How it works
This unofficial S-12 quiz has 169 questions on supervising sprinkler systems. Its source is the New York City Fire Department's S-12 and S-15 study booklet, revised March 2024 and the posted version on October 11, 2026; answers cite their chapters.
Read the full guide
Six topics from chapters 1 to 16
The questions come from chapters 1 to 16 of the shared booklet, the S-12 exam's range: who may do which task, wet, dry, preaction and deluge systems, sprinkler heads and temperature ratings, valves, connections and alarms, hangers and bracing, and inspection, testing and maintenance. Tanks, fire pumps and out-of-service tags are asked on the S-13 page. The S-15's foam-water chapters are left out.
Exam mode follows the notice
Exam mode takes its length, clock and pass mark from the S-12 notice. The questions stay this site's work and are not the department's.
- Spare sprinklers: six under 300 heads, twelve for 301 to 1000, twenty four over 1000, stored at 100°F or below (chapter 10.4).
- Connection caps are green for automatic sprinkler and yellow for combined; a non-automatic sprinkler connection is silver all over (chapter 8.3).
- Quick response heads: index 50 or less, 3 mm bulb. Standard response: 80 or more, 5 mm (chapter 10.1.3).
Questions and answers
What score passes the S-12 exam?
At least 70 percent on a touch screen test of 75 multiple-choice questions, with approximately 135 minutes allowed. The figures are those of the notice in the booklet revised March 2024; if a newer notice is posted, it governs.
Are these the real S-12 exam questions?
No. The department's exam is not public, and this site has never seen it and is not affiliated with the New York City Fire Department. Each question is new writing from the S-12 booklet, without its sample items. No certificate holder has reviewed them yet.
What is the difference between the S-12 and the S-15?
By the booklet's cover page, the S-12 is for a facility without foam-water sprinkler systems and its exam covers chapters 1 to 16. The S-15, of 100 questions, covers the whole booklet. An S-12 holder can upgrade by taking the 25-question T-15.
What reference material is given at the S-12 test?
The notice lists the temperature ratings and color coding table, the inspection, testing and maintenance reference guide, the activities and records tables, and an S-95 reference guide. The booklet itself is not provided.
How often is the S-12 renewed?
Every three years, for a $15 fee. The notice adds a $25 penalty to a renewal sent 90 days to one year late; a certificate expired more than a year needs a new exam.