Underground Fire Mains

Effective March 17, 2026 the updated UFM exams are available. The older 2019 versions will be phased out. Those who have been taking and trying to pass the older exams will have until May 31, 2026, to finish taking the older exams. New requests will be processed for the new exam. If you specifically need the older exam, please reply to your confirmation email immediately after submitting your request indicating you would like the older version. Note that the old exam must be TAKEN before May 31, even if you submit your request in the middle of May. If you use an older NFPA standard on the newer exam, CSA cannot be responsible for changed criteria, changed references, or not passing an exam. However, there were few changes between the code editions. The new Study Guide 2025 has been updated with new study materials. The new study guide can be used with the older exam.

UFM2- Private Fire Service Mains (Underground)

Review important information on the "Test Info" page common to all exams and about marking / tagging your study material.

This assessment is intended for those who install underground fire service mains such as lead-in to building, or fire mains with hydrants. This may include general contractors, utility contractors, or fire sprinkler contractors.

The assessment covers NFPA 24 in addition to general math concepts for evaluating friction loss and its impact on a system. The study guide provides examples of how to evaluate the proper pipe size based on flow and friction loss. Often there is little coordination between civil engineering documents and the demand and sizing of the sprinkler contractor. It is important for contractors to understand basic concepts of friction loss to know what questions to ask and help to ensure the proper pipe is selected. The exam also covers trench safety and OSHA criteria.

Exam Fee:

Application Fee: None

UFM2- Private Fire Service Mains (Underground) $190 / each attempt

Books Required:

NFPA 24, 2024 Edition (previous 2019)
Updated exams to the 2025 edition of NFPA 24 are ready. Review information at top of page.

Important Concepts:

The following lists some but not all materials covered on exams.

Calculating size of thrust blocks
Bury depth of pipe based on conditions
Understanding friction loss and pipe sizing
Valves and locations
Pressure ratings
OSHA trench Safety

Documents Required from Our Site:

Download and print these pdf documents. (click link)

UFM4- Private Fire Service Mains Business Representative

Exam Fee:

Application Fee: None

UFM4- Private Fire Service Mains Business Representative $200 / each attempt

Books Required:

NFPA 24, 2025 Edition (previous 2019)
Updated exams to the 2025 edition of NFPA 24 are ready. Review information at top of page.

Review important information on the "Test Info" page common to all exams and about marking / tagging your study material.

This assessment is generally intended for business owners / representatives of a company who install underground fire service mains such as lead-in to building, or fire mains with hydrants. This may include general contractors, utility contractors, or fire sprinkler contractors. This exam is longer and slightly harder than the UFM2 as it is intended for individuals responsible for their installers.

The assessment covers NFPA 24 in addition to general math concepts for evaluating friction loss and its impact on a system. This exam also includes concepts of fire pumps and how they impact pressures / flows in a system. The study guide provides examples of how to evaluate the proper pipe size based on flow and friction loss, as well as pressure ratings. Often there is little coordination between civil engineering documents and the demand and sizing of the sprinkler contractor. It is important for contractors to understand basic concepts of friction loss to know what questions to ask and help to ensure the proper pipe is selected. The exam also covers trench safety and OSHA criteria.

Important Concepts:

The following lists some but not all materials covered on exams.

Calculating size of thrust blocks
Bury depth of pipe based on conditions
Understanding friction loss and pipe sizing
Valves and locations
Pressure ratings
Fire pump and pressures on underground piping for coordination of pressure ratings
OSHA trench Safety

Documents Required from Our Site:

Download and print these pdf documents. (click on link)

OSHA Resources:

These are NOT allowed in exams. (click link)

Other Optional Study Material:

This material is not allowed in the test, but may be used to better understand and/or study.

Recommended study / book for learning calculations is "Fire Protection Hydraulics and Water Supply Analysis" by Pat Brock, latest edition. Available New. Used copies are also available online. First edition through third edition are all great resources. (Do not confuse with "Fire Service Hydraulics and Water Supply - not same book)

NFPA documents can be purchased from the National Fire Protection Association at www.NFPA.org. You can purchase hard copies and have them mailed to you. We recommend using NFPA handbooks when available as they contain the full standard along with additional useful images, commentary, and explanations. Before ordering, make sure you know what edition (Year) that you need. International Building and Fire Code Handbooks do not contain code content and are not recommended for CSA exams.