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TCFP Head of Department (HOD) Exam
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2025
1. What is the primary responsibility of the Head of Department in a fire department? A. Conduct fire inspections B. Maintain apparatus C. Ensure compliance with TCFP regulations and department operations D. Operate fire suppression equipment
The HOD is ultimately responsible for administrative oversight,
regulatory compliance, and operational readiness.
2. How long must HOD candidates have been certified as a fire officer before applying? A. 1 year B. 2 years C. 3 years D. 5 years
Per TCFP rules, applicants must have three years of fire officer
certification.
3. Which document outlines minimum standards for fire protection personnel in Texas? A. NFPA 101 B. Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 435 C. OSHA 1910 D. Fire Code International
Chapter 435 of the TAC governs fire protection personnel
standards in Texas.
4. What is required for a fire department to be recognized by TCFP? A. ISO rating below 5 B. Completion of the Fire Department Certification Application C. Mutual aid agreement D. Union certification
Departments must submit a formal application and meet TCFP
standards.
5. Which NFPA standard focuses on Fire Officer Professional Qualifications? A. NFPA 472 B. NFPA 1021 C. NFPA 1500 D. NFPA 1851
NFPA 1021 outlines roles and responsibilities for fire officers.
6. What is the minimum required documentation for apparatus inspection? A. Monthly log only
D. Conduct an exit interview
The TCFP requires a formal report when a certified employee
leaves service.
10. What disciplinary action can TCFP take against non-compliant departments? A. Termination of the fire chief B. Administrative penalty or revocation of certification C. Public reprimand only D. ISO downgrade
The TCFP may revoke department recognition or impose fines.
11. What must be in place before allowing live fire training? A. Written exam B. Live Fire Training Policy and SOPs C. Local EMS standby D. Nozzle operations drill
Live fire training must be governed by written policies and
safety procedures.
12. Which standard governs occupational safety and health programs for fire departments? A. NFPA 1710 B. NFPA 1500 C. NFPA 1001
D. OSHA 1926
NFPA 1500 outlines minimum safety requirements.
13. When must injury reports be submitted to TCFP? A. Annually B. Within 30 days of occurrence C. Only if hospitalization is required D. Never
Injury reports must be filed within 30 days to maintain
compliance.
14. Which form must be submitted for new fire department certification? A. Initial Service Application B. Fire Department Certification Form C. NFPA 1001 Form D. Fire Incident Report
New departments must complete and submit the Certification
Form to the Commission.
15. Which entity enforces TCFP rules and penalties? A. State Fire Marshal B. Local City Council C. Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) D. OSHA
The TCFP is the governing body overseeing certification and
enforcement.
B. Department receives notice of violation and possible fine C. No consequence D. Personnel are recertified
Failure to maintain records is a violation that can result in
disciplinary action.
20. What is the HOD’s responsibility in budget management? A. Prepare taxes B. Forecast needs and allocate resources C. Fundraise D. Request donations
The HOD ensures financial resources align with department
needs and priorities.
21. What is required to maintain individual firefighter certification? A. One training per year B. Continuing education and annual compliance C. Written exam only D. Supervisor evaluation
Certification requires ongoing education and documentation.
22. A personnel file must include which of the following? A. Birth certificate B. Social media records C. Certification and training documentation
D. Family medical history
Personnel files should reflect training, certification, and
employment records.
23. What TCFP rule covers protective clothing and equipment? A. 437. B. 435. C. 449. D. 438.
Rule 435.21 addresses protective gear standards.
24. What is a critical step before initiating a personnel disciplinary action? A. Call the mayor B. Notify ISO C. Review department policies and gather evidence D. Conduct a department-wide meeting
Proper documentation and policy adherence are essential
before disciplinary action.
25. When are fire departments required to file staffing reports? A. Never B. Biannually C. Annually or upon request by TCFP D. Weekly
TCFP may request reports annually or at specific intervals.
D. After every fire
Annual testing ensures safety and compliance.
30. What defines a “recognized fire department” in Texas? A. Volunteer-based only B. Approved and listed by TCFP C. ISO rated below 3 D. Operates over 5 years
Only departments recognized by TCFP are authorized to
perform certain functions.
31. What is the first step in handling a regulatory violation? A. Hide documents B. Investigate and correct the issue C. Call a lawyer D. Suspend personnel immediately
The issue should be investigated and resolved promptly.
32. What must a fire department do if they add a new station? A. Notify ISO B. Conduct a grand opening C. Submit updated information to TCFP D. Install hydrants
Changes to department structure must be communicated to
TCFP.
