ICC National Standard Fire Suppression Installer/Worker - F35-N Exam Prep Guide

The ICC National Standard Fire Suppression Installer/Worker - F35-N examination is designed for fire protection professionals preparing to demonstrate their knowledge of water-based fire suppression systems, automatic sprinklers, residential sprinkler systems, standpipes, private hydrants, hose systems, fire pumps, valves, piping, water supplies, inspections, testing, maintenance, and fire-code compliance.

The ICC National Standard Fire Suppression Installer/Worker - F35-N collection currently includes a complete exam book package containing the major code books and NFPA standards associated with this exam path.

This guide explains the available package, the purpose of each reference, major fire suppression study areas, open-book navigation strategies, system calculations, inspection responsibilities, and practical ways to prepare.

Available F35-N Exam Book Package

• ICC National Standard Fire Suppression Installer/Worker - F35-N Exam Book Package: $1,745.00 sale price, reduced from $1,845.00

The package is intended for candidates who need the complete group of references used to study fire suppression installation, sprinkler systems, standpipes, fire pumps, building and fire-code requirements, and inspection, testing, and maintenance procedures.

Because the F35-N exam covers several system types, candidates should prepare by learning the role of each book rather than treating the package as one large reading assignment.

What Is Included in the F35-N Exam Book Package?

The current package includes:

• International Building Code, 2015 Edition
• International Fire Code, 2015 Edition
• NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2019 Edition
• NFPA 13D: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, 2019 Edition
• NFPA 14: Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2019 Edition
• NFPA 20: Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, 2022 Edition
• NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2014 Edition

Candidates should verify the exact approved editions for their scheduled examination before registering because ICC testing programs and jurisdictional requirements can change.

Who Should Consider the F35-N Book Package?

The package may be appropriate for:

• Fire sprinkler installers
• Fire suppression workers
• Fire protection technicians
• Sprinkler fitters
• Installation supervisors
• Fire protection contractors
• Standpipe and hose-system installers
• Fire pump installation personnel
• Workers pursuing a local fire protection credential

The exact work permitted under an F35-N-related credential depends on the licensing authority accepting the examination.

What Is the ICC F35-N Examination?

The F35-N examination is the ICC National Standard Fire Suppression Installer/Worker examination. Participating jurisdictions may use it as part of a fire suppression installer, sprinkler fitter, fire protection worker, supervisor, or contractor qualification process.

The examination evaluates a candidate’s ability to locate, interpret, and apply requirements involving:

• Automatic sprinkler systems
• Residential sprinkler systems
• Standpipes and hose systems
• Private fire hydrants
• Stationary fire pumps
• Water supplies
• Fire department connections
• System valves and alarms
• Inspection, testing, and maintenance
• Building and fire-code requirements

The examination is described as open book. Candidates should confirm the current question count, testing time, passing requirement, approved references, testing method, and exam-day rules before scheduling.

Passing the Exam and Licensing

Passing the F35-N examination does not automatically issue a fire suppression license, certificate, or registration.

The applicable authority may also require:

• Documented fire suppression work experience
• Employment under a licensed contractor
• Supervisor or qualifying-party approval
• Insurance documentation
• Background information
• Application and licensing fees
• Local fire department approval
• Permit-registration requirements
• License renewal or continuing education

Candidates should contact the authority where they plan to work before purchasing an examination or submitting an application.

How the F35-N References Work Together

• International Building Code: Establishes building-related fire protection requirements and identifies when certain systems may be required.
• International Fire Code: Covers operational fire safety, fire protection systems, access, inspections, impairments, and ongoing compliance.
• NFPA 13: Provides detailed installation requirements for many commercial and industrial sprinkler systems.
• NFPA 13D: Applies to sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes.
• NFPA 14: Covers standpipes, hose systems, and related water-supply requirements.
• NFPA 20: Covers stationary fire pumps, drivers, controllers, piping, and related equipment.
• NFPA 25: Covers inspection, testing, maintenance, and impairment procedures for water-based systems.

A code may establish that a system is required, while an NFPA standard provides the detailed rules for installing or maintaining that system.

International Building Code

The 2015 International Building Code provides the broader building-code framework for fire protection systems.

