FDNY COF P-98 EXAM AND PRACTICE EXAM 2025-2026 VERIFIED
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS ALREADY
GRADED A
What is the most dangerous condition that can occur with an oil burner?
Answer: When the oil burner becomes operational but the source of ignition fails.
Rationale: This fills the combustion chamber with unburned, atomized fuel, creating a
high risk for a severe explosion.
What does a white, almost dazzling flame from an oil burner indicate?
Answer: An excess of air.
Rationale: A white flame signifies too much air in the fuel mixture, which is inefficient
and can cool the flame enough to extinguish it.
How often must fuel-oil storage tank float switches be tested?
Answer: Weekly.
Rationale: FDNY code requires weekly testing to ensure this critical safety device will
activate to prevent overfills and spills.
What COF is required to supervise the fuel-oil transfer in a building from one floor to
another?
Answer: P-98.
Rationale: The P-98 certificate is specifically for supervising fuel-oil transfer systems
between floors in a building.
,What is the end product of complete combustion?
Answer: Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
Rationale: In ideal combustion, carbon in the fuel fully combines with oxygen to
produce carbon dioxide.
What must be done immediately if vaporized oil is present?
Answer: Shut off the burner, vent the area, and do not attempt to relight until the
system is cleared.
Rationale: Vaporized oil is highly explosive; the priority is to eliminate ignition sources
and ventilate the fuel vapors.
What is the purpose of the photoelectric cell?
Answer: To shut down the oil burner if a flame is not detected.
Rationale: It is a primary safety control that prevents unburned fuel from pumping into
the combustion chamber.
Where must the remote control to stop the flow of oil to a burner be located?
Answer: Outside the entrance to the burner room, or immediately inside if outside is
impracticable.
Rationale: This allows the oil supply to be shut off safely from outside a hazardous
room during an emergency.
How often must portable fire extinguishers be given a "quick check"?
Answer: Monthly.
Rationale: FDNY regulations require a monthly visual inspection to ensure extinguishers
are charged, accessible, and undamaged.
What does the word "shall" indicate in the context of the FDNY and Fire Code?
Answer: A mandatory requirement.
, Rationale: "Shall" denotes a legal obligation that must be followed, unlike the
recommended practice indicated by "should."
What does a red, smoky flame from an oil burner indicate?
Answer: A lack of air.
Rationale: Insufficient air supply leads to incomplete combustion, resulting in a smoky,
inefficient flame and soot production.
What is "after-drip" and what causes it?
Answer: Oil dripping into the combustion chamber when the burner is off; caused by a
defective oil cut-off valve.
Rationale: A faulty valve fails to seal completely, allowing oil to leak in, which can cause
a noisy startup, soot buildup, or a fire.
How often must all oil burning equipment and piping be inspected by the P-98 holder?
Answer: Weekly.
Rationale: FDNY rules require a weekly inspection to check for leaks, malfunctions, and
other potential hazards.
What is the required fire resistance rating for a dedicated fuel-oil tank room?
Answer: At least 2 hours.
Rationale: A 2-hour fire-rated enclosure helps contain a fire within the room, protecting
the rest of the building.
What device measures pressure below atmospheric pressure in the suction line?
Answer: A vacuum gauge.
Rationale: This gauge helps the operator detect obstructions (like a clogged filter) by
showing an excessive vacuum reading.
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS ALREADY
GRADED A
What is the most dangerous condition that can occur with an oil burner?
Answer: When the oil burner becomes operational but the source of ignition fails.
Rationale: This fills the combustion chamber with unburned, atomized fuel, creating a
high risk for a severe explosion.
What does a white, almost dazzling flame from an oil burner indicate?
Answer: An excess of air.
Rationale: A white flame signifies too much air in the fuel mixture, which is inefficient
and can cool the flame enough to extinguish it.
How often must fuel-oil storage tank float switches be tested?
Answer: Weekly.
Rationale: FDNY code requires weekly testing to ensure this critical safety device will
activate to prevent overfills and spills.
What COF is required to supervise the fuel-oil transfer in a building from one floor to
another?
Answer: P-98.
Rationale: The P-98 certificate is specifically for supervising fuel-oil transfer systems
between floors in a building.
,What is the end product of complete combustion?
Answer: Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
Rationale: In ideal combustion, carbon in the fuel fully combines with oxygen to
produce carbon dioxide.
What must be done immediately if vaporized oil is present?
Answer: Shut off the burner, vent the area, and do not attempt to relight until the
system is cleared.
Rationale: Vaporized oil is highly explosive; the priority is to eliminate ignition sources
and ventilate the fuel vapors.
What is the purpose of the photoelectric cell?
Answer: To shut down the oil burner if a flame is not detected.
Rationale: It is a primary safety control that prevents unburned fuel from pumping into
the combustion chamber.
Where must the remote control to stop the flow of oil to a burner be located?
Answer: Outside the entrance to the burner room, or immediately inside if outside is
impracticable.
Rationale: This allows the oil supply to be shut off safely from outside a hazardous
room during an emergency.
How often must portable fire extinguishers be given a "quick check"?
Answer: Monthly.
Rationale: FDNY regulations require a monthly visual inspection to ensure extinguishers
are charged, accessible, and undamaged.
What does the word "shall" indicate in the context of the FDNY and Fire Code?
Answer: A mandatory requirement.
, Rationale: "Shall" denotes a legal obligation that must be followed, unlike the
recommended practice indicated by "should."
What does a red, smoky flame from an oil burner indicate?
Answer: A lack of air.
Rationale: Insufficient air supply leads to incomplete combustion, resulting in a smoky,
inefficient flame and soot production.
What is "after-drip" and what causes it?
Answer: Oil dripping into the combustion chamber when the burner is off; caused by a
defective oil cut-off valve.
Rationale: A faulty valve fails to seal completely, allowing oil to leak in, which can cause
a noisy startup, soot buildup, or a fire.
How often must all oil burning equipment and piping be inspected by the P-98 holder?
Answer: Weekly.
Rationale: FDNY rules require a weekly inspection to check for leaks, malfunctions, and
other potential hazards.
What is the required fire resistance rating for a dedicated fuel-oil tank room?
Answer: At least 2 hours.
Rationale: A 2-hour fire-rated enclosure helps contain a fire within the room, protecting
the rest of the building.
What device measures pressure below atmospheric pressure in the suction line?
Answer: A vacuum gauge.
Rationale: This gauge helps the operator detect obstructions (like a clogged filter) by
showing an excessive vacuum reading.
