Free California Branch 1 Field Representative Written Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the California Branch 1 Field Representative Written Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1A California fumigation is ready for gas release. Who must possess the properly signed Occupant Fumigation Notice or a written or electronic copy at the fumigation site?

   1. A.The licensed fumigatorCorrect answer: A
   2. B.The company dispatcher
   3. C.The property manager
   4. D.The equipment supplier

   Explanation: California Structural Pest Control Act and Regulations states:"The properly signed form or a copy, written or electronic, thereof must be in the possession of the licensed fumigator, at the fumigation site, when the fumigant is released." An electronic copy is permitted, but the licensed fumigator must possess it at the fumigation site when gas is released.

   Reference: California Structural Pest Control Act and Regulations — 16 CCR §1970.4(a)

2. 2Before a California structural fumigation, a field representative confirms that natural gas service is off. At what point does DPR's inspection guidance require the service to be off?

   1. A.At the furnace's fan controller
   2. B.At each appliance's thermostat
   3. C.At the room's appliance switch
   4. D.At the main service valveCorrect answer: D

   Explanation: DPR Structural Fumigation Use Monitoring Inspection Procedures states:"Verify there is no source of heat or spark in the structure, and the natural gas service is off at the main service valve." Turning off appliance controls does not establish shutoff at the main service valve.

   Reference: DPR Structural Fumigation Use Monitoring Inspection Procedures — Chapter 7, requirement 6—Labeling Available/Labeling Compliance

3. 3A California fumigator verifies that the required fumigant concentration was retained during exposure. At what stage must the concentration-retention test described in BPC §8505.8 be taken?

   1. A.After the tarps are removed from the treated enclosure
   2. B.After the initial fan-assisted ventilation period ends
   3. C.Before ventilation of the treated enclosure beginsCorrect answer: C
   4. D.After the central-air ducts are ventilated and tested

   Explanation: California Structural Pest Control Act and Regulations states:"8505.8. Prior to the commencement of fumigation, the space to be fumigated shall be sealed in such manner that tests taken before ventilation is begun will show that the required concentration of the fumigant released within the space has been retained therein, in compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations." The statute calls for tests taken before ventilation, when they can show retention during exposure rather than dilution after opening.

   Reference: California Structural Pest Control Act and Regulations — BPC §8505.8

4. 4A CAP job began at 24 ounces of sulfuryl fluoride per 1,000 cubic feet. The high ambient temperature during aeration is above 40°F. What is the minimum active aeration time in CAP Table 2?

   1. A.12 hours
   2. B.16 hours
   3. C.14 hoursCorrect answer: C
   4. D.18 hours

   Explanation: California Aeration Plan for Structural Fumigations states:"TABLE 2 Determining Minimum Aeration Time Determining Minimum Aeration Time Initial Concentration of Sulfuryl Fluoride Introduced (ounces per thousand cubic feet) 16 or less 17 to 32 33 to 48 49 to 64 65 to 96 97 to 112 > 112 Minimum Aeration Time (hours)** 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 " 24 oz/1,000 ft³ falls in the 17–32 range, corresponding to 14 hours. Adjacent table rows do not control this dose.

   Reference: California Aeration Plan for Structural Fumigations — p.333—Table2, Determining Minimum Aeration Time

5. 5Before a handler first uses a required respirator, whose report does DPR N-5 require to determine whether that person can wear it safely?

   1. A.The equipment supplier's report
   2. B.The evaluating doctor's reportCorrect answer: B
   3. C.The fit-test technician's report
   4. D.The pesticide trainer's report

   Explanation: DPR Pesticide Safety Information Series N states:"The doctor must give a report to your employer (and give you a copy) about whether or not you can wear a respirator safely before you use one." A doctor's evaluation determines medical fitness before use. A fit test checks seal and fit, while equipment and safety training address other parts of the program.

   Reference: DPR Pesticide Safety Information Series N — N-5, p.18—Can Anyone Use a Respirator?

