Spring Semester February 2026 IICRC CCT Carpet Cleaning Technician
Certification Exam Prep | Carpet Cleaning Standards, Cleaning
Techniques, Equipment Operation, Stain & Soil Removal, Fiber
Identification, Safety Procedures, NGN-Style Practice Questions &
Technician Readiness Guide
,Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of the pre-inspection process in carpet cleaning?
• A) To charge the client more
• B) To identify carpet types and conditions
• C) To determine drying time
• D) To sell additional services
Correct Option: B) To identify carpet types and conditions
Rationale:
The pre-inspection process is crucial as it allows the technician to assess the type of
carpet, its fiber content, and any existing stains or damages. This information helps in
deciding the most appropriate cleaning method, products to use, and ensures that the
technician can set proper client expectations regarding the cleaning outcome.
Question 2:
Which cleaning method is considered the most effective for synthetic carpets?
• A) Hot water extraction
• B) Bonnet cleaning
• C) Dry cleaning
• D) Shampooing
Correct Option: A) Hot water extraction
Rationale:
Hot water extraction, often referred to as steam cleaning, is highly effective for synthetic
carpets. It uses hot water and cleaning agents to remove dirt, allergens, and stains. This
method thoroughly cleans the carpet fibers without leaving residue, making it suitable
for maintaining the appearance and longevity of synthetic carpets.
Question 3:
When cleaning carpets, what is the recommended pH level for a cleaning solution?
• A) 0-3
• B) 4-6
• C) 7-9
• D) 10-12
,Correct Option: B) 4-6
Rationale:
A pH level of 4-6 is considered neutral to slightly acidic, which helps in effectively
cleaning and protecting the carpet fibers while also reducing the risk of damage.
Solutions that are too acidic or alkaline can harm the carpet fiber or lead to rapid
resoiling.
Question 4:
What should be done to a carpet before applying any cleaning solution?
• A) Apply water
• B) Vacuum thoroughly
• C) Test for colorfastness
• D) Mix cleaning solutions
Correct Option: B) Vacuum thoroughly
Rationale:
Vacuuming thoroughly before cleaning is essential as it removes loose dirt and debris
that could interfere with the cleaning process. This step maximizes the effectiveness of
the cleaning solutions applied afterward by ensuring that they can penetrate deeply into
the carpet fibers without barriers.
Question 5:
Which of the following is NOT recommended for removing stubborn stains?
• A) Blotting the stain
• B) Applying heat directly
• C) Using the appropriate cleaning product
• D) Testing on an inconspicuous area
Correct Option: B) Applying heat directly
Rationale:
Applying heat directly to a stain can often set it deeper into the fibers, making it harder
to remove. It's better to use blotting techniques to lift the stain and to utilize appropriate
stain removal products, testing them on inconspicuous areas first to prevent any
damage.
Question 1:
, What is the primary purpose of the pre-inspection process in carpet cleaning?
• A) To charge the client more
• B) To identify carpet types and conditions
• C) To determine drying time
• D) To sell additional services
Correct Option: B) To identify carpet types and conditions
Rationale:
The pre-inspection process is crucial as it allows the technician to assess the type of
carpet, its fiber content, and any existing stains or damages. This information helps in
deciding the most appropriate cleaning method, products to use, and ensures that the
technician can set proper client expectations regarding the cleaning outcome.
Question 2:
Which cleaning method is considered the most effective for synthetic carpets?
• A) Hot water extraction
• B) Bonnet cleaning
• C) Dry cleaning
• D) Shampooing
Correct Option: A) Hot water extraction
Rationale:
Hot water extraction, often referred to as steam cleaning, is highly effective for synthetic
carpets. It uses hot water and cleaning agents to remove dirt, allergens, and stains. This
method thoroughly cleans the carpet fibers without leaving residue, making it suitable
for maintaining the appearance and longevity of synthetic carpets.
Question 3:
What is the recommended pH level for a carpet cleaning solution?
