ANSI/IICRC S590 Assessment of HVAC Systems
Following Water, Fire, or Mold Damage – IICRC
S590 Study Guide, Original Practice Questions &
Answers, Exam Preparation, Comprehensive HVAC
Assessment Review, Testing Methodologies,
Sampling Protocols, Restorable vs Non-Restorable
Components, Safety, Documentation, Reporting &
Restoration Work Plans
Question 1: According to the ANSI/IICRC S590 standard, what is the primary
purpose of the HVAC assessment process following a water, fire, or mold
damage event?
A. To determine the operational efficiency of the HVAC system post-event.
B. To identify impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal surfaces.
C. To provide a cost estimate for the replacement of the entire HVAC system.
D. To test the structural integrity of the ductwork.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To identify impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal
surfaces.
Rationale: The core function of the HVAC assessment process defined in the S590 is to
identify which internal surfaces of the HVAC system have been affected by the damage
event and which have not . This is the foundational step for creating a restoration work
plan.
Question 2: Which of the following building types is explicitly covered by the
scope of the ANSI/IICRC S590 standard?
A. Residential, commercial, institutional, and healthcare buildings.
B. Only residential and commercial buildings.
C. Only industrial and agricultural buildings.
D. High-rise buildings exclusively.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Residential, commercial, institutional, and healthcare
buildings.
Rationale: The S590 standard is applicable to a wide range of property types, specifically
naming residential, commercial, institutional, and healthcare buildings as being within
its scope .
Question 3: The ANSI/IICRC S590 standard was developed in a cooperative
agreement with which other major industry association?
A. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE).
B. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).
C. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).
D. The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA).
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).
Rationale: The S590 standard is a significant milestone that integrates multiple IICRC
standards and the NADCA ACR (Assessment, Cleaning, and Restoration of HVAC
Systems) Standard, reflecting a cooperative agreement between the two organizations .
Question 4: What is the full and correct title of the ANSI/IICRC S590 standard?
A. Standard for Remediation of HVAC Systems.
B. Standard for the Installation of HVAC Systems in Restoration Projects.
C. Standard for Assessing HVAC Systems Following a Water, Fire, or Mold Damage
Event.
D. Standard for the Operation and Maintenance of HVAC Systems.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Standard for Assessing HVAC Systems Following a
Water, Fire, or Mold Damage Event.
Rationale: The official title of the standard is "Standard for Assessing HVAC Systems
Following a Water, Fire, or Mold Damage Event" . The standard is specifically for
assessment, not installation or general operation.
Question 5: In addition to visual observations, what other type of observation
is a core part of the HVAC assessment process under S590?
A. Acoustic analysis.
B. Olfactory (odor) observations.
C. Thermal imaging.
D. Airflow velocity measurements.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Olfactory (odor) observations.
Rationale: The standard explicitly lists methods and procedures to determine "visual
deposition and odor retention" . The assessment is based upon visual and olfactory
observations of the HVAC systems .
Question 6: What is the official ANSI designation year for the first edition of
the IICRC S590 standard?
A. 2020
B. 2021
C. 2022
D. 2023
CORRECT ANSWER: D. 2023
Rationale: The first edition of the standard is published as ANSI/IICRC S590-2023 . It
was published in November 2023.
Question 7: Who was the Chairman of the IICRC S590 Consensus Body that
developed the standard?
,A. Brandon Burton
B. Carey Vermeulen
C. Tom Yacobellis
D. Greg Krowitz
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Tom Yacobellis
Rationale: Tom Yacobellis is identified as the IICRC S590 Consensus Body Chairman .
Greg Krowitz is the Vice-Chair .
Question 8: The ANSI/IICRC S590 standard is intended to create a written
report and what other specific document?
A. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
B. A Remediation Work Plan (RWP).
C. An Insurance Claim Form.
D. A Building Code Compliance Certificate.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A Remediation Work Plan (RWP).
Rationale: The standard contains procedures to perform HVAC assessments and create
a written report and a "Remediation Work Plan (RWP)" . This plan is for the restorer to
follow.
Question 9: According to the S590, the presence of event-related particulates
in the general environment automatically indicates that the HVAC system
components are impacted by the event being assessed.
A. True
B. False
C. Only if the HVAC system was operational during the event.
D. Only if the particulates are visible to the naked eye.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. False
Rationale: The S590 clarifies that while HVAC systems may be impacted by particulates,
the presence of event-related particulates in the general environment does not
automatically indicate the event being assessed impacted HVAC system components .
