ITFAS-Level-1 Practice Exam Questions with Answers Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems Level I Exam Certification

Private mode signaling is used in locations not open to the public (e.g., hospitals, certain office buildings). The audibility requirement for private mode differs from public mode.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 18.4.5.3:

"For private mode audible appliances, the sound level shall be at least 10 dBA above the averageambient sound level..."

This ensures the signal is heard clearly in the intended space without exceeding what’s necessary.

Correct answer: C. 10 dBA above ambient

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NFPA 72 specifies a strict timeframe for the automatic switchover tosecondary powerafter loss of primary power.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.7.1.2:

“Transfer to secondary power shall occur within 30 seconds after loss of primary power.”

This ensures uninterrupted monitoring and alarm functions during outages.

Correct answer: B. 30

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Secondary power supplies must meet minimum performance durations to ensure alarm operation when primary power fails. According to NFPA 72, the system must be able to:

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.7.2.1.1:

“The secondary power supply shall have sufficient capacity to operate the system under quiescent load for a minimum of 24 hours, followed by 5 minutes of alarm (for emergency voice/alarm communication systems, 15 minutes of alarm), unless otherwise permitted by 10.6.7.2.1.2.”

However, thedefault minimumfor most systems (non-voice) is:

24 hours in normal (quiescent) mode

Followed by 5 minutes of full alarm operation

Correct answer: A. 5 minutes

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This question is referring tosupervisory signaling for control valvesin sprinkler systems. When a valve begins to move from its normal (open) position, the fire alarm system must detect and signal thisbefore it reaches too far out of position.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 17.16.1.3:

"Off-normal signal shall be initiated during the first one-quarter (1/4) of the valve travel distance from its normal position."

This ensures timely detection if someone begins to close a sprinkler valve, which could disable the fire suppression system.

Correct answer: B. 1/4

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Heat detectors that arenonrestorablemust either be replaced after 15 years or undergo sample testing. If testing is chosen,at least 4 detectors per 100of the same model and environment must be tested in an approved lab.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 14.4.4.4.1:

“After 15 years from the date of installation, all fixed-temperature, nonrestorable heat detectors shall be replaced or tested using a laboratory method... A minimum of 4 detectors shall be tested for each 100 detectors installed.”

This ensures detector reliability over time.

Correct answer: B. 4

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NFPA 72 defines a time requirement for how quickly a waterflow switch must respond when a sprinkler system activates. The waterflow initiating device (typically a paddle-type switch) must send an alarmwithin 90 seconds, but the system may have aretard delayof up to90 seconds, making the total allowable time120 seconds.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 17.13.2:

“Waterflow alarm-initiating devices shall be set to operate within 90 seconds after the flow begins. Retard devices shall not delay the signal more than an additional 90 seconds.”

Thus, the maximumtotal activation timeis:

90 seconds operation + 90 seconds retard =120 seconds max

Correct answer: C. 120 seconds

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NFPA 72 requires thattrouble signalsbe inspectedweeklyon monitored fire alarm systems toensure the system can detect and report problems in a timely manner.

NFPA 72 (2022), Table 14.3.1 — Inspection Frequencies:

"Supervising station systems — Trouble signals"?Weekly

This ensures any open circuits, ground faults, or system issues are discovered promptly.

Correct answer: A. Weekly

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Elevator alternate level recall is a life safety feature designed to prevent passengers from arriving at a smoke-compromised floor. NFPA 72 and elevator codes dictate that this function must activatewhen smoke is detected at the primary recall level (designated lobby).

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 21.3.3.1:

“When the elevator lobby smoke detector required for the designated recall level is activated, the elevator shall be recalled to an alternate level.”

This action prevents elevators from opening at a smoke-filled lobby.

Correct answer: A. In response to activation of a smoke detector located at the designated elevator lobby

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NFPA 72 identifies severaltypes of fire alarm control units (FACUs)based on their function and scope.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 3.3.103 — Fire Alarm Control Unit (FACU):

Dedicated Function FACU: Performs a specific fire alarm role (e.g., elevator recall or sprinkler monitoring).

Protected Premises FACU: Installed on-site to monitor and signal within that building.

Releasing Service FACU: Activates fire suppression systems like gas or foam.

"Central station" is asupervising station, not a control unit.

Correct answers:

Dedicated function

Protected premises

Releasing service

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This question focuses on estimatingsystem impairment time, which is a key planning function when coordinating fire alarm inspections.

Step-by-step breakdown:

45 devices × 2 minutes =90 minutes

FACU testing and restoration =20 minutes

Total = 90 + 20 =110 minutes

110 minutes =1 hour and 50 minutes

While NFPA 72 doesn't specify how to calculate impairment time, NICET expects Level I technicians toplan and communicate system impairmentsaccurately — part of their responsibilities under:

NICET Level I Content Outline – Domain: Plan and Coordinate Work

“Estimate and communicate the time required to perform inspection and testing tasks while minimizing system impairments.”

