• IICRC Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT) January/February 2026
Certification Exam Prep Memo | Complete Study Guide with Exam Questions
& Answers, Fire Damage Principles, Smoke Types, Odor Control Methods,
Cleaning & Deodorization Techniques, Safety Standards & Industry Best
Practices
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of the checklist for fire and smoke restoration?
A) To guide the homeowner
B) To ensure compliance with building codes
C) To prioritize safety and effective cleaning
D) To reduce restoration costs
Correct Option: C) To prioritize safety and effective cleaning
Rationale: The checklist is designed to ensure safety and efficiency in addressing the
unique challenges presented by fire and smoke damage.
Question 2:
Which of the following is NOT a typical component of smoke damage?
A) Soot residues
B) Water stains
C) Chemical odors
D) Charred surfaces
Correct Option: B) Water stains
Rationale: While water stains can result from firefighting efforts, they are not a direct
result of smoke damage.
Question 3:
When dealing with soot removal, what should be avoided to prevent further damage?
A) Using a vacuum cleaner
B) Scrubbing the surfaces
C) Using dry cleaning sponges
D) Heating the surfaces
Correct Option: D) Heating the surfaces
Rationale: Heating can cause soot particles to bond more tightly to surfaces, making
removal more difficult.
Question 4:
,In the context of fire restoration, which material is the most susceptible to smoke
damage?
A) Metal
B) Wood
C) Glass
D) Concrete
Correct Option: B) Wood
Rationale: Wood readily absorbs smoke particles, leading to long-lasting odors and
discoloration if not treated properly.
Question 5:
What is the recommended first step in the fire restoration process?
A) Begin cleaning
B) Assess the damage
C) Notify the insurance company
D) Remove debris
Correct Option: B) Assess the damage
Rationale: A thorough assessment helps determine the extent of the damage and the
appropriate restoration methods.
Question 6:
What type of smoke damage is caused by incomplete combustion?
A) Dry smoke
B) Wet smoke
C) Protein smoke
D) Fuel oil smoke
Correct Option: B) Wet smoke
Rationale: Wet smoke results from low-temperature burning and incomplete
combustion, leading to sticky residues.
Question 7:
Which of the following is a crucial method for deodorizing after fire damage?
A) Incineration
B) Ozone treatments
C) Covering with air fresheners
D) Using detergent
Correct Option: B) Ozone treatments
,Rationale: Ozone treatments are effective in neutralizing odors embedded in materials.
Question 8:
What does the term 'thermal layering' refer to?
A) The insulation of walls
B) The layering of smoke in the air
C) The impact of heat on materials
D) The process of drying water-damaged areas
Correct Option: B) The layering of smoke in the air
Rationale: Thermal layering explains how smoke affects different levels of a space
during a fire.
Question 9:
What type of gloves is recommended when handling soot and ash?
A) Cotton gloves
B) Rubber gloves
C) Leather gloves
D) Latex gloves
Correct Option: B) Rubber gloves
Rationale: Rubber gloves provide protection from hazardous materials and
contaminants.
Question 10:
In fire restoration, which tool is typically used to remove soot?
A) Steam cleaner
B) HEPA vacuum cleaner
C) Carpet extractor
D) Pressure washer
Correct Option: B) HEPA vacuum cleaner
Rationale: HEPA vacuums are effective in capturing fine soot particles without
redistributing them.
Question 11:
What is the main hazard associated with the process of smoke cleaning?
A) Chemical exposure
, B) Structural collapse
C) Electrical shock
D) Fire re-ignition
Correct Option: A) Chemical exposure
Rationale: Cleaners may contain hazardous chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled or
ingested.
Question 12:
Smoke odor removal from porous materials often requires which technique?
A) Surface cleaning
B) Sealing
C) Replacement
D) Vacuuming
Correct Option: B) Sealing
Rationale: Sealing can help trap odors in porous materials when cleaning isn't fully
effective.
Question 13:
Which class of fire requires specialized extinguishing agents like foam or dry chemical
powders?
A) Class A
B) Class B
C) Class C
D) Class D
Correct Option: B) Class B
Rationale: Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gases and require specific
agents to extinguish.
Question 14:
What type of restoration technique involves the removal of smoke residues before
cleaning?
