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Massachusetts Second Class Fireman License EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR – JUST RELEASED
Massachusetts Second Class Fireman License Exam
10-Line Exam Coverage in Points Form
1. Licensing Authority & Requirements – Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS)
is the licensing authority; all stationary fireman licenses issued under M.G.L. c. 146, § 49;
Second Class Fireman license is required for pressure greater than 15 psi (steam) and
250°F/160 psi (hot water) ; applicants need a minimum of 90 days experience under a
First Class or Chief Engineer; the exam is computer-based at PSI testing centers ; no
second-class fireman license is issued to applicants who are not at least 18 years old .
2. Stationary Steam & Hot Water Boilers – A boiler is defined as a closed vessel in which
water is heated, steam is generated, or steam is superheated under pressure; second-
class fireman license authorizes operation of boilers where pressure does not exceed 15
psi steam and not exceeding 250°F/160 psi hot water; responsibilities include monitoring
boiler operations, maintaining proper water levels, conducting blowdowns, and
maintaining safe operating conditions .
3. Boiler Fittings & Safety Devices – Safety valve operation (must lift at least once every 24
hours when possible), low-water fuel cutoff (prevents burner operation when water
level drops below safe level), water column and gauge glass (provides visible indication
of water level), pressure gauge (indicates boiler pressure), try cocks (secondary water
level verification), bottom blowdown valves (remove sediment), and siphon/pigtail
(protects pressure gauge from steam heat).
4. Water Level Management – Proper water level is the most important parameter; water
level must be visible in the gauge glass at all times; low water is the most common cause
of boiler explosions; gauge glass blowdown procedure; water column maintenance; and
recognition of false water levels (foaming, priming).
5. Combustion & Burner Operation – Air-fuel ratio importance for efficient combustion;
proper atomization of fuel oil; burner management system; pre-purge and post-purge
cycles; flame scanners (cad cells, UV scanners); main flame established within 4-10
seconds; oil pressure atomization; and gas train safety devices.
6. Blowdown Procedures – Bottom blowdown removes sediment from the lowest part of
the boiler; blowdown is performed when the boiler is at normal operating pressure and
temperature; proper sequence (open slow-opening valve first, then quick-opening valve,
close quick-opening first, then slow-opening); blowdown reduces dissolved solids and
prevents sludge buildup; blowdown should never be performed when the boiler is under
a heavy load.
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7. Emergency Procedures – Low water emergency (shut burner off, do NOT add water until
boiler cools); high pressure (safety valve should operate); flame failure (burner lockout);
power failure (close fuel valves, open vents); tube failure (shut down boiler); fire in the
boiler room (call 911, evacuate); and steam explosion prevention.
8. Boiler Water Treatment – Purpose of water treatment (prevent scale, corrosion,
carryover); common chemicals (phosphate for calcium scale, sulfite for oxygen
scavenging, caustic soda for alkalinity); blowdown removes concentrated impurities;
dissolved oxygen causes pitting; hardness causes scale; proper pH range (10.5-11.5 for
most boilers); and TDS (total dissolved solids) control.
9. Pumps & Auxiliary Equipment – Feedwater pumps supply water to the boiler;
condensate return systems (maximize efficiency); steam traps (remove condensate);
types of pumps (centrifugal, turbine, reciprocating); pump operation and maintenance;
deaerators remove dissolved oxygen; and economizers preheat feedwater.
10. Fire Safety & Regulations – Fireman's license required under M.G.L. c. 146, § 49; boiler
room safety; proper storage of combustibles; fire extinguisher types (Class B for
flammable liquids); fuel oil storage and handling; emergency shutdown procedures; and
OSHA/NFPA requirements.
100 Practice Questions with Rationales
Question 1
What is the minimum age requirement for a Massachusetts Second Class Fireman license?
A) 16 years old
B) 17 years old
C) 18 years old
D) 21 years old
Correct Answer: C
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Rationale: No second-class fireman license shall be issued to any applicant who is not at least
eighteen years of age . This is a Massachusetts Department of Fire Services regulation.
Question 2
The Second Class Fireman license authorizes operation of boilers at what pressure?
A) Any pressure
B) Pressure not exceeding 15 psi steam
C) Pressure not exceeding 100 psi steam
D) Pressure not exceeding 250 psi steam
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A Second Class Fireman license authorizes the holder to operate boilers where the
pressure does not exceed 15 psi steam . This is a key distinction from higher-class licenses.
Question 3
What is the maximum hot water temperature a Second Class Fireman is authorized to operate?
A) 180°F
B) 200°F
C) 212°F
D) 250°F
Correct Answer: D
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Rationale: The Second Class Fireman license authorizes operation of hot water boilers not
exceeding 250°F . This aligns with the hot water boiler pressure limitation of 160 psi.
Question 4
What experience is required before taking the Second Class Fireman exam?
A) No experience required
B) 30 days experience under a First Class or Chief Engineer
C) 60 days experience under a First Class or Chief Engineer
D) 90 days experience under a First Class or Chief Engineer
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A minimum of ninety days of experience under the supervision of a First Class
Fireman or Chief Engineer is required before taking the Second Class Fireman exam.
Question 5
Which agency is the licensing authority for stationary fireman licenses in Massachusetts?
