NAFA CERTIFIED AIR FILTER
SPECIALIST EXAMINATION
ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE THIS
YEAR
✅ NAFA CAFS Exam Coverage
Exam Foundation: Questions are entirely derived from the
NAFA Guide to Air Filtration (latest edition).
1) Fundamentals of Air Filtration
Composition of air & types of airborne contaminants
(gases, particulates, aerosols)
Particle size concepts (micron, nanometer, MPPS)
Airflow definitions (CFM, face velocity, volume vs.
velocity)
Principles of filtration & capture mechanisms
(impingement, interception, diffusion, straining)
2) Filter Performance Metrics
, Efficiency ratings (MERV, HEPA, ULPA)
Pressure drop & resistance
Dust holding capacity
Filter life expectancy & performance curves
Most Penetrating Particle Size (MPPS)
3) Filter Types & Media
Mechanical filters (pleated, panel)
HEPA & ULPA filters
Electrostatic air cleaners
Media characteristics & construction
Adhesive-treated fibers & electrostatic effects
4) Standards & Testing Protocols
ANSI/ASHRAE standards (especially 52.2)
ISO standards related to air filtration
Test dust composition & standardized testing methods
5) System Design & Application
HVAC system integration
Multi-stage filtration systems
Filter selection for specific environments (healthcare,
industrial, cleanrooms)
, Air change rates & ventilation basics
6) Installation, Operation & Maintenance Principles
Proper filter installation
Sealing & bypass prevention
Monitoring & maintenance schedules
Safety practices & handling contaminated filters
7) Air Quality Control Concepts
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) fundamentals
Contaminant control strategies
Environmental and health impacts of filtration
1. A hospital needs 99.97% efficiency at 0.3 μm; which
filter category best meets this requirement?
A. MERV 8
B. HEPA
C. Activated carbon panel
D. Electrostatic filter
Answer: B
Rationale: HEPA is defined to achieve ≥99.97% at 0.3
μm, essential for critical healthcare air cleanliness.
, 2. A system shows higher static pressure than expected;
what happens to face velocity if CFM remains
constant?
A. Decreases
B. Increases
C. Unchanged
D. Oscillates
Answer: A
Rationale: If pressure drop rises due to loading,
velocity at the media surface typically decreases if
airflow rate is constant.
3. Which capture mechanism is most effective for
particles <0.1 μm?
A. Interception
B. Impingement
C. Diffusion
D. Straining
Answer: C
Rationale: Brownian motion dominates very small
particles, making diffusion the primary capture path.
4. A facility wants to reduce HVAC energy costs without
sacrificing filtration; what adjustment should be
considered?
A. Increase pleat spacing
B. Select a filter with lower initial pressure drop
SPECIALIST EXAMINATION
ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE THIS
YEAR
✅ NAFA CAFS Exam Coverage
Exam Foundation: Questions are entirely derived from the
NAFA Guide to Air Filtration (latest edition).
1) Fundamentals of Air Filtration
Composition of air & types of airborne contaminants
(gases, particulates, aerosols)
Particle size concepts (micron, nanometer, MPPS)
Airflow definitions (CFM, face velocity, volume vs.
velocity)
Principles of filtration & capture mechanisms
(impingement, interception, diffusion, straining)
2) Filter Performance Metrics
, Efficiency ratings (MERV, HEPA, ULPA)
Pressure drop & resistance
Dust holding capacity
Filter life expectancy & performance curves
Most Penetrating Particle Size (MPPS)
3) Filter Types & Media
Mechanical filters (pleated, panel)
HEPA & ULPA filters
Electrostatic air cleaners
Media characteristics & construction
Adhesive-treated fibers & electrostatic effects
4) Standards & Testing Protocols
ANSI/ASHRAE standards (especially 52.2)
ISO standards related to air filtration
Test dust composition & standardized testing methods
5) System Design & Application
HVAC system integration
Multi-stage filtration systems
Filter selection for specific environments (healthcare,
industrial, cleanrooms)
, Air change rates & ventilation basics
6) Installation, Operation & Maintenance Principles
Proper filter installation
Sealing & bypass prevention
Monitoring & maintenance schedules
Safety practices & handling contaminated filters
7) Air Quality Control Concepts
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) fundamentals
Contaminant control strategies
Environmental and health impacts of filtration
1. A hospital needs 99.97% efficiency at 0.3 μm; which
filter category best meets this requirement?
A. MERV 8
B. HEPA
C. Activated carbon panel
D. Electrostatic filter
Answer: B
Rationale: HEPA is defined to achieve ≥99.97% at 0.3
μm, essential for critical healthcare air cleanliness.
, 2. A system shows higher static pressure than expected;
what happens to face velocity if CFM remains
constant?
A. Decreases
B. Increases
C. Unchanged
D. Oscillates
Answer: A
Rationale: If pressure drop rises due to loading,
velocity at the media surface typically decreases if
airflow rate is constant.
3. Which capture mechanism is most effective for
particles <0.1 μm?
A. Interception
B. Impingement
C. Diffusion
D. Straining
Answer: C
Rationale: Brownian motion dominates very small
particles, making diffusion the primary capture path.
4. A facility wants to reduce HVAC energy costs without
sacrificing filtration; what adjustment should be
considered?
A. Increase pleat spacing
B. Select a filter with lower initial pressure drop