A document developed by a committee of experts and agreed upon before publication describes which term?

• A. Standard
• B. Industry Standards
• C. Consensus Standard
• D. Model Codes

Answer: (C)

A consensus standard is a document produced through a formal process where a committee of experts and stakeholders discuss, revise, and agree on the content before it is published. This agreement before publication ensures the standard reflects a range of expert views and practical experience, giving it legitimacy and broad acceptance. That defining feature—the collective agreement of a diverse group prior to publication—is what sets it apart from other types of standards or codes. While standards can come from various organizations, the key idea here is that it results from a consensus among a committee of experts. In fire protection practice, many such standards are developed this way through organizations like NFPA, ASTM, and similar bodies.