NYC Custodian Engineer Exam Complete Practice Test Bank – 300 Questions with Verified
Answers & Detailed Rationales | 2026 Edition
Table of Contents
Exam Overview ...... 3
Section 1: Boiler Operations & Steam Systems (Questions 1–50) ...... 4
Section 2: HVAC Systems & Refrigeration (Questions 51–90) ...... 10
Section 3: Electrical Systems & Motor Maintenance (Questions 91–125) ...... 14
Section 4: Plumbing Systems & Water Quality (Questions 126–155) ...... 17
Section 5: Fire Safety & FDNY Regulations (Questions 156–190) ...... 20
Section 6: Building Maintenance & Preventive Procedures (Questions 191–220) ...... 23
Section 7: Safety Regulations & Environmental Compliance (Questions 221–255) ...... 26
Section : NYC Building Codes & Regulatory Compliance (Questions 256–20) ...... 29
Section 9: Administrative Management & DOE Procedures (Questions 21–300) ...... 31
Answer Key ...... 34
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Exam Overview
Examination: NYC Custodian Engineer (Board of Education / DCAS)
Administering Agency: NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS)
Exam Numbers: 9013 (historical) / 0063 (current)
Exam Format: Multiple-choice, computer-based testing
Purpose: This examination assesses the competency of individuals responsible for the
operation, maintenance, and administration of large-scale public facilities, primarily New York
City public schools. Candidates must demonstrate technical knowledge of mechanical systems,
including high and low-pressure boilers, HVAC units, and electrical systems, alongside essential
administrative skills such as labor relations, safety compliance, and record keeping.
Certifications Referenced:
- FDNY Certificate of Fitness (P-99, S-95)
- Low-Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer license
- High-Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer license
Reference Materials:
- NYC Mechanical Code
- NYC Building Code
,- NYC Fire Code
- ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
- OSHA Standards (29 CFR)
- NYC Department of Education Administrative Circulars
- Local Law 97 (Emissions)
Core Domains Covered:
| Domain | Approx. % |
|--------|-----------|
| Boiler Operations & Steam Systems | 17% |
| HVAC Systems & Refrigeration | 13% |
| Electrical Systems & Motor Maintenance | 12% |
| Plumbing Systems & Water Quality | 10% |
| Fire Safety & FDNY Regulations | 12% |
| Building Maintenance & Preventive Procedures | 10% |
| Safety Regulations & Environmental Compliance | 10% |
| NYC Building Codes & Regulatory Compliance | % |
| Administrative Management & DOE Procedures | % |
---
Section 1: Boiler Operations & Steam Systems
Questions 1–50
---
, Question 1
According to the New York City Mechanical Code, what is the maximum allowable pressure for a
boiler to be legally classified and operated as a "low-pressure" steam boiler?
A) 5 psi
B) 15 psi
C) 100 psi
D) 150 psi
Answer: B) 15 psi
Rationale: Low-pressure steam boilers are limited to 15 psig. Any boiler operating above 15 psi
is classified as high-pressure and requires a different class of licensure and stricter operating
protocols.
---
Question 2
What is the primary function of the "Hartford Loop" in a steam heating system?
A) To increase the velocity of steam as it travels to the furthest radiator
B) To provide a bypass route for steam when the main header is closed
C) To prevent the boiler from losing its water level below a safe point in the event of a leak in
the return line
D) To trap air and vent it out of the system before it reaches the boiler
Answers & Detailed Rationales | 2026 Edition
Table of Contents
Exam Overview ...... 3
Section 1: Boiler Operations & Steam Systems (Questions 1–50) ...... 4
Section 2: HVAC Systems & Refrigeration (Questions 51–90) ...... 10
Section 3: Electrical Systems & Motor Maintenance (Questions 91–125) ...... 14
Section 4: Plumbing Systems & Water Quality (Questions 126–155) ...... 17
Section 5: Fire Safety & FDNY Regulations (Questions 156–190) ...... 20
Section 6: Building Maintenance & Preventive Procedures (Questions 191–220) ...... 23
Section 7: Safety Regulations & Environmental Compliance (Questions 221–255) ...... 26
Section : NYC Building Codes & Regulatory Compliance (Questions 256–20) ...... 29
Section 9: Administrative Management & DOE Procedures (Questions 21–300) ...... 31
Answer Key ...... 34
,---
Exam Overview
Examination: NYC Custodian Engineer (Board of Education / DCAS)
Administering Agency: NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS)
Exam Numbers: 9013 (historical) / 0063 (current)
Exam Format: Multiple-choice, computer-based testing
Purpose: This examination assesses the competency of individuals responsible for the
operation, maintenance, and administration of large-scale public facilities, primarily New York
City public schools. Candidates must demonstrate technical knowledge of mechanical systems,
including high and low-pressure boilers, HVAC units, and electrical systems, alongside essential
administrative skills such as labor relations, safety compliance, and record keeping.
Certifications Referenced:
- FDNY Certificate of Fitness (P-99, S-95)
- Low-Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer license
- High-Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer license
Reference Materials:
- NYC Mechanical Code
- NYC Building Code
,- NYC Fire Code
- ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
- OSHA Standards (29 CFR)
- NYC Department of Education Administrative Circulars
- Local Law 97 (Emissions)
Core Domains Covered:
| Domain | Approx. % |
|--------|-----------|
| Boiler Operations & Steam Systems | 17% |
| HVAC Systems & Refrigeration | 13% |
| Electrical Systems & Motor Maintenance | 12% |
| Plumbing Systems & Water Quality | 10% |
| Fire Safety & FDNY Regulations | 12% |
| Building Maintenance & Preventive Procedures | 10% |
| Safety Regulations & Environmental Compliance | 10% |
| NYC Building Codes & Regulatory Compliance | % |
| Administrative Management & DOE Procedures | % |
---
Section 1: Boiler Operations & Steam Systems
Questions 1–50
---
, Question 1
According to the New York City Mechanical Code, what is the maximum allowable pressure for a
boiler to be legally classified and operated as a "low-pressure" steam boiler?
A) 5 psi
B) 15 psi
C) 100 psi
D) 150 psi
Answer: B) 15 psi
Rationale: Low-pressure steam boilers are limited to 15 psig. Any boiler operating above 15 psi
is classified as high-pressure and requires a different class of licensure and stricter operating
protocols.
---
Question 2
What is the primary function of the "Hartford Loop" in a steam heating system?
A) To increase the velocity of steam as it travels to the furthest radiator
B) To provide a bypass route for steam when the main header is closed
C) To prevent the boiler from losing its water level below a safe point in the event of a leak in
the return line
D) To trap air and vent it out of the system before it reaches the boiler
