FDNY FIREFIGHTER CANDIDATE PRACTICE
EXAMINATION
2026–2027 TESTING CYCLE
1. According to FDNY procedure, when advancing a charged hoseline up a stairway, it is safest
to keep the nozzle fully open once water is flowing to prevent a sudden pressure surge that could
injure the nozzle firefighter. What is the primary reason for maintaining a fully open nozzle
during stairway advancement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A fully open nozzle prevents water hammer and pressure buildup that could cause the
hoseline to whip, not just to cool the stairs. It is a safety measure to avoid sudden nozzle reaction
forces that might throw the firefighter off balance. Partially opening the nozzle would increase
reaction force unpredictably.
A) To reduce the amount of water needed to extinguish the fire
B) To prevent dangerous nozzle reaction from a sudden pressure surge
C) To ensure the stairs are cooled quickly
D) To allow other firefighters to see the water stream
2. A firefighter reads a memo stating: “Effective immediately, all members shall don full
structural PPE before entering any IDLH atmosphere, regardless of task duration.” What is the
key operational change?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The memo mandates full PPE for any Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health
(IDLH) atmosphere, even for short tasks, eliminating any leniency for brief entry. This is an all-
encompassing requirement, not a recommendation. It does not ban entry, nor does it change the
definition of IDLH.
A) Firefighters may enter an IDLH atmosphere without PPE if the task lasts less than 2 minutes
B) IDLH atmospheres are now classified by task duration
C) Full structural PPE is mandatory for any entry into an IDLH atmosphere, no matter how short
D) Only the officer needs to wear full PPE in IDLH conditions
,3. A fire prevention bulletin describes a new high-rise sprinkler ordinance requiring all
residential buildings over 125 feet tall to have fire pumps that automatically start upon a 5 psi
drop in system pressure. What triggers the pump?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The trigger is a specific pressure drop—5 psi—detected in the system. The pump
activates automatically based on pressure loss, not manually by a pull station or alarm. A jockey
pump maintains pressure but does not replace the main pump’s start condition.
A) A drop of 5 psi in the system pressure
B) Manual activation by the building engineer
C) A smoke detector signal in the pump room
D) The sound of a water flow alarm
4. Read the following: “When forcing entry through a locked outward-opening door, the
firefighter should first try the doorknob and push the door. If it does not open, use the adz of the
Halligan tool to spread the door from the jamb on the lock side.” What is the very first action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The passage explicitly says to “first try the doorknob and push the door.” Trying the
doorknob is the initial step before using any force. The Halligan tool is used only if the door
does not open by conventional means.
A) Insert the adz into the gap near the top hinge
B) Strike the door with a flathead axe
C) Use a hydraulic spreader
D) Try the doorknob and push the door
5. A departmental safety alert warns: “Unprotected lightweight wood trusses can collapse after
only 5 to 7 minutes of fire exposure, well before traditional solid joists.” Why is this important
for firefighting operations?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The shortened time to failure demands very rapid assessment and decision-making;
firefighters cannot rely on the longer burn time typical of legacy construction. It doesn’t mean
roof operations are always prohibited, but that the collapse risk occurs much sooner, changing
operational timing.
,A) Lightweight trusses can support heavier loads than solid joists
B) Roof operations must consider that structural failure can occur extremely early in a fire
C) Firefighters should always avoid operating above any fire
D) Lightweight construction is no longer used in New York City
6. A standard operating guideline for SCBA states: “When the low-air alarm activates, the
firefighter shall immediately notify their officer and begin to exit the IDLH atmosphere with
their partner.” What triggers immediate notification and exit?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The low-air alarm is the specific trigger for immediate communication and
withdrawal, regardless of how much time the firefighter believes they have left. It is not based on
a set PSI threshold in this statement, nor on visible flame conditions, and radio contact alone
does not mandate exit.
A) When the firefighter’s SCBA gauge reads exactly 1000 psi
B) When visibility drops to less than 3 feet
C) When the SCBA low-air alarm activates
D) When the officer loses radio contact
7. A technical bulletin explains: “In a positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) attack, a fan is placed
at the entrance to create higher interior pressure, which forces smoke and heat out of an exhaust
opening. The exhaust opening must be smaller than the inlet for maximum efficiency.” Which
statement best summarizes the exhaust requirement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: PPV relies on managing pressure differentials: a smaller exhaust opening helps build
higher interior pressure and directs the flow. Making the exhaust larger than the inlet would
reduce pressure and decrease efficiency. Natural ventilation is unrelated to this mechanical
principle.
