nfpa cfps practice test
Certified Fire Protection Specialist
Question 1
What type of load is the weight of items such as furnishings, people, and equipment?
- A. Live
- B. Dead
- C. Static
- D. Residual
Answer:
A
Explanation:
The weight of items such as furnishings, people, and equipment represents a live load. This means it
is a variable load that can change over time and is not permanently fixed to the structure.
Reference:
Fire Protection Handbook (FPH), Chapter 4, Section 4.1: Loads on Buildings
NFPA 101®: Life Safety Code, Chapter 5, Section 5.3: Design Loads
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7: Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other
Structures
These resources all define live loads as the weight of people, furniture, equipment, and other
movable objects that are not permanently attached to the structure.
Question 2
What is the background color used from the source to the outlets of a nitrous oxide medical gas
system?
- A. Black
- B. Yellow
- C. Blue
- D. Gray/black
Answer:
C
Explanation:
The background color used from the source to the outlets of a nitrous oxide medical gas system
is blue.
This is the standard color coding for nitrous oxide cylinders and pipelines in medical gas
pipeline systems12
.
The color coding helps to identify the gas type and prevent accidental
misconnections or cross-contamination3
.
The color coding also indicates the pressure and flow
characteristics of the gas system4
. Reference:
Colour coding of copper pipes in Medical gas pipeline system according …
Doc 177 20 Medical Gas Cylinders Colour Coding - EIGA
Medical Gas Coding Color Chart & Explanation - Bay Corporation
Medical gases Health Technical Memorandum 02-01: Medical gas pipeline …
Question 3
In 1979, the phenomenon of convergence cluster formation in human fire behavior was identified in
which of the
following?
- A. High-rise apartment building
- B. Wood-frame hotel
- C. Large assembly building
- D. University dormitory
Answer:
D
Explanation:
The phenomenon of convergence cluster formation in human fire behavior was identified in 1979 in
a university dormitory fire.
This phenomenon refers to the tendency of people to gather in groups
near familiar exits or locations during a fire, rather than seeking alternative escape routes1
.
This can
result in congestion, delay, and increased risk of injury or death2
. The university dormitory fire
occurred at the Providence College in Rhode Island, where 10 students died and 40 were injured. The
fire started in a trash chute and spread to the upper floors. Many students tried to escape through
the main stairwell, which became blocked by smoke and flames. Some students jumped from the
windows, while others remained trapped in their rooms.
The fire revealed the lack of fire safety
education, fire drills, and fire protection systems in the dormitory3
. Reference:
Human Behavior in Fire Emergencies
Human Behavior in Fire: Understanding Human Behavior for Better Fire Safety Design
Providence College Dormitory Fire
Question 4
Which foam extinguishing agent can be proportioned into final concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 6%?
- A. Film-Forming Fluoroprotein Agents (FFFP)
- B. Low-Temperature Foaming Agents
- C. Protein Foaming Agents (P)
- D. Aqueous Film-Forming Agents (AFFF)
Answer:
D
Explanation:
Aqueous film-forming agents (AFFF) are synthetic foam concentrates that can be proportioned into
final concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 6%, depending on the type of fuel and application
method12
.
AFFF forms a thin aqueous film on the surface of the flammable liquid, which prevents
vapor release and provides rapid fire knockdown and extinguishment3
. AFFF is suitable for Class B
fires involving hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, etc. Reference:
Fire Fighting Foams - Chemguard
Extinguishing foam: types, operation and application areas
[NFPA 11: Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam]
Question 5
To be considered a family day-care home, what is the maximum allowable number of clients?
- A. Two
- B. Four
- C. Six
- D. Twelve
Answer:
C
Explanation:
The maximum allowable number of clients for a family day-care home varies by state and territory,
but generally ranges from four to six children unrelated to the operator.
A family day-care home is a
facility in which a small group of children receive child care services in the provider’s own home,
such as a house, apartment, or condo unit1
.