Question 10: Who should conduct an HVAC assessment according to the
principles of the S590 standard?
A. A licensed general contractor.
B. An HVAC restoration assessor or an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP).
C. The building owner or occupant.
D. An HVAC installation technician.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. An HVAC restoration assessor or an Indoor
Environmental Professional (IEP).
, Rationale: The standard specifies that an HVAC restoration assessor or an Indoor
Environmental Professional (IEP) should conduct the HVAC assessment. The assessor
must be qualified and knowledgeable of HVAC system components and typical
particulate deposition .
Question 11: What does the ANSI/IICRC S590 standard NOT address?
A. Determining visual deposition.
B. Sampling protocols.
C. The identification of potentially hazardous or regulated materials like asbestos and
lead.
D. Determining restorable vs. non-restorable components.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The identification of potentially hazardous or
regulated materials like asbestos and lead.
Rationale: The standard explicitly states it does not address the identification of
potentially hazardous or regulated materials such as asbestos, lead, PCBs, and other
chemical contaminants .
Question 12: The S590 standard is a voluntary consensus-based standard.
What does this primarily mean for its use in the industry?
A. It is legally enforceable by law in all states.
B. It provides an accepted Standard of Care that reflects what is current and prudent in
the field.
C. It is only applicable to IICRC-certified firms.
D. It is a substitute for formal training and certification.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It provides an accepted Standard of Care that reflects
what is current and prudent in the field.
Rationale: As a voluntary consensus-based standard, it is written for use by industry
professionals and provides an accepted Standard of Care reflecting what is current and
prudent in the field of HVAC System Assessment . It is not a substitute for training .
Question 13: Which of the following is listed as a key component covered in
the ANSI/IICRC S590 standard?
A. HVAC system installation techniques.
B. Determining restorable vs. non-restorable components.
C. HVAC system energy efficiency ratings.
D. Preventative maintenance schedules.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Determining restorable vs. non-restorable components.
Rationale: One of the specific sections included in the S590 standard is "Determining
Restorable vs. Non-Restorable Components" . This is a key part of the assessment
process.
Following Water, Fire, or Mold Damage – IICRC
S590 Study Guide, Original Practice Questions &
Answers, Exam Preparation, Comprehensive HVAC
Assessment Review, Testing Methodologies,
Sampling Protocols, Restorable vs Non-Restorable
Components, Safety, Documentation, Reporting &
Restoration Work Plans
Question 1: According to the ANSI/IICRC S590 standard, what is the primary
purpose of the HVAC assessment process following a water, fire, or mold
damage event?
A. To determine the operational efficiency of the HVAC system post-event.
B. To identify impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal surfaces.
C. To provide a cost estimate for the replacement of the entire HVAC system.
D. To test the structural integrity of the ductwork.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To identify impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal
surfaces.
Rationale: The core function of the HVAC assessment process defined in the S590 is to
identify which internal surfaces of the HVAC system have been affected by the damage
event and which have not . This is the foundational step for creating a restoration work
plan.
Question 2: Which of the following building types is explicitly covered by the
scope of the ANSI/IICRC S590 standard?
A. Residential, commercial, institutional, and healthcare buildings.
B. Only residential and commercial buildings.
C. Only industrial and agricultural buildings.
D. High-rise buildings exclusively.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Residential, commercial, institutional, and healthcare
buildings.
Rationale: The S590 standard is applicable to a wide range of property types, specifically
naming residential, commercial, institutional, and healthcare buildings as being within
its scope .
Question 3: The ANSI/IICRC S590 standard was developed in a cooperative
agreement with which other major industry association?
A. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE).
B. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).
C. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).
D. The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA).
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).
Rationale: The S590 standard is a significant milestone that integrates multiple IICRC
standards and the NADCA ACR (Assessment, Cleaning, and Restoration of HVAC
Systems) Standard, reflecting a cooperative agreement between the two organizations .
Question 4: What is the full and correct title of the ANSI/IICRC S590 standard?
A. Standard for Remediation of HVAC Systems.
B. Standard for the Installation of HVAC Systems in Restoration Projects.
C. Standard for Assessing HVAC Systems Following a Water, Fire, or Mold Damage
Event.