6. 6A vacant house is scheduled for structural fumigation. The owner uses a designated agent to arrange the work. Whose signature can satisfy the Occupant Fumigation Notice signature requirement?

   1. A.The fumigant distributor's sales representative
   2. B.The fumigation company's equipment supplier
   3. C.The local utility company's service technician
   4. D.The property owner's designated agentCorrect answer: D

   Explanation: California Structural Pest Control Act and Regulations states:"(a) The prime contractor for fumigation must possess an Occupant Fumigation Notice and Pesticide Disclosure form (Form number 43M-48, revised 10/2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference) signed by the occupant, if any, or owner or owner's agent of a structure." The rule expressly permits the owner or owner's agent to sign. The other job-related roles do not establish that authorization.

   Reference: California Structural Pest Control Act and Regulations — 16 CCR §1970.4(a)

7. 7A home served by SoCalGas is scheduled for fumigation. The field representative needs to arrange operation of the natural gas service shut-off valve. Who is authorized under the utility's stated rule?

   1. A.The property owner or the property manager
   2. B.The fumigation company or its field representatives
   3. C.SoCalGas or its certified contractorsCorrect answer: C
   4. D.The appliance retailer or its delivery personnel

   Explanation: SoCalGas—How to Prepare for Fumigation states:"Under the regulations of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), only SoCalGas® or its certified contractors are authorized to operate the natural gas service shut-off valve. Fumigation contractors are not authorized to perform these services." The utility-specific condition is stated in the stem; a fumigation license alone does not authorize operation of this service valve.

   Reference: SoCalGas—How to Prepare for Fumigation — How to Prepare for Fumigation—NOTE

8. 8A terminal reading is used to assess ZYTHOR treatment efficacy. At a given measured concentration for the same target pest, which additional pair of exposure variables does the label identify as determining mortality?

   1. A.Relative humidity and outdoor wind speed
   2. B.Exposure-period length and temperatureCorrect answer: B
   3. C.Enclosure volume and ground-seal condition
   4. D.Tarpaulin condition and underseal characteristics

   Explanation: ZYTHOR Gas Fumigant Label states:"Achieving target pest mortality with ZYTHOR is dependent upon the concentration of ZYTHOR present in the air the target pest is breathing. However, it is also dependent upon the length of the period of time the target pest is exposed to that concentration (exposure period) and the temperature." Exposure duration and temperature determine the lethal effect at the stated concentration. The other pairs affect enclosure conditions, gas retention, or dose planning and do not replace those direct exposure variables.

   Reference: ZYTHOR Gas Fumigant Label — Determining Doses and Exposure Periods for ZYTHOR

9. 9A CAP job used a low initial sulfuryl fluoride concentration, but the high ambient temperature for its aeration period is 35°F. What minimum aeration time does the cold-weather provision require?

   1. A.12 hours
   2. B.24 hoursCorrect answer: B
   3. C.20 hours
   4. D.16 hours

   Explanation: California Aeration Plan for Structural Fumigations states:"When the high ambient temperature for the aeration period is below 40°F at the fumigation site, a minimum of 24 hours of aeration is required." 35°F is below 40°F, so the 24-hour minimum controls even when the dose-based table would otherwise give a shorter time.

   Reference: California Aeration Plan for Structural Fumigations — p.333—Table2 footnote

10. 10A fumigator's face shape and respirator model have not changed. What routine frequency does DPR N-5 require for fit testing while respirator use continues?

    1. A.Every yearCorrect answer: A
    2. B.Every six months
    3. C.Every three months
    4. D.Every two years

    Explanation: DPR Pesticide Safety Information Series N states:"Fit testing must be done every year you have to wear a respirator, and any time there are changes to the way your face fits the respirator." Annual fit testing remains required without a fit change. Changes may trigger an additional test sooner.

    Reference: DPR Pesticide Safety Information Series N — N-5, p.19—Fit Testing