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CSLB C-16 Fire Protection (Trade Exam) Exam Cheat Sheet (2026)
A free, printable CSLB C-16 Fire Protection (Trade Exam) exam cheat sheet: the 30 highest-yield points to know, grouped into 5 sections that follow the exam's content areas, each section with its published weight.
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- 30 of the 30 points carry a citation to the rule they come from.
- The real CSLB C-16 Fire Protection (Trade Exam) exam: 210 minutes.
- Prints from your browser (Ctrl-P, or Cmd-P on a Mac) — the navigation, buttons and links drop out of the printed copy.
- 266 free CSLB C-16 Fire Protection (Trade Exam) practice questions on the same material, every one explained.
- Last updated: November 2026.
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Practice stays free. The full CSLB C-16 Fire Protection study guide is the material itself, taught start to finish — a downloadable PDF + EPUB you keep.
Planning and Estimating
25% of the exam- Limited-area system
- Not more than six sprinklers in a single fire area; Light Hazard or Ordinary Hazard Group 1 only.· 2025 CFC 903.3.8
- NFPA 13R
- Group R buildings four stories or less above grade plane, within the height limits.· 2025 CFC 903.3.1.2
- Water supply test
- Adjust the design test for seasonal and daily pressure fluctuations.· 2025 CFC 903.3.5
- Temperature rating
- Pick the lowest rating whose maximum ambient temperature covers the expected ceiling temperature.· Manufacturer data sheet (Viking VK1181)
- Spare sprinklers
- 6 up to 300 sprinklers, 12 for 300 to 1,000, 24 over 1,000, some of each type, plus a wrench.· Idaho State Fire Marshal acceptance checklist
- Markup vs margin
- Markup price = cost x (1 + markup); margin price = cost / (1 - margin).· CSLB 13E-16 (computation questions)
Installation of Underground Fire Main Systems
9% of the exam- Permit
- Trenches 5 feet or deeper into which a person must descend need a permit.· Title 8 section 341
- Maximum slopes
- Stable rock vertical; Type A 3/4:1; Type B 1:1; Type C 1-1/2:1.· Title 8 section 1541.1 Appendix B
- Underground test
- 200 psi or 50 psi above static pressure, whichever is greater, for 2 hours.· Moreno Valley Fire Department guideline
- Flush
- At least 10 feet per second; 880, 1,560, 2,440 and 3,520 gpm for 6, 8, 10 and 12 inch pipe.· Idaho State Fire Marshal acceptance checklist
- Hydrant clearance
- A 3-foot clear space around the circumference of a hydrant.· 2025 CFC 507.5.5
- FDC sign
- Raised letters at least 1 inch high naming the system.· 2025 CFC 912.5
Installation of Fire Protection Systems
36% of the exam- Torque
- 7 to 14 lb-ft for a 1/2 inch NPT joint; 10 to 20 lb-ft for 3/4 inch.· Manufacturer data sheet (Tyco TFP690)
- Dry system air test
- 40 psi for 24 hours with less than 1.5 psi loss.· Idaho State Fire Marshal acceptance checklist
- Pump room
- Kept above 40 F.· 2025 CFC 913.3
- Pump valves
- Suction, discharge and bypass valves supervised open; test outlet supervised closed.· 2025 CFC 913.4
- Kitchen manual pull
- 42 to 48 inches above the floor, 10 to 20 feet from the exhaust system.· 2025 CFC 904.14.1
- Agent container
- Refill or replace at more than 5% weight loss or 10% pressure loss.· 2025 CFC 904.10.2
Maintenance and Repair of Fire Protection Systems
9% of the exam- Written report
- The contractor gives the owner and the local fire authority a written report of test and maintenance results.· 2025 CFC 901.6 (Title 19 text)
- Private hydrants
- Inspected annually and after each operation; flow tested annually.· 2025 CFC 507.5.3
- Fire watch after hot work
- At least 30 minutes after the work ends.· 2025 CFC 3504.2.1
- Modification threshold
- More than 20 sprinklers needs drawings, calculations and an isolated test.· George Mason University inspection guide
- Maintenance duty
- Systems are maintained operative at all times and repaired where defective.· 2025 CFC 901.6
- Tampering
- Unlawful except to fight fire, train, recharge, repair or with approval.· 2025 CFC 901.8
Safety
21% of the exam- High heat
- A ten-minute net cool-down rest every two hours at 95 F or above.· Title 8 section 3395
- Respirators
- The employer provides suitable respirators and a respiratory protection program.· Title 8 section 5144
- Anchorage
- At least 5,000 pounds per employee attached.· Title 8 section 1670
- Extinguishers
- 2A per 3,000 square feet or fraction; travel distance no more than 75 feet.· Title 8 section 1922
- Spoil
- Keep materials at least 2 feet from the edge of an excavation.· Title 8 section 1541
- Attendant
- Remains outside the permit space until relieved by another attendant.· Title 8 section 1958
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