Important study subjects may include:

• Occupancy classifications
• Construction types
• Automatic sprinkler requirements
• Standpipe requirements
• Fire-resistance-rated construction
• Building height and area
• Fire walls and fire barriers
• High-rise building provisions
• Special occupancy conditions
• Fire protection system coordination

Candidates should understand when the building code requires a system and when it directs the installer to another standard for technical details.

International Fire Code

The 2015 International Fire Code addresses fire prevention, operational safety, fire department access, fire protection systems, and ongoing system readiness.

Study areas may include:

• Required fire protection systems
• Fire department access
• Fire department connections
• System acceptance and approval
• Inspection and maintenance responsibilities
• Impaired fire protection systems
• Emergency procedures
• Fire watch requirements
• System records
• Protection from damage

NFPA 13 Sprinkler Systems

NFPA 13 is a primary technical reference for automatic sprinkler system installation.

Candidates should review:

• System types
• Occupancy hazard classifications
• Sprinkler selection
• Sprinkler temperature ratings
• Sprinkler spacing and location
• Obstruction rules
• System piping
• Fittings and joining methods
• Hangers and supports
• Seismic bracing
• Valves and alarms
• Water supplies
• Fire department connections
• Acceptance testing

NFPA 13D Residential Sprinkler Systems

NFPA 13D applies specifically to sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes within its scope.

Study subjects may include:

• Residential sprinkler system objectives
• Required and omitted sprinkler locations
• Residential sprinkler types
• Water-supply arrangements
• Multipurpose piping systems
• Pipe and fitting requirements
• Sprinkler spacing
• Obstructions
• Testing
• System documentation

Candidates should not automatically apply NFPA 13 requirements to a system that clearly falls under NFPA 13D.

NFPA 14 Standpipe and Hose Systems

NFPA 14 provides installation requirements for standpipes, hose connections, and related water supplies.

Important subjects may include:

• Class I, Class II, and Class III systems
• Wet and dry standpipes
• Automatic and manual systems
• Hose connection locations
• System pressure
• Flow requirements
• Pressure-regulating devices
• Fire department connections
• Valves
• Hydrostatic testing
• System acceptance

NFPA 20 Fire Pumps

NFPA 20 covers stationary fire pumps used to provide the flow and pressure required by fire protection systems.

Candidates should review:

• Fire pump types
• Pump capacity and pressure
• Water supplies
• Suction piping
• Discharge piping
• Bypass arrangements
• Pressure-relief equipment
• Electric and diesel drivers
• Fire pump controllers
• Pump rooms
• Test headers and flow meters
• Acceptance testing

NFPA 25 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

NFPA 25 addresses the ongoing inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems.

Study subjects may include:

• Inspection frequencies
• Testing frequencies
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Sprinkler inspections
• Control-valve inspections
• Alarm-device testing
• Main drain tests
• Fire pump testing
• Standpipe testing
• Water storage tank inspections
• System impairments
• Recordkeeping

Installation requirements and maintenance requirements are not interchangeable. Candidates should choose the correct reference based on the wording of the question.

Common F35-N Study Areas

• Fire suppression system components
• Wet-pipe sprinkler systems
• Dry-pipe sprinkler systems
• Preaction systems
• Deluge systems
• Residential sprinkler systems
• Standpipe and hose systems
• Private hydrants
• Fire pumps
• Water supplies
• Sprinkler spacing and obstructions
• Pipe, fittings, and joining methods
• Hangers and seismic bracing
• Valves and alarm devices
• Fire department connections
• Inspection and testing
• System impairments
• Installer safety

Wet-Pipe Sprinkler Systems

Wet-pipe systems contain pressurized water throughout the system piping and are commonly used where freezing is not a concern.

Candidates should understand:

• Control valves
• Alarm check valves
• Waterflow alarms
• Main drains
• Inspector’s test connections
• Auxiliary drains
• Pressure gauges
• System risers
• Sprinkler operation
• Acceptance testing

Dry-Pipe Sprinkler Systems

Dry-pipe systems contain pressurized air or nitrogen until sprinkler operation causes the dry-pipe valve to open.

