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NEW JERSEY BURGLAR ALARM CONTRACTOR
PRACTICE EXAM Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
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1. Which of the following best describes voltage? A) The rate of flow of electric charge B) The force that pushes electric charge through a conductor C) The opposition to the flow of current D) The rate at which energy is used Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Voltage (measured in volts) is the potential difference
or "electrical pressure" that pushes current through a circuit.
2. Ohm's Law states that: A) Voltage = Current × Resistance B) Current = Voltage × Resistance C) Resistance = Current / Voltage D) Power = Voltage × Current Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Ohm's Law is the fundamental relationship among
voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R): V = I × R.
3. In a simple burglar alarm circuit with a door sensor, the sensor is typically wired in: A) A parallel circuit B) A series circuit C) A three-phase circuit D) A multi-branch circuit Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Most door sensors are placed in series with the zone
circuit and an end-of-line (EOL) resistor. This setup allows the
control panel to detect opens or shorts in that series loop.
4. A burglar alarm circuit is found to have a lower resistance than expected. This is often referred to as: A) An open circuit B) A short circuit C) A load circuit D) A high-impedance circuit Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A short circuit happens when the circuit path has very
little or no resistance, causing excessive current flow. In alarm
terminology, a short can trigger a fault or alarm condition.
5. Which unit of measurement is used to quantify electrical current? A) Volts (V) B) Ohms (Ω) C) Amperes (A) D) Watts (W)
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: An infinite or very high ohm reading typically indicates
no continuity—an open in the circuit.
9. The total current in a parallel circuit: A) Is the same through each branch B) Is divided among the parallel branches C) Is zero if any branch is open D) Cannot exceed the smallest resistor's current Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In parallel circuits, the total current splits among the
branches according to each branch's resistance.
10. Which device measures electrical voltage? A) Ohmmeter B) Voltmeter C) Ammeter D) Wattmeter Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A voltmeter is used to measure the potential difference
(voltage) across two points in a circuit.
Section 2: Alarm System Components & Operation
11. What is the primary purpose of a burglar alarm system? A) To prevent fire damage B) To detect unauthorized entry and alert occupants or authorities
C) To monitor air quality D) To provide lighting control Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The main goal of a burglar alarm system is to detect
unauthorized access and alert property owners or authorities.
12. Which component is responsible for managing zones and reporting system status? A) Motion detector B) Control panel C) Siren D) Power supply Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The control panel is the "brain" of the system,
managing zone inputs, system arming/disarming, and reporting
system status and alarms.
13. What does "normally closed" (NC) mean in a contact circuit? A) Circuit is open when secure B) Circuit is open when alarmed C) Circuit is closed when secure D) Circuit is always open Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In NC circuits, the contact is closed under normal
(secure) conditions; opening the circuit triggers the alarm.
17. What is the function of a backup battery in a burglar alarm panel? A) Provide increased voltage for more powerful alarms B) Protect the circuit from overload C) Ensure the system can operate during power outages D) Provide additional zones for expansion Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The backup battery ensures the alarm system remains
powered if main AC power is lost, maintaining security coverage.
18. Which type of sensor detects the sound frequency of breaking glass? A) PIR sensor B) Magnetic contact C) Acoustic glass break sensor D) Smoke detector Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Acoustic sensors detect the specific sound frequency of
breaking glass.
19. What is the purpose of a tamper switch on an alarm device? A) Reduce false alarms B) Detect unauthorized opening or removal of the device C) Signal fire only D) Reset the system Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Tamper switches alert the monitoring station if a
device is opened or removed from its mounting.
20. A "supervised zone" in a burglar alarm system means: A) Monitored by a security guard B) Monitored only during business hours C) The control panel continuously monitors the circuit for faults (open, short, ground) D) A zone with motion detectors only Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A supervised zone signals trouble if wiring is cut,
shorted, or tampered with, ensuring the integrity of the circuit is
maintained.
