IICRC Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician
Certification Exam Study Guide 2026 PDF | Fire
Damage Assessment, Smoke Residue Removal, Odor
Control, Cleaning Techniques, Structural
Restoration, Safety Procedures, Equipment Use, and
Industry Standards | Comprehensive IICRC FSRT
Exam Preparation to Strengthen Technical
Knowledge, Field Skills, and Certification Success
,Question 1: What is the primary goal of fire damage restoration?
• A) To completely rebuild the structure.
• B) To restore the property to its pre-damage condition.
• C) To minimize water damage from firefighting efforts.
• D) To conduct a thorough investigation of the fire.
Correct Answer: B) To restore the property to its pre-damage condition.
Rationale:
The primary goal of fire damage restoration is to return the property to its original state
prior to the fire incident. This involves cleaning, repairing, and restoring both structural
components and personal belongings affected by the fire, smoke, and water used
during firefighting. While minimizing water damage and investigating the fire are
important, the overarching objective is restoration.
Question 2: Which type of smoke presents the most challenge in terms of cleaning
and restoration?
• A) Dry smoke
• B) Wet smoke
• C) Fast-burning smoke
• D) Cold smoke
Correct Answer: B) Wet smoke
Rationale:
Wet smoke is produced by smoldering fires and typically contains a higher level of
moisture and residue. This type of smoke creates a sticky residue that bonds to
surfaces, making it much more difficult to clean compared to dry smoke, which is
lighter and easier to remove. The unique characteristics of wet smoke necessitate
specific cleaning techniques and products to effectively mitigate the damage it causes.
Question 3: What should be the first step in the fire restoration process?
• A) Begin cleaning soot and odor removal.
• B) Assess the property’s structure and contents.
• C) Remove all damaged items from the premises.
• D) Apply for a fire damage insurance claim.
Correct Answer: B) Assess the property’s structure and contents.
, Rationale:
Before any restoration work begins, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of the
property's condition, including structural integrity and the extent of damage. This
evaluation helps inform the restoration plan and prioritizes actions based on safety and
the degree of damage. Jumping straight into cleaning without understanding the full
scope can lead to ineffective or incomplete restoration efforts.
Question 4: Which of the following is NOT a recommended method for deodorizing
after a fire?
• A) Ozone generators
• B) Thermal fogging
• C) Chemical sponging
• D) Opening windows and doors
Correct Answer: D) Opening windows and doors
Rationale:
While opening windows and doors may help ventilate an area, it is not a recommended
deodorization technique for smoke odors after a fire. Ozone generators, thermal
fogging, and chemical sponging are specifically designed to penetrate surfaces and
neutralize odors effectively. Simply opening windows may dilute odors temporarily but
cannot eliminate them, making it an insufficient method for proper deodorization.
Question 5: In fire restoration, what does the term "contents manipulation" refer
to?
• A) Disposing of all contents in a fire-affected area.
• B) Moving and protecting personal belongings during restoration.
• C) Cleaning contents with high-pressure water systems.
• D) Replacing contents that are beyond repair.
Correct Answer: B) Moving and protecting personal belongings during restoration.
Rationale:
Contents manipulation is the process of carefully moving and protecting personal
belongings affected by fire damage to ensure they are preserved during the restoration
process. This involves assessing items for salvageability, cleaning them appropriately,
and storing them securely while the structural restoration is taking place. Proper
contents manipulation is essential to maximize recovery and minimize loss for property
owners.
Certification Exam Study Guide 2026 PDF | Fire
Damage Assessment, Smoke Residue Removal, Odor
Control, Cleaning Techniques, Structural
Restoration, Safety Procedures, Equipment Use, and
Industry Standards | Comprehensive IICRC FSRT
Exam Preparation to Strengthen Technical
Knowledge, Field Skills, and Certification Success
,Question 1: What is the primary goal of fire damage restoration?
• A) To completely rebuild the structure.
• B) To restore the property to its pre-damage condition.
• C) To minimize water damage from firefighting efforts.
• D) To conduct a thorough investigation of the fire.
Correct Answer: B) To restore the property to its pre-damage condition.
Rationale:
The primary goal of fire damage restoration is to return the property to its original state
prior to the fire incident. This involves cleaning, repairing, and restoring both structural
components and personal belongings affected by the fire, smoke, and water used
during firefighting. While minimizing water damage and investigating the fire are
important, the overarching objective is restoration.
Question 2: Which type of smoke presents the most challenge in terms of cleaning
and restoration?
• A) Dry smoke
• B) Wet smoke
• C) Fast-burning smoke
• D) Cold smoke
Correct Answer: B) Wet smoke
Rationale:
Wet smoke is produced by smoldering fires and typically contains a higher level of
moisture and residue. This type of smoke creates a sticky residue that bonds to
surfaces, making it much more difficult to clean compared to dry smoke, which is
lighter and easier to remove. The unique characteristics of wet smoke necessitate
specific cleaning techniques and products to effectively mitigate the damage it causes.
Question 3: What should be the first step in the fire restoration process?
• A) Begin cleaning soot and odor removal.
• B) Assess the property’s structure and contents.
• C) Remove all damaged items from the premises.
• D) Apply for a fire damage insurance claim.
Correct Answer: B) Assess the property’s structure and contents.
, Rationale:
Before any restoration work begins, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of the
property's condition, including structural integrity and the extent of damage. This
evaluation helps inform the restoration plan and prioritizes actions based on safety and
the degree of damage. Jumping straight into cleaning without understanding the full
scope can lead to ineffective or incomplete restoration efforts.
Question 4: Which of the following is NOT a recommended method for deodorizing
after a fire?
• A) Ozone generators
• B) Thermal fogging
• C) Chemical sponging
• D) Opening windows and doors
Correct Answer: D) Opening windows and doors
Rationale:
While opening windows and doors may help ventilate an area, it is not a recommended
deodorization technique for smoke odors after a fire. Ozone generators, thermal
fogging, and chemical sponging are specifically designed to penetrate surfaces and
neutralize odors effectively. Simply opening windows may dilute odors temporarily but
cannot eliminate them, making it an insufficient method for proper deodorization.
Question 5: In fire restoration, what does the term "contents manipulation" refer
to?
• A) Disposing of all contents in a fire-affected area.
• B) Moving and protecting personal belongings during restoration.
• C) Cleaning contents with high-pressure water systems.
• D) Replacing contents that are beyond repair.
Correct Answer: B) Moving and protecting personal belongings during restoration.
Rationale:
Contents manipulation is the process of carefully moving and protecting personal
belongings affected by fire damage to ensure they are preserved during the restoration
process. This involves assessing items for salvageability, cleaning them appropriately,
and storing them securely while the structural restoration is taking place. Proper
contents manipulation is essential to maximize recovery and minimize loss for property
owners.
