Exam (Breathing Apparatus Specialty)
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which component of a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
stores compressed air?
a) Regulator
b) Cylinder
c) Facepiece
d) Pressure gauge
Answer: Cylinder
Rationale: The cylinder is designed to store high-pressure compressed air,
which supplies the user through the regulator and facepiece.
, 2. What is the primary purpose of a pressure reducer in an SCBA?
a) Increase airflow
b) Reduce cylinder pressure to breathable levels
c) Measure air usage
d) Filter contaminants
Answer: Reduce cylinder pressure to breathable levels
Rationale: The pressure reducer lowers high-pressure air from the cylinder to
a safe, breathable pressure for the wearer.
3. Which type of SCBA facepiece provides the best seal against hazardous
environments?
a) Quarter-mask
b) Half-mask
c) Full-face mask
d) Dust mask
Answer: Full-face mask
Rationale: A full-face mask covers the entire face, preventing contaminants
from entering the respiratory system.
4. What is the most common material used for SCBA cylinders?
a) Aluminum
b) Carbon fiber composite
c) Stainless steel
d) Plastic
,Answer: Carbon fiber composite
Rationale: Carbon fiber composite cylinders are lightweight, durable, and
withstand high pressures, making them ideal for SCBA.
5. During a pre-use inspection, what must be checked on the SCBA
regulator?
a) Cylinder color
b) Functionality and airflow
c) Mask strap elasticity
d) Harness stitching
Answer: Functionality and airflow
Rationale: Ensuring the regulator delivers air correctly is critical for user
safety.
6. What is the minimum training requirement for a firefighter using SCBA
in an IDLH environment?
a) Awareness-level
b) Operational-level SCBA training
c) None
d) First aid training only
Answer: Operational-level SCBA training
Rationale: Training ensures firefighters know how to properly wear, operate,
and troubleshoot SCBA in dangerous environments.
, 7. How often should SCBA cylinders undergo hydrostatic testing?
a) Every 6 months
b) Every year
c) Every 5 years
d) Every 10 years
Answer: Every 5 years
Rationale: Hydrostatic testing ensures cylinder integrity under pressure and
prevents catastrophic failure.
8. What is the purpose of the Heads-Up Display (HUD) on modern SCBA?
a) Increase oxygen flow
b) Provide visual air pressure status
c) Reduce cylinder weight
d) Clean the mask
Answer: Provide visual air pressure status
Rationale: The HUD allows the user to monitor remaining air without
removing the facepiece.
9. What color is commonly used for SCBA high-pressure cylinders?
a) Blue
b) Yellow
c) Green
d) Red