CAT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CAT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What does SIA ANSI/SIA CP-01 specifically address in the alarm industry? → Control panel features and functions designed to reduce false alarms
2. A customer insists their alarm system is defective even after you have verified it is working correctly. How should you respond? → Calmly review your findings with them and invite them to observe a system test
3. When testing a heat detector's fixed-temperature rating, which tool is the safest and most recommended method? → A listed heat detector test instrument (heat gun)
4. A customer wants to add a second keypad in their garage but the existing wire run is too short. What is the correct approach? → Run a new dedicated home run wire from the panel to the garage
5. Which code governs the installation of fire alarm systems in commercial buildings in the United States? → NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code)
6. What is a key reason to review the customer's contact list and passcode information during each service visit? → To ensure the monitoring center has current information to avoid failed notifications
7. Which state-level license type is most commonly required to install security alarm systems in the US? → Alarm contractor or burglar alarm installer license
8. When using a powder-actuated fastening tool on a fire alarm installation job, what PPE is mandatory per OSHA? → Safety glasses and hearing protection at minimum, with a face shield recommended
9. During a periodic maintenance visit, a technician finds that a door contact sensor fails to trigger the alarm. What is the FIRST step? → Inspect the magnet alignment and gap distance
10. Which behavior demonstrates professionalism during an on-site customer service call? → Wearing a company uniform, introducing yourself, and presenting ID before entering
11. Which tool is most appropriate for verifying that a passive infrared (PIR) motion detector is properly detecting motion across its coverage area? → Walk-test mode on the control panel with technician present
12. Which maintenance task helps prevent nuisance alarms caused by spider webs or insect intrusion on a PIR detector? → Clean the detector lens and housing with a soft, dry cloth on each maintenance visit
13. A retail store's alarm system is tripping during business hours when employees open a specific emergency exit door. What is the correct fix? → Program an extended entry delay or use a shunt key switch on that door zone
14. What is the standard test that verifies a dual-technology (PIR + microwave) motion detector requires BOTH technologies to trigger before activating the zone? → Single-technology activation test — confirm one technology alone does NOT trip the zone
15. If a technician is tasked with installing an alarm system in a warehouse with multiple entry points, what should they prioritize? → Placing sensors at all potential entry points and high-risk areas.
16. A glass break detector mounted on a ceiling consistently produces false alarms. What maintenance action should be taken FIRST? → Reposition or re-angle the detector to reduce sensitivity to HVAC noise
17. Why is shielded cable recommended for alarm keypad wiring? → To reduce electromagnetic interference that could cause false signals
18. During a fire alarm system inspection, a technician finds that a pull station is obstructed by a recently installed shelving unit. What must be done? → Document it and inform the customer that the obstruction must be removed to meet code
19. Which of the following is the primary purpose of an end-of-line (EOL) resistor in a wired alarm system? → To complete the circuit and prevent false alarms.
20. What tone is most appropriate when calling a customer to inform them of a missed payment affecting their monitoring service? → Professional, factual, and non-judgmental while explaining the impact on service
21. Why must alarm wiring avoid running parallel to fluorescent light fixtures? → Fluorescent ballasts emit EMI that can induce false signals in nearby alarm wiring
22. What causes voltage drop in long alarm wiring runs? → Wire resistance increases with length, reducing voltage at the device
23. In which situation must a certified alarm technician obtain a permit before installing a system? → For a commercial system in a newly constructed building
24. Which communication approach is best when a technician needs to explain a complex system feature to a non-technical customer? → Explain the feature using simple, everyday language and analogies.
25. What is the recommended supervision interval for a wireless alarm sensor to confirm it is still communicating with the panel? → Every 60–240 minutes depending on manufacturer specification
26. Per NFPA 72, the 'candela' rating of a strobe determines: → Its light output intensity used to ensure visibility across the required coverage area
27. What is the purpose of the 'dialer test' or 'communication test' performed during alarm system maintenance? → To confirm the system can successfully transmit a signal to the central monitoring station
28. What does a high resistance reading on a normally closed (NC) detection loop indicate during a maintenance check? → A loose wire connection or corroded terminal
29. What is a Class B wiring configuration in a fire alarm system? → A single wire run with an EOL device — an open fault disables devices beyond the break
30. What is UL 681 the standard for? → Installation and classification of burglar and holdup alarm systems