New York Elevator Agency Director & Inspector License Exam Book Package

Prepare for the New York City Elevator Agency Director and Elevator Agency Inspector examinations with a comprehensive book package covering elevators, escalators, moving walkways, accessibility, personnel hoists, platform lifts, stairway chairlifts, belt man lifts, conveyors, suspension systems, electrical requirements, inspection procedures, and New York City elevator regulations.

The New York City Department of Buildings licenses Elevator Agency Directors and Elevator Agency Inspectors for distinct roles within the city's elevator inspection system. Elevator Agency Directors supervise elevator inspection agency operations, while Elevator Agency Inspectors witness tests and inspect elevators, escalators, and related equipment under the applicable licensing structure.

Unlike many New York City skilled-trade examinations, the Elevator Agency Director and Elevator Agency Inspector written examinations are open-book examinations. However, candidates cannot bring their own hardcopy books into the testing center. The approved examination references are provided electronically through the testing platform. This makes familiarity with the underlying codes and standards especially valuable before test day.

The examinations assess knowledge of the installation, operation, repair, inspection, testing, and regulation of new, existing, and relocated elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walkways, wheelchair lifts, stair chair lifts, and special hoisting and conveying equipment. Candidates should be prepared to combine code knowledge with practical elevator-industry experience.

This package includes New York City administrative, building, and electrical requirements along with major ASME and ANSI standards addressing elevators, escalators, accessibility, personnel hoists, suspension systems, platform lifts, belt man lifts, conveyors, and inspection procedures. Together, these references provide a structured study library for the technical subjects covered by the Elevator Agency Director and Inspector examinations.

The package is focused on technical, inspection, elevator, accessibility, safety, and regulatory preparation. It does not include business books, business and trades references, or business and law materials.

What You Get

• 2014 NYC Administrative Code, Title 28, Chapter 1: Administration; Chapter 4: Licensing and Registration of Businesses, Trades and Occupations Engaged in Building Work — study material covering New York City administration, regulated occupations, licensing responsibilities, and requirements affecting elevator agencies and licensed elevator professionals.
• 2014 NYC Administrative Code, Title 28, Article 304.2: Elevators, Escalators, Moving Walkways, Material Lifts, Man Lifts and Dumbwaiters — New York City administrative provisions directly addressing inspection requirements for elevators and related conveying equipment.
• ICC/ANSI A117.1 – 2009: Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities — accessibility standard supporting preparation involving accessible building features and elevator-related accessibility requirements.
• ANSI/ASSE A10.4 – 2007 Safety Requirements for Personnel Hoists and Employee Elevators for Construction and Demolition Operations, 2004 — technical safety material addressing personnel hoists and employee elevators used during construction and demolition.
• ASME A17.1 - Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, 2000 — core elevator and escalator safety reference addressing construction, installation, operation, testing, and safety requirements.
• ASME A17.1S – 2005: Supplement to Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators as modified in Appendix K — supplemental elevator and escalator safety provisions used with the applicable New York City modifications.
• ASME A17.2 – 2004: Guide for Inspection of Elevators, Escalators, and Moving Walks — inspection-oriented reference supporting preparation involving elevator, escalator, and moving walkway inspection procedures.
• ASME A17.3: Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators, 2002 — safety standard addressing existing elevator and escalator equipment.
• ASME A17.6: Standard for Elevator Suspension, Compensation, and Governor Systems, 2010 — technical standard addressing ropes, suspension means, compensation systems, and governor systems.
• ASME A18.1 – 2005: Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts — study material covering platform lifts and stairway chairlifts.
• ASME A90.1 – 2003: Safety Standards for Belt Man Lift — safety standard addressing belt man lift equipment.
• ASME B20.1 – 2006: Safety Standard for Conveyors and Related Equipment — technical reference covering conveyors and related material-moving equipment.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code — study material supporting accessibility, elevators and conveying systems, personnel hoists, construction safeguards, and New York City modifications to industry standards.
• New York City Electrical Code, 2011 — electrical code material supporting preparation involving electrical equipment, wiring, controls, disconnects, motors, and other electrical elements associated with elevators and conveying systems.

Exam Details

The Elevator Agency Director written examination contains 60 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are allowed 3 hours and must answer at least 42 questions correctly, or 70%, to pass.