D. Standard for the Operation and Maintenance of HVAC Systems.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Standard for Assessing HVAC Systems Following a
Water, Fire, or Mold Damage Event.
Rationale: The official title of the standard is "Standard for Assessing HVAC Systems
Following a Water, Fire, or Mold Damage Event" . The standard is specifically for
assessment, not installation or general operation.
Question 5: In addition to visual observations, what other type of observation
is a core part of the HVAC assessment process under S590?
A. Acoustic analysis.
B. Olfactory (odor) observations.
C. Thermal imaging.
D. Airflow velocity measurements.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Olfactory (odor) observations.
Rationale: The standard explicitly lists methods and procedures to determine "visual
deposition and odor retention" . The assessment is based upon visual and olfactory
observations of the HVAC systems .
Question 6: What is the official ANSI designation year for the first edition of
the IICRC S590 standard?
A. 2020
B. 2021
C. 2022
D. 2023
CORRECT ANSWER: D. 2023
Rationale: The first edition of the standard is published as ANSI/IICRC S590-2023 . It
was published in November 2023.
Question 7: Who was the Chairman of the IICRC S590 Consensus Body that
developed the standard?
,A. Brandon Burton
B. Carey Vermeulen
C. Tom Yacobellis
D. Greg Krowitz
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Tom Yacobellis
Rationale: Tom Yacobellis is identified as the IICRC S590 Consensus Body Chairman .
Greg Krowitz is the Vice-Chair .
Question 8: The ANSI/IICRC S590 standard is intended to create a written
report and what other specific document?
A. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
B. A Remediation Work Plan (RWP).
C. An Insurance Claim Form.
D. A Building Code Compliance Certificate.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A Remediation Work Plan (RWP).
Rationale: The standard contains procedures to perform HVAC assessments and create
a written report and a "Remediation Work Plan (RWP)" . This plan is for the restorer to
follow.
Question 9: According to the S590, the presence of event-related particulates
in the general environment automatically indicates that the HVAC system
components are impacted by the event being assessed.
A. True
B. False
C. Only if the HVAC system was operational during the event.
D. Only if the particulates are visible to the naked eye.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. False
Rationale: The S590 clarifies that while HVAC systems may be impacted by particulates,
the presence of event-related particulates in the general environment does not
automatically indicate the event being assessed impacted HVAC system components .
Question 10: Who should conduct an HVAC assessment according to the
principles of the S590 standard?
A. A licensed general contractor.
B. An HVAC restoration assessor or an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP).
C. The building owner or occupant.
D. An HVAC installation technician.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. An HVAC restoration assessor or an Indoor
Environmental Professional (IEP).
, Rationale: The standard specifies that an HVAC restoration assessor or an Indoor
Environmental Professional (IEP) should conduct the HVAC assessment. The assessor
must be qualified and knowledgeable of HVAC system components and typical
particulate deposition .
Question 11: What does the ANSI/IICRC S590 standard NOT address?
A. Determining visual deposition.
B. Sampling protocols.
C. The identification of potentially hazardous or regulated materials like asbestos and
lead.
D. Determining restorable vs. non-restorable components.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The identification of potentially hazardous or
regulated materials like asbestos and lead.
Rationale: The standard explicitly states it does not address the identification of
potentially hazardous or regulated materials such as asbestos, lead, PCBs, and other
chemical contaminants .
Question 12: The S590 standard is a voluntary consensus-based standard.
What does this primarily mean for its use in the industry?
A. It is legally enforceable by law in all states.
B. It provides an accepted Standard of Care that reflects what is current and prudent in
the field.
C. It is only applicable to IICRC-certified firms.
D. It is a substitute for formal training and certification.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It provides an accepted Standard of Care that reflects
what is current and prudent in the field.
Rationale: As a voluntary consensus-based standard, it is written for use by industry
professionals and provides an accepted Standard of Care reflecting what is current and
prudent in the field of HVAC System Assessment . It is not a substitute for training .
Question 13: Which of the following is listed as a key component covered in
the ANSI/IICRC S590 standard?
A. HVAC system installation techniques.
B. Determining restorable vs. non-restorable components.
C. HVAC system energy efficiency ratings.
D. Preventative maintenance schedules.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Determining restorable vs. non-restorable components.
Rationale: One of the specific sections included in the S590 standard is "Determining
Restorable vs. Non-Restorable Components" . This is a key part of the assessment
process.
