A-35 Air Compressor COF Exam | Complete Questions with
Correct Answers and Detailed Rationales - Latest Update
2026/2027
About This Resource
This comprehensive practice examination is designed for individuals preparing for the FDNY A-35
Certificate of Fitness (COF) Exam – "To Operate and Maintain Air Compressors." The A-35 COF is
required for anyone who operates or maintains air compressors that can develop a pressure greater
than 125 psi in New York City buildings. The exam consists of 20 multiple-choice questions
administered on a touch-screen computer, with 30 minutes to complete the test.
All questions are formatted with four answer choices (A, B, C, D) and include detailed rationales to
reinforce understanding of air compressor operation, maintenance, and safety protocols.
SECTION 1: PERMITS, REGULATIONS & CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS
(Questions 1–15)
Question 1
A permit is required for any air compressor that compresses air at pressures above what level?
A) 100 pounds per square inch (psi)
B) 125 pounds per square inch (psi)
C) 150 pounds per square inch (psi)
D) 175 pounds per square inch (psi)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The NYC Fire Code sets the permit threshold at 125 psi. Any air compressor that can
develop a pressure greater than 125 psi requires a Certificate of Fitness (COF). Compressors operating
at or below 125 psi do not require a permit.
Question 2
Which NYC Fire Code section specifically requires a Certificate of Fitness (COF) for any air compressor
that can develop a pressure greater than 125 psi?
,A) Chapter 5, Article 2
B) Chapter 9, Article 3
C) Chapter 13, Article 6
D) Chapter 19, Article 1
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Chapter 13, Article 6 of the NYC Fire Code mandates a Certificate of Fitness for compressors
exceeding 125 psi, defining the scope of regulated equipment.
Question 3
An FDNY permit is NOT required for which of the following compressors?
A) A 150 psi, 2,500 cfm oil-free unit used in a high-rise building
B) A 110 psi, 500 cfm gasoline-engine compressor used outdoors
C) A 130 psi, 1,200 cfm diesel-engine compressor installed in a basement
D) A 125 psi, 800 cfm electric compressor located in a commercial kitchen
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The NYC Fire Code sets the permit threshold at 125 psi. A 110 psi unit falls below that limit
and does not require a permit, regardless of its location or power source. All other options exceed 125
psi and would require a permit.
Question 4
How often must a COF holder renew their Certificate of Fitness for air compressors?
A) Every 6 months
B) Every 12 months (annually)
C) Every 24 months
D) Every 5 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The COF renewal cycle is annual. Failure to renew results in loss of legal authority to operate
the equipment.
Question 5
When changing the address on a COF, which action is required by the FDNY?
A) Submit a written request within 30 days of moving
B) Call the FDNY hotline and verbally confirm the new address
C) Update the address on the COF card only
D) No action is required
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The FDNY requires a written request to be submitted within 30 days of moving to update
the address on a Certificate of Fitness.
Question 6
What is the primary difference between personal supervision and protective supervision for a COF
holder?
A) Personal supervision allows the holder to operate equipment; protective supervision does not
B) Protective supervision requires the holder to be on-site at all times; personal supervision does
not
C) Personal supervision is limited to training; protective supervision includes daily inspections
D) Protective supervision involves delegating authority to a qualified foreman
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Protective supervision obligates the COF holder to be physically present to intervene in
emergencies, whereas personal supervision does not require constant on-site presence.
Question 7
The A-35 Certificate of Fitness incorporates sections from which other certificates?
A) G-35 and F-60
B) G-35 and W-11
C) W-11 and F-60
D) G-35 and C-92
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The A-35 Certificate of Fitness incorporates sections of the G-35 (To Operate Air
Compressors) and W-11 (Testing Air Receivers) Certificates of Fitness.
Question 8
What is the primary focus of the A-35 Certificate of Fitness examination?
A) To test knowledge of fire extinguisher types
B) To assess knowledge of air compressor operation, maintenance, and safety procedures
C) To evaluate understanding of building electrical systems
D) To test knowledge of HVAC refrigeration cycles
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The A-35 examination focuses on air compressor operation, maintenance, and safety
protocols, including compressor components, maintenance schedules, and safety regulations.
, Question 9
How many questions are on the A-35 Certificate of Fitness exam?
A) 10 questions
B) 20 questions
C) 30 questions
D) 50 questions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The A-35 exam consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, administered on a "touch screen"
computer monitor.
Question 10
How much time is allotted to complete the A-35 Certificate of Fitness exam?
A) 15 minutes
B) 30 minutes
C) 45 minutes
D) 60 minutes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Based on the number of questions, candidates have 30 minutes to complete the test.
Question 11
What is the fee waiver eligibility requirement for the A-35 COF application?
A) All applicants are eligible for fee waivers
B) Only government employees who will use their COF for work-related responsibilities are eligible
C) Only veterans are eligible for fee waivers
D) Fee waivers are not available for the A-35 COF
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Only government employees who will use their COF for work-related responsibilities are
eligible for fee waivers. A letter requesting fee waiver on the agency's official letterhead is required.
Question 12
Is Alternative Issuance Procedure (AIP) available for the A-35 Certificate of Fitness?
