CMT Certified Mobile Technician — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is a common mobile device processor brand?
- AMD
- Qualcomm Snapdragon (Correct answer)
- Intel
- NVIDIA
Correct answer: Qualcomm Snapdragon
Qualcomm Snapdragon is a leading and widely recognized brand of System-on-a-Chip (SoC) processors specifically engineered for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. These SoCs integrate multiple components, including the CPU, GPU, and modem, onto a single chip to optimize performance and power efficiency for mobile use. Intel, NVIDIA, and AMD primarily produce processors for desktop computers, laptops, and dedicated graphics cards, not typically the main processors for mainstream mobile phones.
Question 2: What is the purpose of Google's Find My Device service from a technician's perspective?
- It only tracks stolen devices for law enforcement
- It allows remote lock, erase, and location tracking, which technicians must consider before repair (Correct answer)
- It is used to unlock bootloaders
- It backs up app data automatically
Correct answer: It allows remote lock, erase, and location tracking, which technicians must consider before repair
Technicians need to know if Find My Device is enabled because it affects the ability to perform certain repairs and resets.
Question 3: What is 'battery memory effect' and which battery chemistry is most susceptible to it?
- Voltage drop from age; most common in Lead-Acid
- Reduced capacity from repeated partial discharges; most common in NiCd (Correct answer)
- Swelling from heat exposure; most common in LiPo
- Permanent capacity loss from overcharging; most common in Li-Ion
Correct answer: Reduced capacity from repeated partial discharges; most common in NiCd
Memory effect occurs in Nickel-Cadmium batteries when they are repeatedly partially discharged before recharging, causing the battery to 'remember' the lower capacity.
Question 4: Which concept describes the security practice of granting a mobile app or user only the minimum permissions needed to perform their task?
- Defense in depth
- Zero-trust networking
- Principle of least privilege (Correct answer)
- Data sovereignty
Correct answer: Principle of least privilege
The principle of least privilege limits access rights to only what is strictly required, reducing the attack surface if an app or account is compromised.
Question 5: What is the role of Wi-Fi in mobile device connectivity?
- To improve battery life
- To improve screen resolution
- To increase storage capacity
- To enable high-speed internet access through local networks (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To enable high-speed internet access through local networks
Wi-Fi plays a crucial role in mobile device connectivity by enabling high-speed internet access through local wireless networks. It allows devices to connect to the internet and other network resources over short distances, often providing faster and more cost-effective data access than cellular networks, especially indoors. This reduces reliance on cellular data plans and enhances connectivity in homes, offices, and public hotspots.
Question 6: A customer becomes verbally aggressive. The CMT-recommended response is to:
- Walk away without responding
- Stay calm, maintain a professional tone, and offer to involve a manager if needed (Correct answer)
- Match their aggression to assert authority
- Immediately call law enforcement
Correct answer: Stay calm, maintain a professional tone, and offer to involve a manager if needed
Remaining professional and offering escalation options protects staff and often resolves conflicts.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of maintaining a written repair agreement with each customer?
- To satisfy IRS audit requirements only
- To register the repair with the manufacturer
- To legally define the scope of work, pricing, and liability for both parties (Correct answer)
- To track inventory levels
Correct answer: To legally define the scope of work, pricing, and liability for both parties
A signed repair agreement protects both the technician and customer by documenting mutual expectations.
Question 8: What is the first step in troubleshooting a mobile device?
- Replace the battery
- Reset the device
- Identify the problem by assessing symptoms (Correct answer)
- Start by repairing the device
Correct answer: Identify the problem by assessing symptoms
The first and most crucial step in troubleshooting a mobile device is to accurately identify the problem. This involves carefully assessing the symptoms the device is exhibiting, such as slow performance, app crashes, or connectivity issues. Understanding the exact nature of the problem guides subsequent diagnostic and repair steps, preventing unnecessary actions and ensuring an efficient resolution.
Question 9: A customer requests that you unlock the bootloader on their Android phone. What should you advise?
