S12/S13 FDNY FIRE SYSTEMS
SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION EXAM
1. A Certificate of Fitness holder for S-12/S-13 must be able to identify which type of valve
that provides a visual indication of whether it is open or closed?
A. Globe Valve
B. Check Valve
C. Pressure Reducing Valve
D. OS&Y (Outside Stem and Yoke) Valve
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The OS&Y valve (Outside Stem and Yoke) is used in fire
protection systems because the position of the stem indicates at a glance whether the valve
is open (stem protruding) or closed (stem retracted).
2. In a combined sprinkler and standpipe system, what color should the Fire Department
Connection (FDC) caps and handles be painted?
A. Red
B. Green
,C. Yellow
D. Silver
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: According to NYC Fire Code, FDC caps and handles for combined
sprinkler and standpipe systems must be painted yellow. Red is for standpipe-only, and
green is for sprinkler-only.
3. What is the required frequency for the visual inspection of a fire pump to ensure it is in
good working order?
A. Daily
B. Quarterly
C. Monthly
D. Weekly
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Fire pumps must be visually inspected weekly to ensure all
components are in proper condition and the pump is ready for operation.
4. A ‘Critical Deficiency’ in a sprinkler system is defined as a condition that:
A. Does not affect system performance but violates code.
B. Can have a material effect on the system performance in a fire event.
C. Indicates the system is completely out of service.
, D. Relates only to the lack of signage.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A Critical Deficiency is a condition that, while not making the
system completely inoperable, can materially impact the performance of the system during
a fire.
5. When a pressure tank is used for water supply, what is the standard ratio of water to
compressed air?
A. 2/3 water to 1/3 air
B. 1/3 water to 2/3 air
C. 1/2 water to 1/2 air
D. 3/4 water to 1/4 air
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Pressure tanks are typically maintained with two-thirds water
and one-third compressed air to provide the necessary pressure to push water through the
system.
6. Which type of standpipe system is designed to contain water only when the system is
activated, usually by a fire alarm or manual pull station?
A. Semiautomatic Dry
B. Manual Dry
SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION EXAM
1. A Certificate of Fitness holder for S-12/S-13 must be able to identify which type of valve
that provides a visual indication of whether it is open or closed?
A. Globe Valve
B. Check Valve
C. Pressure Reducing Valve
D. OS&Y (Outside Stem and Yoke) Valve
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The OS&Y valve (Outside Stem and Yoke) is used in fire
protection systems because the position of the stem indicates at a glance whether the valve
is open (stem protruding) or closed (stem retracted).
2. In a combined sprinkler and standpipe system, what color should the Fire Department
Connection (FDC) caps and handles be painted?
A. Red
B. Green
,C. Yellow
D. Silver
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: According to NYC Fire Code, FDC caps and handles for combined
sprinkler and standpipe systems must be painted yellow. Red is for standpipe-only, and
green is for sprinkler-only.
3. What is the required frequency for the visual inspection of a fire pump to ensure it is in
good working order?
A. Daily
B. Quarterly
C. Monthly
D. Weekly
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Fire pumps must be visually inspected weekly to ensure all
components are in proper condition and the pump is ready for operation.
4. A ‘Critical Deficiency’ in a sprinkler system is defined as a condition that:
A. Does not affect system performance but violates code.
B. Can have a material effect on the system performance in a fire event.
C. Indicates the system is completely out of service.
, D. Relates only to the lack of signage.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A Critical Deficiency is a condition that, while not making the
system completely inoperable, can materially impact the performance of the system during
a fire.
5. When a pressure tank is used for water supply, what is the standard ratio of water to
compressed air?
A. 2/3 water to 1/3 air
B. 1/3 water to 2/3 air
C. 1/2 water to 1/2 air
D. 3/4 water to 1/4 air
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Pressure tanks are typically maintained with two-thirds water
and one-third compressed air to provide the necessary pressure to push water through the
system.
6. Which type of standpipe system is designed to contain water only when the system is
activated, usually by a fire alarm or manual pull station?
A. Semiautomatic Dry
B. Manual Dry
