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TCFP Intermediate Structural Fire
Protection Certification Exam Questions
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2025
- What is the primary purpose of a post-incident analysis? A. Assign blame B. Improve future performance C. Increase paperwork compliance D. Justify disciplinary action Post-incident analysis helps identify strengths and areas for improvement to enhance future incident responses.
- What type of construction features unprotected steel as a structural element? A. Type I B. Type II C. Type III D. Type V Type III construction often uses unprotected steel or iron, which can lose strength rapidly in fire conditions.
- Which of the following is a key goal of ventilation during structural firefighting? A. Decrease water usage B. Reduce civilian casualties C. Remove heat and smoke D. Improve firefighter hydration Ventilation removes heat and smoke, improving visibility and survivability for occupants and firefighters.
- What tool is typically used to breach a concrete wall? A. Pike pole B. Halligan tool C. Axe D. Rotary saw Rotary saws are designed to cut through concrete and other dense materials.
- What is the minimum collapse zone distance for a wall that is 30 feet tall? A. 10 feet B. 30 feet C. 45 feet D. 90 feet Collapse zones are generally 1.5 times the height of the structure involved.
- What gas is a byproduct of combustion and poses a serious threat to firefighters?
D. Broken windows Structural deformities like sagging can indicate imminent collapse. 10.What is the most appropriate nozzle pattern for interior fire attack? A. Fog pattern B. Straight stream C. Broken stream D. Deluge Straight streams provide reach and penetration, ideal for interior operations. 11.When laddering a structure, what is the safest placement for roof access? A. One rung above the eave B. Five rungs above the roofline C. Level with the roof D. Two feet below the window Extending the ladder 3–5 rungs above the roofline allows for safe transition on/off the ladder. 12.What color indicates high heat on a thermal imaging camera? A. White B. Black C. Red D. Green On most TICs, white or lighter shades indicate hotter areas. 13.Which is NOT a hazard associated with lightweight construction? A. Early collapse
B. Hidden voids C. Long fire resistance rating D. Rapid fire spread Lightweight construction often fails quickly under fire due to limited fire resistance. 14.What tactic is used to protect unburned sections of a structure? A. Offensive attack B. Exposure protection C. Indirect attack D. Overhaul Exposure protection helps prevent fire from spreading to adjacent areas. 15.The primary hazard of balloon-frame construction is: A. Lack of insulation B. Vertical fire spread through concealed spaces C. Weak exterior walls D. Inadequate ventilation Balloon framing allows fire to spread quickly between floors. 16.What does black, turbulent smoke usually indicate? A. Imminent flashover B. Fully extinguished fire C. Backdraft D. Normal combustion Thick, black, turbulent smoke is a strong indicator of impending flashover.
D. Removes carbon monoxide PPV creates a pressure gradient that pushes smoke out of the structure. 21.What should be assessed before interior operations? A. Number of civilians B. Structural stability C. Fuel load D. Ventilation openings Safety requires evaluating the building's integrity before committing personnel inside. 22.Firefighters should avoid placing ground ladders: A. At the roof edge B. Near power lines C. On the sidewalk D. On gravel Ladders should never be placed near electrical hazards. 23.The term "freelancing" refers to: A. Acting without orders or accountability B. Ventilating without tools C. Using your own gear D. Following SOPs precisely Freelancing undermines safety and coordination during incidents. 24.Which is a sign of potential backdraft conditions? A. High visibility B. Clear windows
C. Smoke-stained windows and low oxygen environment D. Blue flames Backdraft occurs in oxygen-starved environments filled with combustible gases. 25.A fireground accountability system helps: A. Manage hose deployment B. Track firefighter locations C. Increase water pressure D. Identify building construction Accountability ensures firefighter safety by tracking personnel on scene. 26.The role of a RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) is to: A. Pull hose lines B. Rescue trapped firefighters C. Deploy ventilation fans D. Lead evacuation RITs are dedicated to rescuing firefighters in distress. 27.What is a safety hazard of operating above a fire? A. Increased water usage B. Smoke buildup C. Structural collapse beneath personnel D. Easier ventilation Heat and fire can compromise floors, risking collapse under firefighters above.
