Exam Coverage Based on Maryland PSI Content Outline
1. General Knowledge and Problem Solving – basic math, physics, safety
procedures, boiler room problem solving
2. Basic Electricity – circuits, motors, switches, grounding, electrical safety
3. Boiler Types and Equipment – firetube, watertube, cast iron, heating
boilers, fittings
4. Burners and Fuel Train – gas, oil, combustion, flame safeguards, fuel
handling
5. Pumps and Valves – centrifugal pumps, feedwater, valves, steam traps,
piping
6. Inspections and Maintenance – boiler inspections, cleaning, log keeping,
preventive maintenance
7. Water Treatment – scale, corrosion, blowdown, chemicals, feedwater
testing
, 8. Emergency Operations – low water, high pressure, flame failure,
emergency shutdown
9. Auxiliary Equipment – deaerators, economizers, air compressors,
condensate systems
10. Maryland Code and Regulations – COMAR, Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Safety Act, licensing requirements
Maryland Stationary Engineer Grade 5 Exam
200 Multiple Choice Questions with Answers and Rationales
1. Which type of boiler is characterized by having fire or hot gases pass
through tubes surrounded by water inside a cylindrical shell?
A. Watertube boiler
B. Firetube boiler
,C. Cast iron sectional boiler
D. Electric boiler
Answer: B
Rationale: A firetube boiler is defined by combustion gases traveling
through tubes that are surrounded by water within the boiler shell, which is
a fundamental distinction from watertube boilers where water is inside the
tubes. 9 10
2. What is the primary safety device on a boiler that prevents catastrophic
failure from excessive pressure buildup?
A. Low water cutoff
B. Pressuretrol
C. Safety valve
D. Aquastat
, Answer: C
Rationale: The safety valve is the most critical safety device because it
automatically opens to release steam or water when pressure exceeds the
set point, preventing vessel rupture and explosion. 9 17
3. A low-pressure steam boiler operates at a maximum pressure not
exceeding how many psi?
A. 5 psi
B. 10 psi
C. 15 psi
D. 30 psi
Answer: C
Rationale: Maryland and ASME standards define low-pressure steam
1. General Knowledge and Problem Solving – basic math, physics, safety
procedures, boiler room problem solving
2. Basic Electricity – circuits, motors, switches, grounding, electrical safety
3. Boiler Types and Equipment – firetube, watertube, cast iron, heating
boilers, fittings
4. Burners and Fuel Train – gas, oil, combustion, flame safeguards, fuel
handling
5. Pumps and Valves – centrifugal pumps, feedwater, valves, steam traps,
piping
6. Inspections and Maintenance – boiler inspections, cleaning, log keeping,
preventive maintenance
7. Water Treatment – scale, corrosion, blowdown, chemicals, feedwater
testing
, 8. Emergency Operations – low water, high pressure, flame failure,
emergency shutdown
9. Auxiliary Equipment – deaerators, economizers, air compressors,
condensate systems
10. Maryland Code and Regulations – COMAR, Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Safety Act, licensing requirements
Maryland Stationary Engineer Grade 5 Exam
200 Multiple Choice Questions with Answers and Rationales
1. Which type of boiler is characterized by having fire or hot gases pass
through tubes surrounded by water inside a cylindrical shell?
A. Watertube boiler
B. Firetube boiler
,C. Cast iron sectional boiler
D. Electric boiler
Answer: B
Rationale: A firetube boiler is defined by combustion gases traveling
through tubes that are surrounded by water within the boiler shell, which is
a fundamental distinction from watertube boilers where water is inside the
tubes. 9 10
2. What is the primary safety device on a boiler that prevents catastrophic
failure from excessive pressure buildup?
A. Low water cutoff
B. Pressuretrol
C. Safety valve
D. Aquastat
, Answer: C
Rationale: The safety valve is the most critical safety device because it
automatically opens to release steam or water when pressure exceeds the
set point, preventing vessel rupture and explosion. 9 17
3. A low-pressure steam boiler operates at a maximum pressure not
exceeding how many psi?
A. 5 psi
B. 10 psi
C. 15 psi
D. 30 psi
Answer: C
Rationale: Maryland and ASME standards define low-pressure steam
