New Mexico Dry Chemical Fire Protection Contractor MS-14 Exam Book Package

Prepare for the New Mexico Dry Chemical Fire Protection Contractor MS-14 examination with a comprehensive exam book package built around fire suppression, clean-agent, dry chemical, wet chemical, commercial cooking, portable extinguisher, alarm, plumbing, mechanical, foam, carbon dioxide, and specialty fire-protection references. This package gives candidates a focused collection of technical books for studying the systems and standards associated with the MS-14 classification.

The New Mexico MS-14 Dry Chemical Fire Protection classification covers specialized fire-protection work involving gaseous and chemical suppression systems. The scope includes installation, alteration, repair, and service of fire-protection systems using gas or chemical agents, including carbon dioxide and clean-agent systems. The classification also includes pressurized storage tanks, valves, temperature-sensing devices, solenoid or shut-off devices, and related control wiring within the scope permitted by New Mexico licensing rules.

The MS-14 examination is designed around several specialized suppression-system categories rather than one single code or standard. Candidates should be prepared to work with clean-agent systems, foam systems, wet chemical systems, dry chemical systems, carbon dioxide systems, portable fire extinguishers, and commercial kitchen fire-protection equipment. Because these subjects are spread across multiple NFPA standards and related mechanical and plumbing references, organized reference study is an important part of exam preparation.

This Exam Book Package includes the listed technical references so candidates can build familiarity with the standards and code provisions connected with MS-14 work. Study should focus on understanding system applications, agent types, equipment, installation concepts, inspection and maintenance considerations, controls, piping, commercial cooking protection, and the relationships among the different fire-suppression standards.

What You Get

• NFPA 72 – National Fire Alarm Code, 2019: A fire alarm and signaling reference supporting study of detection, notification, initiating devices, supervisory functions, and system integration concepts.
• NFPA 10 - Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2007: Covers portable extinguisher selection, installation, inspection, maintenance, recharging, and related fire-extinguisher requirements.
• NFPA 11: Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam, 2016: Addresses foam fire-protection systems, foam concentrates, application methods, system design considerations, and related equipment.
• NFPA 12A: Standard on Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems, 2015: Covers Halon 1301 fire-extinguishing systems, system components, design considerations, installation, testing, and maintenance.
• NFPA 17: Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems, 2017: A core reference for dry chemical extinguishing systems, including equipment, installation, system components, testing, inspection, and maintenance.
• NFPA 17A: Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems, 2017: Covers wet chemical extinguishing systems commonly associated with commercial cooking and other specialized applications.
• NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, 2021: Addresses commercial cooking ventilation, grease removal, exhaust systems, fire protection, inspection, cleaning, and related operational requirements.
• Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021: Provides plumbing provisions that can support understanding of piping, materials, installation practices, and related mechanical-system coordination.
• Uniform Mechanical Code, 2021: Supports study involving mechanical systems, ventilation, ducts, exhaust, equipment, and related code concepts affecting fire-protection installations.
• NFPA 2001: Standard for Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, 2015: Covers clean-agent fire-extinguishing systems, agent applications, design, installation, testing, and system operation.
• NFPA 12 Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems, 2018: Addresses carbon dioxide extinguishing systems, hazards, system design, installation, controls, testing, and safety considerations.

Exam Details

The New Mexico MS-14 Dry Chemical Fire Protection examination contains 50 questions. Candidates are allowed 90 minutes to complete the examination. A score of 75%, or 38 points, is required to pass.

The examination content is divided among seven major subject areas:

• Clean Agents and Alternative Systems: 17 questions.
• Foam Systems: 5 questions.
• Wet Chemical Systems: 8 questions.
• Dry Chemical Systems: 6 questions.
• Carbon Dioxide Systems: 2 questions.
• Portable Fire Extinguishers: 4 questions.
• Commercial Kitchen Equipment: 8 questions.

Clean Agents and Alternative Systems represent the largest portion of the examination, with 17 questions. Candidates should dedicate substantial study time to clean-agent system concepts, equipment, applications, controls, design relationships, and safety considerations. NFPA 2001 is particularly relevant to clean-agent preparation, while NFPA 12A supports review of Halon 1301 systems.

Wet Chemical Systems and Commercial Kitchen Equipment each represent eight examination questions. These subjects are closely connected because wet chemical suppression is widely used in commercial cooking applications. NFPA 17A and NFPA 96 should therefore receive focused study attention. Candidates should understand suppression system components as well as ventilation, exhaust, grease-control, inspection, and fire-protection concepts associated with commercial cooking operations.

Dry Chemical Systems account for six questions. NFPA 17 should be studied for system components, agent application, piping and distribution concepts, controls, system operation, inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements.

Foam Systems account for five questions, while Portable Fire Extinguishers account for four. Carbon Dioxide Systems account for two questions. Even the smaller content areas should receive dedicated study time because a few missed questions can make a meaningful difference on a 50-question examination.

Open Book Test

The New Mexico MS-14 Dry Chemical Fire Protection examination is an open book test. Approved references may be used in the examination center under PSI's testing rules.

