NEW 2026/2027 NYC CUSTODIAN ENGINEER LICENSING EXAM
PREP – Complete Actual Question Practice Test Bank & Detailed
Answer Key | High-Yield Questions on Stationary Engineering,
Boiler Codes, Building Maintenance, Electrical Power, HVAC &
FDNY Regulations .pdf
Full Curriculum & Topic Breakdown
1. **Section 1: Low & High-Pressure Boilers & Steam Systems (Q1–Q10)**
* Boiler fittings, safety valves, low water cut-offs, bottom blowdowns, and water column
testing.
2. **Section 2: Boiler Controls, Feedwater & Water Treatment (Q11–Q20)**
* Deaerators, priming/foaming, dissolved oxygen removal, scaling, and chemical dosing.
3. **Section 3: Combustion, Fuels & Burner Systems (Q21–Q30)**
* Primary/secondary air, fuel oil preheating, draft gauges, and flame safeguard controls.
4. **Section 4: Pumps, Piping & Valves (Q31–Q40)**
* Centrifugal pumps, net positive suction head (NPSH), check valves, strainers, and water
hammer.
5. **Section 5: Electrical Systems & Motors (Q41–Q50)**
* Ohm's law, three-phase power, fuses/breakers, motor starters, and power factor.
,6. **Section 6: Basic Thermodynamics & Principles (Q51–Q60)**
* Sensible vs. latent heat, conduction/convection/radiation, and pressure-temperature
laws.
7. **Section 7: Air Conditioning & Mechanical Ventilation (Q61–Q70)**
* Air handling units (AHUs), duct static pressure, economizers, and air filtration.
8. **Section 8: Plastering, Carpentry & Building Envelope (Q71–Q80)**
* Wall repair, roof flashing, masonry tuckpointing, and expansion joints.
9. **Section 9: Plumbing & Sanitary Drainage (Q81–Q90)**
* Trap seals, vent stacks, backflow preventers, and grease traps.
10. **Section 10: Cleaning Equipment, Hard Surfaces & Chemistry (Q91–Q100)**
* Floor stripping/waxing chemistry, VCT maintenance, auto-scrubbers, and pH scales.
11. **Section 11: Heating Systems & Steam Accessories (Q101–Q110)**
* Steam traps (thermostatic, bucket, thermodynamic), vacuum pumps, and radiator
valves.
12. **Section 12: Electrical Controls & Troubleshooting (Q111–Q120)**
* Control transformer sizing, relay logic, limit switches, and short circuit vs. ground fault.
13. **Section 13: Hydronic Systems & Distribution (Q121–Q130)**
* Expansion tanks, air scoops, balancing valves, and multi-zone distribution.
,14. **Section 14: Emergency Power & Auxiliary Systems (Q131–Q140)**
* Emergency generators, automatic transfer switches (ATS), battery banks, and fuel
transfer.
15. **Section 15: Tools, Fasteners & Hardware (Q141–Q150)**
* Pipe threaders, torque wrenches, anchor bolts, and thread lubricants.
16. **Section 16: Refrigeration Systems & Cooling Towers (Q151–Q160)**
* Compression cycle, subcooling/superheat, Legionella control, purge units, and EPA
Section 608.
17. **Section 17: Fire Protection & Life Safety Systems (Q161–Q170)**
* Wet/dry/pre-action sprinklers, jockey pumps, FDNY C of F (S-12, S-13, S-95), and
Phase I/II elevators.
18. **Section 18: Energy Management & Controls (BMS/BAS) (Q171–Q180)**
* DDC controllers, VFD affinity laws, demand limiting, deadband, and CO2 ventilation.
19. **Section 19: Environmental Health, Safety & OSHA Compliance (Q181–Q190)**
* Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), friable asbestos handling, ladder ratios, lead paint, and arc
flash.
20. **Section 20: General Building Maintenance, Grounds & Administration (Q191–Q200)**
* Snow clearance rules, IPM pest control, roof drain maintenance, CMMS, and boiler
logbook laws.
, Section 1: High & Low-Pressure Boiler Operations
Question 1
According to NYC Building Code and DOB regulations, what is the maximum safety
valve setting allowed for a low-pressure steam boiler?
A. $5\text{ psi}$
B. $10\text{ psi}$
C. $15\text{ psi}$
D. $30\text{ psi}$
Answer: C
Rationale: By definition and code (ASME Section IV & NYC Construction Codes), a
low-pressure steam heating boiler operates at pressures not exceeding $15\text{
psi}$. The safety relief valve must be set to open at or below $15\text{ psi}$.
Question 2
What primary function does a Hartford Loop serve in a steam heating system?