Therefore, the correct choice is:

D. 1 hour, 50 minutes

NFPA 72 mandates that fire alarm system documentation be stored in a dedicated cabinet, and that cabinet must be clearly labeled. Theexact phraserequired is:

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 7.7.2:

"The cabinet shall be prominently labeled 'SYSTEM RECORD DOCUMENTS.'"

This ensures that anyone — including inspectors, AHJs, or technicians — can easily identify where critical system information is stored.

Correct answer: D. System record documents

Testing of engine-driven generators is governed byNFPA 110, not NFPA 72. NFPA 72 references this standard for standby power systems.

NFPA 110 (2022), Section 8.4.1:

“Diesel generator sets shall be exercised at least once weekly.”

This includes running the generator under load and verifying automatic start capability.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.3.2:

Refers to NFPA 110 for testing of standby/emergency power systems.

Correct answer: A. Weekly

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After impairment or testing, NFPA 72 requires that all previously notified parties beinformed that the system has been returned to service. This includes those who could be affected by or responsible for system monitoring and emergency response.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.21.3.8:

"When the system has been returned to normal, the persons and facilities previously notified (including the supervising station, building occupants, and AHJ, where required) shall be notified that testing is complete and the system is restored."

Although "first responders" isn't explicitly listed,they’re typically contacted through the AHJ or monitoring center, so they're not usually notified directly by technicians.

Correct answers:

Authority Having Jurisdiction

Building occupants

Monitoring organization

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DACTs (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitters) are required to supervise their telephone communication paths. If theprimary line is disconnected, the system must detect and transmit a trouble signal quickly.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 26.6.4.4.4.2.3:

“Loss of the primary means of transmission shall be annunciated at the protected premises within 4 minutes.”

This ensures prompt identification and correction of communication issues.

Correct answer: C. 4

Replacement batteries used in fire alarm systems must meet strict safety and documentation requirements:

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.10.1.2:

“Batteries shall be marked with the month and year of manufacture.”

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.10.2:

“Batteries shall be listed for the intended purpose by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL).”

There isno requirementthat replacement batteries must be the same make/model, though compatibility must be ensured.

Correct answers:

Batteries shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory

Batteries shall be marked with the month and year of manufacture

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Inspection intervals are detailed inNFPA 72, Table 14.3.1, which outlines the maximum intervals for various components. Most fire alarm system components require inspectionat least annually, which equals12 months.

NFPA 72 (2022), Table 14.3.1 – Frequency of Inspection Tasks:

You’ll see that the default maximum inspection interval for initiating devices, control equipment, and notification appliances is12 months.

Unless specifically stated otherwise (e.g., by manufacturer instructions or performance-based design), you cannot exceed that.

Correct answer: C. 12 months

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When aDACTis the only method of off-premises signal transmission, itmustbe connected totwo separate telephone linesto ensure redundancy in case one line fails.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 26.6.4.4.4.1:

“DACTs shall be connected to two separate phone lines (one primary, one secondary). Loss of the primary line shall result in a supervisory signal.”

This redundancy ensures system reliability when using traditional telephone-based communication.

Correct answer: D. Two separate phone lines are required

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During avisual battery inspection, the technician checks forcorrosion, leakage, swelling, andloose or corroded terminals— not electrical readings (those are part of functional testing).

NFPA 72 (2022), Table 14.3.1 — Inspection Frequencies:

“Batteries (lead-acid and nickel-cadmium)” ? Visual inspection items include:

Cleanliness

Terminal tightness

Corrosion or leakage

Physical damage

Voltage and charging checks are part oftesting, not visual inspection.

Correct answers:

Check for corrosion or leakage

Check tightness of connections

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Amultimeteris the standard tool used by fire alarm technicians to measure bothbattery voltageandcharging current.

NFPA 72 (2022), Table 14.4.3.2 – Testing Methods for Batteries:

Testing includes checking the voltage and current — commonly done using a multimeter.

Multimeters are capable of readingDC voltage(for battery levels) andamperage(for charge current).

Sound level readings for fire alarm audible notification appliances must be taken at a consistent, standardized height to ensure compliance with required dBA levels.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 18.4.6.1:

“Sound pressure level measurements shall be taken with a sound level meter positioned 5 ft (1.5 m) above the floor in the area required to be served by the system.”

This applies to bothpublic mode(e.g., schools, offices) andprivate mode(e.g., staff-only zones like hospitals).

Correct answer: B. 5.0 feet (1.5 meters)

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