- It only affects carrier SIM lock
- It is a completely safe, reversible process with no consequences
- Unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty, wipes the device, and removes certain security features (Correct answer)
- It improves device performance with no downsides
Correct answer: Unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty, wipes the device, and removes certain security features
Bootloader unlocking has significant consequences that customers must understand before proceeding.
Question 10: Which iOS tool is used to restore a device to factory firmware from a computer?
- ADB
- Samsung Smart Switch
- iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS) (Correct answer)
- iCloud only
Correct answer: iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS)
iTunes on Windows and Finder on macOS are the official tools for restoring iOS devices via USB.
Question 11: What information must be included on a compliant parts warranty document provided to a customer?
- The technician's personal contact information
- Duration of the warranty, what is covered, what is excluded, and how to make a claim (Correct answer)
- Only the price of the part
- The manufacturer's full terms of service
Correct answer: Duration of the warranty, what is covered, what is excluded, and how to make a claim
A valid warranty document must clearly define coverage terms so the customer knows their rights.
Question 12: What is the primary function of 4G technology in mobile networks?
- Improved battery life (Correct answer)
- Better screen resolution
- Faster mobile internet and voice calls
- Increased storage capacity
Correct answer: Improved battery life
While 4G technology primarily focused on delivering significantly faster mobile internet speeds and improved voice call quality, advancements in network efficiency and device hardware that accompanied its deployment also contributed to optimized power consumption. Compared to older, less efficient network technologies, 4G networks could, in certain scenarios, allow devices to transmit data more quickly and then return to a low-power state, potentially leading to improved battery life for specific usage patterns.
Question 13: Which wireless standard allows a mobile device to make contactless payments at a point-of-sale terminal?
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Zigbee
- Wi-Fi Direct
- NFC (Near Field Communication) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: NFC (Near Field Communication)
NFC operates at 13.56 MHz over distances under 4 cm and is the standard used by Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other mobile payment systems.
Question 14: What is mobile device management (MDM)?
- A tool for tracking battery life
- A way to monitor internet usage
- A device for improving mobile performance
- A set of tools to manage and secure mobile devices (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A set of tools to manage and secure mobile devices
Mobile Device Management (MDM) refers to a comprehensive suite of tools and policies used by organizations to manage, monitor, and secure corporate or employee-owned mobile devices. MDM solutions enable IT administrators to enforce security policies, deploy applications, configure settings, and remotely wipe data. This ensures compliance, protects sensitive organizational information, and maintains control across a fleet of devices.
Question 15: What does 'managing customer expectations' mean in a mobile repair context?
- Promising perfect results to win business
- Only quoting the best-case scenario
- Avoiding discussion of negative outcomes
- Clearly communicating realistic outcomes, timelines, and potential risks before work begins (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Clearly communicating realistic outcomes, timelines, and potential risks before work begins
Realistic communication before the repair prevents disappointment and post-repair disputes.
Question 16: Which component is responsible for measuring a device's orientation and rotation for screen auto-rotate?
- Barometer
- Proximity sensor
- Ambient light sensor
- Gyroscope (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Gyroscope
The gyroscope measures angular rotation and enables features like screen auto-rotate and gaming motion controls.
Question 17: What is the typical lifespan of a Li-Ion smartphone battery measured in charge cycles before it degrades to approximately 80% of original capacity?
- 5,000+ cycles
- 300–500 cycles (Correct answer)
- 50–100 cycles
- 1,000–2,000 cycles
Correct answer: 300–500 cycles
Li-Ion batteries in smartphones typically retain about 80% of their original capacity after 300–500 full charge cycles under normal usage conditions.
Question 18: What is Bluetooth technology used for in mobile devices?
- To connect to local Wi-Fi networks
- To wirelessly connect to peripherals (Correct answer)
- To share mobile data
- To connect to other mobile networks
Correct answer: To wirelessly connect to peripherals
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology used in mobile devices to establish connections with various peripheral devices without the need for physical cables. This includes connecting to wireless headphones, speakers, smartwatches, car infotainment systems, and other accessories. It enables convenient, low-power data exchange for a wide range of personal area network applications, enhancing the device's functionality and user experience.
Question 19: Why should a mobile repair business maintain a written inventory management system?