Section 3: Monitoring, Communication & Central Stations
21. What is the primary purpose of a central alarm monitoring station? A) To install alarm systems B) To respond to customer service inquiries C) To receive signals from alarm systems and notify authorities D) To conduct fire safety inspections Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The central monitoring station's main function is to
monitor alarms and notify emergency responders when triggered.
22. What is the maximum response time typically required for a monitored alarm signal to be acted upon in New Jersey? A) 1 minute B) 3 minutes C) 5 minutes D) 10 minutes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Cellular communicators send alarm signals to central
stations using cellular networks, providing a backup or primary
path when phone lines are unavailable.
26. What is the difference between a local and a monitored alarm system? A) Local alarms connect to the internet B) Local alarms are battery-powered C) Monitored systems notify a central station; local alarms sound only on-site D) No difference Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Monitored systems communicate with a central station
which contacts authorities, whereas local alarms only alert
occupants or neighbors with audible/visual devices.
Section 4: New Jersey Regulations & Licensing
27. In New Jersey, alarm monitoring companies and contractors must be licensed by which authority? A) Department of Fire Safety B) New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs C) NJ Police Department D) NJ Fire Prevention Bureau Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Alarm monitoring companies operate under licenses
issued by the Division of Consumer Affairs through the Fire Alarm,
Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee.
28. Which NJ law primarily governs alarm system licensing and operation? A) NJ Fire Safety Code B) NJ Electrical Code C) NJ Burglar and Fire Alarm Licensing Act (P.L.1997, c.305) D) NJ Telecommunications Act Correct Answer: C Explanation: The Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Act (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-23 et seq.) sets standards for alarm system companies and technicians . 29. What is the surety bond amount required for a New Jersey alarm contractor license? A) $5, B) $10, C) $25, D) $50, Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Licensees must maintain a surety bond in favor of the
State of New Jersey in the sum of $10,000, conditioned on faithful
performance of the provisions of the act.
30. How many questions are on the NJ Burglar Alarm Examination? A) 25 B) 50 C) 75 D) 100 Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Burglar Alarm Examination consists of 50
questions.
34. According to NJ law, what must an alarm business maintain regarding emergency services? A) A PO Box B) An emergency service number attended to on a 24-hour basis C) A website D) A physical office in every county Correct Answer: B Explanation: Licensees must maintain an emergency service number attended to on a 24 - hour basis and respond appropriately to emergencies . 35. Which of the following exams must be taken on the same day as the Burglar Alarm Exam (for first-time applicants)? A) Only the Business & Law Exam B) Only the Electronic Security Systems Exam C) Both the Electronic Security Systems Exam and the Business & Law Exam D) No other exams Correct Answer: C Explanation: For first-time applicants, all three portions must be taken on the same day: (1) Fire/Burglar Alarm Exam, (2) Electronic Security Systems Exam, and (3) Business & Law Exam .
Section 5: Installation, Wiring & Best Practices
36. What is the maximum voltage typically allowed for low-voltage burglar alarm circuits? A) 120 V AC B) 240 V AC C) 24 V DC D) 48 V DC Correct Answer: C Explanation: Alarm circuits are considered low-voltage and generally operate at 12– 24 V DC for safety .
37. When installing a magnetic contact on a door, the gap between the magnet and switch should generally not exceed: A) 1 inch B) 1/2 inch C) 2 inches D) 3/4 inch Correct Answer: B Explanation: Exceeding the manufacturer's recommended gap (typically 1/2 inch) can cause false alarms or failure to detect entry . 38. Which wiring technique helps prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) in alarm wiring? A) Using unshielded cable B) Using shielded twisted-pair cable C) Running wires parallel to power lines D) Using thin gauge wire Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Shielded cables help reduce EMI/RFI by blocking
external electrical noise from affecting signal integrity.
