NEWEST UST INSTALLATION/RETROFITTING
CERTIFICATION EXAM OFFERED BY
INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL | COMPLETE
EXAM Q&A WITH RATIONALES
1. A contractor is installing a new fiberglass UST at a
fueling station. The tank will be placed in an
excavation with a high water table. According to
PEI/RP100, what is the most important additional
measure to prevent tank flotation?
A) Increase the backfill compaction density
B) Install concrete deadman anchors or auger
anchors attached to the tank
C) Use heavier gauge steel tanks instead of
fiberglass
D) Increase the depth of the excavation to add more
backfill weight
Correct answer: B
Rationale: PEI/RP100 requires tanks to be anchored
to resist buoyant forces when the excavation is
dewatered or when water tables are high.
2. During a retrofitting project, a technician must
install a spill bucket on an existing fill pipe. The
,existing pipe is 6 inches above the concrete pad.
What is the minimum required height for the spill
bucket to function correctly?
A) 2 inches
B) 4 inches
C) 6 inches
D) 8 inches
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A spill bucket must be installed so that its
top is above the surrounding concrete pad, typically
at least 4 inches, to prevent water from entering the
tank.
3. An inspector is reviewing a new UST installation
where the tank is 10 feet from a building foundation.
The local code requires a minimum of 15 feet. What
action should the inspector take?
A) Approve the installation because 10 feet is
common industry practice
B) Require the tank to be moved to meet the minimum
distance requirement
C) Allow the installation if a fire-rated barrier is
installed between the tank and the building
D) Issue a variance without requiring any changes
,Correct answer: B
Rationale: The minimum distance from a building
foundation is typically 3 feet, but local codes may
require more. The inspector must enforce the local
code requirement.
4. A steel UST is being installed and requires
cathodic protection. The design specifies sacrificial
anodes. How often must this system be tested by a
qualified person after installation?
A) Monthly
B) Annually
C) Every 2 years
D) Every 3 years
Correct answer: D
Rationale: 40 CFR 280.31 requires cathodic
protection systems to be tested by a qualified person
within 6 months of installation and at least every 3
years thereafter.
5. A technician is installing a double-walled fiberglass
tank. The interstitial space must be monitored for
leaks. What is the most common method used for
continuous monitoring of the interstitial space?
, A) Visual inspection of the sump only
B) Vacuum or pressure monitoring between the walls
C) Manual dipstick measurement
D) Periodic tank tightness testing
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Double-walled tanks are typically
monitored by applying a vacuum or pressure to the
interstitial space; a loss of vacuum indicates a leak in
either wall.
6. An UST system is being retrofitted with new
flexible piping. After installation, what type of test
must be performed on the piping before backfilling?
A) A 24-hour hydrostatic test at 150% of working
pressure
B) A pressure or vacuum test per PEI/RP1200
C) A visual inspection only
D) A leak test using a tracer dye
Correct answer: B
Rationale: PEI/RP1200 provides guidelines for testing
UST systems during installation, repair, and
maintenance, including pressure or vacuum testing
of piping.
CERTIFICATION EXAM OFFERED BY
INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL | COMPLETE
EXAM Q&A WITH RATIONALES
1. A contractor is installing a new fiberglass UST at a
fueling station. The tank will be placed in an
excavation with a high water table. According to
PEI/RP100, what is the most important additional
measure to prevent tank flotation?
A) Increase the backfill compaction density
B) Install concrete deadman anchors or auger
anchors attached to the tank
C) Use heavier gauge steel tanks instead of
fiberglass
D) Increase the depth of the excavation to add more
backfill weight
Correct answer: B
Rationale: PEI/RP100 requires tanks to be anchored
to resist buoyant forces when the excavation is
dewatered or when water tables are high.
2. During a retrofitting project, a technician must
install a spill bucket on an existing fill pipe. The
,existing pipe is 6 inches above the concrete pad.
What is the minimum required height for the spill
bucket to function correctly?
A) 2 inches
B) 4 inches
C) 6 inches
D) 8 inches
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A spill bucket must be installed so that its
top is above the surrounding concrete pad, typically
at least 4 inches, to prevent water from entering the
tank.
3. An inspector is reviewing a new UST installation
where the tank is 10 feet from a building foundation.
The local code requires a minimum of 15 feet. What
action should the inspector take?
A) Approve the installation because 10 feet is
common industry practice
B) Require the tank to be moved to meet the minimum
distance requirement
C) Allow the installation if a fire-rated barrier is
installed between the tank and the building
D) Issue a variance without requiring any changes
,Correct answer: B
Rationale: The minimum distance from a building
foundation is typically 3 feet, but local codes may
require more. The inspector must enforce the local
code requirement.
4. A steel UST is being installed and requires
cathodic protection. The design specifies sacrificial
anodes. How often must this system be tested by a
qualified person after installation?
A) Monthly
B) Annually
C) Every 2 years
D) Every 3 years
Correct answer: D
Rationale: 40 CFR 280.31 requires cathodic
protection systems to be tested by a qualified person
within 6 months of installation and at least every 3
years thereafter.
5. A technician is installing a double-walled fiberglass
tank. The interstitial space must be monitored for
leaks. What is the most common method used for
continuous monitoring of the interstitial space?
, A) Visual inspection of the sump only
B) Vacuum or pressure monitoring between the walls
C) Manual dipstick measurement
D) Periodic tank tightness testing
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Double-walled tanks are typically
monitored by applying a vacuum or pressure to the
interstitial space; a loss of vacuum indicates a leak in
either wall.
6. An UST system is being retrofitted with new
flexible piping. After installation, what type of test
must be performed on the piping before backfilling?
A) A 24-hour hydrostatic test at 150% of working
pressure
B) A pressure or vacuum test per PEI/RP1200
C) A visual inspection only
D) A leak test using a tracer dye
Correct answer: B
Rationale: PEI/RP1200 provides guidelines for testing
UST systems during installation, repair, and
maintenance, including pressure or vacuum testing
of piping.
