Fire Plans Examiner (F3)

The Fire Plans Examiner (F3) Exam offered by ICC is a national-level certification exam. This is intended for candidates who can submit building, site, fire protection plans and other plans. As a Fire Plans Examiner, you should be capable of reviewing and approving the plans for life safety and fire safety issues etc. Furthermore, you are required to identify the requirements for fire protection systems and permits.

Skills measured

Submitting plans
Reviewing and approving plans
Meeting requirements of Codes and Standards
Identifying demands for protection systems

Scheduling/Rescheduling the exam

In order to schedule your exam. Follow the given steps:

Login to myICC
Use your legal first and last name
Purchase the exam
Pay for the exam first before you can schedule it

Regarding rescheduling the following is to be kept in mind:

Within six-months period, you can attempt the exam six-times
After attempting the exam six-times, wait for six months from the first attempt to register again

Exam Details

Before jumping onto preparation, you should be familiar with all the necessary details regarding the exam. This helps you keep updated and hence gives a better idea of how to proceed with the preparation in accordance with the type of questions asked and the time duration. So, we have compiled such important details of the Fire Plans Examiner (F3) Exam below:

Type of questions : Multiple-choice questions
No. of questions : 60
Time allotted : 3:30 hours
Exam type : Open book
Level : National certification
Passing score : 75

For more details and any queries, visit the Fire Plans Examiner (F3) Exam FAQs

Fire Plans Examiner (F3) Course Outline

The syllabus for this exam has following sections and subsections:

Domain 1: Administration (5%)

Research and Testimony
Consultation and Explanation
Record Keeping

Domain 2: Occupancy (15%)

Occupancy Type
Type of Construction
Occupant Load
Specific Occupancy and Use Hazards
Evaluate Special Fire Protection Features

Domain 3: Hazardous Materials (30%)

Management Plan
Material Safety Data Sheets
Flammable and Combustible Liquids and Gases
Control Areas
Special Hazards
Storage of combustibles

Domain 4: Fire Protection (35%)

Water Supply for Fire Protection
Sprinklers, Standpipes, and Alternate Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems
Fire Alarm and Detection Systems
Smoke Control Systems
Portable Extinguishers

Domain 5: Egress Safety (25%)

Emergency and Standby Power
Egress Doors
Stairs, Ramps, and Balconies
Exit Access
Access to Buildings, Windows, and Roofs
Hazards to Fire Fighters

Preparation guide for the Fire Plans Examiner (F3) Exam

Fire Plans Examiner (F3) preparation guide

Familiarize yourself with the syllabus of exam

First of all, you should familiarize yourself with all the topics and subtopics that are there in the Fire Plans Examiner (F3) exam syllabus. This will help you gather a fair idea about required learning and will help you distribute your learning preparation. Also, the practical application of what you learn is really important so keep that in mind while studying. So, start your preparation with going through the syllabus thoroughly.

Explore the details of exam

Another aspect to consider before starting is to know all about the pattern of exam including details about the type and number of questions and also the time allotted. This will help you strategize your learning technique and will also help you manage your time while doing the exam.

Study resources

You can join online training programs in order to prepare for the exam. ICC offers their virtual training wherein you get to communicate with the instructor remotely. Besides, they also provide live webinars for topic-based training and also recorded online training that you can access anywhere and anytime to learn about topics of your interest.
Though, if you wish then you can also go for self-study for the exam as well. You can study with these reference books that are highly recommended: 2018 International Building Code® (Soft Cover) 2018 International Fire Code® (Soft Cover) 2016 NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems 2016 NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®

Join study groups

Joining study groups and communities can also prove to be of great help. This acts as a platform that connect professionals and beginners which in a way helps you get your queries solved and alongside, gives you the opportunity to have healthy discussions with peers from the same background. Hence, joining these groups help to keep you updated.

Practice tests

The last and the most important step of preparation is practicing questions. This has dual benefits as it helps you not only evaluate your level of preparation but also helps you boost your confidence by attempting challenging questions.
The practice tests that Testpreptraining.com offers are definitely reliable and enough to practice in order to ace the exam.
We provide unique sets of questions that are designed by professionals for you to practice and sweep smoothly.