39. Which section of the NEC is most relevant to low-voltage wiring for burglar alarms? A) Article 250 (Grounding) B) Article 300 (Wiring methods) C) Article 700 (Emergency systems) D) Article 110 (Installation requirements) Correct Answer: B Explanation: Article 300 covers wiring methods, materials, and installation practices for low-voltage systems like burglar alarms .
indicates thicker wire; 16 AWG is thicker than 20, 22, or 24 AWG
and has lower resistance for longer runs.
Section 6: Troubleshooting & System Testing
43. When an alarm control panel displays a "zone fault," which condition is most likely indicated? A) The zone circuit is shorted or open B) The control panel has lost AC power C) The battery is fully charged D) The phone line is functioning normally Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A zone fault typically indicates a problem with the
zone wiring, such as an open circuit, short circuit, or ground fault.
44. What is a common cause of false alarms in burglar systems? A) Proper device installation B) Environmental factors like strong airflow, pets, or electrical interference C) Regular system testing D) Adequate maintenance Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Environmental disturbances such as airflow, vibrations,
pets, or electrical interference are frequent sources of false alarms.
45. How often should backup batteries in burglar alarm systems typically be replaced? A) Every 6 months B) Every 3-5 years, or as specified by manufacturer
C) Every 10 years D) Only when faulty Correct Answer: B Explanation: Batteries generally last 3-5 years and should be replaced according to manufacturer recommendations to ensure reliability .
46. Which diagnostic tool is used to measure voltage, resistance, and continuity in alarm wiring? A) Cable tester B) Oscilloscope C) Multimeter D) Clamp meter Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A multimeter measures voltage (AC/DC), resistance
(ohms), and continuity, making it essential for alarm system
troubleshooting.
47. During system testing, what is the significance of simulating alarm conditions? A) To entertain the installer B) To verify system responsiveness and proper operation of all components C) To calibrate detection devices D) To adjust power supplies Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Simulating alarms ensures that all components
respond correctly and that the system functions as intended.
Section 7: Fire Alarm Integration & Special Topics
51. In a series circuit with three 4-ohm resistors and a 12-volt power supply, what is the total current? A) 0.5 A B) 1.0 A C) 3.0 A D) 9.0 A Correct Answer: B Explanation: Total resistance = 4+4+4 = 12 ohms. Current = V/R = 12V/12Ω = 1. ampere. 52. A 22 AWG wire has a higher resistance per foot than a 16 AWG wire. A) True B) False Correct Answer: A
Explanation: In AWG, smaller gauge numbers indicate thicker wire
with lower resistance. 22 AWG is thinner than 16 AWG, so it has
higher resistance per foot.
53. What is the voltage drop across a 100-foot run of 22 AWG wire carrying 0. amps, if the resistance is 1.6 ohms per 100 feet? A) 0.16 V B) 0.32 V C) 1.6 V D) 3.2 V Correct Answer: B Explanation: Voltage drop = Current × Resistance = 0.2 A × 1.6 Ω = 0.32 volts.
54. A ground fault in an alarm system occurs when: A) Positive conductor touches negative conductor B) A conductor touches earth ground or the metallic enclosure C) The battery is disconnected D) The phone line is cut Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A ground fault is an unintended electrical connection
between a conductor and the earth or grounded metal enclosure,
which can cause false alarms or system malfunctions.
55. Which tool would you use to verify the polarity of a DC power supply? A) Ohmmeter B) Voltmeter (DC mode) C) Clamp meter D) Tone generator Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A voltmeter set to DC mode measures voltage
magnitude and polarity, allowing you to confirm which lead is
positive and which is negative.
56. If the resistance of a zone loop is measured at 1.2 kΩ but the end-of-line resistor is 2.2 kΩ, what is the most likely condition? A) Normal secure condition B) Short circuit C) Open circuit D) An additional resistor or device is in parallel Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Lower-than-expected resistance suggests an extra
parallel path, such as another resistor, moisture, or partial short.