A) Yes, all applicants can use AIP
B) No, AIP is not available for the A-35 COF
Correct Answers and Detailed Rationales - Latest Update
2026/2027
About This Resource
This comprehensive practice examination is designed for individuals preparing for the FDNY A-35
Certificate of Fitness (COF) Exam – "To Operate and Maintain Air Compressors." The A-35 COF is
required for anyone who operates or maintains air compressors that can develop a pressure greater
than 125 psi in New York City buildings. The exam consists of 20 multiple-choice questions
administered on a touch-screen computer, with 30 minutes to complete the test.
All questions are formatted with four answer choices (A, B, C, D) and include detailed rationales to
reinforce understanding of air compressor operation, maintenance, and safety protocols.
SECTION 1: PERMITS, REGULATIONS & CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS
(Questions 1–15)
Question 1
A permit is required for any air compressor that compresses air at pressures above what level?
A) 100 pounds per square inch (psi)
B) 125 pounds per square inch (psi)
C) 150 pounds per square inch (psi)
D) 175 pounds per square inch (psi)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The NYC Fire Code sets the permit threshold at 125 psi. Any air compressor that can
develop a pressure greater than 125 psi requires a Certificate of Fitness (COF). Compressors operating
at or below 125 psi do not require a permit.
Question 2
Which NYC Fire Code section specifically requires a Certificate of Fitness (COF) for any air compressor
that can develop a pressure greater than 125 psi?
,A) Chapter 5, Article 2
B) Chapter 9, Article 3
C) Chapter 13, Article 6
D) Chapter 19, Article 1
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Chapter 13, Article 6 of the NYC Fire Code mandates a Certificate of Fitness for compressors
exceeding 125 psi, defining the scope of regulated equipment.
Question 3
An FDNY permit is NOT required for which of the following compressors?
A) A 150 psi, 2,500 cfm oil-free unit used in a high-rise building
B) A 110 psi, 500 cfm gasoline-engine compressor used outdoors
C) A 130 psi, 1,200 cfm diesel-engine compressor installed in a basement
D) A 125 psi, 800 cfm electric compressor located in a commercial kitchen
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The NYC Fire Code sets the permit threshold at 125 psi. A 110 psi unit falls below that limit
and does not require a permit, regardless of its location or power source. All other options exceed 125
psi and would require a permit.
Question 4
How often must a COF holder renew their Certificate of Fitness for air compressors?
A) Every 6 months
B) Every 12 months (annually)
C) Every 24 months
D) Every 5 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The COF renewal cycle is annual. Failure to renew results in loss of legal authority to operate
the equipment.
Question 5
When changing the address on a COF, which action is required by the FDNY?
A) Submit a written request within 30 days of moving
B) Call the FDNY hotline and verbally confirm the new address
C) Update the address on the COF card only
D) No action is required
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The FDNY requires a written request to be submitted within 30 days of moving to update
the address on a Certificate of Fitness.
Question 6
What is the primary difference between personal supervision and protective supervision for a COF
holder?
A) Personal supervision allows the holder to operate equipment; protective supervision does not
B) Protective supervision requires the holder to be on-site at all times; personal supervision does
not
C) Personal supervision is limited to training; protective supervision includes daily inspections
D) Protective supervision involves delegating authority to a qualified foreman
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Protective supervision obligates the COF holder to be physically present to intervene in
emergencies, whereas personal supervision does not require constant on-site presence.
Question 7
The A-35 Certificate of Fitness incorporates sections from which other certificates?
A) G-35 and F-60
B) G-35 and W-11
C) W-11 and F-60
D) G-35 and C-92
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The A-35 Certificate of Fitness incorporates sections of the G-35 (To Operate Air
Compressors) and W-11 (Testing Air Receivers) Certificates of Fitness.
Question 8
What is the primary focus of the A-35 Certificate of Fitness examination?
A) To test knowledge of fire extinguisher types
B) To assess knowledge of air compressor operation, maintenance, and safety procedures
C) To evaluate understanding of building electrical systems
D) To test knowledge of HVAC refrigeration cycles
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The A-35 examination focuses on air compressor operation, maintenance, and safety
protocols, including compressor components, maintenance schedules, and safety regulations.
, Question 9
How many questions are on the A-35 Certificate of Fitness exam?
A) 10 questions
B) 20 questions
C) 30 questions
D) 50 questions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The A-35 exam consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, administered on a "touch screen"
computer monitor.
Question 10
How much time is allotted to complete the A-35 Certificate of Fitness exam?
A) 15 minutes
B) 30 minutes
C) 45 minutes
D) 60 minutes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Based on the number of questions, candidates have 30 minutes to complete the test.
Question 11
What is the fee waiver eligibility requirement for the A-35 COF application?
A) All applicants are eligible for fee waivers
B) Only government employees who will use their COF for work-related responsibilities are eligible
C) Only veterans are eligible for fee waivers
D) Fee waivers are not available for the A-35 COF
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Only government employees who will use their COF for work-related responsibilities are
eligible for fee waivers. A letter requesting fee waiver on the agency's official letterhead is required.
Question 12
Is Alternative Issuance Procedure (AIP) available for the A-35 Certificate of Fitness?
A) Yes, all applicants can use AIP
B) No, AIP is not available for the A-35 COF
