,Texas Fire Sprinkler Licensing (TFM-08)
Advanced Prep: Master Fire Protection Statute
& Rules Practice Questions & Detailed
Explanations
Subject: Texas Insurance Code Chapter 6003 & 28 TAC § 34.700 (Sprinkler
Statute & Rules)
Question 1: A registered firm planning to sell their business must be aware of the transferability
of their Certificate of Registration (SCR). Under Texas law, what is the correct procedural
implication regarding the SCR upon the sale of the business?
A) The SCR is automatically transferred to the new owner provided the new owner holds a valid
RME license.
B) The SCR is non-transferable; the new owner must obtain their own SCR, though partial sales
may allow for revision of an existing CR.
C) The SCR remains valid for the remainder of its two-year term regardless of ownership
changes, as long as the registered firm's name does not change.
D) The SCR must be surrendered to the State Fire Marshal at least 30 days prior to the sale, after
which a new application is mandatory.
Correct Answer: B) The SCR is non-transferable; the new owner must obtain their own
SCR, though partial sales may allow for revision of an existing CR.
*Explanation: Texas administrative code explicitly states that certificates of registration are non-
transferable. This ensures that the entity assuming responsibility for fire protection systems
undergoes the vetting and compliance process required by the State Fire Marshal. If a business
is sold, the old SCR cannot simply be "handed over"; the new entity must establish its own
registration. In cases of partial business sales or organizational restructuring, revisions to an
existing registration may be processed, but this is a administrative modification rather than a
transfer of the license itself.
Question 2: An RME-General (RME-G) is tasked with the installation of a fire protection system
in a multi-story assisted living facility. Under the regulatory framework, which of the following
best describes the RME-G's professional obligation regarding the system's design and
compliance?
A) The RME-G must verify that the design meets the standards of the manufacturer's proprietary
software only.
,B) The RME-G is responsible for ensuring the system, as planned, designed, installed,
maintained, or serviced, meets the legal standards provided by law.
C) The RME-G may delegate the certification of the system to an RME-I provided the RME-I
has a NICET Level II.
D) The RME-G is exempt from verifying NFPA 13 compliance if the building is less than
50,000 square feet.
Correct Answer: B) The RME-G is responsible for ensuring the system, as planned,
designed, installed, maintained, or serviced, meets the legal standards provided by law.
*Explanation: The Responsible Managing Employee (RME-General) acts as the designated
agent responsible for the integrity of the fire sprinkler system. The statute places the burden of
compliance directly on this licensee to ensure that all phases of the project—from planning
through maintenance—adhere strictly to adopted NFPA standards and Texas state law. Option A
is incorrect because reliance on proprietary software is insufficient if it conflicts with NFPA
codes. Option C is incorrect as the RME-G remains the ultimate professional authority for the
design and installation.
Question 3: A fire sprinkler contractor is found to be operating with an insurance policy that
lacks the specific coverage for "products and completed operations." What is the regulatory
consequence for the contractor under the Texas Insurance Code?
A) The firm is fined $500 per day until a new policy is filed.
B) The firm is required to submit a letter of intent to change insurers within 60 days.
C) The firm is non-compliant, as the mandatory $100,000/$300,000 liability insurance must
include both products and completed operations coverage.
D) No immediate action is required as long as the primary bodily injury coverage is active.
Correct Answer: C) The firm is non-compliant, as the mandatory $100,000/$300,000 liability
insurance must include both products and completed operations coverage.
*Explanation: Texas regulations are very specific regarding financial responsibility. A
contractor must maintain general liability insurance with a minimum of $100,000 combined
single bodily injury and property damage coverage per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate for
all occurrences. Crucially, the law mandates that this coverage specifically includes finished
operations and product liability, as these address the long-term liability associated with installed
fire protection systems.
Question 4: Regarding the tagging requirements for a system that is found to be operational but
in violation of a specific maintenance code, which tag must be affixed, and how soon must the
State Fire Marshal be notified?
, A) Red tag; 24 hours.
B) Yellow tag; 5 days.
C) White tag; no notification required.
D) Green tag; 48 hours.
Correct Answer: B) Yellow tag; 5 days.
*Explanation: The tag system is designed to provide clear communication about system status. A
red tag signifies the system is "impaired and non-operational" (immediate threat). A yellow tag
signifies the system is "operational but non-compliant" (deficiencies exist that do not
immediately render the system useless). If a system is found to be non-compliant (yellow tag), the
firm is required to notify the State Fire Marshal within 5 days. Red tag notifications are
significantly more urgent, typically requiring notification within 24 hours.
Question 5: An individual RME license has expired. The licensee attempts to renew the license
14 months after the expiration date. What is the status of the license and the required procedure?
A) The license is permanently revoked; retesting is mandatory.
B) The license may be renewed by paying the required late fees, provided the request is made
within 2 years of expiration.
C) The licensee must apply for a new license as if they were a first-time applicant.
D) The license remains valid for 3 years regardless of renewal payments.
Correct Answer: B) The license may be renewed by paying the required late fees, provided
the request is made within 2 years of expiration.
*Explanation: Texas licensing regulations allow for a grace period for renewals. Licenses (and
certificates of registration) expired for less than two years can be renewed upon payment of the
required renewal and late fees. If an individual waits longer than two years, the license is
considered permanently expired, and the individual must go through the full initial licensing
process again, including re-testing.
Question 6: Which of the following defines the scope of work permitted for an RME-
Underground (RME-U) licensee?
A) Planning, installing, and servicing the interior sprinkler heads of a commercial warehouse.
B) Planning and designing the hydraulic calculations for a multi-family dwelling system.