Study areas may include:

• Dry-pipe valves
• Air pressure
• Air maintenance devices
• Low-air alarms
• System pitch
• Auxiliary drains
• Water delivery
• Valve rooms and enclosures
• Trip testing
• Protection from freezing

Preaction and Deluge Systems

Preaction and deluge systems use detection or releasing equipment in addition to water-based suppression components.

Candidates should review:

• Single-interlock preaction systems
• Double-interlock preaction systems
• Non-interlock preaction systems
• Deluge valves
• Open sprinklers or nozzles
• Detection systems
• Releasing panels
• Manual release stations
• Supervisory air
• Acceptance testing

Occupancy Hazard Classifications

Sprinkler system design and installation requirements may depend on the occupancy hazard classification.

Categories may include:

• Light hazard
• Ordinary Hazard Group 1
• Ordinary Hazard Group 2
• Extra Hazard Group 1
• Extra Hazard Group 2
• Storage occupancies
• Special hazards

Candidates should understand how the expected fuel load, combustibility, heat release, and quantity of materials affect classification.

Sprinkler Selection

Sprinklers must be selected for the system type, occupancy, temperature, orientation, response characteristics, and installation conditions.

Study subjects may include:

• Standard-response sprinklers
• Quick-response sprinklers
• Residential sprinklers
• Extended-coverage sprinklers
• Early-suppression fast-response sprinklers
• Upright sprinklers
• Pendent sprinklers
• Sidewall sprinklers
• Dry sprinklers
• Corrosion-resistant sprinklers

Sprinkler Temperature Ratings

Sprinkler temperature ratings must be suitable for the expected maximum ceiling temperature and nearby heat sources.

Candidates should review:

• Ordinary temperature ratings
• Intermediate temperature ratings
• High temperature ratings
• Very high and extra-high ratings
• Color coding
• Heat-producing equipment
• Skylights and concealed spaces
• Storage near heat sources

Sprinkler Spacing and Coverage

Sprinkler spacing requirements help ensure that the protected area receives suitable water distribution.

Questions may involve:

• Maximum coverage per sprinkler
• Maximum distance between sprinklers
• Minimum distance between sprinklers
• Distance from walls
• Room dimensions
• Ceiling configuration
• Sprinkler type
• Occupancy hazard
• Listed installation limitations

Sprinkler Obstructions

Beams, ducts, lights, soffits, structural members, equipment, and storage can interfere with sprinkler discharge.

Candidates should review:

• Continuous and noncontinuous obstructions
• Obstructions near sprinklers
• Obstructions below sprinklers
• Large ducts
• Open-grid ceilings
• Cloud ceilings
• Storage arrangements
• Additional sprinklers below obstructions
• Special sprinkler listings

System Piping

Fire suppression piping must be approved for the system, pressure, environment, and joining method.

Materials may include:

• Steel pipe
• Copper tube
• Listed nonmetallic pipe
• Ductile iron pipe
• Underground fire service pipe
• Listed flexible sprinkler hose

Candidates should identify the system and material before applying joining, support, testing, or protection requirements.

Pipe Joints and Fittings

Joints and fittings must be approved for the material, pressure, temperature, and service conditions.

Common methods may include:

• Threaded joints
• Welded joints
• Grooved mechanical joints
• Flanged joints
• Brazed joints
• Pressed fittings
• Listed nonmetallic fittings
• Approved transition fittings

Candidates should also review restrictions on field welding, cutting, threading, and fabrication.

Hangers and Supports

Fire protection piping must be supported to prevent excessive movement, sagging, separation, and structural damage.

Study areas may include:

• Hanger spacing
• Hanger rod size
• Structural attachment
• Trapeze hangers
• Support near branch lines
• Support near changes in direction
• Protection from physical damage
• Listed support components
• Restrictions on attachment to other systems

Seismic Bracing

Seismic protection helps control movement of fire protection piping during an earthquake.

Candidates may need to review:

• Lateral sway bracing
• Longitudinal sway bracing
• Four-way bracing
• Flexible couplings
• Seismic separation assemblies
• Clearance around penetrations
• Branch-line restraint
• Brace spacing
• Structural attachment
• Calculation and design documentation

Control Valves

Control valves allow systems or portions of systems to be isolated for testing, maintenance, or emergency work.