- To comply with FCC regulations only
- To track parts usage, cost of goods, and ensure accurate billing and reordering (Correct answer)
- To automate customer communication
- To prevent technicians from taking breaks
Correct answer: To track parts usage, cost of goods, and ensure accurate billing and reordering
Accurate inventory records control costs, prevent shrinkage, and ensure billing accuracy.
Question 20: What differentiates a protective case rated for 'military standard' (MIL-STD-810G)?
- It is manufactured by a military contractor only
- It includes built-in encryption
- It provides waterproofing to 30 meters
- It has been tested to withstand specific conditions including drop, vibration, humidity, and temperature extremes (Correct answer)
Correct answer: It has been tested to withstand specific conditions including drop, vibration, humidity, and temperature extremes
MIL-STD-810G certification indicates the case has passed a series of environmental and mechanical stress tests.
Question 21: A customer brings in a phone for repair and requests that their data be backed up before servicing. Which encryption method should be used to protect the backup stored on a technician's workstation?
- Leave the backup unencrypted since it is temporary
- Copy files to a shared network folder
- Store it in a standard ZIP archive
- Use AES-256 encryption for the backup file (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Use AES-256 encryption for the backup file
AES-256 is the industry standard for encrypting sensitive data backups, providing strong protection against unauthorized access.
Question 22: What information should be collected on a repair intake form?
- Payment method only
- Customer contact info, device description, reported issue, and visible damage (Correct answer)
- Only the customer's name and phone number
- Device serial number only
Correct answer: Customer contact info, device description, reported issue, and visible damage
A complete intake form protects both the technician and customer by documenting the device's condition prior to service.
Question 23: What is the purpose of the 'constant voltage' (CV) phase in a Li-Ion battery charging cycle?
- To taper the current as the battery approaches full charge to prevent overcharging (Correct answer)
- To balance individual cells in a multi-cell battery pack
- To test cell integrity by applying a fixed voltage and measuring current draw
- To rapidly charge the battery from 0% to 50% as quickly as possible
Correct answer: To taper the current as the battery approaches full charge to prevent overcharging
During the CV phase, the charger maintains a fixed voltage while current tapers off, safely bringing the battery to full charge without causing damage from overcharging.
Question 24: A customer reports their phone's GPS is inaccurate indoors but works perfectly outdoors. What is the most appropriate response?
- Perform a factory reset
- Re-flash the modem firmware
- Explain that GPS requires clear line of sight to satellites and works as intended (Correct answer)
- Replace the GPS chip
Correct answer: Explain that GPS requires clear line of sight to satellites and works as intended
GPS signals are significantly attenuated by building materials, making indoor GPS inherently inaccurate—this is normal device behavior, not a defect.
Question 25: What technology allows a single physical SIM slot to support multiple carrier profiles without swapping physical cards?
- Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS)
- eSIM (Embedded SIM) (Correct answer)
- Multi-IMEI routing
- Virtual APN bridging
Correct answer: eSIM (Embedded SIM)
eSIM is a programmable chip soldered to the motherboard that can store and switch between multiple carrier profiles without a physical SIM card.
Question 26: When sourcing replacement parts, which consideration is MOST important from an ethical standpoint?
- Using the cheapest parts available to maximize profit
- Only using parts from one supplier regardless of quality
- Using quality parts that are appropriate for the device and disclosing part type (OEM vs. third-party) to the customer (Correct answer)
- Using counterfeit OEM-branded parts to save money
Correct answer: Using quality parts that are appropriate for the device and disclosing part type (OEM vs. third-party) to the customer
Disclosing part origin respects customer autonomy and is a fundamental ethical obligation.
Question 27: What is the function of a mobile device's operating system?
- It increases battery efficiency
- It regulates internet connectivity
- It manages hardware resources and runs applications (Correct answer)
- It tracks user activities
Correct answer: It manages hardware resources and runs applications
The operating system (OS) is the foundational software that manages all the hardware and software resources of a mobile device. It acts as an intermediary between the user, applications, and hardware, enabling programs to run, handling input/output, and managing memory. Essentially, it provides the platform for the device to function and for users to interact with applications.
