10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
The FSD exam has 80 questions and runs 3 hours 30 minutes.
These 10 free FSD questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Fire and Smoke Damper Technician blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
On the mechanical plan, a supply duct crosses partition W-12. The drawing gives the duct route but does not identify the partition's fire-resistance rating or whether it is a smoke barrier. Which documents establish the missing barrier characteristics?
Correct answer: A - The approved life-safety plan and architectural wall-type schedule.
The maximum design airflow through a 24-by-18-inch damper opening is 7,200 cfm. In fire mode, the fan remains on and the closed damper can experience 5.2 in. w.g. differential pressure. Each candidate below meets the required fire-protection rating, size and mounting orientation. Which candidate is suitable?
Correct answer: D - Dynamic damper: maximum velocity 3,000 fpm; maximum closure pressure 6 in. w.g.
A shallow duct has sufficient space above it for a curtain fire damper's blade stack. The designer changes the selection from a Type A to a Type B arrangement. Compared with Type A, what airflow benefit does Type B provide?
Correct answer: D - The blade stack sits outside the airstream, increasing unobstructed duct area.
A smoke-damper submittal reports maximum leakage of 12 cfm/ft² at a differential pressure of 4 in. w.g. The project requires UL 555S Class I leakage performance. What conclusion is supported by the leakage value?
Correct answer: C - It exceeds the Class I limit but is within the Class II limit.
A combination fire/smoke damper uses an air-to-open, spring-to-close actuator and a three-way electro-pneumatic (EP) valve that de-energizes on alarm. During the alarm test, the valve's supply remains at 20 psi, actuator pressure falls to zero, and the blades close fully. Resetting the alarm restores actuator pressure and opens the damper. How should this response be interpreted?
Correct answer: A - The valve is venting the actuator as intended; its supply can remain pressurized.
Replacing a diffuser leaves its ceiling radiation damper operating freely, but removes the thermal blanket specified in the listed floor/ceiling assembly. The owner argues that successful blade closure proves the opening is still adequately protected. Which statement addresses that argument?
Correct answer: A - The listed assembly needs its thermal blanket even when the damper closes correctly.
A fire damper has the expansion clearance and retaining angles shown in its listed installation detail. That detail uses an unfilled annular space and provides no alternate firestop method. A subcontractor proposes filling the gap with a firestop system listed for steel-pipe penetrations. How should the proposed gap treatment be handled?
Correct answer: C - Preserve the unfilled expansion space and the specified retaining-angle arrangement.
To make a duct joint more rigid, an installer proposes adding fasteners beyond those allowed in the listed breakaway duct-to-sleeve connection. What function would that change compromise?
Correct answer: D - Letting displaced ductwork separate without pulling the damper from the barrier.
During a coordinated test, a spring-return smoke damper closes fully from its local test switch. Under the same airflow conditions, the assigned smoke detector is tested and its alarm registers at the fire alarm panel. After the specified response time, the damper remains open with its actuator energized at 24 VAC. The approved sequence requires the alarm to interrupt actuator power. Which fault best explains the difference?
Correct answer: B - The alarm-control circuit is not interrupting power to the actuator.
A health system owns an inpatient hospital and a separate administrative office building. Both have ordinary containment fire dampers, and their one-year inspections have been completed. Under NFPA 80 (2022), with no stricter requirement, what is the longest permitted recurring inspection-and-test interval for each building?
Correct answer: B - Hospital: every 6 years; administrative office: every 4 years.
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