Important subjects include:

• Indicating valves
• Post indicator valves
• Outside screw and yoke valves
• Butterfly valves
• Check valves
• Valve supervision
• Valve accessibility
• Valve identification
• Inspection frequency
• Restoring valves to normal position

Alarm and Supervisory Devices

Waterflow, pressure, and valve-supervisory devices help identify system operation or abnormal conditions.

Study subjects may include:

• Waterflow switches
• Pressure switches
• Valve tamper switches
• Low-air supervisory devices
• Local water motor alarms
• Alarm test connections
• Supervisory signals
• Trouble signals
• Testing procedures
• Coordination with fire alarm systems

Fire Department Connections

Fire department connections allow responding personnel to supplement the water supply to sprinkler or standpipe systems.

Candidates should review:

• Connection type and size
• Location and accessibility
• Identification signs
• Check valves
• Automatic drains
• Inlet protection
• Connection to system piping
• Clearance from obstructions
• Coordination with the fire department

Water Supplies

A fire suppression system must have a reliable water supply capable of meeting its required flow, pressure, and duration.

Possible sources include:

• Public water mains
• Private water mains
• Elevated tanks
• Pressure tanks
• Gravity tanks
• Ground-level storage tanks
• Fire pumps
• Combination water supplies

Candidates should understand how available flow and pressure affect system performance.

Private Fire Service Mains and Hydrants

Private fire service systems may supply sprinklers, standpipes, hydrants, and fire pumps.

Study subjects may include:

• Underground piping materials
• Minimum burial depth
• Thrust restraint
• Valves
• Hydrant placement
• Flushing
• Hydrostatic testing
• Protection from damage
• Fire department access
• System identification

Fire Pump Installation

Fire pumps must be installed so they receive a reliable water supply and provide the required system pressure and flow.

Candidates should review:

• Pump location
• Pump-room access
• Room temperature
• Suction piping arrangement
• Discharge piping
• Pressure gauges
• Relief valves
• Check valves
• Test equipment
• Controller location
• Driver requirements

Fire Pump Acceptance Testing

Acceptance testing verifies that a newly installed fire pump performs as required.

Testing may involve:

• Churn conditions
• Rated flow
• Maximum required flow
• Suction and discharge pressure
• Controller operation
• Automatic starting
• Emergency operation
• Alarm signals
• Driver performance
• Test documentation

Standpipe System Classes

• Class I: Provides hose connections primarily for trained fire department or fire brigade use.
• Class II: Provides smaller hose stations for trained occupants or personnel where permitted.
• Class III: Combines features associated with Class I and Class II systems.

Candidates should review connection sizes, locations, pressure, flow, system type, and water-supply requirements.

Hydrostatic and Acceptance Testing

New or modified fire suppression systems may require pressure testing, flushing, alarm testing, and operational verification.

Study subjects may include:

• Hydrostatic test pressure
• Test duration
• Visible leakage
• Underground flushing
• Main drain tests
• Waterflow alarm tests
• Dry-pipe valve trip tests
• Fire pump acceptance tests
• Standpipe flow tests
• Contractor documentation

Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

Candidates should understand the difference between an inspection, a test, and maintenance.

• Inspection: A visual examination of a system or component.
• Test: A procedure used to verify operation or performance.
• Maintenance: Work performed to keep equipment operational or repair a deficiency.

The required frequency depends on the system, component, and applicable standard.

System Impairments

An impairment occurs when a fire protection system or component is out of service or unable to perform as intended.

Impairment procedures may include:

• Identifying the affected system
• Determining the expected duration
• Notifying the owner or responsible party
• Notifying the fire department where required
• Notifying the monitoring service
• Implementing a fire watch
• Tagging the impaired system
• Performing required repairs
• Testing the restored system
• Notifying affected parties after restoration

Sprinkler Replacement and Storage

Damaged, painted, corroded, loaded, leaking, or otherwise impaired sprinklers may require replacement.

