
FLSD Practice Test
Updated for October 2026What changed for the FDNY F-89 / T-89 Fire Life Safety Director exam in 2026
- Who needs it: FDNY requires a Fire and Life Safety Director in any commercial building that must file a Comprehensive Fire Safety and Emergency Action Plan โ in general every high-rise office building, hotel, or building with a voluntarily installed fire alarm with two-way voice communication โ on premises during regular business hours; the F-89 is valid only for the named person at the specific building. (source)
- Pathway (2026): complete the 31-hour FDNY-approved FLSD course (20-hour General Topics & Fire Emergency + 11-hour Non-Fire Emergency/EAP including the 4-hour Active Shooter and Medical Emergency Preparedness module) โ pass the N-85 fire-component computer exam โ pass the Z-89 non-fire computer exam โ receive a Certificate of Completion โ pass the F-89 (or T-89) On-Site Exam at your building. (source)
- Computer exam format: N-85 has 120 multiple-choice questions in 186 minutes; Z-89 has 55 multiple-choice questions in 83 minutes; both are touch-screen exams at FDNY Headquarters (9 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn), must be scheduled online, and require a passing score of at least 70%. (source)
- Fees: $25 application fee per computer-based exam (payable again on a retake); F-89 On-Site Exam $750 and T-89 On-Site Exam $445 (invoiced to the building; overtime evening/Saturday exams cost extra); $25 card issuance fee after passing; 2% convenience fee on card payments. (source)
- Deadlines: the school diploma is valid 9 months to take N-85; the N-85 passing letter is valid 9 months to take Z-89; the Z-89 letter 12 months; the Certificate of Completion is valid one year and is not renewable โ the first On-Site Exam should be scheduled within 6 months of receiving it. Only the building's authorized personnel can request the On-Site Exam, online on FDNY Business (email requests are no longer accepted). (source)
- On-site exam grading: at least 70% overall, all mandatory (building-specific practical) questions passed and no more than one important question failed; the F-89 on-site exam averages 4-5 hours, the T-89 about 3.5 hours. (source)
- Validity and renewal: the F-89 Certificate of Fitness is valid 3 years and renewable online; renewal fee $15 (from 90 days before to 90 days after expiration), $25 late penalty up to one year after expiration, after which it cannot be renewed; new applications are reviewed within 1-2 days. The T-89 temporary certificate may be valid up to 3 years but only at a premises whose Comprehensive FS/EAP has not yet been accepted by FDNY. (source) (source)
- Legacy certificates: under Fire Rule 3 RCNY ยง113-02(f), effective 03/01/2020, the F-59/F-25/F-58/F-85 certificates are no longer valid or renewable; holders must qualify for T-89/F-89 and get no waiver of the 31-hour course or N-85/Z-89 exams. Holding F-89/T-89 at three or more locations requires a variance application with a $200 fee. (source)
Last verified: September 17, 2026 against the FDNY (New York City Fire Department) F-89/T-89 Certificate of Fitness pages and Notice of Exam.
The FLSD license is mandatory for high-rise buildings in NYC. Our resources help you pass the F 89 FDNY exams, including both the fire and non-fire components required for full FLSD certification.
If you are searching for a fdny FLSD test questions and answers, start with the free questions on this page: every answer comes with an explanation, and the study notes below cover the FLSD exam topics in order.
Government and public-sector job candidates can also prepare with our firefighter practice test 2026, which covers the same reasoning, reading comprehension, and situational judgment sections used in official exams.

FLSD Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the FLSD - Fire Life Safety Director exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
FLSD Active Shooter Medical Emergencies
FLSD Exam Questions covering Active Shooter Medical Emergencies. Master FLSD Test concepts for certification prep.
FLSD Building Systems and Elevators
Free FLSD Practice Test featuring Building Systems and Elevators. Improve your FLSD Exam score with mock test prep.
FLSD Building Systems Oversight
FLSD Mock Exam on Building Systems Oversight. FLSD Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
FLSD Conducting Training and Drills
FLSD Test Prep for Conducting Training and Drills. Practice FLSD Quiz questions and boost your score.
FLSD Emergency Preparedness
FLSD Questions and Answers on Emergency Preparedness. Free FLSD practice for exam readiness.
FLSD Emergency Response
FLSD Mock Test covering Emergency Response. Online FLSD Test practice with instant feedback.
FLSD Evacuation of Persons with Disabiliti...
Free FLSD Quiz on Evacuation of Persons with Disabilities and Areas of Rescue Assistance. FLSD Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
FLSD Fire Alarm Systems
FLSD Practice Questions for Fire Alarm Systems. Build confidence for your FLSD certification exam.
FLSD Fire Command Station and Building Eme...
FLSD Test Online for Fire Command Station and Building Emergency Communication Systems. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
FLSD Fire Emergency Procedures
FLSD Study Material on Fire Emergency Procedures. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
FLSD - Fire Life Safety Director Safety Em...
Free FLSD Test covering - Fire Life Safety Director Safety Emergency Response. Practice and track your FLSD exam readiness.
