FDNY S-12 AND S-13 COMPREHENSIVE
CERTIFICATION EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. Which color should a Fire Department Connection (FDC) for a non-automatic sprinkler
system be painted?
A. Silver/Aluminum
B. Green
C. Red
D. Yellow
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: For non-automatic sprinkler systems, the FDC must be painted
silver or aluminum. Red is for standpipe, Green is for automatic sprinkler, and Yellow is for
combined systems.
2. How often must a main drain test be conducted to check for changes in the condition of
the water supply piping?
A. Weekly
,B. Monthly
C. Annually
D. Quarterly
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: According to NFPA 25 and FDNY standards, the main drain test
is generally a quarterly requirement to ensure no obstructions exist in the supply.
3. An OS&Y valve is considered to be in the ‘Open’ position when:
A. The stem is fully retracted into the body
B. The stem is protruding from the handwheel
C. The handle is parallel to the pipe
D. The indicator window shows ‘Open’
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In an Outside Screw and Yoke (OS&Y) valve, the stem moves out
when the valve is opened and in when it is closed, providing a visual status.
4. What is the required frequency for inspecting the water level in a gravity tank without an
automatic tank fill system?
A. Daily
B. Quarterly
, C. Monthly
D. Weekly
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Gravity tanks without automatic fill alarms or systems must
have their water level inspected weekly.
5. Which type of standpipe system is filled with water but does not have a permanent water
supply?
A. Automatic Wet
B. Manual Wet
C. Manual Dry
D. Semiautomatic Dry
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Manual wet systems are filled with water to detect leaks, but
they require the Fire Department to pump water into the system to achieve fire-fighting
pressure.
6. A ‘Class II’ standpipe system is primarily designed for use by:
A. Professional Firefighters only
B. Only for high-rise residential buildings
C. Both Firefighters and occupants
CERTIFICATION EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. Which color should a Fire Department Connection (FDC) for a non-automatic sprinkler
system be painted?
A. Silver/Aluminum
B. Green
C. Red
D. Yellow
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: For non-automatic sprinkler systems, the FDC must be painted
silver or aluminum. Red is for standpipe, Green is for automatic sprinkler, and Yellow is for
combined systems.
2. How often must a main drain test be conducted to check for changes in the condition of
the water supply piping?
A. Weekly
,B. Monthly
C. Annually
D. Quarterly
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: According to NFPA 25 and FDNY standards, the main drain test
is generally a quarterly requirement to ensure no obstructions exist in the supply.
3. An OS&Y valve is considered to be in the ‘Open’ position when:
A. The stem is fully retracted into the body
B. The stem is protruding from the handwheel
C. The handle is parallel to the pipe
D. The indicator window shows ‘Open’
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In an Outside Screw and Yoke (OS&Y) valve, the stem moves out
when the valve is opened and in when it is closed, providing a visual status.
4. What is the required frequency for inspecting the water level in a gravity tank without an
automatic tank fill system?
A. Daily
B. Quarterly
, C. Monthly
D. Weekly
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Gravity tanks without automatic fill alarms or systems must
have their water level inspected weekly.
5. Which type of standpipe system is filled with water but does not have a permanent water
supply?
A. Automatic Wet
B. Manual Wet
C. Manual Dry
D. Semiautomatic Dry
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Manual wet systems are filled with water to detect leaks, but
they require the Fire Department to pump water into the system to achieve fire-fighting
pressure.
6. A ‘Class II’ standpipe system is primarily designed for use by:
A. Professional Firefighters only
B. Only for high-rise residential buildings
C. Both Firefighters and occupants
