Exam | 250 Practice Multiple Choice Questions
Topics covered include IBC Chapter 17, ASTM E605, E736, E119, E759, E760, E84, E859, UL
fire resistance listings, SAFRM materials and application, inspection procedures, fire-resistive
construction types, and professional ethics and documentation. Review the IBC, referenced
ASTM standards, and UL Fire Resistance Directory as primary study references.
SECTION 1: CODES, STANDARDS & REGULATIONS (Questions 1–40)
1. Which model building code serves as the primary reference for spray-applied fire-
resistive materials (SAFRM) inspection requirements in most U.S. jurisdictions?
A) NFPA 101 B) International Building Code (IBC) (correct answer) C) NFPA 13 D)
International Fire Code (IFC)
Rationale: The IBC governs the design and construction of buildings, including fire-resistive
construction requirements and the use of spray-applied fireproofing materials. NFPA 101 is the
Life Safety Code, and NFPA 13 addresses sprinkler systems.
2. ASTM E605 is the standard test method for:
A) Surface burning characteristics of building materials B) Fire resistance of building assemblies
C) Thickness and density of spray-applied fireproofing (correct answer) D) Bond strength of
fireproofing to steel
Rationale: ASTM E605 specifically covers the field measurement of thickness and density of
spray-applied fire-resistive materials. It is one of the most frequently referenced standards
during SAFRM inspections.
3. What does the acronym SAFRM stand for?
A) Structural Application of Fire-Resistant Materials B) Spray-Applied Fire-Resistive
Material (correct answer) C) Steel-Applied Flame-Retardant Mixture D) Spray-Applied Flame-
Resistant Masonry
,Rationale: SAFRM is the industry-recognized acronym for spray-applied fire-resistive material,
the category of product most commonly known as "fireproofing" used on structural steel.
4. Which ASTM standard governs the bond strength test for spray-applied fireproofing?
A) ASTM E736 B) ASTM E736 (correct answer) C) ASTM E759 D) ASTM E760
Rationale: ASTM E736 is the standard test method for cohesion/adhesion of spray-applied fire-
resistive materials. It measures the bond between the fireproofing and the substrate under pull-
off tension.
5. Under the IBC, spray-applied fireproofing is classified under which section type?
A) Exterior wall assemblies B) Mechanical protection systems C) Fire-resistive construction
(correct answer) D) Passive suppression systems
Rationale: Spray-applied fireproofing is a passive fire protection measure classified under fire-
resistive construction in the IBC, designed to protect structural members from heat-induced
failure.
6. Which organization publishes the qualification standard for inspectors of spray-applied
fireproofing?
A) NFPA B) ASTM International C) ICC (International Code Council) (correct answer) D)
UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
Rationale: The ICC administers certification programs for special inspectors, including those
who inspect spray-applied fireproofing. The ICC certification is widely accepted by jurisdictions
across the United States.
7. The fire-resistance rating of a structural assembly is primarily established by:
A) Field inspection reports B) Manufacturer's product data sheets alone C) Listings from
approved testing laboratories such as UL or FM (correct answer) D) Architect's
specifications
,Rationale: Fire-resistance ratings must be based on standardized fire tests conducted by
approved laboratories (e.g., UL, FM Global). These ratings are published in fire-resistance
directories and referenced in construction documents.
8. ASTM E119 is used to determine:
A) Density of fireproofing materials B) Air quality near spray operations C) Fire resistance
ratings of building assemblies (correct answer) D) Compression strength of fireproofing
Rationale: ASTM E119 is the standard test method for fire tests of building construction and
materials. It is used to establish the fire-resistance ratings of assemblies tested in laboratories,
which form the basis for listing documents.
9. Who is responsible for submitting a statement of special inspection for spray-applied
fireproofing to the building official?
A) The fireproofing contractor B) The manufacturer's representative C) The registered design
professional in responsible charge (correct answer) D) The building owner
Rationale: Per IBC requirements, the registered design professional (typically the architect or
structural engineer of record) is responsible for preparing and submitting the statement of
special inspection, which includes SAFRM inspection.
10. Which publication contains fire-resistance-rated assemblies that are widely accepted by
building officials across North America?
A) ASTM Fire Standards Manual B) NFPA Fire Protection Handbook C) UL Fire Resistance
Directory (correct answer) D) ICC Special Inspection Manual
Rationale: The UL Fire Resistance Directory lists hundreds of fire-resistance-rated assemblies
tested according to ASTM E119 and other standards. Building officials widely accept these
listings as approved designs.
11. IBC Chapter 17 addresses which of the following?
A) Plumbing system inspections B) Energy code compliance C) Special inspections and
structural tests (correct answer) D) Accessibility requirements
, Rationale: IBC Chapter 17 covers special inspections, structural tests, and observations
required during construction. SAFRM inspection falls under this chapter's special inspection
requirements.
12. What is the primary purpose of the approved Statement of Special Inspection?
A) To certify the fireproofing material for purchase B) To replace the building permit application
C) To document the scope, frequency, and responsibility for required special inspections
(correct answer) D) To authorize contractors to begin work
Rationale: The Statement of Special Inspection outlines what inspections are required, who will
perform them, and how frequently. It must be approved prior to permit issuance and kept on the
job site.
13. Under ICC requirements, special inspectors must be approved by:
A) The fireproofing manufacturer B) The general contractor C) The structural engineer D) The
building official (correct answer)
Rationale: Special inspectors must be approved by the building official having jurisdiction. This
ensures that qualified personnel with appropriate knowledge are performing the required
inspections.
14. Which ASTM standard covers the impact resistance of spray-applied fireproofing?
A) ASTM E736 B) ASTM E605 C) ASTM E760 D) ASTM E759 (correct answer)
Rationale: ASTM E759 is the standard test method for effect of deflection on spray-applied fire-
resistive material applied to structural members. ASTM E760 covers the effect of impact on
bonded assemblies.
15. NFPA 502 is relevant to spray-applied fireproofing in which type of application?
A) High-rise buildings B) Industrial warehouses C) Road tunnels and vehicular tunnels
(correct answer) D) Parking structures below grade