (overdue by more than 1 year)
o Missing or illegible inspection tag
o Corroded shell (pitting, rust, bulging)
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o Incomplete or missing 6-year disassembly
o Wrong agent in an extinguisher (e.g., ABC used where Class K required)
o Unauthorized parts (non-OEM)
o Overcharged or undercharged pressure
• Certification Levels (IFSAC, ProBoard, NICET, Manufacturer-Specific):
o Level I – Portable Fire Extinguisher Technician: Basic inspection, maintenance,
recharge, hydrostatic testing knowledge
o Level II (if applicable): Advanced maintenance, fixed systems
o State licensing: Varies (some states require a license; others recognize national
certification)
1. According to NFPA 10, what is the maximum travel distance to a Class A fire extinguisher in a
building with ordinary hazard?
A) 50 feet
B) 75 feet
C) 100 feet
D) 150 feet
Answer: B
Rationale: NFPA 10 Table 6.2.1.1 specifies a maximum travel distance of 75 feet (23 m) for Class A
extinguishers in ordinary hazard occupancies.
2. The hydrostatic test interval for a stored-pressure dry chemical extinguisher (with a DOT
specification 4BA cylinder) is:
A) Every 5 years
, Page 4 of 130
B) Every 6 years
C) Every 12 years
D) Every 15 years
Answer: C
Rationale: Per NFPA 10, Table 7.1.3.1, non-rechargeable stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers and
those with DOT 4BA, 4BW, 4B cylinders require hydrostatic testing every 12 years.
3. A fire extinguisher labeled with a rating of “4-A:80-B:C” would be suitable for which of the following
hazards?
A) Only ordinary combustibles and electrical fires
B) Only flammable liquid and electrical fires
C) Ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and energized electrical equipment
D) Combustible metals only
Answer: C
Rationale: The rating “4-A:80-B:C” means it is rated for Class A (ordinary combustibles), Class B
(flammable liquids), and Class C (energized electrical fires).
