KENTUCKY BOILER CONTRACTOR EXAM PRACTICE TEST (2025–2027)
Multiple-Choice Questions | Based on KRS Chapter 236, 815 KAR, and ASME
BPVC | Verified Rationales | Stuvia-Ready Format
1. Under Kentucky regulations, what is the maximum allowable stress value used
in the design of a boiler shell under ASME Section I?
A) 10,000 psi
B) 12,500 psi
C) 15,000 psi
D) Varies based on material temperature and ASME stress tables
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: ASME Section I uses allowable stress values that vary by material grade and
operating temperature. These values are published in Section II, Part D (Material
Properties). The maximum allowable stress decreases as temperature increases. Kentucky
adopts ASME standards by reference.
2. What is the required frequency for submitting a boiler registration to the
Kentucky DHBC after installation?
A) Immediately after installation
B) Within 10 days of installation
C) Within 30 days of installation
D) Within 60 days of installation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under 815 KAR 10:020, the installing contractor must submit a completed
boiler registration form to the DHBC within 30 days of installation. This registers the boiler
with the state and triggers the initial inspection schedule.
3. Which of the following welding processes is NOT permitted for boiler
construction under ASME Section IX?
A) Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
,B) Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
C) Oxy-fuel welding (OFW)
D) Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Oxy-fuel welding (OFW) is not permitted for boiler construction under ASME
Section IX. The code requires welding processes that provide consistent, high-quality fusion
and mechanical properties. SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and FCAW are all permitted with
qualified procedures.
4. What is the maximum allowable interval between internal inspections for a
high-pressure boiler that is in "continuous service" in Kentucky?
A) 12 months
B) 18 months
C) 24 months
D) 36 months
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under 815 KAR 10:040, high-pressure boilers must have an internal inspection
at least every 24 months. However, the inspector may require more frequent inspections
(e.g., annually) based on the boiler's condition, age, and service history. Continuous service
does not exempt the boiler from this requirement.
5. Under Kentucky law, who is responsible for ensuring a boiler is properly
registered with the DHBC?
A) The boiler operator
B) The boiler owner
C) The boiler contractor who installed it
D) Both B and C
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Under 815 KAR 10:020, both the installing contractor and the owner are
responsible for ensuring the boiler is registered. The contractor must submit the
registration form within 30 days of installation, and the owner must maintain the
registration and notify the DHBC of any changes.
,6. What is the minimum qualification for a welder performing boiler repairs in
Kentucky?
A) A high school diploma
B) 1 year of welding experience
C) ASME Section IX welding certification
D) A Kentucky Boiler Contractor license
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under ASME Section IX and Kentucky regulations, all welders performing boiler
and pressure vessel welding must hold a valid ASME Section IX welding certification for the
specific process, position, and material being welded. The certification must be current and
documented.
7. What is the correct procedure for testing a boiler pressure gauge for accuracy?
A) Compare it with a calibrated test gauge
B) Tap the gauge gently to see if the needle moves
C) Check the gauge against the safety valve set point
D) Visual inspection only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Boiler pressure gauges must be tested for accuracy by comparing them with a
calibrated test gauge (or deadweight tester). This should be done periodically, typically at
least annually, to ensure the gauge is providing an accurate reading. Tapping the gauge is
a temporary check, not a calibration test.
8. In Kentucky, what is the maximum fine for a boiler contractor who performs
work without a valid license?
A) $500
B) $1,000
C) $5,000
D) $10,000
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under KRS 236.990, a boiler contractor performing work without a valid license
is subject to a fine of up to $5,000 per violation and/or up to 12 months imprisonment.
Each day of work is considered a separate violation.
9. What is the purpose of a "post-weld heat treatment" (PWHT) on a boiler repair?
A) To harden the weld metal
B) To relieve residual stresses and prevent cracking
C) To increase the strength of the weld
D) To clean the weld surface
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is applied to welded joints to relieve residual
stresses caused by welding. It also reduces hardness in the heat-affected zone (HAZ),
prevents hydrogen-induced cracking, and restores the material's ductility. The temperature
and time are specified in ASME Section VIII or NBIC.
10. Which of the following is a valid NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) method used
for boiler inspection in Kentucky?
A) Radiographic testing (RT)
B) Ultrasonic testing (UT)
C) Magnetic particle testing (MT)
D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: NDT methods used in boiler inspection include radiographic testing (RT) for
weld integrity, ultrasonic testing (UT) for thickness measurement and flaw detection,
magnetic particle testing (MT) for surface and near-surface cracks in ferromagnetic
materials, and dye penetrant testing (PT).
11. Under Kentucky regulations, what is the maximum allowable working pressure
(MAWP) for a cast-iron sectional boiler?