FLSD Fire Suppression Systems
FLSD Exam Questions covering Fire Suppression Systems. Master FLSD Test concepts for certification prep.
FLSD Documentation and Regulatory Compliance
Free FLSD Practice Test featuring FLSD Documentation and Regulatory Compliance. Improve your FLSD Exam score with mock test prep.
FLSD Fire Prevention and Inspection
FLSD Mock Exam on FLSD Fire Prevention and Inspection. FLSD Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
FLSD Hazardous Materials Awareness and Eme...
FLSD Test Prep for Hazardous Materials Awareness and Emergency Response. Practice FLSD Quiz questions and boost your score.
FLSD High-Rise Fire Behavior and Smoke Con...
FLSD Questions and Answers on High-Rise Fire Behavior and Smoke Control. Free FLSD practice for exam readiness.
FLSD Non-Fire Emergency Response
FLSD Mock Test covering Non-Fire Emergency Response. Online FLSD Test practice with instant feedback.
FLSD Safety Emergency Response
Free FLSD Quiz on Safety Emergency Response. FLSD Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
FLSD Staff Training and Drills
FLSD Practice Questions for Staff Training and Drills. Build confidence for your FLSD certification exam.
FLSD Training and Communication
FLSD Test Online for Training and Communication. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
FLSD Fire Life Conducting Training and Dri...
FLSD Study Material on Fire Life Conducting Training and Drills Questions and Answers. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
FLSD Fire Life Safety Emergency Response
Free FLSD Test covering Fire Life Safety Emergency Response. Practice and track your FLSD exam readiness.
FLSD Active Shooter Medical Emergencies Qu...
FLSD Exam Questions covering Active Shooter Medical Emergencies Questions and Answers. Master FLSD Test concepts for certification prep.
FLSD Building Systems and Elevators Questi...
Free FLSD Practice Test featuring Building Systems and Elevators Questions and Answers. Improve your FLSD Exam score with mock test prep.
FLSD Building Systems Oversight Questions ...
FLSD Mock Exam on Building Systems Oversight Questions and Answers. FLSD Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
FLSD Emergency Preparedness Questions and ...
FLSD Test Prep for Emergency Preparedness Questions and Answers. Practice FLSD Quiz questions and boost your score.
FLSD Emergency Response Questions and Answers
FLSD Questions and Answers on Emergency Response Questions and Answers. Free FLSD practice for exam readiness.
FLSD Fire Alarm Systems Questions and Answers
FLSD Mock Test covering Fire Alarm Systems Questions and Answers. Online FLSD Test practice with instant feedback.
FLSD Fire Emergency Procedures Questions a...
Free FLSD Quiz on Fire Emergency Procedures Questions and Answers. FLSD Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
FLSD Non-Fire Emergency Response Questions...
FLSD Practice Questions for Non-Fire Emergency Response Questions and Answers. Build confidence for your FLSD certification exam.
FLSD Certification Flashcards
Quick review for your Fire Safety Director exam
๐What is the primary duty of an FLSD during a fire alarm?
The primary duty is to report to the Fire Command Station and coordinate emergency response procedures with building staff and first responders.
START FLSD PRACTICE TEST๐ขHow often must FLSDs conduct fire drills in office buildings?
FLSDs must conduct fire drills quarterly for the first two years of a building's certificate of occupancy and semi-annually thereafter.
REVIEW FLSD QUESTIONS๐What is Phase 1 Elevator Recall?
Phase 1 Elevator Recall automatically returns elevators to the designated lobby or sky lobby when a smoke detector activates in an elevator lobby.
TRY FLSD MOCK EXAM๐ขWho is authorized to give the "All Clear" signal?
Only the FDNY Incident Commander on the scene is authorized to give the All Clear signal to allow re-entry or reset alarms.
ACCESS FLSD STUDY GUIDE๐What does CIMS stand for in emergency management?
CIMS stands for Citywide Incident Management System which integrates command structures during major emergencies in NYC.
GET FLSD EXAM PREP๐What is the minimum passing score for the FDNY written exams?
The minimum passing score for both the N-85 fire component and Z-89 non-fire component computer-based exams is 70 percent.
PRACTICE FLSD TEST NOWFLSD Exam Study Guide
Our comprehensive FLSD study guide breaks down essential information for the Fire Safety Director certification. Use these tabs to explore test basics, formatting, and key requirements for the F89 license.
FLSD Score Calculator
Total Scored Questions
150
105 out of 150 correct
70%
Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)
How to Become a FLSD
WK
1-2Training31-Hour Course
WK
3-6Written N-85 & Z-89
MNTH
2-3On-Site Practical Exam
Goal Certified F
-89 License
- Meet Requirements - Ensure you meet age and experience requirements for FLSD training.
- Enroll in FLSD Course - Complete the 31-hour FDNY-accredited Fire Safety Director course.
- Pass N-85 Exam - Take the Fire Component computer-based exam (120 questions) at FDNY Headquarters, 9 MetroTech Center.
