Page |1
FDNY Z51 WRITTEN EXAM 2026 – NEWEST
EXAM PREPARATION WITH COMPLETE
QUESTIONS, CORRECT ANSWERS, AND
RATIONALES
Table of Contents
Exam Structure, Eligibility, and Certification Overview
Refrigeration Fundamentals
Safety and Fire Code Requirements
Chillers, Cooling Towers, and Auxiliary Systems
Electrical Components and Controls
Refrigerants and Environmental Regulations
Emergency Procedures and Documentation
, Page |2
Question 1: The FDNY Z51 exam is the first part of which Certificate of
Qualification?
A) Q01 Refrigerating System Operating Engineer
B) Q99 Fire Safety Director
C) Q02 Boiler Operating Engineer
D) Q05 Standpipe Systems Technician
Correct Answer: A
The Z51 exam is the first part of the Q01 Certificate of Qualification for
Refrigerating System Operating Engineer (RSOE). The second part is the Z52
practical exam. Applicants must pass both parts to obtain the full Q01 Certificate
of Qualification.
Question 2: How many multiple-choice questions does the Z51 computer exam
currently consist of?
A) 75 questions
B) 100 questions
C) 110 questions
D) 150 questions
Correct Answer: C
The Z51 exam consists of 110 multiple-choice questions, including additional
questions regarding Building Operation, Maintenance and Recordkeeping
material.
Question 3: What is the minimum passing score required for the Z51 computer
exam?
, Page |3
A) 60%
B) 65%
C) 70%
D) 75%
Correct Answer: C
A passing score of at least 70% is required on the Z51 exam. Candidates who fail
must wait before retaking the examination.
Question 4: How much time is allotted to complete the Z51 computer exam?
A) 120 minutes
B) 150 minutes
C) 193 minutes
D) 240 minutes
Correct Answer: C
Based on the number of questions (110), candidates are given 193 minutes to
complete the Z51 computer exam.
Question 5: What is the fee for the first part Z51 exam?
A) $25
B) $40
C) $60
D) $100
Correct Answer: C
The fee for the first part Z51 exam is $60. Payment must be completed online prior
to scheduling the appointment.
Question 6: Which of the following is required to apply for the Z51 exam?
, Page |4
A) A high school diploma or GED
B) A bachelor's degree in engineering
C) A valid driver's license only
D) A letter from the mayor's office
Correct Answer: A
Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED. Degrees issued outside
the USA or not in English must be evaluated by an independent evaluation service
accepted by NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services.
Question 7: What certification must a Z51 applicant possess at the time of
application?
A) OSHA 30-Hour Certification
B) Universal Technician Certification (UTC)
C) EPA Lead-Safe Certification
D) NYC Boiler Operator License
Correct Answer: B
The regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency require an individual
performing the duties of a refrigerating system operating engineer to possess
Universal Technician Certification (UTC) under 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F.
Evidence of UTC must be presented at the time of application.
Question 8: Which of the following is an acceptable qualification for the Z51
exam?
A) A current High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer License issued by NYC
DOB
B) A food handler's license
FDNY Z51 WRITTEN EXAM 2026 – NEWEST
EXAM PREPARATION WITH COMPLETE
QUESTIONS, CORRECT ANSWERS, AND
RATIONALES
Table of Contents
Exam Structure, Eligibility, and Certification Overview
Refrigeration Fundamentals
Safety and Fire Code Requirements
Chillers, Cooling Towers, and Auxiliary Systems
Electrical Components and Controls
Refrigerants and Environmental Regulations
Emergency Procedures and Documentation
, Page |2
Question 1: The FDNY Z51 exam is the first part of which Certificate of
Qualification?
A) Q01 Refrigerating System Operating Engineer
B) Q99 Fire Safety Director
C) Q02 Boiler Operating Engineer
D) Q05 Standpipe Systems Technician
Correct Answer: A
The Z51 exam is the first part of the Q01 Certificate of Qualification for
Refrigerating System Operating Engineer (RSOE). The second part is the Z52
practical exam. Applicants must pass both parts to obtain the full Q01 Certificate
of Qualification.
Question 2: How many multiple-choice questions does the Z51 computer exam
currently consist of?
A) 75 questions
B) 100 questions
C) 110 questions
D) 150 questions
Correct Answer: C
The Z51 exam consists of 110 multiple-choice questions, including additional
questions regarding Building Operation, Maintenance and Recordkeeping
material.
Question 3: What is the minimum passing score required for the Z51 computer
exam?
, Page |3
A) 60%
B) 65%
C) 70%
D) 75%
Correct Answer: C
A passing score of at least 70% is required on the Z51 exam. Candidates who fail
must wait before retaking the examination.
Question 4: How much time is allotted to complete the Z51 computer exam?
A) 120 minutes
B) 150 minutes
C) 193 minutes
D) 240 minutes
Correct Answer: C
Based on the number of questions (110), candidates are given 193 minutes to
complete the Z51 computer exam.
Question 5: What is the fee for the first part Z51 exam?
A) $25
B) $40
C) $60
D) $100
Correct Answer: C
The fee for the first part Z51 exam is $60. Payment must be completed online prior
to scheduling the appointment.
Question 6: Which of the following is required to apply for the Z51 exam?
, Page |4
A) A high school diploma or GED
B) A bachelor's degree in engineering
C) A valid driver's license only
D) A letter from the mayor's office
Correct Answer: A
Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED. Degrees issued outside
the USA or not in English must be evaluated by an independent evaluation service
accepted by NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services.
Question 7: What certification must a Z51 applicant possess at the time of
application?
A) OSHA 30-Hour Certification
B) Universal Technician Certification (UTC)
C) EPA Lead-Safe Certification
D) NYC Boiler Operator License
Correct Answer: B
The regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency require an individual
performing the duties of a refrigerating system operating engineer to possess
Universal Technician Certification (UTC) under 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F.
Evidence of UTC must be presented at the time of application.
Question 8: Which of the following is an acceptable qualification for the Z51
exam?
A) A current High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer License issued by NYC
DOB
B) A food handler's license