A. To prevent water from backing out of the boiler into the return line if a leak or pressure
drop occurs
B. To trap condensate before it enters the feed pump
C. To equalize pressure between the boiler header and the expansion tank
PREP – Complete Actual Question Practice Test Bank & Detailed
Answer Key | High-Yield Questions on Stationary Engineering,
Boiler Codes, Building Maintenance, Electrical Power, HVAC &
FDNY Regulations .pdf
Full Curriculum & Topic Breakdown
1. **Section 1: Low & High-Pressure Boilers & Steam Systems (Q1–Q10)**
* Boiler fittings, safety valves, low water cut-offs, bottom blowdowns, and water column
testing.
2. **Section 2: Boiler Controls, Feedwater & Water Treatment (Q11–Q20)**
* Deaerators, priming/foaming, dissolved oxygen removal, scaling, and chemical dosing.
3. **Section 3: Combustion, Fuels & Burner Systems (Q21–Q30)**
* Primary/secondary air, fuel oil preheating, draft gauges, and flame safeguard controls.
4. **Section 4: Pumps, Piping & Valves (Q31–Q40)**
* Centrifugal pumps, net positive suction head (NPSH), check valves, strainers, and water
hammer.
5. **Section 5: Electrical Systems & Motors (Q41–Q50)**
* Ohm's law, three-phase power, fuses/breakers, motor starters, and power factor.
,6. **Section 6: Basic Thermodynamics & Principles (Q51–Q60)**
* Sensible vs. latent heat, conduction/convection/radiation, and pressure-temperature
laws.
7. **Section 7: Air Conditioning & Mechanical Ventilation (Q61–Q70)**
* Air handling units (AHUs), duct static pressure, economizers, and air filtration.
8. **Section 8: Plastering, Carpentry & Building Envelope (Q71–Q80)**
* Wall repair, roof flashing, masonry tuckpointing, and expansion joints.
9. **Section 9: Plumbing & Sanitary Drainage (Q81–Q90)**
* Trap seals, vent stacks, backflow preventers, and grease traps.
10. **Section 10: Cleaning Equipment, Hard Surfaces & Chemistry (Q91–Q100)**
* Floor stripping/waxing chemistry, VCT maintenance, auto-scrubbers, and pH scales.
11. **Section 11: Heating Systems & Steam Accessories (Q101–Q110)**
* Steam traps (thermostatic, bucket, thermodynamic), vacuum pumps, and radiator
valves.
12. **Section 12: Electrical Controls & Troubleshooting (Q111–Q120)**
* Control transformer sizing, relay logic, limit switches, and short circuit vs. ground fault.
13. **Section 13: Hydronic Systems & Distribution (Q121–Q130)**
* Expansion tanks, air scoops, balancing valves, and multi-zone distribution.
,14. **Section 14: Emergency Power & Auxiliary Systems (Q131–Q140)**
* Emergency generators, automatic transfer switches (ATS), battery banks, and fuel
transfer.
15. **Section 15: Tools, Fasteners & Hardware (Q141–Q150)**
* Pipe threaders, torque wrenches, anchor bolts, and thread lubricants.
16. **Section 16: Refrigeration Systems & Cooling Towers (Q151–Q160)**
* Compression cycle, subcooling/superheat, Legionella control, purge units, and EPA
Section 608.
17. **Section 17: Fire Protection & Life Safety Systems (Q161–Q170)**
* Wet/dry/pre-action sprinklers, jockey pumps, FDNY C of F (S-12, S-13, S-95), and
Phase I/II elevators.
18. **Section 18: Energy Management & Controls (BMS/BAS) (Q171–Q180)**
* DDC controllers, VFD affinity laws, demand limiting, deadband, and CO2 ventilation.
19. **Section 19: Environmental Health, Safety & OSHA Compliance (Q181–Q190)**
* Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), friable asbestos handling, ladder ratios, lead paint, and arc
flash.
20. **Section 20: General Building Maintenance, Grounds & Administration (Q191–Q200)**
* Snow clearance rules, IPM pest control, roof drain maintenance, CMMS, and boiler
logbook laws.
, Section 1: High & Low-Pressure Boiler Operations
Question 1
According to NYC Building Code and DOB regulations, what is the maximum safety
valve setting allowed for a low-pressure steam boiler?
A. $5\text{ psi}$
B. $10\text{ psi}$
C. $15\text{ psi}$
D. $30\text{ psi}$
Answer: C
Rationale: By definition and code (ASME Section IV & NYC Construction Codes), a
low-pressure steam heating boiler operates at pressures not exceeding $15\text{
psi}$. The safety relief valve must be set to open at or below $15\text{ psi}$.
Question 2
What primary function does a Hartford Loop serve in a steam heating system?
A. To prevent water from backing out of the boiler into the return line if a leak or pressure
drop occurs
B. To trap condensate before it enters the feed pump
C. To equalize pressure between the boiler header and the expansion tank
