NICET
Level II Certification
Fire Alarm Systems
Practice Exam 2025/2026
100 Questions
Complete with Detailed Explanations & Code References
PART 1: CODES & STANDARDS
Questions 1-20 | NFPA 72, IBC, ADA Requirements
Question 1
According to NFPA 72, what is the maximum spacing for smoke detectors in a
smooth ceiling?
A) 20 feet
B) 30 feet
C) 40 feet
D) 50 feet
💡 EXPLANATION
NFPA 72-17.7.3.2.3.1 - Smoke detectors on smooth ceilings have a maximum spacing of 30
feet (9.1m) center-to-center. This assumes 30-foot diameter coverage area per detector with proper
overlap.
✓ KEY POINT
Spacing may be reduced for irregular ceilings, beams, joists, or air handling considerations. Always consider ceiling
height and configuration.
Question 2
What is the minimum height for wall-mounted visual notification appliances
(strobes)?
A) 60 inches
B) 70 inches
C) 80 inches
, D) 90 inches
💡 EXPLANATION
NFPA 72-18.5.5.1 - Wall-mounted visual appliances must be mounted with the entire lens between 80
inches (2.0m) minimum and 96 inches (2.4m) maximum above the finished floor. This ensures visibility
for all occupants.
Question 3
What is the required flash rate for visual notification appliances?
A) 0.5 to 1 Hz
B) 1 to 2 Hz
C) 2 to 3 Hz
D) 3 to 4 Hz
💡 EXPLANATION
NFPA 72-18.5.2.1 - Visual notification appliances must flash at a rate of 1 to 2 flashes per second (1
to 2 Hz). This rate is optimal for alerting occupants without triggering photosensitive epilepsy.
⚠️ IMPORTANT
Synchronization of strobes is required when multiple devices are visible in the same field of view to prevent
disorientation.
Question 4
How often must fire alarm systems be tested and inspected?
A) Annually
B) Semi-annually
C) Quarterly
D) Monthly
💡 EXPLANATION
NFPA 72-14.3.1 - Complete fire alarm system testing and inspection must be performed at
least annually. Some components require more frequent testing (e.g., battery tests, backup power
monthly; alarm notification appliance semi-annually).
Question 5
What is the maximum distance from any point in a corridor to a manual pull
station?
A) 100 feet
B) 150 feet
C) 200 feet
D) 250 feet
Level II Certification
Fire Alarm Systems
Practice Exam 2025/2026
100 Questions
Complete with Detailed Explanations & Code References
PART 1: CODES & STANDARDS
Questions 1-20 | NFPA 72, IBC, ADA Requirements
Question 1
According to NFPA 72, what is the maximum spacing for smoke detectors in a
smooth ceiling?
A) 20 feet
B) 30 feet
C) 40 feet
D) 50 feet
💡 EXPLANATION
NFPA 72-17.7.3.2.3.1 - Smoke detectors on smooth ceilings have a maximum spacing of 30
feet (9.1m) center-to-center. This assumes 30-foot diameter coverage area per detector with proper
overlap.
✓ KEY POINT
Spacing may be reduced for irregular ceilings, beams, joists, or air handling considerations. Always consider ceiling
height and configuration.
Question 2
What is the minimum height for wall-mounted visual notification appliances
(strobes)?
A) 60 inches
B) 70 inches
C) 80 inches
, D) 90 inches
💡 EXPLANATION
NFPA 72-18.5.5.1 - Wall-mounted visual appliances must be mounted with the entire lens between 80
inches (2.0m) minimum and 96 inches (2.4m) maximum above the finished floor. This ensures visibility
for all occupants.
Question 3
What is the required flash rate for visual notification appliances?
A) 0.5 to 1 Hz
B) 1 to 2 Hz
C) 2 to 3 Hz
D) 3 to 4 Hz
💡 EXPLANATION
NFPA 72-18.5.2.1 - Visual notification appliances must flash at a rate of 1 to 2 flashes per second (1
to 2 Hz). This rate is optimal for alerting occupants without triggering photosensitive epilepsy.
⚠️ IMPORTANT
Synchronization of strobes is required when multiple devices are visible in the same field of view to prevent
disorientation.
Question 4
How often must fire alarm systems be tested and inspected?
A) Annually
B) Semi-annually
C) Quarterly
D) Monthly
💡 EXPLANATION
NFPA 72-14.3.1 - Complete fire alarm system testing and inspection must be performed at
least annually. Some components require more frequent testing (e.g., battery tests, backup power
monthly; alarm notification appliance semi-annually).
Question 5
What is the maximum distance from any point in a corridor to a manual pull
station?
A) 100 feet
B) 150 feet
C) 200 feet
D) 250 feet