Advanced Prep: Master Fire Protection Statute
& Rules Practice Questions & Detailed
Explanations
Subject: Texas Insurance Code Chapter 6003 & 28 TAC § 34.700 (Sprinkler
Statute & Rules)
Question 1: A registered firm planning to sell their business must be aware of the transferability
of their Certificate of Registration (SCR). Under Texas law, what is the correct procedural
implication regarding the SCR upon the sale of the business?
A) The SCR is automatically transferred to the new owner provided the new owner holds a valid
RME license.
B) The SCR is non-transferable; the new owner must obtain their own SCR, though partial sales
may allow for revision of an existing CR.
C) The SCR remains valid for the remainder of its two-year term regardless of ownership
changes, as long as the registered firm's name does not change.
D) The SCR must be surrendered to the State Fire Marshal at least 30 days prior to the sale, after
which a new application is mandatory.
Correct Answer: B) The SCR is non-transferable; the new owner must obtain their own
SCR, though partial sales may allow for revision of an existing CR.
*Explanation: Texas administrative code explicitly states that certificates of registration are non-
transferable. This ensures that the entity assuming responsibility for fire protection systems
undergoes the vetting and compliance process required by the State Fire Marshal. If a business
is sold, the old SCR cannot simply be "handed over"; the new entity must establish its own
registration. In cases of partial business sales or organizational restructuring, revisions to an
existing registration may be processed, but this is a administrative modification rather than a
transfer of the license itself.
Question 2: An RME-General (RME-G) is tasked with the installation of a fire protection system
in a multi-story assisted living facility. Under the regulatory framework, which of the following
best describes the RME-G's professional obligation regarding the system's design and
compliance?
A) The RME-G must verify that the design meets the standards of the manufacturer's proprietary
software only.
,B) The RME-G is responsible for ensuring the system, as planned, designed, installed,
maintained, or serviced, meets the legal standards provided by law.
C) The RME-G may delegate the certification of the system to an RME-I provided the RME-I
has a NICET Level II.
D) The RME-G is exempt from verifying NFPA 13 compliance if the building is less than
50,000 square feet.
Correct Answer: B) The RME-G is responsible for ensuring the system, as planned,
designed, installed, maintained, or serviced, meets the legal standards provided by law.
*Explanation: The Responsible Managing Employee (RME-General) acts as the designated
agent responsible for the integrity of the fire sprinkler system. The statute places the burden of
compliance directly on this licensee to ensure that all phases of the project—from planning
through maintenance—adhere strictly to adopted NFPA standards and Texas state law. Option A
is incorrect because reliance on proprietary software is insufficient if it conflicts with NFPA
codes. Option C is incorrect as the RME-G remains the ultimate professional authority for the
design and installation.
Question 3: A fire sprinkler contractor is found to be operating with an insurance policy that
lacks the specific coverage for "products and completed operations." What is the regulatory
consequence for the contractor under the Texas Insurance Code?
A) The firm is fined $500 per day until a new policy is filed.
B) The firm is required to submit a letter of intent to change insurers within 60 days.
C) The firm is non-compliant, as the mandatory $100,000/$300,000 liability insurance must
include both products and completed operations coverage.
D) No immediate action is required as long as the primary bodily injury coverage is active.
Correct Answer: C) The firm is non-compliant, as the mandatory $100,000/$300,000 liability
insurance must include both products and completed operations coverage.
*Explanation: Texas regulations are very specific regarding financial responsibility. A
contractor must maintain general liability insurance with a minimum of $100,000 combined
single bodily injury and property damage coverage per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate for
all occurrences. Crucially, the law mandates that this coverage specifically includes finished
operations and product liability, as these address the long-term liability associated with installed
fire protection systems.
Question 4: Regarding the tagging requirements for a system that is found to be operational but
in violation of a specific maintenance code, which tag must be affixed, and how soon must the
State Fire Marshal be notified?
, A) Red tag; 24 hours.
B) Yellow tag; 5 days.
C) White tag; no notification required.
D) Green tag; 48 hours.
Correct Answer: B) Yellow tag; 5 days.
*Explanation: The tag system is designed to provide clear communication about system status. A
red tag signifies the system is "impaired and non-operational" (immediate threat). A yellow tag
signifies the system is "operational but non-compliant" (deficiencies exist that do not
immediately render the system useless). If a system is found to be non-compliant (yellow tag), the
firm is required to notify the State Fire Marshal within 5 days. Red tag notifications are
significantly more urgent, typically requiring notification within 24 hours.
Question 5: An individual RME license has expired. The licensee attempts to renew the license
14 months after the expiration date. What is the status of the license and the required procedure?
A) The license is permanently revoked; retesting is mandatory.
B) The license may be renewed by paying the required late fees, provided the request is made
within 2 years of expiration.
C) The licensee must apply for a new license as if they were a first-time applicant.
D) The license remains valid for 3 years regardless of renewal payments.
Correct Answer: B) The license may be renewed by paying the required late fees, provided
the request is made within 2 years of expiration.
*Explanation: Texas licensing regulations allow for a grace period for renewals. Licenses (and
certificates of registration) expired for less than two years can be renewed upon payment of the
required renewal and late fees. If an individual waits longer than two years, the license is
considered permanently expired, and the individual must go through the full initial licensing
process again, including re-testing.
Question 6: Which of the following defines the scope of work permitted for an RME-
Underground (RME-U) licensee?
A) Planning, installing, and servicing the interior sprinkler heads of a commercial warehouse.
B) Planning and designing the hydraulic calculations for a multi-family dwelling system.