The Director examination is divided between elevator and escalator subject matter. Major areas include accessibility, electric elevators, hydraulic elevators, other lifts, moving walkways, safety, maintenance and testing, and administrative and code requirements.

The Elevator Agency Inspector written examination contains 50 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are also allowed 3 hours and must answer at least 35 questions correctly, or 70%, to pass.

The Inspector examination covers many of the same technical categories, including accessibility, electric and hydraulic elevators, other lifts, moving walkways, safety, maintenance and testing, and administrative requirements. The number of questions assigned to the individual categories differs between the Director and Inspector exams.

Both examinations assess knowledge of relevant New York City codes, rules, regulations, and trade-specific elevator industry knowledge. Candidates should be prepared to apply technical standards to inspection, testing, maintenance, equipment, accessibility, and safety situations.

Open Book Test

The New York City Elevator Agency Director and Elevator Agency Inspector examinations are open-book tests.

All approved examination references are provided electronically through the testing system. Candidates are not permitted to bring their personal hardcopy reference books into the testing center.

This format makes advance preparation with the reference materials important. Candidates should become familiar with the organization, terminology, and subject divisions of ASME A17 standards, New York City Building Code provisions, accessibility requirements, electrical requirements, and administrative regulations before sitting for the exam.

Electronic open-book testing still requires time management. Candidates should know which standard applies to a question before beginning a search. For example, accessibility issues may direct attention to ANSI A117.1 or applicable Building Code provisions, while suspension and governor questions may require ASME A17.6.

Inspection questions may require familiarity with ASME A17.2, while existing elevator requirements may involve ASME A17.3. Platform lift questions can involve ASME A18.1, personnel hoists can involve A10.4, and conveyor questions can involve ASME B20.1.

Practice should therefore combine technical knowledge with efficient electronic reference navigation. The goal is to recognize the subject, identify the appropriate standard, and locate the applicable requirement without spending excessive time searching unrelated materials.

Licensing Steps

1. Select the appropriate elevator license. Determine whether the Elevator Agency Director, Co-Director, or Elevator Agency Inspector license matches the work and responsibilities you intend to perform.
2. Meet the basic qualifications. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be able to read and write English, be fit to perform the authorized work, and satisfy applicable character requirements.
3. Complete the required OSHA training. Elevator Agency Director and Co-Director applicants must complete a 30-Hour General Industry Standards OSHA course. Elevator Agency Inspector applicants must complete a 10-Hour General Industry Standards OSHA course.
4. Meet the applicable experience requirement. Director and Inspector candidates must document qualifying elevator-industry experience according to the requirements for the license being sought.
5. Submit the examination application and payment. Complete the applicable New York City Department of Buildings elevator examination application process.
6. Schedule the written examination. After the application is accepted, follow the examination administrator's instructions to schedule the test.
7. Prepare for the open-book examination. Study elevator and escalator standards, inspection procedures, accessibility, electrical requirements, safety, maintenance, and New York City administrative provisions.
8. Pass the written examination. Candidates must earn at least 70%.
9. Complete the background investigation. Submit the applicable experience verification, identification, physical examination, and other required documentation.
10. Complete license issuance requirements. After approval, finish the applicable DOB NOW licensing process to obtain the Elevator Agency Director or Inspector license.

State Requirements

The Elevator Agency Director and Elevator Agency Inspector licenses are administered by the New York City Department of Buildings and apply to regulated elevator inspection work within New York City.

An Elevator Agency Director supervises elevator inspection agency operations. Current qualifications generally require a minimum of 10 years of satisfactory experience within the 15 years immediately preceding the examination application involving supervision of elevator assembly, installation, maintenance, repair, design, or inspection.

A New York State-licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect may qualify for the Director examination with a minimum of five years of satisfactory elevator experience within the seven years immediately preceding the examination application, subject to the applicable licensing requirements.

An Elevator Agency Inspector is licensed to witness tests and inspect elevators, escalators, and related equipment. Current requirements generally call for at least seven years of satisfactory experience within the 10 years immediately preceding the examination application involving elevator assembly, installation, repair, design, inspection, or work as an elevator mechanic.

The Inspector works under the direct and continuing supervision of the licensed Elevator Agency Director within the applicable elevator agency structure.