To ensure a safe care environment, states and territories
use child care licensing regulations to limit the number of children, as well as the number of infants
and toddlers, that can receive care in a family day-care home1
.
Some states and territories may also
offer certification or registration to help ensure some basic health and safety standards in certain
home-based child care programs1
.
To learn more about how your state or territory regulates family
day-care homes, you can visit the child care consumer education website and child care resource and
referral agency for your state or territory1
. Reference:
Family Child Care Homes | Childcare.gov
Question 6
Which type of roof covering is most effective in preventing the spread of fires from flying brands?
- A. Class A
- B. Class B
- C. Class C
- D. Class D
Answer:
A
Explanation:
Class A roof coverings are the most effective in preventing the spread of fires from flying brands.
Flying brands are burning embers or pieces of combustible material that are carried by the wind and
can ignite other combustible materials or structures. Class A roof coverings are tested to withstand
severe fire exposure from simulated fire sources, such as large burning brands, and do not produce
flying brands themselves.
Class A roof coverings include materials such as asphalt shingles, metal
sheets, clay or concrete tiles, slate, and some types of synthetic membranes12
. Reference:
Class A, B, and C Roof Ratings - UL
Fire-Resistant Roofs - Fire Safe Marin
Question 7
The coefficient of discharge of a fire hydrant when the outlet is smooth and well-rounded outlet is?
- A. 0.90.
- B. 0.87
- C. 0.82
- D. 0.70.
Answer:
A
Explanation:
The coefficient of discharge of a fire hydrant when the outlet is smooth and well-rounded is 0.90.
This is the highest coefficient given by NFPA 291 for fire hydrant outlets, and it means that the stream
is almost as large as the outlet diameter.
The coefficient of discharge is a factor that accounts for the
difference between the actual flow and the theoretical flow from an orifice, based on the shape and
condition of the outlet1
. A lower coefficient means that the stream is more restricted and has a
smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet.
NFPA 291 provides three coefficients for fire hydrant
outlets, depending on how the outlet projects into the barrel: 0.90 for smooth and well-rounded
outlets, 0.80 for outlets with a hexagonal or square projection, and 0.70 for outlets with a long
projection or a damaged edge2
.
The coefficient of discharge is used to calculate the flow rate from
the pitot pressure measured at the centerline of the stream3
. Reference:
Fire Fighting Foams - Chemguard
Guide to Hydrant Flow Testing | WSRB
New Fire Hydrant Flow Test Charts (PDF) - MeyerFire
Question 8
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, what type of fabric is used 51% of the time
on upholstered
furniture?
- A. Thermoplastic
- B. Leather
- C. Cellulosic
- D. Coated PVC
Answer:
C
Explanation:
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), the most common type of fabric
used on upholstered furniture is cellulosic. Cellulosic fabrics are made from natural fibers derived
from plants, such as cotton, linen, rayon, and hemp.
Cellulosic fabrics account for about 51% of the
total fabric weight used on upholstered furniture in the United States1
. Cellulosic fabrics are popular
because they are soft, comfortable, breathable, and versatile.
However, they are also highly
flammable and can contribute to the spread of fire if ignited2
.
Therefore, the CPSC has established a
flammability standard for upholstered furniture that requires cellulosic fabrics to pass a smolder
resistance test3
. Reference:
Upholstered Furniture Business Education | CPSC.gov
Fire Fighting Foams - Chemguard
Standard for the Flammability of Residential Upholstered Furniture
Question 9
The ratio of the weight of a solid or a liquid substance to the weight of an equal volume of water is
referred to as
- A. specific density.
- B. relative humidity.
- C. specific gravity.
- D. relative density.
Answer:
C
Explanation:
The ratio of the weight of a solid or a liquid substance to the weight of an equal volume of water is
referred to as specific gravity. Specific gravity is a dimensionless quantity that is defined as the ratio
of the density of a substance to the density of the water at a specified temperature.
