• IICRC CCT January/February 2026 Certification Exam Prep Memo |
Carpet Cleaning Technician Complete Study Guide, Exam Questions
& Answers, Cleaning Methods, Fiber Identification, Soil Types,
Chemistry, Safety Standards & Professional Practices
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of carpet cleaning?
• A) To improve carpet appearance
• B) To protect indoor air quality
• C) To increase carpet lifespan
• D) All of the above
Correct Option: D
Rationale: The primary purpose of carpet cleaning encompasses various factors,
including improving appearance, protecting indoor air quality, and extending the
lifespan of the carpet.
Question 2: Which of the following is NOT a method of carpet cleaning?
• A) Hot water extraction
• B) Dry cleaning
• C) Wet soaking
• D) Bonnet cleaning
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Wet soaking is not a recognized method of carpet cleaning; recognized
methods include hot water extraction, dry cleaning, and bonnet cleaning.
Question 3: What is the recommended pH level for cleaning solutions used on
carpets?
• A) 4.5 to 8.5
• B) 2 to 3
• C) 9 to 11
• D) 12 to 14
Correct Option: A
Rationale: A pH level of 4.5 to 8.5 is generally safe for carpet cleaning solutions, helping
to avoid damage and ensure effective cleaning.
,Question 4: When should a carpet be cleaned?
• A) When it appears dirty
• B) Once a year
• C) Only when it smells
• D) After every rainfall
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Carpets should ideally be cleaned when they appear dirty to maintain
aesthetics and prevent long-term damage and odors.
Question 5: Which fiber type is most sensitive to water staining?
• A) Wool
• B) Nylon
• C) Polyester
• D) Olefin
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Wool is a natural fiber that is sensitive to water staining and requires special
care during cleaning.
Question 6: What is the best way to prevent soil buildup on carpets?
• A) Regular vacuuming
• B) Applying a protector
• C) Using a steam cleaner weekly
• D) Avoiding foot traffic
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Applying a carpet protector helps repel dirt and stains, preventing soil
buildup and extending the carpet's cleanliness.
Question 7: Which cleaning method is most effective for synthetic carpets?
• A) Bonnet cleaning
• B) Hot water extraction
• C) Absorbent compound
, • D) Steam cleaning only
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Hot water extraction is generally the most effective cleaning method for
removing deep-seated dirt from synthetic carpets.
Question 8: What should you do if you encounter a stubborn stain?
• A) Rub it vigorously
• B) Ignore it and clean later
• C) Use a specialized stain remover
• D) Pour hot water on it
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Using a specialized stain remover is the best approach to effectively tackle
stubborn stains without damaging the carpet.
Question 9: Which of the following is an important safety precaution during carpet
cleaning?
• A) Wearing sunglasses
• B) Using unsanitized tools
• C) Checking for electrical hazards
• D) Not wearing gloves
Correct Option: C
Rationale: It's essential to check for electrical hazards to ensure a safe cleaning
environment, especially when using electrical equipment.
Question 10: What is the primary ingredient in most carpet cleaning solutions?
• A) Alcohol
• B) Vinegar
• C) Detergent
• D) Oil
Correct Option: C
, Rationale: Detergent is the primary ingredient in most carpet cleaning solutions,
helping to break down dirt and stains.
Question 11: How often should high-traffic commercial carpets be cleaned?
• A) Once a month
• B) Every six months
• C) Twice a year
• D) Weekly or bi-weekly
Correct Option: D
Rationale: High-traffic carpets should be cleaned weekly or bi-weekly to maintain
appearance and hygiene levels.
Question 12: What type of vacuum is recommended for carpet cleaning?
• A) Lightweight stick vacuum
• B) Upright vacuum with strong suction
• C) Handheld vacuum
• D) Canister vacuum without a brush roll
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Upright vacuums with strong suction are recommended for effectively
removing dirt and debris from carpets.
Question 13: Which of the following represents the correct technique for removing
dust from carpets?
• A) Sweeping with a broom
• B) Vacuuming
• C) Blowing with a blower
• D) Washing with water
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Vacuuming is the most effective method for removing dust and debris from
carpets without damaging the fibers.
