VERIFIED ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT
SOLUTIONS | GRADE A GUIDE
S12 FDNY EXAM 2026 – QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT
SOLUTIONS | GRADE A GUIDE
QUESTION 1
What does the S12 certificate of fitness authorize the holder to do?
A. Operate high-pressure boilers in commercial buildings
B. Supervise the use of portable flame-producing devices for motion picture, television,
theatrical, and related productions
C. Install fire suppression systems in high-rise buildings
D. Conduct fire safety inspections in residential buildings
E. Operate emergency generators during power outages
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Supervise the use of portable flame-producing
devices for motion picture, television, theatrical, and related productions
RATIONALE: The S12 Certificate of Fitness is specifically issued by the FDNY to
authorize individuals to supervise the use of portable flame-producing devices used in
film, TV, theatrical, and related productions. This includes open flames, torches, and
pyrotechnic effects on set.
QUESTION 2
Who issues the S12 Certificate of Fitness in New York City?
A. The New York City Department of Buildings
B. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection
C. The Fire Department of New York (FDNY)
D. The New York City Office of Emergency Management
E. The New York State Department of Labor
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The Fire Department of New York (FDNY)
, RATIONALE: The FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention is responsible for issuing
Certificates of Fitness, including the S12, to qualified individuals who demonstrate
knowledge of fire safety regulations governing their specific area of work.
QUESTION 3
Before any flame effect is used on a production set, what must first be obtained?
A. A written agreement from all cast members
B. A permit from the FDNY
C. Approval from the Director of Photography
D. An environmental impact report
E. A signed waiver from the production company
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A permit from the FDNY
RATIONALE: FDNY regulations require that a permit be obtained before any
flame effects or portable flame-producing devices are used on any production set within
New York City. The S12 holder is responsible for ensuring this permit is in place.
QUESTION 4
What is the minimum age requirement to obtain an S12 Certificate of Fitness?
A. 16 years old
B. 18 years old
C. 21 years old
D. 25 years old
E. There is no minimum age requirement
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 18 years old
RATIONALE: FDNY regulations require all Certificate of Fitness applicants,
including S12 candidates, to be at least 18 years of age at the time of application to
ensure legal and professional accountability.
,QUESTION 5
Which of the following is considered a portable flame-producing device?
A. A built-in gas range in a restaurant kitchen
B. A candle used on a production set
C. A permanently installed gas fireplace in a hotel
D. An electric heater on a construction site
E. A central heating boiler in an apartment building
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A candle used on a production set
RATIONALE: Candles, torches, open-flame burners, and similar devices used
temporarily on production sets are classified as portable flame-producing devices and
fall under the supervision requirements of the S12 Certificate of Fitness.
QUESTION 6
What type of fire extinguisher is most commonly required to be present when using
portable flame-producing devices on a set?
A. Class D dry powder extinguisher
B. Class K wet chemical extinguisher
C. Class A water extinguisher
D. ABC dry chemical extinguisher
E. CO2 extinguisher only
CORRECT ANSWER: D. ABC dry chemical extinguisher
RATIONALE: An ABC dry chemical extinguisher is the most versatile and
commonly required extinguisher on production sets because it can combat ordinary
combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical fires — all hazards that may be present
during flame effect use.
QUESTION 7
How far must combustible materials be kept from an open flame on a production set, at
minimum?
, A. 1 foot
B. 3 feet
C. 5 feet
D. 10 feet
E. 15 feet
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 5 feet
RATIONALE: FDNY regulations and fire safety standards generally require a
minimum clearance of 5 feet between open flames and combustible materials to reduce
the risk of accidental ignition during production activities.
QUESTION 8
What must the S12 Certificate of Fitness holder do if a fire breaks out on set?
A. Wait for the director to call cut before acting
B. Attempt to extinguish all fires regardless of size before calling emergency services
C. Immediately activate the fire alarm, evacuate personnel, and call 911
D. Notify the production company's insurance provider first
E. Document the incident and report it within 24 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Immediately activate the fire alarm, evacuate
personnel, and call 911
RATIONALE: In the event of a fire, life safety is the top priority. The S12 holder
must ensure the fire alarm is activated, all personnel are evacuated, and 911 is called
immediately. No production concern outweighs personal safety.
QUESTION 9
Which of the following locations requires special consideration before using open
flames?
A. An outdoor park with no structures nearby
B. A high-rise building