Open-book testing requires candidates to become comfortable navigating multiple technical standards quickly. The MS-14 exam draws from several fire-protection systems, each governed by different NFPA documents and related codes. A question involving portable extinguishers may lead to NFPA 10, while a clean-agent question may require NFPA 2001. Commercial cooking questions may involve NFPA 17A or NFPA 96, and carbon dioxide questions may require NFPA 12.

Reference navigation should therefore be practiced throughout the study process. Learn the table of contents, chapter organization, definitions, annex material, indexes, tables, and major system sections in each reference. The goal is to recognize the subject of a question and move directly to the most relevant book instead of searching through multiple references without a plan.

PSI permits approved reference materials to be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before the examination. Permanent tabs may be used. Temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are not permitted. Reference materials containing writing are not allowed, and candidates may not write in their references during the examination session.

Because examination reference editions are controlled by the testing program, candidates should use only the books and editions authorized for their scheduled examination when entering the test center. The books in this package also provide valuable study support for learning the technical concepts and standards associated with MS-14 fire-protection work.

Licensing Steps

New Mexico contractor licensing is administered by the Construction Industries Division of the Regulation and Licensing Department. Examination and licensing services are provided through PSI. Candidates seeking the MS-14 classification must complete the applicable qualifying-party requirements before the business entity can receive the corresponding contractor license.

1. Identify the MS-14 classification. Candidates should confirm that Dry Chemical Fire Protection is the classification appropriate for the work they intend to perform.
2. Meet the qualifying experience requirement. The MS-14 classification requires four years of qualifying experience.
3. Submit the qualifying-party application and experience documentation. New Mexico requires experience documentation before examination eligibility is granted.
4. Receive approval to test. Qualifying-party applicants must be preapproved before scheduling required examinations.
5. Prepare for the MS-14 trade examination. Study clean-agent systems, foam, wet chemical, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, portable extinguishers, and commercial kitchen protection.
6. Pass the applicable trade examination. The MS-14 examination requires a 75% passing score.
7. Satisfy the Contractor Business and Law requirement. New Mexico qualifying parties must also satisfy the applicable Business and Law requirement.
8. Complete the contractor license application. After the qualifying party satisfies the applicable requirements, the business entity proceeds through the New Mexico contractor licensing process.
9. Complete required business and compliance items. Contractor licensing involves applicable registration, bonding, workers' compensation, tax, and business documentation requirements.

State Requirements

The New Mexico MS-14 Dry Chemical Fire Protection classification requires four years of qualifying experience. The classification authorizes work involving gaseous and chemical-based fire-protection systems within the scope established by New Mexico contractor licensing rules.

The classification includes installation, alteration, repair, and service of fire-protection systems using gas or chemical agents. This includes carbon dioxide systems, clean-agent systems, pressurized storage tanks, valves, temperature-sensing devices, and incidental control wiring within the classification's authorized limits. The scope also includes certain solenoid and shut-off valve devices used with these systems.

Fire-protection work is specialized because system operation can directly affect life safety, property protection, business operations, and emergency response. Contractors working in this field need a strong understanding of system types, agent characteristics, equipment, controls, detection, ventilation relationships, installation practices, and applicable standards.

New Mexico requires a qualifying party to meet the experience and examination requirements for the classification. The licensed business entity must also complete the state's contractor licensing process and maintain required documentation and compliance items.

Contractor licensing involves more than passing the trade examination. Applicants must satisfy the Business and Law requirement and complete the company licensing process. New Mexico licensed contractor entities are also subject to requirements involving a contractor license bond, applicable registrations, and workers' compensation coverage.

Reference Books

• NFPA 72 – National Fire Alarm Code, 2019
  Supports study of fire alarm and signaling systems, initiating devices, notification, controls, supervisory functions, and system interfaces that can relate to suppression-system operation.
• NFPA 10 - Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2007
  Covers portable extinguisher classifications, selection, placement, inspection, maintenance, recharging, testing, and related equipment requirements.
• NFPA 11: Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam, 2016
  A technical standard covering foam concentrates, proportioning, discharge devices, system applications, design considerations, equipment, and testing concepts.
• NFPA 12A: Standard on Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems, 2015
  Addresses Halon 1301 systems, system components, design principles, installation, controls, testing, maintenance, and safety considerations.
• NFPA 17: Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems, 2017
  A central MS-14 reference covering dry chemical systems, agent storage, distribution, nozzles, controls, detection interfaces, installation, inspection, and maintenance.
• NFPA 17A: Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems, 2017
  Covers wet chemical suppression systems, system components, applications, installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and commercial cooking protection concepts.
• NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, 2021
  Addresses commercial cooking ventilation, exhaust systems, grease removal, hood and duct considerations, fire protection, inspection, cleaning, and maintenance.
• Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021
  Provides plumbing-code material involving piping, materials, installation methods, and system coordination relevant to mechanical and fire-protection work.
• Uniform Mechanical Code, 2021
  Supports study of mechanical systems, ventilation, exhaust, ductwork, equipment, and related construction requirements.
• NFPA 2001: Standard for Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, 2015
  A key clean-agent reference covering system design, agent applications, equipment, installation, testing, safety, and system operation.
• NFPA 12 Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems, 2018
  Covers carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems, system arrangements, hazards, equipment, controls, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance.