Passing the examination is only part of the licensing process. Candidates must also satisfy the applicable OSHA training, experience, fitness, background investigation, documentation, and license application requirements before a license can be issued.

Reference Books

• 2014 NYC Administrative Code, Title 28, Chapter 1: Administration; Chapter 4: Licensing and Registration of Businesses, Trades and Occupations Engaged in Building Work
  Supports preparation involving administrative requirements, licensed elevator professionals, responsibilities, enforcement relationships, and regulated inspection activity.
• 2014 NYC Administrative Code, Title 28, Article 304.2: Elevators, Escalators, Moving Walkways, Material Lifts, Man Lifts and Dumbwaiters
  Supports study of New York City inspection provisions for elevators, escalators, moving walkways, lifts, and related conveying equipment.
• ICC/ANSI A117.1 – 2009: Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
  Supports preparation involving accessibility requirements affecting elevators and other vertical transportation equipment.
• ANSI/ASSE A10.4 – 2007 Safety Requirements for Personnel Hoists and Employee Elevators for Construction and Demolition Operations, 2004
  Supports study of personnel hoists, employee elevators, equipment safeguards, installation, operation, and construction-site safety.
• ASME A17.1 - Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, 2000
  Supports comprehensive preparation involving elevator and escalator equipment, construction, operation, safety devices, installation, testing, and technical requirements.
• ASME A17.1S – 2005: Supplement to Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators as modified in Appendix K
  Supports study of supplemental requirements and applicable New York City modifications affecting elevator and escalator systems.
• ASME A17.2 – 2004: Guide for Inspection of Elevators, Escalators, and Moving Walks
  Supports preparation involving inspection procedures, equipment checks, testing observations, and recognition of elevator, escalator, and moving walkway conditions.
• ASME A17.3: Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators, 2002
  Supports study of safety requirements applicable to existing elevator and escalator installations.
• ASME A17.6: Standard for Elevator Suspension, Compensation, and Governor Systems, 2010
  Supports preparation involving suspension means, ropes, compensation systems, governors, inspection considerations, and related elevator components.
• ASME A18.1 – 2005: Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts
  Supports study of platform lifts, stairway chairlifts, safety components, installation, operation, and inspection principles.
• ASME A90.1 – 2003: Safety Standards for Belt Man Lift
  Supports preparation involving belt man lift design, operation, safeguards, and inspection considerations.
• ASME B20.1 – 2006: Safety Standard for Conveyors and Related Equipment
  Supports preparation involving conveyor equipment, guarding, controls, safety devices, and material-conveying systems.
• 2014 NYC Construction Codes: Building Code
  Supports preparation involving accessibility, elevator and conveying systems, personnel hoists, construction safeguards, and New York City modifications to elevator industry standards.
• New York City Electrical Code, 2011
  Supports study of electrical requirements affecting elevator motors, controllers, disconnecting means, wiring, equipment, and related electrical installations.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong study plan should begin with electric elevators, one of the largest technical areas on both the Director and Inspector examinations. Study traction systems, machines, controllers, brakes, doors, safeties, governors, suspension means, electrical equipment, and inspection procedures.

Hydraulic elevators should receive separate attention. Review cylinders, plungers, pumps, valves, piping, controls, leveling, safety devices, and inspection considerations associated with hydraulic equipment.

Elevator inspection procedures are especially important for both licenses. Candidates should understand how tests and inspections evaluate the operating condition of equipment, safety devices, controls, doors, hoistways, pits, machine spaces, and related systems.

Maintenance and testing should be studied as an integrated subject. Understand why required tests are performed, what conditions inspectors observe, and how equipment deficiencies can affect safe operation.

Escalators and moving walkways represent another substantial area of examination content. Study operating components, safety devices, braking, entrances, comb plates, handrails, controls, maintenance, and inspection requirements.

Accessibility should be reviewed using ANSI A117.1 together with applicable Building Code provisions. Candidates should understand accessibility principles affecting controls, clearances, entrances, communication features, and accessible vertical transportation.

Personnel hoists and employee elevators should be studied with ANSI/ASSE A10.4. Understand the special safety issues associated with temporary lifting equipment used during construction and demolition.