33. Who is responsible for ensuring all firefighters meet minimum training hours? A. Mayor B. Head of Department C. Captain D. Scheduler
The HOD ensures all certifications and hours are up-to-date.
34. Which of the following is NOT a duty of the HOD? A. Budget oversight B. Incident command at every call C. Policy development D. Regulatory compliance
While HODs may respond, they’re not required to run every
scene.
35. TCFP certification renewal is required every: A. 5 years B. 1 year C. 3 years D. 10 years
Certifications typically renew annually.
36. What is the purpose of a training needs analysis? A. Reduce overtime B. Identify gaps in firefighter knowledge and skills
40. What document outlines employee duties and job requirements? A. SOPs B. ISO report C. Job description D. Call logs
Job descriptions are essential for accountability and
performance.
41. Why is documentation crucial for incident reports? A. Create confusion B. Legal protection and record accuracy C. For news release D. To meet union rules
Proper documentation protects both personnel and the
department.
42. What action is needed when changing department HOD? A. Tell the mayor B. Notify TCFP with the new HOD appointment C. Post a memo D. Update social media
The new HOD must be formally reported to the TCFP.
43. What should be done before making changes to SOPs? A. Notify ISO
B. Conduct policy review and staff input C. Buy new equipment D. Remove old SOPs
Engaging staff ensures better implementation and
understanding.
44. What is a key function of performance evaluations? A. Salary increase only B. Identify strengths and areas for development C. Assign shifts D. Collect grievances
Evaluations support growth and accountability.
45. Which of the following is part of a quality assurance program? A. Holiday party B. Newsletters C. Performance metrics and review D. Social events
QA includes continuous improvement mechanisms.
46. What ensures proper chain of command during an emergency? A. Radio use B. Group texting C. Incident Command System (ICS) D. Email
ICS establishes hierarchy and responsibility during emergencies.
Apparatus must be documented and operationally ready at all
times.
51. Which of the following must be done before beginning any new construction of a fire station? A. Inform the county fire marshal B. Hire new staff C. Submit updated department information to TCFP D. Notify mutual aid departments
TCFP must be notified of changes to the department's physical
or organizational structure.
52. What type of fire department is required to follow TCFP regulations? A. All volunteer departments B. All paid fire departments recognized by TCFP C. Federal fire departments D. Industrial fire brigades
Only TCFP-recognized departments, typically paid, must follow
TCFP rules.
53. What documentation is needed when purchasing new PPE? A. Invoice only B. Delivery receipt C. Certification of NFPA compliance and inspection record
D. Department memo
All new PPE must meet NFPA standards and be documented as
such.
54. A firefighter fails to complete required CE. What is the HOD’s obligation? A. Give them another year B. Remove them from service and report to TCFP C. File a grievance D. Pay their fees
Non-compliant personnel cannot continue to operate and must
be reported.
55. How long must training records be retained? A. 1 year B. 3 years C. For the duration of employment plus 3 years D. Forever
This retention schedule ensures compliance with audit
requirements.
56. What is the required minimum number of hours of annual training for structural firefighters? A. 100 hours B. 12 hours C. 20 hours D. 40 hours
60. A fire department wants to change its ISO classification. What is required? A. Request new personnel B. Work with ISO and provide current documentation C. File a complaint D. Re-certify with TCFP
ISO requires documentation to reevaluate a department's
classification.
61. What is the purpose of the Commission Rulebook? A. Promote political appointments B. Provide legal standards for compliance C. Replace NFPA standards D. Assign duties to captains
The Rulebook contains binding legal regulations for fire
departments.
62. When must a fire department notify TCFP of a change in location? A. Only during renewal B. Immediately or within a reasonable timeframe C. No notification is needed D. Every five years
Timely updates to TCFP ensure accurate department records.
63. When may a department temporarily operate out of compliance? A. If staffing drops
B. With public approval C. Only with an approved waiver from TCFP D. Never
Formal waivers may be granted in special circumstances.
64. What should the HOD do first when preparing for a TCFP inspection? A. Fire underperforming staff B. Send everyone to training C. Review SECR and update documentation D. Request budget increase
Preparation starts with reviewing the department’s current self-
assessment.
65. What must be included in the department’s training plan? A. Shift schedules B. Objectives, frequency, and instructor credentials C. Department bylaws D. Fire loss data
A training plan outlines how requirements will be met.
66. The Incident Command System (ICS) ensures what key function? A. Flexibility B. Overtime management C. Clear chain of command and accountability D. Discipline
ICS organizes and controls emergency response operations.
