NYC Custodian Engineer Exam
Questions With Correct
Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales
1. What is the primary responsibility of a Custodian Engineer in a
New York City public school building?
A. Supervising classroom instruction
B. Managing building maintenance and operations
C. Developing school curriculum
D. Monitoring student attendance
Answer: B. Managing building maintenance and operations
Rationale: The Custodian Engineer is responsible for overseeing the
operation, maintenance, and repair of building systems, ensuring a
safe and functional environment for students and staff.
2. Which system is primarily responsible for regulating indoor air
quality?
, A. Plumbing system
B. Electrical distribution system
C. HVAC system
D. Fire alarm system
Answer: C. HVAC system
Rationale: The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
system controls airflow, temperature, and humidity, directly affecting
indoor air quality.
3. What is the purpose of a boiler low-water cutoff device?
A. To increase boiler pressure
B. To shut down the burner if water level is too low
C. To regulate steam flow
D. To control fuel input
Answer: B. To shut down the burner if water level is too low
Rationale: The low-water cutoff prevents overheating and possible
boiler explosion by shuFng off the burner when water levels fall
below safe limits.
4. Which document outlines workplace safety standards in New York
City schools?
A. EPA Regulations
B. OSHA Standards
C. DOE Building Manual
D. FDNY Code Only
,Answer: B. OSHA Standards
Rationale: OSHA establishes workplace safety and health standards
that apply to school facilities and custodial operations.
5. What is the correct fire extinguisher for electrical fires?
A. Class A
B. Class B
C. Class C
D. Class D
Answer: C. Class C
Rationale: Class C fire extinguishers are designed for energized
electrical equipment and prevent electrical conductivity hazards.
6. Preventive maintenance primarily aims to:
A. Reduce staffing costs
B. Respond to emergencies
C. Prevent equipment failure
D. Increase energy consumption
Answer: C. Prevent equipment failure
Rationale: Preventive maintenance involves scheduled inspections and
servicing to reduce breakdowns and extend equipment life.
7. A building’s main electrical disconnect is used to:
A. Regulate voltage
B. Shut off all power to the building
, C. Increase circuit load
D. Supply emergency lighting
Answer: B. Shut off all power to the building
Rationale: The main disconnect switch isolates the building from the
electrical supply for maintenance or emergencies.
8. Which agency enforces fire code compliance in NYC schools?
A. NYPD
B. NYC Department of Buildings
C. FDNY
D. OSHA
Answer: C. FDNY
Rationale: The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) enforces fire
safety regulations and conducts inspections.
9. A backflow preventer is installed to:
A. Increase water pressure
B. Prevent contamination of potable water
C. Improve drainage
D. Reduce pipe corrosion
Answer: B. Prevent contamination of potable water
Rationale: Backflow preventers stop contaminated water from flowing
backward into the clean water supply.
Questions With Correct
Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales
1. What is the primary responsibility of a Custodian Engineer in a
New York City public school building?
A. Supervising classroom instruction
B. Managing building maintenance and operations
C. Developing school curriculum
D. Monitoring student attendance
Answer: B. Managing building maintenance and operations
Rationale: The Custodian Engineer is responsible for overseeing the
operation, maintenance, and repair of building systems, ensuring a
safe and functional environment for students and staff.
2. Which system is primarily responsible for regulating indoor air
quality?
, A. Plumbing system
B. Electrical distribution system
C. HVAC system
D. Fire alarm system
Answer: C. HVAC system
Rationale: The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
system controls airflow, temperature, and humidity, directly affecting
indoor air quality.
3. What is the purpose of a boiler low-water cutoff device?
A. To increase boiler pressure
B. To shut down the burner if water level is too low
C. To regulate steam flow
D. To control fuel input
Answer: B. To shut down the burner if water level is too low
Rationale: The low-water cutoff prevents overheating and possible
boiler explosion by shuFng off the burner when water levels fall
below safe limits.
4. Which document outlines workplace safety standards in New York
City schools?
A. EPA Regulations
B. OSHA Standards
C. DOE Building Manual
D. FDNY Code Only
,Answer: B. OSHA Standards
Rationale: OSHA establishes workplace safety and health standards
that apply to school facilities and custodial operations.
5. What is the correct fire extinguisher for electrical fires?
A. Class A
B. Class B
C. Class C
D. Class D
Answer: C. Class C
Rationale: Class C fire extinguishers are designed for energized
electrical equipment and prevent electrical conductivity hazards.
6. Preventive maintenance primarily aims to:
A. Reduce staffing costs
B. Respond to emergencies
C. Prevent equipment failure
D. Increase energy consumption
Answer: C. Prevent equipment failure
Rationale: Preventive maintenance involves scheduled inspections and
servicing to reduce breakdowns and extend equipment life.
7. A building’s main electrical disconnect is used to:
A. Regulate voltage
B. Shut off all power to the building
, C. Increase circuit load
D. Supply emergency lighting
Answer: B. Shut off all power to the building
Rationale: The main disconnect switch isolates the building from the
electrical supply for maintenance or emergencies.
8. Which agency enforces fire code compliance in NYC schools?
A. NYPD
B. NYC Department of Buildings
C. FDNY
D. OSHA
Answer: C. FDNY
Rationale: The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) enforces fire
safety regulations and conducts inspections.
9. A backflow preventer is installed to:
A. Increase water pressure
B. Prevent contamination of potable water
C. Improve drainage
D. Reduce pipe corrosion
Answer: B. Prevent contamination of potable water
Rationale: Backflow preventers stop contaminated water from flowing
backward into the clean water supply.