Platform lifts and stairway chairlifts should be reviewed using ASME A18.1, while belt man lifts and conveyors should be studied using their applicable standards.

Suspension, compensation, and governor systems deserve dedicated review. Candidates should understand the function of these components, common inspection considerations, and their importance to elevator safety.

Electrical requirements should be integrated with equipment study. Elevators rely on motors, controllers, disconnects, circuits, switches, signaling equipment, and protective devices, making the New York City Electrical Code an important preparation reference.

Because the examinations use electronically supplied references, practice identifying the correct standard before searching. Efficient navigation is most useful when supported by strong technical knowledge rather than used as a substitute for it.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports New York City Elevator Agency Director and Inspector candidates through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, reference navigation, and confidence-building study structure.

This exam book package brings together major elevator, escalator, accessibility, inspection, electrical, suspension, platform lift, personnel hoist, and conveyor references into a focused study collection.

Because the examinations are open book with electronically provided references, preparation should combine technical understanding with efficient reference navigation. Candidates can learn which standard governs each equipment type and practice locating information quickly when a technical detail needs confirmation.

Trade-focused preparation supports stronger understanding of electric elevators, hydraulic elevators, escalators, moving walkways, accessibility, maintenance, inspection, testing, safety devices, suspension systems, and administrative requirements.

Practice-oriented study can help candidates identify whether missed questions result from weak equipment knowledge, unfamiliar terminology, difficulty interpreting a standard, or slow reference navigation.

The goal is to help candidates approach the New York City Elevator Agency Director or Inspector examination with stronger technical knowledge, improved understanding of inspection requirements, better electronic reference-navigation skills, and a structured study routine without guaranteeing a passing score or license approval.

Are the New York Elevator Agency Director and Inspector exams open book?

Yes. Both examinations are open book, but approved references are provided electronically through the testing platform.

Can I bring my own books into the testing center?

No. Candidates cannot bring personal hardcopy reference materials into the examination. Approved references are provided electronically.

How many questions are on the Elevator Agency Director exam?

The Elevator Agency Director examination contains 60 multiple-choice questions.

How many questions are on the Elevator Agency Inspector exam?

The Elevator Agency Inspector examination contains 50 multiple-choice questions.

How much time is allowed?

Both examinations allow 3 hours.

What is the passing score?

The required passing score is 70%. That equals 42 correct answers on the Director exam and 35 correct answers on the Inspector exam.

Who licenses Elevator Agency Directors and Inspectors?

The licenses are administered by the New York City Department of Buildings.

What does an Elevator Agency Director do?

An Elevator Agency Director supervises elevator inspection agency operations and is responsible for elevator inspection work within the applicable licensed agency structure.

What does an Elevator Agency Inspector do?

An Elevator Agency Inspector witnesses tests and inspects elevators, escalators, and related equipment under the applicable New York City licensing requirements.

Does the exam cover electric and hydraulic elevators?

Yes. Electric and hydraulic elevators are major technical areas on both examinations.

Does the exam include escalators and moving walkways?

Yes. Candidates should prepare for escalators, moving walkways, safety, maintenance, testing, and applicable code requirements.

Does this package include accessibility material?

Yes. The package includes ICC/ANSI A117.1 – 2009 along with the applicable New York City Building Code.

Does this package include elevator inspection material?

Yes. The package includes ASME A17.2 inspection guidance along with other standards addressing elevator and escalator equipment.

Does this package include electrical code material?

Yes. The package includes the New York City Electrical Code, 2011.

Does this package include business books?

No. This package contains technical, regulatory, elevator, inspection, accessibility, electrical, and safety references only. It does not include business books, business and trades references, or business and law materials.

How should I prepare for the electronic open-book exam?

Study the technical material first, learn which standard governs each subject, and practice identifying the correct reference before searching. Combine equipment knowledge with timed electronic reference-navigation practice.

Does passing the exam automatically issue an elevator license?

No. Candidates must also satisfy the applicable OSHA training, experience, background investigation, physical fitness, documentation, and licensing requirements established by the New York City Department of Buildings.

Does this package guarantee that I will pass the examination?

No. This package provides technical and regulatory references designed to support organized preparation. Examination performance depends on each candidate's experience, study, equipment knowledge, inspection skills, and ability to use the electronic examination references effectively.