The density of
water at 4 0C is commonly used as a reference point1
. Specific gravity can be calculated using the
following formula:
SG=fracrhosubstance rhoH2 O
where rhosubstance is the density of the substance and rhoH2 O is the density of water. Specific
gravity can be used to compare the relative densities of different substances and to determine
whether a substance will sink or float in water.
A substance with a specific gravity less than 1 will float
in water, while a substance with a specific gravity greater than 1 will sink in water2
.
For example, the specific gravity of gold is 19.3, which means that gold is 19.3 times denser than
water. Therefore, gold will sink in water. The specific gravity of ice is 0.92, which means that ice is
0.92 times denser than water. Therefore, ice will float in water.
Reference:
Specific gravity | Formula, Units, & Equation | Britannica
Specific Gravity - Definition, Calculation, Solved Examples, FAQs - BYJU’S
Question 10
In the plastics industry, which one of the following is NOT one of the four broad areas of processing?
- A. Manufacturing
- B. Conversion
- C. Finishing
- D. Polymerization
Answer:
A
Explanation:
In the plastics industry, the four broad areas of processing are polymerization, conversion, finishing,
and recycling1
.
Polymerization is the process of creating plastic resins from monomers or pre-
polymers, using chemical reactions such as addition, condensation, or ring-opening2
.
Conversion is
the process of transforming plastic resins into plastic products, using various methods such as
injection molding, blow molding, extrusion, rotational molding, and thermoforming3
.
Finishing is the
process of adding value to plastic products, such as coating, printing, welding, or assembling4
.
Recycling is the process of recovering plastic waste and converting it into new plastic products or raw
materials, using mechanical, chemical, or biological methods5
. Therefore, manufacturing is not one
of the four broad areas of processing in the plastics industry, as it is a general term that encompasses
all the stages of producing plastic products from raw materials. Reference:
Plastics Manufacturing: Types of Plastic and Processes - Deskera
Plastics industry - Wikipedia
Methods of Processing Plastic - Plastics Industry
Plastic recycling - Wikipedia
Polymerization - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Question 11
A multistage centrifugal fire pump is defined as
- A. a pump installed on more than one floor or one building.
- B. requiring more than one input location connection.
- C. being able to operate with a diesel, steam or electric driver.
- D. having two or more impellers on one shaft as a single unit.
Answer:
D
Explanation:
Explore
A multistage centrifugal fire pump is defined as having two or more impellers on one shaft as a
single unit. A multistage centrifugal pump is a type of centrifugal pump that uses multiple impellers
to increase the pressure and flow of water.
Each impeller acts like a single-stage pump within a chain
of pumps, and the water passes through each impeller in series, gaining pressure and velocity at
each stage1
.
A multistage centrifugal fire pump is used to provide high-pressure water for fire
protection systems, especially in high-rise buildings or large industrial facilities2
.
A multistage
centrifugal fire pump can be driven by an electric motor, a diesel engine, or a steam turbine3
.
Reference:
Our Guide to Multistage Centrifugal Pumps | C&B Equipment
Fire Pump Types | NFPA
NFPA 20: Changes to the fire pump standard - Consulting
Question 12
When evaluating the hydraulic properties of water for fire protection system, what is the
measurement of a fluid's
resistance to flow?
- A. Velocity
- B. Viscosity
- C. Pressure
- D. Density
Answer:
B
Explanation:
The measurement of a fluid’s resistance to flow is called viscosity.
Viscosity is the property of a fluid
that describes how easily it can deform or move when subjected to a shear stress, such as the force
exerted by a pipe wall or a pump1
. A fluid with high viscosity, such as honey, resists flow and requires
more pressure to overcome the friction between its layers.
A fluid with low viscosity, such as water,
flows easily and has less frictional resistance2
.
