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. A duct smoke detector is primarily installed to: → Shut down HVAC systems to prevent smoke from spreading through ductwork
2. A photoelectric beam detector triggers an alarm by: → Detecting an interruption of an infrared beam projected between a transmitter and receiver
3. Which skill is most important for success in Preventive Maintenance Procedures within Certified Alarm Technician Level I? → Continuous learning and adaptation
4. Which principle underpins Total Quality Management (TQM) in Certified Alarm Technician Level I? → Everyone in the organization is responsible for quality
5. Which security measure helps prevent false alarms? → Multi-factor authentication
6. What is the primary goal of quality assurance in Certified Alarm Technician Level I? → Ensuring consistent standards and continuous improvement
7. What is the first step in installing an alarm system? → Conduct a site assessment
8. What is a fundamental principle of Preventive Maintenance Procedures in Certified Alarm Technician Level I practice? → Following established standards and best practices
9. What is a dual-path communication system in alarm monitoring? → A system using two independent channels so if one fails the other still transmits
10. Which approach best supports quality outcomes in Blueprint Reading & Interpretation for Certified Alarm Technician Level I? → Systematic application of evidence-based methods
11. Which approach best supports quality outcomes in Preventive Maintenance Procedures for Certified Alarm Technician Level I? → Systematic application of evidence-based methods
12. What does PPE stand for in the context of Certified Alarm Technician Level I safety protocols? → Personal Protective Equipment
13. How does collaboration enhance Installation Techniques in Certified Alarm Technician Level I? → It brings diverse perspectives and improves outcomes
14. A passive infrared (PIR) motion detector works by sensing: → Changes in infrared energy emitted by warm moving bodies
15. What does 'addressable' mean in the context of a fire alarm system? → Each device has a unique identifier allowing the panel to pinpoint its exact location
16. Which approach best supports quality outcomes in Tools & Equipment Operation for Certified Alarm Technician Level I? → Systematic application of evidence-based methods
17. What is the purpose of the 'acknowledge' tone sent by the central station receiver to the alarm communicator? → To confirm that the transmitted alarm signal was successfully received
18. What does SIA stand for in the context of alarm industry communication standards? → Security Industry Association
19. In the United States, alarm technician licensing requirements are governed by: → Individual state-level alarm licensing laws and regulations
20. What does 'pet immunity' in a PIR motion detector mean? → The detector ignores heat signatures from animals below a certain weight threshold
21. Per UL 681 standards, what is the maximum allowable time from an alarm event to receipt of the signal at the central station? → 90 seconds
22. What is the minimum recommended wire gauge for most low-voltage burglar alarm system wiring? → 22 AWG
23. What could cause a telephone line voltage fault on a PSTN alarm communicator? → The telephone line has been cut or disconnected by the provider
24. A manual pull station in a fire alarm system is classified as what type of device? → Initiating device
25. The temporal-3 evacuation signal pattern standardized by NFPA 72 consists of: → Three 0.5-second pulses followed by a 1.5-second pause, repeating continuously
26. What is the role of documentation in Material Selection & Properties for Certified Alarm Technician Level I? → It provides an accurate record for accountability and reference
27. Which type of circuit is commonly used in alarm systems for reliability? → Closed-loop circuit
28. Why are compliance standards important in the alarm industry? → Ensure regulatory adherence and security
29. In Certified Alarm Technician Level I, which action should be taken first when a safety incident occurs? → Ensure the safety of all personnel
30. Which skill is most important for success in Installation Techniques within Certified Alarm Technician Level I? → Continuous learning and adaptation