Multiple-Choice Questions | Based on KRS Chapter 236, 815 KAR, and ASME
BPVC | Verified Rationales | Stuvia-Ready Format
1. Under Kentucky regulations, what is the maximum allowable stress value used
in the design of a boiler shell under ASME Section I?
A) 10,000 psi
B) 12,500 psi
C) 15,000 psi
D) Varies based on material temperature and ASME stress tables
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: ASME Section I uses allowable stress values that vary by material grade and
operating temperature. These values are published in Section II, Part D (Material
Properties). The maximum allowable stress decreases as temperature increases. Kentucky
adopts ASME standards by reference.
2. What is the required frequency for submitting a boiler registration to the
Kentucky DHBC after installation?
A) Immediately after installation
B) Within 10 days of installation
C) Within 30 days of installation
D) Within 60 days of installation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under 815 KAR 10:020, the installing contractor must submit a completed
boiler registration form to the DHBC within 30 days of installation. This registers the boiler
with the state and triggers the initial inspection schedule.
3. Which of the following welding processes is NOT permitted for boiler
construction under ASME Section IX?
A) Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
,B) Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
C) Oxy-fuel welding (OFW)
D) Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Oxy-fuel welding (OFW) is not permitted for boiler construction under ASME
Section IX. The code requires welding processes that provide consistent, high-quality fusion
and mechanical properties. SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and FCAW are all permitted with
qualified procedures.
4. What is the maximum allowable interval between internal inspections for a
high-pressure boiler that is in "continuous service" in Kentucky?
A) 12 months
B) 18 months
C) 24 months
D) 36 months
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under 815 KAR 10:040, high-pressure boilers must have an internal inspection
at least every 24 months. However, the inspector may require more frequent inspections
(e.g., annually) based on the boiler's condition, age, and service history. Continuous service
does not exempt the boiler from this requirement.
5. Under Kentucky law, who is responsible for ensuring a boiler is properly
registered with the DHBC?
A) The boiler operator
B) The boiler owner
C) The boiler contractor who installed it
D) Both B and C
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Under 815 KAR 10:020, both the installing contractor and the owner are
responsible for ensuring the boiler is registered. The contractor must submit the
registration form within 30 days of installation, and the owner must maintain the
registration and notify the DHBC of any changes.
,6. What is the minimum qualification for a welder performing boiler repairs in
Kentucky?
A) A high school diploma
B) 1 year of welding experience
C) ASME Section IX welding certification
D) A Kentucky Boiler Contractor license
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under ASME Section IX and Kentucky regulations, all welders performing boiler
and pressure vessel welding must hold a valid ASME Section IX welding certification for the
specific process, position, and material being welded. The certification must be current and
documented.
7. What is the correct procedure for testing a boiler pressure gauge for accuracy?
A) Compare it with a calibrated test gauge
B) Tap the gauge gently to see if the needle moves
C) Check the gauge against the safety valve set point
D) Visual inspection only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Boiler pressure gauges must be tested for accuracy by comparing them with a
calibrated test gauge (or deadweight tester). This should be done periodically, typically at
least annually, to ensure the gauge is providing an accurate reading. Tapping the gauge is
a temporary check, not a calibration test.
8. In Kentucky, what is the maximum fine for a boiler contractor who performs
work without a valid license?
A) $500
B) $1,000
C) $5,000
D) $10,000
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under KRS 236.990, a boiler contractor performing work without a valid license
is subject to a fine of up to $5,000 per violation and/or up to 12 months imprisonment.
Each day of work is considered a separate violation.
9. What is the purpose of a "post-weld heat treatment" (PWHT) on a boiler repair?
A) To harden the weld metal
B) To relieve residual stresses and prevent cracking
C) To increase the strength of the weld
D) To clean the weld surface
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is applied to welded joints to relieve residual
stresses caused by welding. It also reduces hardness in the heat-affected zone (HAZ),
prevents hydrogen-induced cracking, and restores the material's ductility. The temperature
and time are specified in ASME Section VIII or NBIC.
10. Which of the following is a valid NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) method used
for boiler inspection in Kentucky?
A) Radiographic testing (RT)
B) Ultrasonic testing (UT)
C) Magnetic particle testing (MT)
D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: NDT methods used in boiler inspection include radiographic testing (RT) for
weld integrity, ultrasonic testing (UT) for thickness measurement and flaw detection,
magnetic particle testing (MT) for surface and near-surface cracks in ferromagnetic
materials, and dye penetrant testing (PT).
11. Under Kentucky regulations, what is the maximum allowable working pressure
(MAWP) for a cast-iron sectional boiler?
