IICRC CCT CARPET CLEANING TECHNICIAN
STUDY GUIDE – FULL PRACTICE REVIEW &
UPDATED TRAINING MATERIAL
IICRC CCT Carpet Cleaning Technician Practice Exam
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.
1. The IICRC S100 Standard for professional carpet cleaning is focused on:
A. Manufacturing specifications for carpet
B. The principles of inspection, cleaning, and restoration
C. Standardized pricing for the industry
D. Regulations for cleaning chemical disposal
Answer: B
2. Which carpet fiber has the best natural resistance to abrasion and staining?
A. Nylon
B. Polyester
C. Olefin (Polypropylene)
D. Wool
Answer: C
3. A carpet's "pile" refers to:
A. The total thickness of the carpet and cushion
B. The density of the tufts per square inch
C. The visible surface of yarn tufts
D. The latex backing material
Answer: C
4. The primary purpose of a carpet cushion (pad) is to:
A. Increase the R-value for insulation
B. Provide comfort and prolong carpet life
C. Act as a primary moisture barrier
D. Reduce the cost of carpet installation
Answer: B
5. During the pre-inspection, a technician should:
A. Provide a firm, final price to the customer
,B. Point out all pre-existing conditions and get customer acknowledgment
C. Immediately begin spot removal testing
D. Guarantee the removal of all stains
Answer: B
6. The term "wicking" in carpet cleaning refers to:
A. The rapid drying of carpet fibers
B. The even application of cleaning solution
C. The process of soil being drawn back to the surface as the carpet dries
D. The capillary action used in dry cleaning systems
Answer: C
7. Which cleaning method is generally considered to use the least amount of moisture?
A. Hot Water Extraction
B. Rotary Shampoo
C. Dry Compound (Absorbent Compound)
D. Bonnet Cleaning
Answer: C
8. The pH scale measures:
A. The cleaning power of a detergent
B. The viscosity of a liquid
C. The acidity or alkalinity of a solution
D. The concentration of dissolved solids
Answer: C
9. A neutral pH on the scale is:
A. 1
B. 7
C. 10
D. 14
Answer: B
10. For most soil suspension and cleaning, an alkaline cleaning solution (high pH) is used
because:
A. It is safe for all dye systems
B. It neutralizes the alkalinity of soils
C. It helps break down acidic, organic soils like fats and proteins
D. It prevents rapid re-soiling
Answer: C
,11. An acidic rinse (low pH) is applied after cleaning primarily to:
A. Break down grease
B. Neutralize alkalinity, brighten colors, and slow re-soiling
C. Sanitize the carpet fibers
D. Speed up the drying process
Answer: B
12. A browning effect that occurs after a carpet cleaning is most often caused by:
A. Improper rinsing
B. Oxidation of cellulose-based soils
C. Using a detergent that is too strong
D. Bleaching from sunlight
Answer: B
13. To prevent browning, a technician should:
A. Use the hottest water possible
B. Apply a browning inhibitor or anti-resoiling treatment
C. Avoid pre-vacuuming
D. Use only acidic cleaners
Answer: B
14. A "jute" backing is:
A. A synthetic, non-absorbent backing
B. A woven, natural fiber backing that is susceptible to brown rot when wet
C. The most common backing for residential carpet
D. A type of rubber backing
Answer: B
15. The IICRC recommends a maximum psi (pounds per square inch) at the wand jet for
cleaning residential carpet to be:
A. 100-200 psi
B. 300-500 psi
C. 600-800 psi
D. As high as the machine can produce
Answer: B
16. When dealing with a protein-based stain (e.g., blood, egg), the best initial treatment is:
A. A dry solvent or grease remover
B. A warm, damp cloth and pressure
C. A neutral pH cleaner and a brush
, D. A cool water and enzyme-based spotter
Answer: D
17. A tannin stain comes from:
A. Petroleum products
B. Ink or dye
C. Plant-based materials (e.g., coffee, tea, wine)
D. Rusted metal
Answer: C
18. When attempting to remove an unknown spot, a technician should always:
A. Start with the most aggressive chemical first
B. Test the spotting agent in an inconspicuous area first
C. Use a steam iron to loosen the stain
D. Mix several spotters together for maximum effect
Answer: B
19. The "four principles of cleaning" in the S100 standard, in order, are:
A. Agitate, Vacuum, Extract, Dry
B. Dry Soil Removal, Soil Suspension, Extraction, Drying
C. Pre-spray, Agitate, Rinse, Apply Protector
D. Inspection, Chemical Application, Scrubbing, Rinsing
Answer: B
20. The most important step in the carpet cleaning process is:
A. Agitation
B. Dry soil removal (vacuuming)
C. Applying a protective coating
D. Using a high-pressure rinse
Answer: B
21. A HEPA-filtered vacuum is recommended because it:
A. Is lighter and easier to carry
B. Captures a higher percentage of fine particulate and allergens
C. Has more suction power than a standard vacuum
D. Is required by law for commercial jobs
Answer: B
22. Which fiber is most susceptible to damage from strong chlorine bleach?
A. Olefin
B. Nylon
STUDY GUIDE – FULL PRACTICE REVIEW &
UPDATED TRAINING MATERIAL
IICRC CCT Carpet Cleaning Technician Practice Exam
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.