A) Dry cleaning
B) Cleaning
C) Mitigation
D) Demolition
Correct Option: A) Dry cleaning
Certification Exam Prep Memo | Complete Study Guide with Exam Questions
& Answers, Fire Damage Principles, Smoke Types, Odor Control Methods,
Cleaning & Deodorization Techniques, Safety Standards & Industry Best
Practices
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of the checklist for fire and smoke restoration?
A) To guide the homeowner
B) To ensure compliance with building codes
C) To prioritize safety and effective cleaning
D) To reduce restoration costs
Correct Option: C) To prioritize safety and effective cleaning
Rationale: The checklist is designed to ensure safety and efficiency in addressing the
unique challenges presented by fire and smoke damage.
Question 2:
Which of the following is NOT a typical component of smoke damage?
A) Soot residues
B) Water stains
C) Chemical odors
D) Charred surfaces
Correct Option: B) Water stains
Rationale: While water stains can result from firefighting efforts, they are not a direct
result of smoke damage.
Question 3:
When dealing with soot removal, what should be avoided to prevent further damage?
A) Using a vacuum cleaner
B) Scrubbing the surfaces
C) Using dry cleaning sponges
D) Heating the surfaces
Correct Option: D) Heating the surfaces
Rationale: Heating can cause soot particles to bond more tightly to surfaces, making
removal more difficult.
Question 4:
,In the context of fire restoration, which material is the most susceptible to smoke
damage?
A) Metal
B) Wood
C) Glass
D) Concrete
Correct Option: B) Wood
Rationale: Wood readily absorbs smoke particles, leading to long-lasting odors and
discoloration if not treated properly.
Question 5:
What is the recommended first step in the fire restoration process?
A) Begin cleaning
B) Assess the damage
C) Notify the insurance company
D) Remove debris
Correct Option: B) Assess the damage
Rationale: A thorough assessment helps determine the extent of the damage and the
appropriate restoration methods.
Question 6:
What type of smoke damage is caused by incomplete combustion?
A) Dry smoke
B) Wet smoke
C) Protein smoke
D) Fuel oil smoke
Correct Option: B) Wet smoke
Rationale: Wet smoke results from low-temperature burning and incomplete
combustion, leading to sticky residues.
Question 7:
Which of the following is a crucial method for deodorizing after fire damage?
A) Incineration
B) Ozone treatments
C) Covering with air fresheners
D) Using detergent
Correct Option: B) Ozone treatments
,Rationale: Ozone treatments are effective in neutralizing odors embedded in materials.
Question 8:
What does the term 'thermal layering' refer to?
A) The insulation of walls
B) The layering of smoke in the air
C) The impact of heat on materials
D) The process of drying water-damaged areas
Correct Option: B) The layering of smoke in the air
Rationale: Thermal layering explains how smoke affects different levels of a space
during a fire.
Question 9:
What type of gloves is recommended when handling soot and ash?
A) Cotton gloves
B) Rubber gloves
C) Leather gloves
D) Latex gloves
Correct Option: B) Rubber gloves
Rationale: Rubber gloves provide protection from hazardous materials and
contaminants.
Question 10:
In fire restoration, which tool is typically used to remove soot?
A) Steam cleaner
B) HEPA vacuum cleaner
C) Carpet extractor
D) Pressure washer
Correct Option: B) HEPA vacuum cleaner
Rationale: HEPA vacuums are effective in capturing fine soot particles without
redistributing them.
Question 11:
What is the main hazard associated with the process of smoke cleaning?
A) Chemical exposure
, B) Structural collapse
C) Electrical shock
D) Fire re-ignition
Correct Option: A) Chemical exposure
Rationale: Cleaners may contain hazardous chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled or
ingested.
Question 12:
Smoke odor removal from porous materials often requires which technique?
A) Surface cleaning
B) Sealing
C) Replacement
D) Vacuuming
Correct Option: B) Sealing
Rationale: Sealing can help trap odors in porous materials when cleaning isn't fully
effective.
Question 13:
Which class of fire requires specialized extinguishing agents like foam or dry chemical
powders?
A) Class A
B) Class B
C) Class C
D) Class D
Correct Option: B) Class B
Rationale: Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gases and require specific
agents to extinguish.
Question 14:
What type of restoration technique involves the removal of smoke residues before
cleaning?
A) Dry cleaning
B) Cleaning
C) Mitigation
D) Demolition
Correct Option: A) Dry cleaning