D. Radio traffic decreases The low air alarm indicates the need to exit and conserve SCBA supply. 32.The first tactical priority in a structural fire is: A. Overhaul B. Life safety C. Property conservation D. Exposure protection Life safety—rescuing victims—is always the first priority. 33.A fog stream nozzle is best used for: A. Penetrating deep fires B. Protecting firefighters from heat C. Minimizing water damage D. Outdoor fires only Fog streams absorb heat and provide a protective barrier. 34.When opening a ceiling for fire extension, stand: A. To the side B. Underneath C. On top D. In the doorway Standing to the side protects firefighters from falling debris and heat. 35.The safest way to descend a ladder is: A. Facing the ladder, with three points of contact B. Facing out, holding the sides C. Sideways with SCBA off
D. Sliding down rails Three points of contact ensures control and stability. 36.Who is responsible for ensuring accountability on the fireground? A. Fire marshal B. Incident commander C. Safety officer D. Company officer The IC ensures personnel tracking is maintained during the incident. 37.A collapse zone should be established when: A. A wall shows signs of instability B. Water pressure drops C. Fire is extinguished D. Smoke is white Instability signals risk of collapse, warranting a collapse zone. 38.What is a benefit of transitional fire attack? A. Less training B. Slower knockdown C. Reduces heat before interior attack D. Avoids water damage It cools the interior from the outside before advancing in. 39.Which of the following poses the highest risk for hidden fire spread? A. Cinderblock walls B. Metal roofing C. Drop ceilings and voids
B. Withdraw and reassess C. Hide in a safe area D. Use more water Withdrawing allows reassessment to prevent injuries or fatalities. 44.What is a fireground rehab area used for? A. Debriefing B. Rehydration and rest C. Refueling apparatus D. Refilling SCBA Rehab helps firefighters recover physically and mentally. 45.Who gives the “All Clear” during search operations? A. Chief B. Search team leader C. Victim D. RIT Only personnel conducting the search can confirm an area is clear. 46.What is a common sign of fire in a wall void? A. Cool surface B. Cracked plaster C. Warm, discolored, or blistering paint D. Fresh paint These surface changes can indicate hidden heat and combustion. 47.What is the primary use of a TIC (thermal imaging camera)? A. Locate hidden heat or victims
B. Start ventilation C. Suppress fire D. Evacuate civilians TICs help find heat sources or victims in low visibility. 48.Which factor is considered when determining fire attack strategy? A. Social impact B. Building construction C. Firehouse staffing D. Water meter size Construction type directly influences collapse and fire behavior. 49.What action is necessary if SCBA alarm sounds mid-operation? A. Ignore it if close to fire B. Silence the alarm C. Exit structure immediately D. Increase pace of work The alarm signals low air supply; immediate exit ensures safety. 50.Who should be notified before initiating ventilation? A. Victim B. Police C. Incident commander D. News media Ventilation must be coordinated with command to avoid worsening conditions.
D. Glowing metal Steel loses strength quickly when heated and may sag or bend. 55.What is the function of a fire stop in building construction? A. To prevent vertical or horizontal fire spread B. To provide roof support C. To increase airflow D. To support stairs Fire stops are designed to compartmentalize and limit fire spread. 56.What should you do if fire is discovered behind a closed door? A. Open it quickly B. Feel the door for heat before opening C. Vent above it D. Ignore it and move on Checking for heat prevents sudden flashover or backdraft conditions. 57.The term “freelancing” on a fireground means: A. Using different tactics B. Operating without assignment or coordination C. Taking breaks as needed D. Doubling equipment Freelancing is dangerous and breaks the chain of command. 58.When should a secondary search begin? A. After fire is completely out B. After overhaul C. After primary search and fire control
D. At the same time as primary search Secondary searches verify no victims were missed during initial operations. 59.Which of the following is a sign of possible ceiling collapse? A. Loud voices B. Cracks or sagging C. Dripping water D. Open windows Sagging ceilings can precede a collapse due to heat damage. 60.What is the function of an SCBA’s PASS device? A. Measure air levels B. Track fire conditions C. Alert others when firefighter is motionless D. Cool the mask The PASS alarm activates if a firefighter is still for too long, signaling distress. 61.What tool combination is known as “the irons”? A. Pike pole and axe B. Halligan tool and flat-head axe C. Halligan and sledge D. Axe and sledge This classic combo is used for forcible entry and interior work. 62.What does a high-pitched whistle from an SCBA indicate? A. Air pressure is optimal
B. Any part C. The heel D. Web Trusses can collapse unpredictably; working underneath is extremely hazardous. 67.When approaching a commercial building fire, always check: A. Office layout B. Roof load and construction C. Number of exits D. Previous inspections Knowing the roof load helps predict collapse risks during fire operations. 68.What structural element is often hidden in Type V construction? A. Reinforced beams B. Wood studs and joists C. Fire stops D. Concrete columns Type V is wood-framed, with concealed wood components. 69.What is the first priority for a company arriving second on scene? A. Ventilation B. Support primary objectives like water supply or backup line C. Salvage D. Salvage and overhaul Support roles are critical to maintaining the attack or securing the water source.
70.What is the best method to avoid collapse hazards in lightweight buildings? A. Limit interior operations B. Use heavy streams C. Avoid roof access D. Use fog nozzles Lightweight buildings can collapse early, so caution or exterior tactics are often safer. 71.The most important factor in determining fire behavior is: A. Hose size B. Building construction and fuel load C. Firefighter gear D. Traffic access The structure’s design and materials heavily influence how the fire spreads. 72.What indicates a backdraft may occur? A. Low heat B. Pressurized smoke exiting from closed gaps C. No smoke D. Broken windows Smoke under pressure is a key warning sign of backdraft potential. 73.What does “vent-enter-isolate-search” (VEIS) prioritize? A. Fire suppression B. Team accountability C. Life safety and isolating fire from victims