1. The IICRC S100 Standard for professional carpet cleaning is focused on:
A. Manufacturing specifications for carpet
B. The principles of inspection, cleaning, and restoration
C. Standardized pricing for the industry
D. Regulations for cleaning chemical disposal
Answer: B
2. Which carpet fiber has the best natural resistance to abrasion and staining?
A. Nylon
B. Polyester
C. Olefin (Polypropylene)
D. Wool
Answer: C
3. A carpet's "pile" refers to:
A. The total thickness of the carpet and cushion
B. The density of the tufts per square inch
C. The visible surface of yarn tufts
D. The latex backing material
Answer: C
4. The primary purpose of a carpet cushion (pad) is to:
A. Increase the R-value for insulation
B. Provide comfort and prolong carpet life
C. Act as a primary moisture barrier
D. Reduce the cost of carpet installation
Answer: B
5. During the pre-inspection, a technician should:
A. Provide a firm, final price to the customer
,B. Point out all pre-existing conditions and get customer acknowledgment
C. Immediately begin spot removal testing
D. Guarantee the removal of all stains
Answer: B
6. The term "wicking" in carpet cleaning refers to:
A. The rapid drying of carpet fibers
B. The even application of cleaning solution
C. The process of soil being drawn back to the surface as the carpet dries
D. The capillary action used in dry cleaning systems
Answer: C
7. Which cleaning method is generally considered to use the least amount of moisture?
A. Hot Water Extraction
B. Rotary Shampoo
C. Dry Compound (Absorbent Compound)
D. Bonnet Cleaning
Answer: C
8. The pH scale measures:
A. The cleaning power of a detergent
B. The viscosity of a liquid
C. The acidity or alkalinity of a solution
D. The concentration of dissolved solids
Answer: C
9. A neutral pH on the scale is:
A. 1
B. 7
C. 10
D. 14
Answer: B
10. For most soil suspension and cleaning, an alkaline cleaning solution (high pH) is used
because:
A. It is safe for all dye systems
B. It neutralizes the alkalinity of soils
C. It helps break down acidic, organic soils like fats and proteins
D. It prevents rapid re-soiling
Answer: C
,11. An acidic rinse (low pH) is applied after cleaning primarily to:
A. Break down grease
B. Neutralize alkalinity, brighten colors, and slow re-soiling
C. Sanitize the carpet fibers
D. Speed up the drying process
Answer: B
12. A browning effect that occurs after a carpet cleaning is most often caused by:
A. Improper rinsing
B. Oxidation of cellulose-based soils
C. Using a detergent that is too strong
D. Bleaching from sunlight
Answer: B
13. To prevent browning, a technician should:
A. Use the hottest water possible
B. Apply a browning inhibitor or anti-resoiling treatment
C. Avoid pre-vacuuming
D. Use only acidic cleaners
Answer: B
14. A "jute" backing is:
A. A synthetic, non-absorbent backing
B. A woven, natural fiber backing that is susceptible to brown rot when wet
C. The most common backing for residential carpet
D. A type of rubber backing
Answer: B
15. The IICRC recommends a maximum psi (pounds per square inch) at the wand jet for
cleaning residential carpet to be:
A. 100-200 psi
B. 300-500 psi
C. 600-800 psi
D. As high as the machine can produce
Answer: B
16. When dealing with a protein-based stain (e.g., blood, egg), the best initial treatment is:
A. A dry solvent or grease remover
B. A warm, damp cloth and pressure
C. A neutral pH cleaner and a brush
, D. A cool water and enzyme-based spotter
Answer: D
17. A tannin stain comes from:
A. Petroleum products
B. Ink or dye
C. Plant-based materials (e.g., coffee, tea, wine)
D. Rusted metal
Answer: C
18. When attempting to remove an unknown spot, a technician should always:
A. Start with the most aggressive chemical first
B. Test the spotting agent in an inconspicuous area first
C. Use a steam iron to loosen the stain
D. Mix several spotters together for maximum effect
Answer: B
19. The "four principles of cleaning" in the S100 standard, in order, are:
A. Agitate, Vacuum, Extract, Dry
B. Dry Soil Removal, Soil Suspension, Extraction, Drying
C. Pre-spray, Agitate, Rinse, Apply Protector
D. Inspection, Chemical Application, Scrubbing, Rinsing
Answer: B
20. The most important step in the carpet cleaning process is:
A. Agitation
B. Dry soil removal (vacuuming)
C. Applying a protective coating
D. Using a high-pressure rinse
Answer: B
21. A HEPA-filtered vacuum is recommended because it:
A. Is lighter and easier to carry
B. Captures a higher percentage of fine particulate and allergens
C. Has more suction power than a standard vacuum
D. Is required by law for commercial jobs
Answer: B
22. Which fiber is most susceptible to damage from strong chlorine bleach?
A. Olefin
B. Nylon