Carpet Cleaning Technician Complete Study Guide, Exam Questions
& Answers, Cleaning Methods, Fiber Identification, Soil Types,
Chemistry, Safety Standards & Professional Practices
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of carpet cleaning?
• A) To improve carpet appearance
• B) To protect indoor air quality
• C) To increase carpet lifespan
• D) All of the above
Correct Option: D
Rationale: The primary purpose of carpet cleaning encompasses various factors,
including improving appearance, protecting indoor air quality, and extending the
lifespan of the carpet.
Question 2: Which of the following is NOT a method of carpet cleaning?
• A) Hot water extraction
• B) Dry cleaning
• C) Wet soaking
• D) Bonnet cleaning
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Wet soaking is not a recognized method of carpet cleaning; recognized
methods include hot water extraction, dry cleaning, and bonnet cleaning.
Question 3: What is the recommended pH level for cleaning solutions used on
carpets?
• A) 4.5 to 8.5
• B) 2 to 3
• C) 9 to 11
• D) 12 to 14
Correct Option: A
Rationale: A pH level of 4.5 to 8.5 is generally safe for carpet cleaning solutions, helping
to avoid damage and ensure effective cleaning.
,Question 4: When should a carpet be cleaned?
• A) When it appears dirty
• B) Once a year
• C) Only when it smells
• D) After every rainfall
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Carpets should ideally be cleaned when they appear dirty to maintain
aesthetics and prevent long-term damage and odors.
Question 5: Which fiber type is most sensitive to water staining?
• A) Wool
• B) Nylon
• C) Polyester
• D) Olefin
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Wool is a natural fiber that is sensitive to water staining and requires special
care during cleaning.
Question 6: What is the best way to prevent soil buildup on carpets?
• A) Regular vacuuming
• B) Applying a protector
• C) Using a steam cleaner weekly
• D) Avoiding foot traffic
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Applying a carpet protector helps repel dirt and stains, preventing soil
buildup and extending the carpet's cleanliness.
Question 7: Which cleaning method is most effective for synthetic carpets?
• A) Bonnet cleaning
• B) Hot water extraction
• C) Absorbent compound
, • D) Steam cleaning only
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Hot water extraction is generally the most effective cleaning method for
removing deep-seated dirt from synthetic carpets.
Question 8: What should you do if you encounter a stubborn stain?
• A) Rub it vigorously
• B) Ignore it and clean later
• C) Use a specialized stain remover
• D) Pour hot water on it
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Using a specialized stain remover is the best approach to effectively tackle
stubborn stains without damaging the carpet.
Question 9: Which of the following is an important safety precaution during carpet
cleaning?
• A) Wearing sunglasses
• B) Using unsanitized tools
• C) Checking for electrical hazards
• D) Not wearing gloves
Correct Option: C
Rationale: It's essential to check for electrical hazards to ensure a safe cleaning
environment, especially when using electrical equipment.
Question 10: What is the primary ingredient in most carpet cleaning solutions?
• A) Alcohol
• B) Vinegar
• C) Detergent
• D) Oil
Correct Option: C
, Rationale: Detergent is the primary ingredient in most carpet cleaning solutions,
helping to break down dirt and stains.
Question 11: How often should high-traffic commercial carpets be cleaned?
• A) Once a month
• B) Every six months
• C) Twice a year
• D) Weekly or bi-weekly
Correct Option: D
Rationale: High-traffic carpets should be cleaned weekly or bi-weekly to maintain
appearance and hygiene levels.
Question 12: What type of vacuum is recommended for carpet cleaning?
• A) Lightweight stick vacuum
• B) Upright vacuum with strong suction
• C) Handheld vacuum
• D) Canister vacuum without a brush roll
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Upright vacuums with strong suction are recommended for effectively
removing dirt and debris from carpets.
Question 13: Which of the following represents the correct technique for removing
dust from carpets?
• A) Sweeping with a broom
• B) Vacuuming
• C) Blowing with a blower
• D) Washing with water
Correct Option: B
Rationale: Vacuuming is the most effective method for removing dust and debris from
carpets without damaging the fibers.
