NM MS-12 Fire Protection Systems
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Question 1: What is the primary purpose of an automatic sprinkler system?
• A) Smoke removal
• B) Fire detection only
• C) Control or extinguish fire
• D) Sound alarms
Answer: C
Explanation: Sprinklers are designed mainly to control fire growth and extinguish
it before fire department arrival. While sprinklers can activate alarms and assist in
smoke control, their primary purpose is fire suppression and life safety protection.
Question 2: Which NFPA standard governs the installation of sprinkler systems?
• A) NFPA 14
• B) NFPA 72
• C) NFPA 13
• D) NFPA 20
Answer: C
Explanation: NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, is the
primary standard governing the design and installation of automatic fire sprinkler
systems. It covers system components, water supply requirements, and installation
methods for various occupancy classifications.
,Question 3: What is the minimum running pressure for standard sprinklers under
NFPA 13?
• A) 0.5 bar
• B) 1.0 bar
• C) 0.3 bar
• D) 0.7 bar
Answer: A
Explanation: Under NFPA 13, the minimum running pressure for standard
sprinklers is 0.5 bar (approximately 7.25 psi). This ensures adequate water
distribution and proper sprinkler operation during a fire event.
Question 4: Which NFPA standard covers the inspection, testing, and maintenance
of water-based fire protection systems?
• A) NFPA 13
• B) NFPA 14
• C) NFPA 25
• D) NFPA 72
Answer: C
Explanation: NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of
Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, establishes the minimum requirements for
periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection
systems.
Question 5: Which NFPA occupancy classification is characterized by low
hazard?
• A) Extra hazard
• B) High hazard
, • C) Light hazard
• D) Ordinary hazard
Answer: C
Explanation: Light hazard occupancies are characterized by low fire hazard where
the quantity and combustibility of contents are low. Examples include offices,
churches, schools, and residential occupancies.
Question 6: The MS-12 license in New Mexico is classified as what type of
specialty license?
• A) Electrical Specialty
• B) Plumbing Unlimited
• C) Mechanical Specialty – Fire Protection Systems
• D) General Contractor
Answer: C
Explanation: According to the New Mexico Construction Industries Division, MS-
12 is a mechanical specialty license specifically for fire protection sprinkler
systems.
Question 7: Which New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) title contains the
licensing requirements for the MS-12 Fire Protection classification?
• A) Title 3 – Education
• B) Title 6 – Public Health
• C) Title 14 – Housing and Construction
• D) Title 17 – Public Utilities
Answer: C
Explanation: Title 14 of the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) contains
the licensing requirements for the MS-12 Fire Protection classification.
, Question 8: An MS-12 license primarily authorizes work on which of the
following systems?
• A) Electrical fire alarm systems only
• B) Water-based fire-protection systems such as sprinklers and
standpipes
• C) Gaseous fire suppression systems
• D) Fire extinguisher systems only
Answer: B
Explanation: The MS-12 license primarily authorizes work on water-based fire-
protection systems such as sprinklers and standpipes. The exam covers sprinklers,
standpipes, alarms, fire pumps, hydraulic calculations, NFPA standards, and NM
fire codes.
Question 9: What is the primary role of an MS-12J Journeyman Fire Protection
Systems technician under New Mexico law?
• A) Design fire protection systems
• B) Install, repair, and maintain fire protection systems
• C) Perform fire inspections only
• D) Sell fire protection equipment
Answer: B
Explanation: Under New Mexico law, the primary role of an MS-12J Journeyman
Fire Protection Systems technician is to install, repair, and maintain fire
protection systems.
Question 10: Which formula is used for pipe friction loss calculations in sprinkler
systems under NFPA 13?
• A) Darcy-Weisbach formula
• B) Hazen-Williams formula
Actual Exam Newest 2026 Questions
with Answers & Rationales | Instant
PDF Download
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of an automatic sprinkler system?
• A) Smoke removal
• B) Fire detection only
• C) Control or extinguish fire
• D) Sound alarms
Answer: C
Explanation: Sprinklers are designed mainly to control fire growth and extinguish
it before fire department arrival. While sprinklers can activate alarms and assist in
smoke control, their primary purpose is fire suppression and life safety protection.
Question 2: Which NFPA standard governs the installation of sprinkler systems?
• A) NFPA 14
• B) NFPA 72
• C) NFPA 13
• D) NFPA 20
Answer: C
Explanation: NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, is the
primary standard governing the design and installation of automatic fire sprinkler
systems. It covers system components, water supply requirements, and installation
methods for various occupancy classifications.
,Question 3: What is the minimum running pressure for standard sprinklers under
NFPA 13?
• A) 0.5 bar
• B) 1.0 bar
• C) 0.3 bar
• D) 0.7 bar
Answer: A
Explanation: Under NFPA 13, the minimum running pressure for standard
sprinklers is 0.5 bar (approximately 7.25 psi). This ensures adequate water
distribution and proper sprinkler operation during a fire event.
Question 4: Which NFPA standard covers the inspection, testing, and maintenance
of water-based fire protection systems?
• A) NFPA 13
• B) NFPA 14
• C) NFPA 25
• D) NFPA 72
Answer: C
Explanation: NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of
Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, establishes the minimum requirements for
periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection
systems.
Question 5: Which NFPA occupancy classification is characterized by low
hazard?
• A) Extra hazard
• B) High hazard
, • C) Light hazard
• D) Ordinary hazard
Answer: C
Explanation: Light hazard occupancies are characterized by low fire hazard where
the quantity and combustibility of contents are low. Examples include offices,
churches, schools, and residential occupancies.
Question 6: The MS-12 license in New Mexico is classified as what type of
specialty license?
• A) Electrical Specialty
• B) Plumbing Unlimited
• C) Mechanical Specialty – Fire Protection Systems
• D) General Contractor
Answer: C
Explanation: According to the New Mexico Construction Industries Division, MS-
12 is a mechanical specialty license specifically for fire protection sprinkler
systems.
Question 7: Which New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) title contains the
licensing requirements for the MS-12 Fire Protection classification?
• A) Title 3 – Education
• B) Title 6 – Public Health
• C) Title 14 – Housing and Construction
• D) Title 17 – Public Utilities
Answer: C
Explanation: Title 14 of the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) contains
the licensing requirements for the MS-12 Fire Protection classification.
, Question 8: An MS-12 license primarily authorizes work on which of the
following systems?
• A) Electrical fire alarm systems only
• B) Water-based fire-protection systems such as sprinklers and
standpipes
• C) Gaseous fire suppression systems
• D) Fire extinguisher systems only
Answer: B
Explanation: The MS-12 license primarily authorizes work on water-based fire-
protection systems such as sprinklers and standpipes. The exam covers sprinklers,
standpipes, alarms, fire pumps, hydraulic calculations, NFPA standards, and NM
fire codes.
Question 9: What is the primary role of an MS-12J Journeyman Fire Protection
Systems technician under New Mexico law?
• A) Design fire protection systems
• B) Install, repair, and maintain fire protection systems
• C) Perform fire inspections only
• D) Sell fire protection equipment
Answer: B
Explanation: Under New Mexico law, the primary role of an MS-12J Journeyman
Fire Protection Systems technician is to install, repair, and maintain fire
protection systems.
Question 10: Which formula is used for pipe friction loss calculations in sprinkler
systems under NFPA 13?
• A) Darcy-Weisbach formula
• B) Hazen-Williams formula
