NYC Custodian Engineer EXAM| ACTUAL EXAM
2VERSIONS COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
SHORT POINT FORM (QUICK
REVISION)
• Boilers → operation, pressure, safety valves
• HVAC → airflow, filters, maintenance
• Electrical → circuits, breakers, safety
• Fire safety → alarms, extinguishers, evacuation
• Plumbing → leaks, drainage, fixtures
• Codes → OSHA, NYC regulations
• Custodial → cleaning, supervision
• Records → logs, compliance
• Safety → PPE, hazard control
NYC Custodian Engineer VERSION 1 –
200 ACTUAL EXAM STYLE MCQs (1–200)
1. When operating a low-pressure steam boiler in a school building, what is the
most critical safety device that must be checked regularly to prevent
overpressure conditions?
A. Thermostat
B. Pressure relief valve
C. Circulating pump
D. Expansion tank
Answer: B
Rationale: The pressure relief valve prevents dangerous pressure buildup and is essential for
boiler safety.
2. During routine maintenance, a custodian engineer notices uneven heating in
classrooms; what is the most likely cause within a steam heating system?
,A. Excess lighting load
B. Air trapped in radiators
C. Broken windows
D. Electrical failure
Answer: B
Rationale: Air pockets prevent steam circulation, causing uneven heating.
3. What is the primary purpose of a lockout/tagout procedure when servicing
electrical panels within a school facility?
A. Improve efficiency
B. Prevent accidental energization
C. Reduce cost
D. Increase speed
Answer: B
Rationale: Lockout/tagout ensures worker safety by preventing unexpected power activation.
4. When responding to a fire alarm activation in a school building, what should
be the custodian engineer’s immediate action?
A. Reset alarm
B. Ignore
C. Follow emergency procedures and verify
D. Call maintenance
Answer: C
Rationale: Proper response ensures safety and compliance with fire protocols.
5. What is the most appropriate type of fire extinguisher to use on an electrical
fire involving energized equipment?
A. Water extinguisher
B. Foam extinguisher
C. CO2 extinguisher
D. Class K extinguisher
Answer: C
Rationale: CO2 extinguishers are safe for electrical fires as they do not conduct electricity.
6. A sudden drop in water pressure in a school building is most likely caused by
which of the following plumbing issues?
,A. High voltage
B. Pipe leak or blockage
C. Air conditioning failure
D. Lighting overload
Answer: B
Rationale: Leaks or blockages reduce pressure in water systems.
7. What is the main purpose of preventive maintenance programs in school
facilities management?
A. Reduce staff
B. Avoid unexpected equipment failures
C. Increase repairs
D. Delay inspections
Answer: B
Rationale: Preventive maintenance minimizes breakdowns and extends equipment life.
8. Which document must be maintained accurately to demonstrate compliance
with inspections and maintenance activities in NYC schools?
A. Personal notes
B. Maintenance logbook
C. Emails
D. Posters
Answer: B
Rationale: Logbooks provide official records for audits and compliance.
9. When inspecting a boiler system, what condition would indicate a potentially
dangerous situation requiring immediate shutdown?
A. Normal pressure
B. Leaking fuel or excessive pressure
C. Warm pipes
D. Running pump
Answer: B
Rationale: Fuel leaks or high pressure pose serious hazards.
10. What is the primary role of a thermostat within an HVAC system in a school
building environment?
, A. Increase airflow
B. Control temperature
C. Filter air
D. Pump water
Answer: B
Rationale: Thermostats regulate heating and cooling.
11. When inspecting a hot water heating system in a school building, what condition would
most likely indicate the presence of air trapped within the system piping?
A. Excessive pressure
B. Gurgling noises and uneven heating
C. High electrical load
D. Low lighting
Answer: B
Rationale: Air pockets cause noise and disrupt proper heat circulation.
12. What is the primary function of a circulation pump within a hydronic heating system used
in large buildings?
A. Control voltage
B. Move heated water through pipes
C. Reduce pressure
D. Filter air
Answer: B
Rationale: Pumps ensure continuous flow of heated water.
13. During an electrical inspection, which condition represents the greatest safety hazard
requiring immediate corrective action?
A. Labeling missing
B. Exposed live wires
C. Dust on panels
D. Old paint
Answer: B
Rationale: Exposed wires pose immediate shock and fire risks.
14. What is the most important reason for conducting routine inspections of fire alarm
systems within school buildings?