Candidates should review:

• Replacement sprinkler compatibility
• Correct type and temperature rating
• Listed sprinkler wrenches
• Spare sprinkler cabinets
• Required spare quantities
• Protection during storage
• System shutdown procedures
• Post-replacement testing

Fire Suppression Calculations

F35-N preparation may include basic calculations and table interpretation.

Possible subjects include:

• Sprinkler coverage area
• Sprinkler spacing
• Pipe volume
• Waterflow and pressure
• Elevation pressure changes
• Fire pump performance
• Standpipe flow
• Drain discharge
• Unit conversions
• Area and distance calculations

Candidates should identify the requested units and write each step clearly before selecting an answer.

Plan Reading and System Layout

Fire suppression workers should be able to interpret plans, riser diagrams, details, schedules, symbols, and specifications.

Study subjects may include:

• Sprinkler layouts
• System risers
• Branch lines and cross mains
• Standpipe risers
• Fire pump diagrams
• Valve locations
• Fire department connections
• Pipe sizes
• Ceiling elevations
• Structural obstructions
• Equipment schedules
• Plan notes and revisions

Coordination With Other Trades

Fire suppression systems must be coordinated with structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and architectural work.

Coordination issues may include:

• Ductwork obstructions
• Ceiling heights
• Lighting layouts
• Structural beams
• Equipment clearances
• Electrical alarm connections
• Wall and floor penetrations
• Firestopping
• Access panels
• Future maintenance access

Installer Safety

Fire suppression installation may involve elevated work, pressurized systems, heavy piping, power tools, hot work, confined areas, and active construction sites.

Important safety subjects include:

• Personal protective equipment
• Fall protection
• Ladder and scaffold safety
• Pipe-handling procedures
• Threading-machine safety
• Hot-work permits
• Lockout and tagout
• Pressure-test safety
• Confined-space awareness
• Housekeeping
• Protection from overhead hazards
• Protection of occupants and property

Open-Book Exam Navigation

An open-book examination still requires strong preparation. Seven technical references are difficult to search efficiently without a clear navigation strategy.

A practical lookup method includes:

• Read the complete question
• Identify the system or component
• Determine whether the question concerns installation or maintenance
• Select the correct code or NFPA standard
• Use the table of contents or index
• Locate the complete section, table, or figure
• Review definitions, exceptions, notes, and annex references
• Confirm that the rule applies to the stated system

Choosing the Correct Reference

• Building requirement: Start with the International Building Code.
• Operational fire-code requirement: Start with the International Fire Code.
• Commercial sprinkler installation: Use NFPA 13.
• One- or two-family dwelling sprinkler system: Use NFPA 13D.
• Standpipe or hose system: Use NFPA 14.
• Stationary fire pump: Use NFPA 20.
• Inspection, testing, or maintenance: Use NFPA 25.

Learning this reference-selection process can save substantial time during the examination.

Organizing the F35-N References

A practical tab system may include:

• IBC fire protection systems
• IBC sprinkler requirements
• IBC standpipes
• IFC fire protection systems
• IFC impairments
• NFPA 13 system types
• NFPA 13 sprinklers and spacing
• NFPA 13 piping and hangers
• NFPA 13 water supplies
• NFPA 13D residential systems
• NFPA 14 standpipes
• NFPA 20 fire pumps
• NFPA 25 inspections
• NFPA 25 testing
• NFPA 25 impairments

Candidates should verify current ICC rules before adding tabs, highlighting, notes, or other modifications.

Recommended F35-N Study Plan

• Verify the current examination and approved references
• Learn the purpose and scope of each book
• Review the IBC and IFC fire protection chapters
• Study NFPA 13 system types and components
• Review sprinkler selection, spacing, and obstructions
• Study piping, fittings, hangers, and seismic bracing
• Review NFPA 13D residential sprinkler systems
• Study NFPA 14 standpipes and hose systems
• Review NFPA 20 fire pumps and acceptance testing
• Study NFPA 25 inspection and testing frequencies
• Review impairment and restoration procedures
• Practice plan reading and system calculations
• Complete timed reference-navigation exercises
• Review every missed practice question

FAQ

Q. What is the ICC National Standard Fire Suppression Installer/Worker - F35-N exam?

A. It is an ICC Contractor and Trades examination used by participating jurisdictions to evaluate knowledge of fire sprinkler systems, standpipes, fire pumps, water supplies, inspection, testing, maintenance, and fire-code requirements.