Test Information and Study Materials

A productive MS-14 study plan should follow the examination content distribution. Begin with Clean Agents and Alternative Systems because that category represents the largest number of questions. Use NFPA 2001 and NFPA 12A to build familiarity with agent applications, system components, design principles, controls, safety considerations, and testing requirements.

Next, devote substantial time to Wet Chemical Systems and Commercial Kitchen Equipment. Study NFPA 17A and NFPA 96 together so you understand how suppression systems interact with cooking appliances, hoods, ducts, grease removal systems, ventilation, shutoffs, inspection, cleaning, and maintenance requirements.

For Dry Chemical Systems, work directly with NFPA 17. Become familiar with agent containers, piping, discharge devices, controls, detection, actuating mechanisms, system operation, testing, and inspection. Understanding terminology is especially important because exam questions may distinguish between similar system components or procedures.

Foam preparation should include NFPA 11. Review foam types, system applications, proportioning concepts, equipment, discharge methods, and installation considerations. Portable extinguisher preparation should focus on NFPA 10, including extinguisher types, fire classifications, placement, inspection, maintenance, and servicing concepts.

Carbon dioxide systems should be reviewed using NFPA 12. Even though this subject represents fewer questions, candidates should understand the special hazards associated with carbon dioxide systems and the importance of controls, warning provisions, system design, and safety procedures.

Practice reference navigation under timed conditions. With 50 questions in 90 minutes, candidates should avoid spending excessive time searching for a single answer. Learn which reference corresponds to each system type, use chapter organization and indexes effectively, and develop a consistent method for locating information.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps candidates prepare for the New Mexico MS-14 Dry Chemical Fire Protection examination by organizing the technical references needed to study the major suppression-system categories covered by the exam.

The Exam Book Package brings together resources for clean-agent systems, dry chemical systems, wet chemical systems, foam systems, carbon dioxide systems, portable fire extinguishers, commercial cooking protection, alarms, plumbing, and mechanical-code study. Having the reference set organized by subject makes it easier to create a focused preparation schedule.

Trade-focused review should emphasize both technical understanding and reference navigation. Candidates benefit from learning the terminology, system components, inspection concepts, safety provisions, and application requirements found throughout the NFPA standards while also practicing how to locate those requirements efficiently.

Practice-oriented preparation is especially valuable for an open-book examination. Work through questions by first identifying the system type, selecting the appropriate reference, locating the applicable section, and confirming the answer. This helps build a repeatable exam strategy and greater familiarity with the reference set.

1 Exam Prep supports students through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, reference navigation when applicable, and confidence-building study structure. The goal is to help candidates approach the MS-14 examination with stronger familiarity with the systems, standards, and reference materials connected with dry chemical and gaseous fire protection.

FAQ Section

What Is the New Mexico MS-14 License?

MS-14 is the New Mexico Dry Chemical Fire Protection contractor classification. It covers specialized fire-protection work involving gaseous and chemical suppression systems, including carbon dioxide and clean-agent systems, within the scope established by New Mexico licensing rules.

How Many Questions Are on the New Mexico MS-14 Exam?

The MS-14 Dry Chemical Fire Protection examination contains 50 questions.

How Long Do I Have to Complete the MS-14 Exam?

Candidates are allowed 90 minutes to complete the examination.

What Score Is Required to Pass?

The required passing score is 75%, which corresponds to 38 points on the 50-question examination.

Is the New Mexico MS-14 Exam Open Book?

Yes. The MS-14 Dry Chemical Fire Protection examination is an open-book examination using approved references under PSI testing rules.

What Subjects Are Covered on the MS-14 Exam?

The examination covers Clean Agents and Alternative Systems, Foam Systems, Wet Chemical Systems, Dry Chemical Systems, Carbon Dioxide Systems, Portable Fire Extinguishers, and Commercial Kitchen Equipment.

What Is the Largest Section of the MS-14 Exam?

Clean Agents and Alternative Systems is the largest examination category, with 17 questions. Candidates should give this subject substantial attention during their study schedule.

How Much Experience Is Required for the MS-14 Classification?

The New Mexico MS-14 classification requires four years of qualifying experience.

Does This Package Include NFPA 17 and NFPA 17A?

Yes. The package includes NFPA 17: Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems, 2017, and NFPA 17A: Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems, 2017.

Does the Package Include Clean-Agent References?

Yes. The package includes NFPA 2001: Standard for Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, 2015, along with NFPA 12A for Halon 1301 systems.

Does the Package Cover Commercial Kitchen Fire Protection?

Yes. NFPA 17A and NFPA 96 support preparation involving wet chemical suppression and commercial cooking ventilation and fire-protection requirements.

How Should I Study for the MS-14 Open-Book Exam?

Organize your study by examination category, learn which book applies to each type of system, practice navigating indexes and chapters, and complete timed reference lookups. The objective is to understand the material while also becoming efficient at locating supporting information.