Page 1 of 160
AALSO Life Support Operator Level 1 Practice Exam
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES
AALSO Life Support Operator Level 1 Practice Exam
1.
A life support operator observes that a positive displacement pump uses rollers to compress flexible
tubing and move water through the system. What type of pump is this?
A. Flexible impeller pump
B. Diaphragm pump
C. Centrifugal pump
D. Peristaltic pump
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A peristaltic pump moves fluid by mechanically compressing flexible tubing with rotating
rollers, creating positive displacement.
2.
, Page 2 of 160
When inspecting a centrifugal pump during routine rounds, which component directly transfers
rotational energy from the motor into the rotating pump assembly?
A. Volute
B. Drive shaft
C. Pump casing
D. Mechanical seal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The drive shaft transmits rotational energy from the motor to the impeller.
3.
A centrifugal pump is operating normally, but the operator needs to understand how flow changes as
system resistance increases. Which tool provides this relationship?
A. Pump curve
B. Filter loading chart
C. Chemical inventory sheet
D. Water-quality log
, Page 3 of 160
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A pump curve shows relationships among flow, head, efficiency, and other operating
characteristics.
4.
During inspection, an operator notices water leaking from the shaft area of a centrifugal pump. Which
component is most likely responsible when properly maintained?
A. Impeller
B. Volute
C. Mechanical seal
D. Strainer basket
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The mechanical seal prevents water from escaping where the rotating shaft passes through
the stationary pump housing.
5.
, Page 4 of 160
An operator finds that a circulation pump has suddenly lost prime after maintenance. Which condition
most directly explains the loss of continuous water movement?
A. Excessive filter surface area
B. Air entering the suction side
C. Excessive biological activity
D. Increased ultraviolet exposure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Air entering the suction line can interrupt the continuous water column needed for proper
pump operation.
6.
A sand filter has accumulated trapped solids and its pressure differential has increased substantially.
What routine procedure is normally used to remove accumulated material?
A. Backwashing
B. Chlorination
AALSO Life Support Operator Level 1 Practice Exam
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES
AALSO Life Support Operator Level 1 Practice Exam
1.
A life support operator observes that a positive displacement pump uses rollers to compress flexible
tubing and move water through the system. What type of pump is this?
A. Flexible impeller pump
B. Diaphragm pump
C. Centrifugal pump
D. Peristaltic pump
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A peristaltic pump moves fluid by mechanically compressing flexible tubing with rotating
rollers, creating positive displacement.
2.
, Page 2 of 160
When inspecting a centrifugal pump during routine rounds, which component directly transfers
rotational energy from the motor into the rotating pump assembly?
A. Volute
B. Drive shaft
C. Pump casing
D. Mechanical seal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The drive shaft transmits rotational energy from the motor to the impeller.
3.
A centrifugal pump is operating normally, but the operator needs to understand how flow changes as
system resistance increases. Which tool provides this relationship?
A. Pump curve
B. Filter loading chart
C. Chemical inventory sheet
D. Water-quality log
, Page 3 of 160
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A pump curve shows relationships among flow, head, efficiency, and other operating
characteristics.
4.
During inspection, an operator notices water leaking from the shaft area of a centrifugal pump. Which
component is most likely responsible when properly maintained?
A. Impeller
B. Volute
C. Mechanical seal
D. Strainer basket
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The mechanical seal prevents water from escaping where the rotating shaft passes through
the stationary pump housing.
5.
, Page 4 of 160
An operator finds that a circulation pump has suddenly lost prime after maintenance. Which condition
most directly explains the loss of continuous water movement?
A. Excessive filter surface area
B. Air entering the suction side
C. Excessive biological activity
D. Increased ultraviolet exposure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Air entering the suction line can interrupt the continuous water column needed for proper
pump operation.
6.
A sand filter has accumulated trapped solids and its pressure differential has increased substantially.
What routine procedure is normally used to remove accumulated material?
A. Backwashing
B. Chlorination