Q. How much does the F35-N Exam Book Package cost?

A. The sale price is $1,745.00, reduced from the regular price of $1,845.00.

Q. What books are included in the F35-N package?

A. The package includes the 2015 International Building Code, 2015 International Fire Code, NFPA 13 2019, NFPA 13D 2019, NFPA 14 2019, NFPA 20 2022, and NFPA 25 2014.

Q. Is the F35-N examination open book?

A. Current package information describes the examination as open book. Candidates must follow current rules for approved references, tabs, highlighting, notes, and book condition.

Q. How many questions are on the F35-N examination?

A. Candidates should confirm the current question count in the ICC Exam Catalog or applicable examination bulletin before registering.

Q. How much time is allowed for the examination?

A. The current time limit should be verified through the ICC Exam Catalog or the licensing authority accepting the examination.

Q. What score is required to pass?

A. ICC Contractor and Trades passing requirements vary by examination title or jurisdiction. Candidates should confirm the requirement for their exact F35-N registration.

Q. What does NFPA 13 cover?

A. NFPA 13 covers the installation of many commercial and industrial automatic sprinkler systems, including sprinkler location, spacing, piping, hangers, bracing, valves, water supplies, and acceptance testing.

Q. What does NFPA 13D cover?

A. NFPA 13D covers sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes within its scope.

Q. What does NFPA 14 cover?

A. NFPA 14 covers standpipes, hose systems, hose connections, pressures, flows, valves, fire department connections, and acceptance testing.

Q. What does NFPA 20 cover?

A. NFPA 20 covers stationary fire pumps, pump rooms, suction and discharge piping, drivers, controllers, test equipment, and acceptance testing.

Q. What does NFPA 25 cover?

A. NFPA 25 covers the inspection, testing, maintenance, impairment, and restoration of water-based fire protection systems.

Q. Should I study sprinkler spacing and obstructions?

A. Yes. Candidates should understand sprinkler coverage, distance from walls, minimum spacing, ceiling conditions, structural obstructions, ducts, and storage arrangements.

Q. Should I study fire pump testing?

A. Yes. Review pump components, suction and discharge arrangements, controller operation, rated performance, and acceptance testing.

Q. Should I study inspection and testing frequencies?

A. Yes. Candidates should know how to locate the required inspection, testing, and maintenance frequency for each component in NFPA 25.

Q. Does passing F35-N automatically issue a license?

A. No. The applicable authority controls experience, applications, insurance, fire department approvals, fees, and final licensing or certification.

Q. Where can I purchase the F35-N Exam Book Package?

A. The package is available in the ICC National Standard Fire Suppression Installer/Worker - F35-N collection.

Conclusion

The ICC National Standard Fire Suppression Installer/Worker - F35-N examination requires candidates to work across several building-code, fire-code, sprinkler, standpipe, fire pump, and maintenance references.

Important preparation subjects include automatic sprinklers, residential systems, standpipes, private hydrants, water supplies, fire pumps, valves, alarms, fire department connections, piping, hangers, seismic bracing, inspection, testing, impairments, calculations, plan reading, and jobsite safety.

The complete F35-N Exam Book Package provides the core references candidates need to organize their study and practice open-book navigation.

Shop the ICC National Standard Fire Suppression Installer/Worker - F35-N Exam Book Package

Key Takeaways

• F35-N is the ICC National Standard Fire Suppression Installer/Worker examination.
• The Exam Book Package sale price is $1,745.00.
• The regular package price is $1,845.00.
• The package contains seven code and NFPA references.
• Current package information describes the exam as open book.
• NFPA 13 covers major sprinkler installation requirements.
• NFPA 13D covers qualifying residential sprinkler systems.
• NFPA 14 covers standpipes and hose systems.
• NFPA 20 covers stationary fire pumps.
• NFPA 25 covers inspection, testing, maintenance, and impairments.
• Passing the exam does not automatically issue a license or certificate.
• Candidates should verify current ICC and jurisdictional requirements before registering.