A) Massachusetts Department of Public Health
B) Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS)
C) Massachusetts Board of Boiler Rules
D) Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards
Correct Answer: B
Massachusetts Second Class Fireman License EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR – JUST RELEASED
Massachusetts Second Class Fireman License Exam
10-Line Exam Coverage in Points Form
1. Licensing Authority & Requirements – Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS)
is the licensing authority; all stationary fireman licenses issued under M.G.L. c. 146, § 49;
Second Class Fireman license is required for pressure greater than 15 psi (steam) and
250°F/160 psi (hot water) ; applicants need a minimum of 90 days experience under a
First Class or Chief Engineer; the exam is computer-based at PSI testing centers ; no
second-class fireman license is issued to applicants who are not at least 18 years old .
2. Stationary Steam & Hot Water Boilers – A boiler is defined as a closed vessel in which
water is heated, steam is generated, or steam is superheated under pressure; second-
class fireman license authorizes operation of boilers where pressure does not exceed 15
psi steam and not exceeding 250°F/160 psi hot water; responsibilities include monitoring
boiler operations, maintaining proper water levels, conducting blowdowns, and
maintaining safe operating conditions .
3. Boiler Fittings & Safety Devices – Safety valve operation (must lift at least once every 24
hours when possible), low-water fuel cutoff (prevents burner operation when water
level drops below safe level), water column and gauge glass (provides visible indication
of water level), pressure gauge (indicates boiler pressure), try cocks (secondary water
level verification), bottom blowdown valves (remove sediment), and siphon/pigtail
(protects pressure gauge from steam heat).
4. Water Level Management – Proper water level is the most important parameter; water
level must be visible in the gauge glass at all times; low water is the most common cause
of boiler explosions; gauge glass blowdown procedure; water column maintenance; and
recognition of false water levels (foaming, priming).
5. Combustion & Burner Operation – Air-fuel ratio importance for efficient combustion;
proper atomization of fuel oil; burner management system; pre-purge and post-purge
cycles; flame scanners (cad cells, UV scanners); main flame established within 4-10
seconds; oil pressure atomization; and gas train safety devices.
6. Blowdown Procedures – Bottom blowdown removes sediment from the lowest part of
the boiler; blowdown is performed when the boiler is at normal operating pressure and
temperature; proper sequence (open slow-opening valve first, then quick-opening valve,
close quick-opening first, then slow-opening); blowdown reduces dissolved solids and
prevents sludge buildup; blowdown should never be performed when the boiler is under
a heavy load.
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7. Emergency Procedures – Low water emergency (shut burner off, do NOT add water until
boiler cools); high pressure (safety valve should operate); flame failure (burner lockout);
power failure (close fuel valves, open vents); tube failure (shut down boiler); fire in the
boiler room (call 911, evacuate); and steam explosion prevention.
8. Boiler Water Treatment – Purpose of water treatment (prevent scale, corrosion,
carryover); common chemicals (phosphate for calcium scale, sulfite for oxygen
scavenging, caustic soda for alkalinity); blowdown removes concentrated impurities;
dissolved oxygen causes pitting; hardness causes scale; proper pH range (10.5-11.5 for
most boilers); and TDS (total dissolved solids) control.
9. Pumps & Auxiliary Equipment – Feedwater pumps supply water to the boiler;
condensate return systems (maximize efficiency); steam traps (remove condensate);
types of pumps (centrifugal, turbine, reciprocating); pump operation and maintenance;
deaerators remove dissolved oxygen; and economizers preheat feedwater.
10. Fire Safety & Regulations – Fireman's license required under M.G.L. c. 146, § 49; boiler
room safety; proper storage of combustibles; fire extinguisher types (Class B for
flammable liquids); fuel oil storage and handling; emergency shutdown procedures; and
OSHA/NFPA requirements.
100 Practice Questions with Rationales
Question 1
What is the minimum age requirement for a Massachusetts Second Class Fireman license?
A) 16 years old
B) 17 years old
C) 18 years old
D) 21 years old
Correct Answer: C
, Page 3 of 128
Rationale: No second-class fireman license shall be issued to any applicant who is not at least
eighteen years of age . This is a Massachusetts Department of Fire Services regulation.
Question 2
The Second Class Fireman license authorizes operation of boilers at what pressure?
A) Any pressure
B) Pressure not exceeding 15 psi steam
C) Pressure not exceeding 100 psi steam
D) Pressure not exceeding 250 psi steam
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A Second Class Fireman license authorizes the holder to operate boilers where the
pressure does not exceed 15 psi steam . This is a key distinction from higher-class licenses.
Question 3
What is the maximum hot water temperature a Second Class Fireman is authorized to operate?
A) 180°F
B) 200°F
C) 212°F
D) 250°F
Correct Answer: D
, Page 4 of 128
Rationale: The Second Class Fireman license authorizes operation of hot water boilers not
exceeding 250°F . This aligns with the hot water boiler pressure limitation of 160 psi.
Question 4
What experience is required before taking the Second Class Fireman exam?
A) No experience required
B) 30 days experience under a First Class or Chief Engineer
C) 60 days experience under a First Class or Chief Engineer
D) 90 days experience under a First Class or Chief Engineer
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A minimum of ninety days of experience under the supervision of a First Class
Fireman or Chief Engineer is required before taking the Second Class Fireman exam.
Question 5
Which agency is the licensing authority for stationary fireman licenses in Massachusetts?
A) Massachusetts Department of Public Health
B) Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS)
C) Massachusetts Board of Boiler Rules
D) Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards
Correct Answer: B
