ITFAS-Level-1 Sample Questions Answers

When performingannual testingof notification appliances such as strobes or horns, NFPA 72 mandatesfunctional testing— which means checking that they operate correctly when activated.

NFPA 72 (2022), Table 14.4.3.2 — Testing Frequencies and Methods:

Under "Notification Appliances," the required method for both audible and visible devices is:

"Functional test — verify proper operation."

While things likesound levelsandcandela settingsare verified duringacceptance testing or design review, the annual requirement issimply to verify that they work.

Correct answer: C. Verify proper operation

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Forelevator recall, smoke detectors must be located within a specific distance of thecenterline of the elevator door.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 21.3.3.2:

“Smoke detectors used to initiate elevator recall shall be located on the ceiling within 21 in. (0.53 m) of the centerline of each elevator door…”

21 inches ≈1.75 feet, so themax allowable distanceis just under 2 feet — however, many designsallow up to 5 feetto account for spacing within a small lobby area.

Additionally:

NFPA 72 (2022), A.21.3.3.2 (Annex):

"...generally located within 60 in. (5 ft) of the centerline of the elevator door..."for code-compliant positioning in various jurisdictions.

Animpairmentis a formal condition defined in NFPA 72 when a system or portion of it is not functional and may fail during an emergency. This is a critical safety concern.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 3.3.149 – Impairment (Fire Alarm Systems):

“A condition where a fire protection or life safety system or a portion thereof is out of service.”

Also supported by Section 10.21.1:

Which details handling of system impairments and the need for proper management, notification, and restoration.

Correct answer: A. Impairment

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The need toclean devicessuch as detectors is influenced by theenvironment they are installed in, not just their type or age. Dusty, smoky, or humid environments will require more frequent cleaning.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 14.4.1.3:

“The frequency of cleaning shall be determined by the manufacturer’s instructions and the local ambient conditions.”

Correct answer: C. Local ambient conditions

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Manual fire alarm boxes (pull stations) are required to be easily accessible near exits so that occupants can quickly initiate an alarm when leaving the area. The specific distance requirement is found in:

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 17.14.6.3:

"Manual fire alarm boxes shall be located within 5 ft (1.5 m) of each exit doorway on each floor."

So thecorrect distance is 5 feet, not 33 feet. That makes the correct answer:

Correct answer: A. 5 feet (1.5 meters)

NFPA 72 sets a maximum time limit for verifying that signals frominitiating devicesreach thesupervising stationduring testing. The purpose is to ensure that communication paths and processing do not introduce unsafe delays.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 14.4.3.4.2:

"Where connected to a supervising station, the signal shall be confirmed as received at the supervising station within 90 seconds of initiating device activation."

Correct answer: C. 90 seconds

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Elevator recall typically generates analarm signal, but under specific circumstances, theAHJ may approve the use of a supervisory signalinstead.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 21.3.3.3 (Exception):

“Where permitted by the AHJ, activation of elevator recall initiating devices shall be permitted to result in a supervisory signal.”

This allows flexibilitywith AHJ approval, not at the discretion of designers or owners.

Correct answer: A. Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction

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NFPA 72 requiressound pressure level measurementsto verify that audibility meets code requirements. This must be done duringinitial acceptanceandreacceptance testing(e.g., when system changes occur).

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 18.4.7.2:

"Sound pressure level measurements shall be taken and documented during acceptance and reacceptance testing."

Correct answer: B. Sound pressure levels are required to be taken during initial acceptance and reacceptance testing.

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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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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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NFPA 72 outlines theretention period for recordsof inspections and testing in Section14.6.3.1. These records are important for verification during audits or when reviewing system maintenance history.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 14.6.3.1:

"Records shall be retained for a period of one year after the next test and until the next test is performed."

This means records must be keptuntil the next test happensand for1 year after that, not just a fixed calendar period.

Correct answer: D. Until the next test and 1 year

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McCulloh transmitters are part of older fire alarm systems but are still maintained in some jurisdictions. Inspection focuses ongeneral condition,correct system status, andlocation verification.

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

UnderMcCulloh Transmitter:

“Inspect physical condition”

“Verify location”

“Confirm system normal condition”

“Distinct waterflow condition” refers to alarm testing and isnotpart of theinspectionphase.

Correct answers:

Physical condition

System normal condition

Verify location

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Visible notification appliances used in fire alarm systems (like strobes) must be eitherclear or redto distinguish them from other building systems.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 18.5.1.4:

“Visible signals used in fire alarm systems shall be clear or nominal red in color.”

This ensuresstandardized visual recognitionduring fire emergencies.

Correct answer: D. Clear or red

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For smoke detectors that allow field sensitivity adjustment, NFPA 72 provides a minimum allowable sensitivity range to ensure the detector still provides proper protection.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 17.7.3.2.1.1.3:

"If a detector has a field-adjustable sensitivity, the range shall be not less than 0.6 percent/ftobscuration (1.95 percent/m)."

This means theminimum range must include 0.6%/ft— detectors can be more sensitive, but not less.

Correct answer: A. No less than 0.6% per foot (1.95% per meter)

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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Elevators must beshut downwhen there iswater dischargein the hoistway to prevent electrical hazards and damage. This shutdown is done using ashunt trip breaker.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 21.4.2:

“Where sprinklers are located in the elevator machine room, control space, or hoistway, means shall be provided to automatically disconnect the main power supply to the elevator prior to the application of water.”

This is triggeredby a waterflow switch or heat detector, but the standard design uses thesprinkler head activationas the point of shutdown via heat detector.

Important: While the heat detector usually triggers the shunt trip, thesprinkler head activationis the condition being detected.

Correct answer: D. When a sprinkler head is activated

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When a fire alarm system isimpacted for any period of time, certain parties must be notified bothbeforeandaftertesting or impairment. When the impairment isless than 8 hours,NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.21.3.6applies.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.21.3.6:

"Where a system has been impaired for less than 8 hours, notification shall be made to the system owner or the owner's designated representative when the system has been returned to service."

This section makes it clear that thesystem owneris the responsible party to be notified upon restoration in these shorter impairments.

Correct answer: D. System owner

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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

Thedesignated level recallfunction is triggered when a smoke detector is activated in that same elevator lobby. This returns the elevator to that floor (usually the ground or main level) for emergency evacuation,unless smoke is present there, in which case thealternate recallfloor is used.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 21.3.3.1:

“Activation of the smoke detector installed at the designated level shall cause all elevators that serve that level to return to an alternate level.”

But:

“Smoke detector activation in any other elevator lobby shall recall elevators to the designated level.”

So:

If smoke isin the ninth-floor lobby, and that lobby isnotthe designated level → elevator recalls to designated level.

Therefore,activation of the ninth-floor smoke detector (not the designated level)causesdesignated level recall.

Correct answer: B. Designated level recall

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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

Control valve supervisory switches must be tested to verify that they send a signal when the valve position changes (e.g., valve is closed). NFPA 72 requires this to be doneannually.

NFPA 72 (2022), Table 14.4.3.2 — Testing Frequencies:

Control valve supervisory switch:

Frequency:Annually

Method:Operate valve control; verify signal annunciation.

Correct answer: D. Annually

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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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