Viscosity affects the hydraulic properties of water for
fire protection systems, such as the flow rate, pressure loss, and pump power3
. Viscosity is usually
expressed in units of pascal-second (Pa s) or centipoise (cP) for liquids, and is dependent on the
temperature and composition of the fluid. Reference:
Viscosity | Definition, Facts, Formula, Units, & Examples
Viscosity – The Physics Hypertextbook
Fire Pump Types | NFPA
[12.4: Viscosity and Laminar Flow; Poiseuille’s Law]
Question 13
What are the two classes of fire models?
- A. Open and closed
- B. Field and laboratory
- C. Physical and mathematical
- D. Behavioral and theoretical
Answer:
C
Explanation:
The two classes of fire models are physical and mathematical. Physical fire models are scaled-down
representations of real fire scenarios, using laboratory experiments and measurements to study the
fire behavior and effects.
Physical fire models can be used to test hypotheses, validate mathematical
models, and provide empirical data for fire analysis1
. Mathematical fire models are numerical or
analytical solutions of the equations that govern the fire phenomena, such as heat transfer, fluid
dynamics, combustion, and chemical kinetics.
Mathematical fire models can be used to simulate fire
scenarios, predict fire outcomes, and optimize fire protection systems2
. There are two major
categories of mathematical fire models: zone models and field models. Zone models divide the fire
compartment into two or more homogeneous zones, such as upper and lower layers, and apply mass
and energy conservation equations to each zone.
Zone models are relatively simple, fast, and easy to
use, but they have limitations in accuracy and applicability3
. Field models solve the partial
differential equations that describe the fire-driven fluid flow and heat transfer in three dimensions,
using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques.
Field models are more detailed, realistic, and
flexible, but they require more computational resources and expertise4
. Reference:
Fire modelling with Computational Fluid Dynamics - BRE Group
Fire modeling programs | NIST
interFIRE, A site dedicated to improving fire investigation worldwide.
Computer Fire Models for Fire Investigation and Reconstruction
Question 14
What type of property classifications experience the majority of fire deaths in the United States?
- A. Business
- B. Educational
- C. Public Assembly
- D. One- and two-family dwellings
Answer:
D
Explanation:
The type of property classifications that experience the majority of fire deaths in the United States
are one- and two-family dwellings.
According to the NFPA, one- and two-family dwellings accounted
for 64 percent of all civilian fire deaths in 2021, followed by apartments with 11 percent, and other
residential properties with 1 percent1
.
One- and two-family dwellings are more vulnerable to fire
fatalities because they often lack adequate fire protection systems, such as smoke alarms and
sprinklers, and have more potential sources of ignition, such as cooking, heating, and smoking2
.
Additionally, one- and two-family dwellings may have less escape routes, longer response times, and
more occupants, especially children and elderly, who are at higher risk of fire death. Reference:
US Fire Loss in 2021 NFPA
Home Structure Fires - NFPA
[Fire Death Rate Trends: An International Perspective]
Question 15
Which smoke detector type contains a small amount of radioactive material and functions by sensing
a decrease in conductance of the air when smoke particles enter the chamber?
- A. Photoelectric
- B. Cloud chamber air sampling
- C. Light scattering
- D. lonization
Answer:
D
Explanation:
The smoke detector type that contains a small amount of radioactive material and functions by
sensing a decrease in conductance of the air when smoke particles enter the chamber is the
ionization smoke detector. Ionization smoke detectors use a small amount of americium-241, a
radioactive element, to ionize the air molecules inside a sensing chamber. This creates a low-level
electric current between two electrodes. When smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts the ionized air
and reduces the current flow. This triggers the alarm to sound.
Ionization smoke detectors are more
sensitive to small particles of smoke, such as those produced by flaming fires1
.
However, they may
also be more prone to false alarms from cooking or steam, and they require proper disposal of the
radioactive source2
.
Reference:
Smoke Detector Types: Which Type of Smoke Detector Is Best? - X-Sense
How Does Your Smoke Detector Work? - ThoughtCo