KENTUCKY BOILER CONTRACTOR EXAM PRACTICE TEST (2026–2027)
200 Multiple-Choice Questions | Based on KRS Chapter 236, 815 KAR, and
ASME BPVC | Verified Rationales | Stuvia-Ready Format
1. In the state of Kentucky, the authority having jurisdiction for boiler
and pressure vessel inspection is:
A) The Kentucky Department of Labor
B) The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction
(DHBC)
C) The Kentucky Division of Occupational Safety and Health (KY OSH)
D) The Kentucky Environmental Protection Agency (KY EPA)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction
(DHBC), specifically the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Branch, has
statutory authority under KRS Chapter 236 to regulate, inspect, and license
boilers and pressure vessels in Kentucky.
2. According to Kentucky regulations, what is the minimum pressure
threshold for a steam boiler to fall under state inspection
requirements?
A) 5 psig
B) 10 psig
C) 15 psig
D) 20 psig
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under KRS 236 and 815 KAR 10:010, a boiler is defined as a vessel
,that generates steam at pressures exceeding 15 psig, or hot water at
pressures exceeding 30 psig or temperatures exceeding 250°F. These
thresholds trigger inspection and licensing requirements.
3. What is the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) for a
low-pressure steam heating boiler?
A) 10 psig
B) 15 psig
C) 20 psig
D) 30 psig
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Low-pressure steam heating boilers are designed for operation at
pressures not exceeding 15 psig. High-pressure boilers operate above 15 psig
and have more stringent inspection requirements under ASME Section I.
4. Which ASME code section covers the construction of power boilers?
A) ASME Section I
B) ASME Section IV
C) ASME Section VIII
D) ASME Section IX
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ASME Section I (Power Boilers) covers the design, fabrication,
inspection, testing, and certification of power boilers (steam generators).
Section IV covers heating boilers (low-pressure). Section VIII covers pressure
vessels. Section IX covers welding qualifications.
,5. A Kentucky Boiler Contractor license is valid for how many years?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under 815 KAR 10:030, Kentucky Boiler Contractor licenses are
valid for a period of two years from the date of issuance. Renewal requires
continuing education credits as specified by the DHBC.
6. In Kentucky, which of the following boilers is EXEMPT from state
inspection requirements?
A) A high-pressure steam boiler in a factory
B) A residential hot water boiler (less than 30 psig and 250°F)
C) A low-pressure steam boiler in a hospital
D) A power boiler in a power plant
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under KRS 236.030, residential hot water boilers operating at
pressures less than 30 psig and temperatures less than 250°F are exempt
from state inspection. However, ASME construction standards still apply to
new installations.
7. Who is responsible for reporting any boiler or pressure vessel
accident in Kentucky?
A) Only the boiler operator
B) The owner, user, or operator of the boiler
C) Only the insurance company
D) Only the DHBC inspector
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under KRS 236.200, the owner, user, or operator of a boiler or
pressure vessel must report any accident resulting in death, injury, or
significant property damage to the DHBC within 10 days. Failure to report
can result in penalties.
8. What is the minimum required thickness for a boiler shell plate
under ASME Section I?
A) 1/8 inch
B) 1/4 inch
C) 3/8 inch
D) 1/2 inch
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ASME Section I requires a minimum shell plate thickness of 1/4
inch for power boilers, except for certain small boilers. This ensures adequate
strength and resistance to corrosion and pressure stresses.
9. In Kentucky, who may perform inspections of boilers and pressure
vessels?
A) Any licensed boiler contractor
B) The owner of the boiler
C) A Kentucky-commissioned boiler inspector (authorized by DHBC)
D) Any licensed professional engineer
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under KRS 236.060, only inspectors commissioned by the DHBC or
inspectors employed by authorized insurance companies (with DHBC
approval) may perform official inspections of boilers and pressure vessels in
Kentucky.
200 Multiple-Choice Questions | Based on KRS Chapter 236, 815 KAR, and
ASME BPVC | Verified Rationales | Stuvia-Ready Format
1. In the state of Kentucky, the authority having jurisdiction for boiler
and pressure vessel inspection is:
A) The Kentucky Department of Labor
B) The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction
(DHBC)
C) The Kentucky Division of Occupational Safety and Health (KY OSH)
D) The Kentucky Environmental Protection Agency (KY EPA)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction
(DHBC), specifically the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Branch, has
statutory authority under KRS Chapter 236 to regulate, inspect, and license
boilers and pressure vessels in Kentucky.
2. According to Kentucky regulations, what is the minimum pressure
threshold for a steam boiler to fall under state inspection
requirements?
A) 5 psig
B) 10 psig
C) 15 psig
D) 20 psig
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under KRS 236 and 815 KAR 10:010, a boiler is defined as a vessel
,that generates steam at pressures exceeding 15 psig, or hot water at
pressures exceeding 30 psig or temperatures exceeding 250°F. These
thresholds trigger inspection and licensing requirements.
3. What is the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) for a
low-pressure steam heating boiler?
A) 10 psig
B) 15 psig
C) 20 psig
D) 30 psig
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Low-pressure steam heating boilers are designed for operation at
pressures not exceeding 15 psig. High-pressure boilers operate above 15 psig
and have more stringent inspection requirements under ASME Section I.
4. Which ASME code section covers the construction of power boilers?
A) ASME Section I
B) ASME Section IV
C) ASME Section VIII
D) ASME Section IX
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ASME Section I (Power Boilers) covers the design, fabrication,
inspection, testing, and certification of power boilers (steam generators).
Section IV covers heating boilers (low-pressure). Section VIII covers pressure
vessels. Section IX covers welding qualifications.
,5. A Kentucky Boiler Contractor license is valid for how many years?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under 815 KAR 10:030, Kentucky Boiler Contractor licenses are
valid for a period of two years from the date of issuance. Renewal requires
continuing education credits as specified by the DHBC.
6. In Kentucky, which of the following boilers is EXEMPT from state
inspection requirements?
A) A high-pressure steam boiler in a factory
B) A residential hot water boiler (less than 30 psig and 250°F)
C) A low-pressure steam boiler in a hospital
D) A power boiler in a power plant
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under KRS 236.030, residential hot water boilers operating at
pressures less than 30 psig and temperatures less than 250°F are exempt
from state inspection. However, ASME construction standards still apply to
new installations.
7. Who is responsible for reporting any boiler or pressure vessel
accident in Kentucky?
A) Only the boiler operator
B) The owner, user, or operator of the boiler
C) Only the insurance company
D) Only the DHBC inspector
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under KRS 236.200, the owner, user, or operator of a boiler or
pressure vessel must report any accident resulting in death, injury, or
significant property damage to the DHBC within 10 days. Failure to report
can result in penalties.
8. What is the minimum required thickness for a boiler shell plate
under ASME Section I?
A) 1/8 inch
B) 1/4 inch
C) 3/8 inch
D) 1/2 inch
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: ASME Section I requires a minimum shell plate thickness of 1/4
inch for power boilers, except for certain small boilers. This ensures adequate
strength and resistance to corrosion and pressure stresses.
9. In Kentucky, who may perform inspections of boilers and pressure
vessels?
A) Any licensed boiler contractor
B) The owner of the boiler
C) A Kentucky-commissioned boiler inspector (authorized by DHBC)
D) Any licensed professional engineer
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under KRS 236.060, only inspectors commissioned by the DHBC or
inspectors employed by authorized insurance companies (with DHBC
approval) may perform official inspections of boilers and pressure vessels in
Kentucky.