A) The exhaust opening should be smaller than the fan inlet opening to maintain effective
interior pressure
B) The exhaust opening must be the same size as the inlet opening
C) The exhaust opening should be twice as large as the inlet opening
D) PPV works best without any exhaust opening
, 8. A firefighter receives a communication: “Engine 10, you are assigned as the Rapid
Intervention Team. Stage on the Alpha side, ladder and hand tools ready, air supply full.” What
is the primary role of this crew?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) is specifically tasked with firefighter rescue—
standing by to assist a downed, lost, or trapped firefighter. They are not the first attack line,
ventilation, or exposure protection crews. Their entire readiness is focused on rescuing other
firefighters.
A) Advance the initial attack line into the fire building
B) Rescue trapped or downed firefighters
C) Perform primary search for civilians
D) Set up positive pressure fans
MATHEMATICAL REASONING
9. A fire pump must deliver 150 gallons per minute (gpm) at 100 pounds per square inch (psi)
nozzle pressure. The friction loss in the hoseline is 30 psi, and the elevation loss is 25 psi. What
pump discharge pressure is required?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pump discharge pressure (PDP) = Nozzle pressure + Friction loss + Elevation loss.
100 psi + 30 psi + 25 psi = 155 psi. Adding nozzle pressure alone or only friction loss would
underpower the line. 125 psi misses elevation.
A) 100 psi
B) 130 psi
C) 125 psi
D) 155 psi
10. A fire engine carries 500 gallons of water. If a firefighting operation uses a hose stream
flowing 125 gpm, what is the maximum duration water will last from the tank alone, assuming
no refill?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Time = Tank volume ÷ Flow rate = 500 gal ÷ 125 gpm = 4 minutes. 2 minutes would
correspond to 250 gpm, 5 minutes to 100 gpm, and 8 minutes to 62.5 gpm.
EXAMINATION
2026–2027 TESTING CYCLE
1. According to FDNY procedure, when advancing a charged hoseline up a stairway, it is safest
to keep the nozzle fully open once water is flowing to prevent a sudden pressure surge that could
injure the nozzle firefighter. What is the primary reason for maintaining a fully open nozzle
during stairway advancement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A fully open nozzle prevents water hammer and pressure buildup that could cause the
hoseline to whip, not just to cool the stairs. It is a safety measure to avoid sudden nozzle reaction
forces that might throw the firefighter off balance. Partially opening the nozzle would increase
reaction force unpredictably.
A) To reduce the amount of water needed to extinguish the fire
B) To prevent dangerous nozzle reaction from a sudden pressure surge
C) To ensure the stairs are cooled quickly
D) To allow other firefighters to see the water stream
2. A firefighter reads a memo stating: “Effective immediately, all members shall don full
structural PPE before entering any IDLH atmosphere, regardless of task duration.” What is the
key operational change?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The memo mandates full PPE for any Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health
(IDLH) atmosphere, even for short tasks, eliminating any leniency for brief entry. This is an all-
encompassing requirement, not a recommendation. It does not ban entry, nor does it change the
definition of IDLH.
A) Firefighters may enter an IDLH atmosphere without PPE if the task lasts less than 2 minutes
B) IDLH atmospheres are now classified by task duration
C) Full structural PPE is mandatory for any entry into an IDLH atmosphere, no matter how short
D) Only the officer needs to wear full PPE in IDLH conditions
,3. A fire prevention bulletin describes a new high-rise sprinkler ordinance requiring all
residential buildings over 125 feet tall to have fire pumps that automatically start upon a 5 psi
drop in system pressure. What triggers the pump?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The trigger is a specific pressure drop—5 psi—detected in the system. The pump
activates automatically based on pressure loss, not manually by a pull station or alarm. A jockey
pump maintains pressure but does not replace the main pump’s start condition.