• A) 0-3
• B) 4-6
• C) 7-9
• D) 10-12
Correct Option: B) 4-6
Certification Exam Prep | Carpet Cleaning Standards, Cleaning
Techniques, Equipment Operation, Stain & Soil Removal, Fiber
Identification, Safety Procedures, NGN-Style Practice Questions &
Technician Readiness Guide
,Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of the pre-inspection process in carpet cleaning?
• A) To charge the client more
• B) To identify carpet types and conditions
• C) To determine drying time
• D) To sell additional services
Correct Option: B) To identify carpet types and conditions
Rationale:
The pre-inspection process is crucial as it allows the technician to assess the type of
carpet, its fiber content, and any existing stains or damages. This information helps in
deciding the most appropriate cleaning method, products to use, and ensures that the
technician can set proper client expectations regarding the cleaning outcome.
Question 2:
Which cleaning method is considered the most effective for synthetic carpets?
• A) Hot water extraction
• B) Bonnet cleaning
• C) Dry cleaning
• D) Shampooing
Correct Option: A) Hot water extraction
Rationale:
Hot water extraction, often referred to as steam cleaning, is highly effective for synthetic
carpets. It uses hot water and cleaning agents to remove dirt, allergens, and stains. This
method thoroughly cleans the carpet fibers without leaving residue, making it suitable
for maintaining the appearance and longevity of synthetic carpets.
Question 3:
When cleaning carpets, what is the recommended pH level for a cleaning solution?
• A) 0-3
• B) 4-6
• C) 7-9
• D) 10-12
,Correct Option: B) 4-6
Rationale:
A pH level of 4-6 is considered neutral to slightly acidic, which helps in effectively
cleaning and protecting the carpet fibers while also reducing the risk of damage.
Solutions that are too acidic or alkaline can harm the carpet fiber or lead to rapid
resoiling.
Question 4:
What should be done to a carpet before applying any cleaning solution?
• A) Apply water
• B) Vacuum thoroughly
• C) Test for colorfastness
• D) Mix cleaning solutions
Correct Option: B) Vacuum thoroughly
Rationale:
Vacuuming thoroughly before cleaning is essential as it removes loose dirt and debris
that could interfere with the cleaning process. This step maximizes the effectiveness of
the cleaning solutions applied afterward by ensuring that they can penetrate deeply into
the carpet fibers without barriers.
Question 5:
Which of the following is NOT recommended for removing stubborn stains?
• A) Blotting the stain
• B) Applying heat directly
• C) Using the appropriate cleaning product
• D) Testing on an inconspicuous area
Correct Option: B) Applying heat directly
Rationale:
Applying heat directly to a stain can often set it deeper into the fibers, making it harder
to remove. It's better to use blotting techniques to lift the stain and to utilize appropriate
stain removal products, testing them on inconspicuous areas first to prevent any
damage.
Question 1:
, What is the primary purpose of the pre-inspection process in carpet cleaning?
• A) To charge the client more
• B) To identify carpet types and conditions
• C) To determine drying time
• D) To sell additional services
Correct Option: B) To identify carpet types and conditions
Rationale:
The pre-inspection process is crucial as it allows the technician to assess the type of
carpet, its fiber content, and any existing stains or damages. This information helps in
deciding the most appropriate cleaning method, products to use, and ensures that the
technician can set proper client expectations regarding the cleaning outcome.
Question 2:
Which cleaning method is considered the most effective for synthetic carpets?
• A) Hot water extraction
• B) Bonnet cleaning
• C) Dry cleaning
• D) Shampooing
Correct Option: A) Hot water extraction
Rationale:
Hot water extraction, often referred to as steam cleaning, is highly effective for synthetic
carpets. It uses hot water and cleaning agents to remove dirt, allergens, and stains. This
method thoroughly cleans the carpet fibers without leaving residue, making it suitable
for maintaining the appearance and longevity of synthetic carpets.
Question 3:
What is the recommended pH level for a carpet cleaning solution?
• A) 0-3
• B) 4-6
• C) 7-9
• D) 10-12
Correct Option: B) 4-6
