S-12 FDNY CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS
FOR CITYWIDE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
EXAM (2026/2027)
.
1. Which NFPA standard is primarily referenced by the FDNY for the inspection, testing, and
maintenance of water-based fire protection systems?
A. NFPA 13
B. NFPA 25
C. NFPA 72
D. NFPA 10
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: NFPA 25 is the standard for the Inspection, Testing, and
Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, which is the core material for the S-
12 COF.
2. How often must a ‘Main Drain Test’ be conducted to detect changes in the water supply?
A. Monthly
B. Quarterly
,C. Annually
D. Every 5 years
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: According to FDNY and NFPA 25 standards, a main drain test is
required annually or whenever the control valve is closed to ensure there is no obstruction
in the water supply.
3. What color should the caps on a Fire Department Connection (FDC) be for a non-automatic
sprinkler system?
A. Red
B. Green
C. Silver/Aluminum
D. Yellow
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Non-automatic sprinkler systems require silver or aluminum-
colored caps, whereas automatic systems are red, and CO2 systems are black.
4. In a dry pipe system, what is the required air pressure maintenance relative to the water
trip pressure?
A. 10 psi above trip pressure
B. 50% of the water pressure
, C. Equal to trip pressure
D. 15-20 psi above trip pressure
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: To prevent accidental tripping, air pressure in a dry pipe system
is typically maintained at 15 to 20 psi above the calculated trip point.
5. What is the minimum frequency for inspecting the visual condition of sprinkler heads?
A. Monthly
B. Annually
C. Semi-annually
D. Quarterly
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A visual inspection of sprinkler heads from the floor level is
required at least once per year to check for signs of corrosion, loading, or damage.
6. Which type of sprinkler system is used when it is vital to prevent accidental water
discharge?
A. Wet pipe system
B. Deluge system
C. Antifreeze system
FOR CITYWIDE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
EXAM (2026/2027)
.
1. Which NFPA standard is primarily referenced by the FDNY for the inspection, testing, and
maintenance of water-based fire protection systems?
A. NFPA 13
B. NFPA 25
C. NFPA 72
D. NFPA 10
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: NFPA 25 is the standard for the Inspection, Testing, and
Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, which is the core material for the S-
12 COF.
2. How often must a ‘Main Drain Test’ be conducted to detect changes in the water supply?
A. Monthly
B. Quarterly
,C. Annually
D. Every 5 years
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: According to FDNY and NFPA 25 standards, a main drain test is
required annually or whenever the control valve is closed to ensure there is no obstruction
in the water supply.
3. What color should the caps on a Fire Department Connection (FDC) be for a non-automatic
sprinkler system?
A. Red
B. Green
C. Silver/Aluminum
D. Yellow
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Non-automatic sprinkler systems require silver or aluminum-
colored caps, whereas automatic systems are red, and CO2 systems are black.
4. In a dry pipe system, what is the required air pressure maintenance relative to the water
trip pressure?
A. 10 psi above trip pressure
B. 50% of the water pressure
, C. Equal to trip pressure
D. 15-20 psi above trip pressure
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: To prevent accidental tripping, air pressure in a dry pipe system
is typically maintained at 15 to 20 psi above the calculated trip point.
5. What is the minimum frequency for inspecting the visual condition of sprinkler heads?
A. Monthly
B. Annually
C. Semi-annually
D. Quarterly
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A visual inspection of sprinkler heads from the floor level is
required at least once per year to check for signs of corrosion, loading, or damage.
6. Which type of sprinkler system is used when it is vital to prevent accidental water
discharge?
A. Wet pipe system
B. Deluge system
C. Antifreeze system
