CSIA EXAM
CSIA CERTIFICATION ACTUAL EXAM
2025 GRADED A+
Draft is measured by... - Correct Ans-inches in water column
Definition of Draft - Correct Ans-Difference of pressure INSIDE and OUTSIDE the venting
system
Easiest solution to "back puffing" stove? - Correct Ans-Give it more air
What has the greatest effect on FLOW? - Correct Ans-Size of venting system passageway
A masonry chimney is required by what to have a cleanout if the flue previously vented a
solid or liquid fuel appliance? - Correct Ans-NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code)
High efficiency gas + oil appliances generate a lot of____ which can____ - Correct Ans-
water vapor, deteriorate a chimney quickly
Info on use and installation of gas appliance draft hoods can be found where? - Correct
Ans-National Fuel Gas Code
Category II, III, and IV appliance venting requirements can be found... - Correct Ans-in
the installation instructions
Glazed creosote results from 3 things... - Correct Ans-slow smoldering fire,
too many elbows,
improperly sized vent
1|Page
,CSIA EXAM
What is "pyrolysis"? - Correct Ans-The chemical alteration of wood as a result of the
application of heat
Perfect combustion results in: - Correct Ans-Only Co2 and water vapor
Creosote formation: - Correct Ans-Tar fog or droplets of liquids condense in the venting
system
Residence time - Correct Ans-length of time smoke remains in the chimney
Magnetic thermometers only display about __% of actual flue temp - Correct Ans-50%
Creosote should be removed because... - Correct Ans-Fire risk,
corrosive to steel, connectors, and mortar
Why should flashing be embedded in mortar? - Correct Ans-prevent leaks
Baffle location and purpose? - Correct Ans-Located between the firebox and flue collar.
Purpose is to complete better combustion
What does the barometric draft regulator do? - Correct Ans-Prevents excessive draft
Smoke chamber height SHALL NOT be greater than the ______ ______ of the fireplace
fire chamber. - Correct Ans-Inside width
Combustion needs... - Correct Ans-Heat, Oxygen, and Fuel
2|Page
, CSIA EXAM
Nominal dimensions can vary by how much? - Correct Ans-Nominal dimensions vary by
1/2"
What is combustion? - Correct Ans-The rapid oxidation of fuel producing heat and light.
Parging the smoke chamber improves FLOW by... - Correct Ans-Reducing turbulence, and
eliminating corbeling
Connector dampers should not block greater than ___% of the connector when closed. -
Correct Ans-80%
Heat reclaimer / extractor - Correct Ans-Fits inline with connector, and is NOT to be used
with wood burning
What inspection level determines if a wall pass-through is installed properly? - Correct
Ans-Level 2
Hearth stove should only be connected to... - Correct Ans-A properly built masonry
fireplace
What problems are created when mortar joints between flue tiles are not smoothed? -
Correct Ans-May create turbulence and increased residence time of exhaust.
3 Positive aspects of Cast-in-Place liners - Correct Ans-1. adds structural integrity to
chimney
2. resists corrosive deposits
3. able to support any fuel or appliance when sized properly
3|Page
CSIA CERTIFICATION ACTUAL EXAM
2025 GRADED A+
Draft is measured by... - Correct Ans-inches in water column
Definition of Draft - Correct Ans-Difference of pressure INSIDE and OUTSIDE the venting
system
Easiest solution to "back puffing" stove? - Correct Ans-Give it more air
What has the greatest effect on FLOW? - Correct Ans-Size of venting system passageway
A masonry chimney is required by what to have a cleanout if the flue previously vented a
solid or liquid fuel appliance? - Correct Ans-NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code)
High efficiency gas + oil appliances generate a lot of____ which can____ - Correct Ans-
water vapor, deteriorate a chimney quickly
Info on use and installation of gas appliance draft hoods can be found where? - Correct
Ans-National Fuel Gas Code
Category II, III, and IV appliance venting requirements can be found... - Correct Ans-in
the installation instructions
Glazed creosote results from 3 things... - Correct Ans-slow smoldering fire,
too many elbows,
improperly sized vent
1|Page
,CSIA EXAM
What is "pyrolysis"? - Correct Ans-The chemical alteration of wood as a result of the
application of heat
Perfect combustion results in: - Correct Ans-Only Co2 and water vapor
Creosote formation: - Correct Ans-Tar fog or droplets of liquids condense in the venting
system
Residence time - Correct Ans-length of time smoke remains in the chimney
Magnetic thermometers only display about __% of actual flue temp - Correct Ans-50%
Creosote should be removed because... - Correct Ans-Fire risk,
corrosive to steel, connectors, and mortar
Why should flashing be embedded in mortar? - Correct Ans-prevent leaks
Baffle location and purpose? - Correct Ans-Located between the firebox and flue collar.
Purpose is to complete better combustion
What does the barometric draft regulator do? - Correct Ans-Prevents excessive draft
Smoke chamber height SHALL NOT be greater than the ______ ______ of the fireplace
fire chamber. - Correct Ans-Inside width
Combustion needs... - Correct Ans-Heat, Oxygen, and Fuel
2|Page
, CSIA EXAM
Nominal dimensions can vary by how much? - Correct Ans-Nominal dimensions vary by
1/2"
What is combustion? - Correct Ans-The rapid oxidation of fuel producing heat and light.
Parging the smoke chamber improves FLOW by... - Correct Ans-Reducing turbulence, and
eliminating corbeling
Connector dampers should not block greater than ___% of the connector when closed. -
Correct Ans-80%
Heat reclaimer / extractor - Correct Ans-Fits inline with connector, and is NOT to be used
with wood burning
What inspection level determines if a wall pass-through is installed properly? - Correct
Ans-Level 2
Hearth stove should only be connected to... - Correct Ans-A properly built masonry
fireplace
What problems are created when mortar joints between flue tiles are not smoothed? -
Correct Ans-May create turbulence and increased residence time of exhaust.
3 Positive aspects of Cast-in-Place liners - Correct Ans-1. adds structural integrity to
chimney
2. resists corrosive deposits
3. able to support any fuel or appliance when sized properly
3|Page
