New York Gas Utility Technician
Certification Examination Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026|2027 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary constituent of natural gas?
A. Ethane
B. Propane
C. Methane
D. Butane
Methane is the main component of natural gas, typically 85–95%.
2. What is the typical odorant added to natural gas for leak detection?
A. Benzene
B. Naphthalene
C. Mercaptan
, D. Xylene
Mercaptans are sulfur compounds that give natural gas a distinct
rotten egg smell.
3. Which federal agency regulates pipeline safety in the U.S.?
A. EPA
B. PHMSA
C. OSHA
D. FERC
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
oversees gas pipeline safety.
4. What is the lower explosive limit (LEL) of methane in air?
A. 1%
B. 5%
C. 10%
D. 15%
Methane’s flammability range is 5% to 15%, making 5% the LEL.
5. When performing a leak survey, what instrument is most commonly
used?
A. Manometer
B. Combustible gas indicator (CGI)
C. Pressure gauge
D. Barometer
A CGI measures gas-in-air concentration during leak detection.
, 6. What is the main purpose of cathodic protection in gas pipelines?
A. Prevent freezing
B. Prevent corrosion
C. Increase flow rate
D. Reduce pressure
Cathodic protection uses electric current to protect metal from
corrosion.
7. Which type of piping is most commonly used for low-pressure
distribution of natural gas?
A. Cast iron
B. Polyethylene (PE)
C. Copper
D. Brass
PE pipe is standard for modern low-pressure gas distribution.
8. What is the maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP)
determined by?
A. Pipe diameter
B. Design, material strength, and regulatory limits
C. Flow demand
D. Temperature only
MAOP depends on pipe material, design factor, wall thickness, and
code requirements.
Certification Examination Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026|2027 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary constituent of natural gas?
A. Ethane
B. Propane
C. Methane
D. Butane
Methane is the main component of natural gas, typically 85–95%.
2. What is the typical odorant added to natural gas for leak detection?
A. Benzene
B. Naphthalene
C. Mercaptan
, D. Xylene
Mercaptans are sulfur compounds that give natural gas a distinct
rotten egg smell.
3. Which federal agency regulates pipeline safety in the U.S.?
A. EPA
B. PHMSA
C. OSHA
D. FERC
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
oversees gas pipeline safety.
4. What is the lower explosive limit (LEL) of methane in air?
A. 1%
B. 5%
C. 10%
D. 15%
Methane’s flammability range is 5% to 15%, making 5% the LEL.
5. When performing a leak survey, what instrument is most commonly
used?
A. Manometer
B. Combustible gas indicator (CGI)
C. Pressure gauge
D. Barometer
A CGI measures gas-in-air concentration during leak detection.
, 6. What is the main purpose of cathodic protection in gas pipelines?
A. Prevent freezing
B. Prevent corrosion
C. Increase flow rate
D. Reduce pressure
Cathodic protection uses electric current to protect metal from
corrosion.
7. Which type of piping is most commonly used for low-pressure
distribution of natural gas?
A. Cast iron
B. Polyethylene (PE)
C. Copper
D. Brass
PE pipe is standard for modern low-pressure gas distribution.
8. What is the maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP)
determined by?
A. Pipe diameter
B. Design, material strength, and regulatory limits
C. Flow demand
D. Temperature only
MAOP depends on pipe material, design factor, wall thickness, and
code requirements.