- Pass Z-89 Exam - Take the Non-Fire Component computer-based exam (55 questions) within 9 months of passing N-85.
- Apply for On-Site - Submit application for the on-site test at your building.
- Pass On-Site Exam - Demonstrate practical skills to an FDNY inspector.
- Receive F-89 - Obtain your official Certificate of Fitness.
While the initial investment for FLSD certification is significant, many employers or unions (like 32BJ Fire Safety Director program) may cover training and exam costs for eligible members.

FLSD Test Day Checklist
- โGovernment Issued ID
- โCourse Completion Letter
- โAppointment Confirmation
- โApplication Fee (Credit/Debit)
- โFLSD Study Guide Notes
- โEmployer Recommendation (On-Site)
- โBuilding Plan (On-Site)
- โConfidence!
Ready to Pass Your FLSD Exam?
Get started with our free practice questions and comprehensive study guide. Master the Fire Life Safety Director exam today!
FLSD Renewal Requirements
Validity
3 Years
Fee
$15.00
To renew your Fire Safety Director license, you must complete an FDNY-approved continuing education course and submit your renewal application before your current F89 Certificate expires.
- +Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
- +Increases job market competitiveness
- +Provides structured learning goals
- +Networking opportunities with other certified professionals
- โStudy materials can be expensive
- โExam anxiety can affect performance
- โRequires dedicated preparation time
- โRetake fees apply if you don't pass
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Validates your knowledge and skills objectively | Study materials can be expensive |
| Increases job market competitiveness | Exam anxiety can affect performance |
| Provides structured learning goals | Requires dedicated preparation time |
| Networking opportunities with other certified professionals | Retake fees apply if you don't pass |
Sample FLSD - Fire Life Safety Director Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free FLSD - Fire Life Safety Director practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
During a fire alarm activation, what is the primary responsibility of the Fire Life Safety Director (FLSD) from the Fire Command Center *before* the fire department arrives?
- A. Personally proceed to the fire floor to extinguish the fire.
- B. Operate the fire alarm control panel, implement the Fire Safety Plan, and communicate with building occupants.
- C. Silence and reset the alarm system immediately to prevent panic.
- D. Evacuate the Fire Command Center and direct operations from outside the building.
Answer: B. Operate the fire alarm control panel, implement the Fire Safety Plan, and communicate with building occupants.
The FLSD's primary role is to manage the incident from the Fire Command Center. This includes operating the FACP, using the communication systems to provide instructions to occupants, and implementing the building's approved Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan. The FLSD coordinates the emergency response within the building until the fire department arrives and takes command.
Under NYC Fire Code, how long must a Fire Safety Director retain completed Fire Safety and Evacuation Plans after they are superseded by a new version?
- A. 1 year
- B. 3 years
- C. 5 years
- D. 10 years
Answer: B. 3 years
Superseded Fire Safety and Evacuation Plans must be retained for a minimum of 3 years as required by NYC Fire Code recordkeeping rules.
When a Fire Life Safety Director receives an alarm from the building automation system (BAS) indicating a chiller plant failure during summer, what is the primary fire safety concern?
- A. Loss of cooling may cause server room overheating and potential electrical fires
- B. Chiller failures automatically trigger sprinkler systems
- C. HVAC shutdown disables all smoke detection capabilities
- D. Chiller failures require immediate building evacuation per FDNY protocol
Answer: A. Loss of cooling may cause server room overheating and potential electrical fires
Chiller failures can cause critical spaces like server rooms to overheat, creating electrical fire risks that the FLSD must monitor and mitigate.
Under NYC Fire Code, how often must a Fire Life Safety Director conduct fire drills in a high-rise office building?
- A. Once per year
- B. Twice per year
- C. Once per quarter
- D. Monthly
Answer: B. Twice per year
NYC Fire Code requires high-rise office buildings to conduct fire drills at least twice per year.
Take the full FLSD - Fire Life Safety Director practice test
Many readers pair this guide with the flsd practice test to check their readiness before exam day.
FLSD Exam Questions and Answers
Official Resources
- FDNY F-89 Certificate of Fitness (Fire and Life Safety Director) โ the official New York City Fire Department page describing eligibility, the application process, and renewal rules for the permanent F-89 certificate.
- FDNY T-89 Certificate of Fitness (Temporary FLSD) โ the FDNY page covering the temporary Fire and Life Safety Director certificate issued before a building's Comprehensive Fire Safety/Emergency Action Plan is accepted.
- FDNY (New York City Fire Department) โ the official FDNY site, where you schedule the N-85 and Z-89 computer exams and request the on-site exam through FDNY Business.
About the Author

Certified Safety Professional & OSHA Compliance Expert
Indiana University of Pennsylvania Safety SciencesDr. William Foster holds a PhD in Safety Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Certified Hazardous Materials Manager. With 20 years of occupational health and safety management experience across construction, manufacturing, and chemical industries, he coaches safety professionals through OSHA certification, CSP, CHST, and safety management licensing programs.
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