A) A drop of 5 psi in the system pressure
B) Manual activation by the building engineer
C) A smoke detector signal in the pump room
D) The sound of a water flow alarm
4. Read the following: “When forcing entry through a locked outward-opening door, the
firefighter should first try the doorknob and push the door. If it does not open, use the adz of the
Halligan tool to spread the door from the jamb on the lock side.” What is the very first action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The passage explicitly says to “first try the doorknob and push the door.” Trying the
doorknob is the initial step before using any force. The Halligan tool is used only if the door
does not open by conventional means.
A) Insert the adz into the gap near the top hinge
B) Strike the door with a flathead axe
C) Use a hydraulic spreader
D) Try the doorknob and push the door
5. A departmental safety alert warns: “Unprotected lightweight wood trusses can collapse after
only 5 to 7 minutes of fire exposure, well before traditional solid joists.” Why is this important
for firefighting operations?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The shortened time to failure demands very rapid assessment and decision-making;
firefighters cannot rely on the longer burn time typical of legacy construction. It doesn’t mean
roof operations are always prohibited, but that the collapse risk occurs much sooner, changing
operational timing.
,A) Lightweight trusses can support heavier loads than solid joists
B) Roof operations must consider that structural failure can occur extremely early in a fire
C) Firefighters should always avoid operating above any fire
D) Lightweight construction is no longer used in New York City
6. A standard operating guideline for SCBA states: “When the low-air alarm activates, the
firefighter shall immediately notify their officer and begin to exit the IDLH atmosphere with
their partner.” What triggers immediate notification and exit?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The low-air alarm is the specific trigger for immediate communication and
withdrawal, regardless of how much time the firefighter believes they have left. It is not based on
a set PSI threshold in this statement, nor on visible flame conditions, and radio contact alone
does not mandate exit.
A) When the firefighter’s SCBA gauge reads exactly 1000 psi
B) When visibility drops to less than 3 feet
C) When the SCBA low-air alarm activates
D) When the officer loses radio contact
7. A technical bulletin explains: “In a positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) attack, a fan is placed
at the entrance to create higher interior pressure, which forces smoke and heat out of an exhaust
opening. The exhaust opening must be smaller than the inlet for maximum efficiency.” Which
statement best summarizes the exhaust requirement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: PPV relies on managing pressure differentials: a smaller exhaust opening helps build
higher interior pressure and directs the flow. Making the exhaust larger than the inlet would
reduce pressure and decrease efficiency. Natural ventilation is unrelated to this mechanical
principle.
A) The exhaust opening should be smaller than the fan inlet opening to maintain effective
interior pressure
B) The exhaust opening must be the same size as the inlet opening
C) The exhaust opening should be twice as large as the inlet opening
D) PPV works best without any exhaust opening
, 8. A firefighter receives a communication: “Engine 10, you are assigned as the Rapid
Intervention Team. Stage on the Alpha side, ladder and hand tools ready, air supply full.” What
is the primary role of this crew?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) is specifically tasked with firefighter rescue—
standing by to assist a downed, lost, or trapped firefighter. They are not the first attack line,
ventilation, or exposure protection crews. Their entire readiness is focused on rescuing other
firefighters.
A) Advance the initial attack line into the fire building
B) Rescue trapped or downed firefighters
C) Perform primary search for civilians
D) Set up positive pressure fans
MATHEMATICAL REASONING
9. A fire pump must deliver 150 gallons per minute (gpm) at 100 pounds per square inch (psi)
nozzle pressure. The friction loss in the hoseline is 30 psi, and the elevation loss is 25 psi. What
pump discharge pressure is required?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pump discharge pressure (PDP) = Nozzle pressure + Friction loss + Elevation loss.
100 psi + 30 psi + 25 psi = 155 psi. Adding nozzle pressure alone or only friction loss would
underpower the line. 125 psi misses elevation.
A) 100 psi
B) 130 psi
C) 125 psi
D) 155 psi
10. A fire engine carries 500 gallons of water. If a firefighting operation uses a hose stream
flowing 125 gpm, what is the maximum duration water will last from the tank alone, assuming
no refill?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Time = Tank volume ÷ Flow rate = 500 gal ÷ 125 gpm = 4 minutes. 2 minutes would
correspond to 250 gpm, 5 minutes to 100 gpm, and 8 minutes to 62.5 gpm.