A. Reduce noise
B. Ensure system reliability during emergencies
C. Save cost
2VERSIONS COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
SHORT POINT FORM (QUICK
REVISION)
• Boilers → operation, pressure, safety valves
• HVAC → airflow, filters, maintenance
• Electrical → circuits, breakers, safety
• Fire safety → alarms, extinguishers, evacuation
• Plumbing → leaks, drainage, fixtures
• Codes → OSHA, NYC regulations
• Custodial → cleaning, supervision
• Records → logs, compliance
• Safety → PPE, hazard control
NYC Custodian Engineer VERSION 1 –
200 ACTUAL EXAM STYLE MCQs (1–200)
1. When operating a low-pressure steam boiler in a school building, what is the
most critical safety device that must be checked regularly to prevent
overpressure conditions?
A. Thermostat
B. Pressure relief valve
C. Circulating pump
D. Expansion tank
Answer: B
Rationale: The pressure relief valve prevents dangerous pressure buildup and is essential for
boiler safety.
2. During routine maintenance, a custodian engineer notices uneven heating in
classrooms; what is the most likely cause within a steam heating system?
,A. Excess lighting load
B. Air trapped in radiators
C. Broken windows
D. Electrical failure
Answer: B
Rationale: Air pockets prevent steam circulation, causing uneven heating.
3. What is the primary purpose of a lockout/tagout procedure when servicing
electrical panels within a school facility?
A. Improve efficiency
B. Prevent accidental energization
C. Reduce cost
D. Increase speed
Answer: B
Rationale: Lockout/tagout ensures worker safety by preventing unexpected power activation.
4. When responding to a fire alarm activation in a school building, what should
be the custodian engineer’s immediate action?
A. Reset alarm
B. Ignore
C. Follow emergency procedures and verify
D. Call maintenance
Answer: C
Rationale: Proper response ensures safety and compliance with fire protocols.
5. What is the most appropriate type of fire extinguisher to use on an electrical
fire involving energized equipment?
A. Water extinguisher
B. Foam extinguisher
C. CO2 extinguisher
D. Class K extinguisher
Answer: C
Rationale: CO2 extinguishers are safe for electrical fires as they do not conduct electricity.
6. A sudden drop in water pressure in a school building is most likely caused by
which of the following plumbing issues?
,A. High voltage
B. Pipe leak or blockage
C. Air conditioning failure
D. Lighting overload
Answer: B
Rationale: Leaks or blockages reduce pressure in water systems.
7. What is the main purpose of preventive maintenance programs in school
facilities management?
A. Reduce staff
B. Avoid unexpected equipment failures
C. Increase repairs
D. Delay inspections
Answer: B
Rationale: Preventive maintenance minimizes breakdowns and extends equipment life.
8. Which document must be maintained accurately to demonstrate compliance
with inspections and maintenance activities in NYC schools?
A. Personal notes
B. Maintenance logbook
C. Emails
D. Posters
Answer: B
Rationale: Logbooks provide official records for audits and compliance.
9. When inspecting a boiler system, what condition would indicate a potentially
dangerous situation requiring immediate shutdown?
A. Normal pressure
B. Leaking fuel or excessive pressure
C. Warm pipes
D. Running pump
Answer: B
Rationale: Fuel leaks or high pressure pose serious hazards.
10. What is the primary role of a thermostat within an HVAC system in a school
building environment?
, A. Increase airflow
B. Control temperature
C. Filter air
D. Pump water
Answer: B
Rationale: Thermostats regulate heating and cooling.
11. When inspecting a hot water heating system in a school building, what condition would
most likely indicate the presence of air trapped within the system piping?
A. Excessive pressure
B. Gurgling noises and uneven heating
C. High electrical load
D. Low lighting
Answer: B
Rationale: Air pockets cause noise and disrupt proper heat circulation.
12. What is the primary function of a circulation pump within a hydronic heating system used
in large buildings?
A. Control voltage
B. Move heated water through pipes
C. Reduce pressure
D. Filter air
Answer: B
Rationale: Pumps ensure continuous flow of heated water.
13. During an electrical inspection, which condition represents the greatest safety hazard
requiring immediate corrective action?
A. Labeling missing
B. Exposed live wires
C. Dust on panels
D. Old paint
Answer: B
Rationale: Exposed wires pose immediate shock and fire risks.
14. What is the most important reason for conducting routine inspections of fire alarm
systems within school buildings?
A. Reduce noise
B. Ensure system reliability during emergencies
C. Save cost
