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. During inspection of a two-wire smoke detector circuit, the technician reads 0 V across the loop. What is the most likely cause? → An open circuit or broken wire on the loop
2. When testing motion detectors after installation, which environmental condition must the technician account for? → Heat sources or HVAC drafts that could cause false alarms
3. Which conductor material has the highest electrical conductivity per unit cross-section? → Copper
4. A customer asks a CAT-certified technician to bypass a smoke detector during construction without documenting the impairment. What is the correct response? → Refuse; impairments must be documented and the AHJ and monitoring company notified
5. A duct smoke detector is primarily installed to: → Shut down HVAC systems to prevent smoke from spreading through ductwork
6. A technician measures 8.2 ohms on one leg and 8.5 ohms on the return leg of a zone loop. What does this indicate? → Normal balanced resistance consistent with equal conductor lengths
7. A photoelectric beam detector triggers an alarm by: → Detecting an interruption of an infrared beam projected between a transmitter and receiver
8. Which tool is used to locate studs behind drywall when planning alarm device mounting locations? → Electronic stud finder
9. When terminating stranded wire to a screw terminal on a control panel, what preparation step is critical? → Twist the strands tightly together to prevent stray wires from causing shorts
10. A panel's event log shows repeated 'AC restore' and 'AC fail' events every few seconds. What does this pattern most likely indicate? → A failing transformer with marginal output voltage
11. Under what circumstance is a Type II (side-entry) hard hat required instead of a Type I hard hat? → When lateral impact protection is needed in addition to top impact protection
12. When installing a tamper switch on a valve supervisory device, the tamper circuit is monitored on: → A separate supervisory zone so the panel distinguishes tamper from alarm
13. Which skill is most important for success in Preventive Maintenance Procedures within Certified Alarm Technician Level I? → Continuous learning and adaptation
14. Which property of a material describes its ability to return to its original shape after being bent or stretched? → Elasticity
15. What does NFPA 72 require regarding the spacing of heat detectors in a standard ceiling height room? → Detectors must not exceed a listed spacing, typically 50 ft between units
16. Which NFPA 72 table governs the inspection, testing, and maintenance frequency for manual pull stations? → Table 14.3.1
17. What is the purpose of an anti-masking feature in a passive infrared motion detector? → It detects attempts to cover or block the detector and triggers a tamper alarm
18. A label printer is considered an essential tool for alarm technicians because it: → Creates permanent, legible wire and component identification labels
19. Which respiratory hazard is MOST commonly encountered by alarm technicians drilling into older commercial buildings built before 1980? → Silica and asbestos-containing materials
20. What is the function of the panel's auxiliary power output (AUX) terminals? → To power sensors and low-current devices from the panel
21. Which scale would provide the MOST detail for a fire alarm device layout in a small equipment room? → 1" = 1'-0"
22. Which principle underpins Total Quality Management (TQM) in Certified Alarm Technician Level I? → Everyone in the organization is responsible for quality
23. A technician performs a walk test on a motion detector and the panel does not register activation in three passes. The most likely cause is: → The detector is not aimed correctly, is obstructed, or the zone wiring has a fault
24. Which security measure helps prevent false alarms? → Multi-factor authentication
25. What is the correct drill bit type to use when drilling through masonry or concrete for alarm system wire penetrations? → Carbide-tipped masonry bit
26. A technician measures 13.8 VDC at the panel but only 11.2 VDC at the last detector on a long run. What is the most likely cause? → Excessive voltage drop due to wire resistance
27. Which type of conduit fitting must be used when transitioning rigid metal conduit (RMC) into a metal enclosure to protect wiring from sharp edges? → A conduit bushing or insulated throat fitting
28. In a Class A (Style D) initiating device circuit, what distinguishes it from a Class B circuit? → It requires a return path so the panel can detect a wire break beyond the break point
29. What is the primary goal of quality assurance in Certified Alarm Technician Level I? → Ensuring consistent standards and continuous improvement
30. Which of the following wiring faults would a single EOL resistor supervised circuit FAIL to detect? → A second EOL resistor added in parallel