Question 28: What is the importance of app permissions in mobile security?
- They control app access to data and features
- They monitor app performance (Correct answer)
- They speed up the device
- They reduce battery consumption
Correct answer: They monitor app performance
App permissions are primarily designed to control an application's access to sensitive data and device features, safeguarding user privacy and security. However, by managing these permissions, users can also indirectly influence an app's background activity and resource consumption. Restricting unnecessary permissions can prevent apps from running excessive background processes, which in turn can contribute to better overall device performance by reducing CPU and battery drain.
Question 29: When using a heat gun for phone adhesive removal, what safe practice must be followed?
- Use maximum temperature setting to save time
- Heat the back of the phone only when the battery is fully charged
- Apply heat continuously to one spot for maximum softening
- Keep the heat gun moving and use a thermometer or heat indicator stickers to avoid exceeding safe temps (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Keep the heat gun moving and use a thermometer or heat indicator stickers to avoid exceeding safe temps
Continuous heat on one spot can cause battery thermal runaway; moving the gun and monitoring temperature prevents overheating the battery or components.
Question 30: What is the significance of a device's build number in Android?
- It identifies the specific firmware version installed, critical for applying correct updates or patches (Correct answer)
- It indicates carrier unlock status
- It is the device's unique hardware ID
- It shows the battery health percentage
Correct answer: It identifies the specific firmware version installed, critical for applying correct updates or patches
The build number pinpoints the exact OS version and patch level, essential for targeted troubleshooting.
Question 31: What does professional liability insurance (errors and omissions) protect a repair technician from?
- Physical theft of repair shop equipment only
- Employee injuries at work
- Manufacturer recalls
- Claims that the technician's work caused damage or loss to a customer's device or data (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Claims that the technician's work caused damage or loss to a customer's device or data
E&O insurance covers claims arising from professional mistakes, such as accidentally damaging a customer's device.
Question 32: When a customer asks about an external battery pack (power bank), which specification MOST affects charging speed for their phone?
- The power bank's output wattage and whether it supports the phone's fast-charge protocol (e.g., USB-PD, Qualcomm Quick Charge) (Correct answer)
- The number of USB-A ports
- Whether it has a built-in flashlight
- The color and weight of the power bank
Correct answer: The power bank's output wattage and whether it supports the phone's fast-charge protocol (e.g., USB-PD, Qualcomm Quick Charge)
Protocol compatibility between the power bank output and device input determines whether fast charging is actually achieved.
Question 33: A customer's smartphone charges very slowly even with the original charger. After ruling out the cable, what component should a technician inspect next?
- Display brightness settings
- Charging port for debris or damage (Correct answer)
- Bluetooth radio antenna
- Battery health and capacity
Correct answer: Charging port for debris or damage
A damaged or debris-filled charging port creates resistance that reduces charging current, causing slow charging.
Question 34: What is the purpose of an eSIM (embedded SIM) compared to a physical nano-SIM?
- eSIM provides faster LTE speeds than a physical SIM
- eSIM is soldered to the motherboard and can be reprogrammed remotely with carrier profiles (Correct answer)
- eSIM requires an internet connection to make calls
- eSIM only works with 5G networks
Correct answer: eSIM is soldered to the motherboard and can be reprogrammed remotely with carrier profiles
An eSIM is a permanently embedded chip that stores carrier profiles digitally, allowing users to switch carriers without physically swapping a SIM card.
Question 35: A customer reports their Android phone is running slowly after installing many apps. What is the FIRST step?
- Perform a factory reset immediately
- Update the OS
- Check available storage and RAM usage in device settings (Correct answer)
- Replace the battery
Correct answer: Check available storage and RAM usage in device settings
Storage and RAM exhaustion are the most common causes of performance degradation and should be checked first.
Question 36: A customer disputes a charge on their invoice after picking up their repaired device. The best approach is to:
- Refuse to discuss pricing after the fact
- Immediately give a discount to avoid conflict
- Review the work order with the customer calmly and explain each charge (Correct answer)
- Ignore the complaint
Correct answer: Review the work order with the customer calmly and explain each charge
Walking through the invoice itemizes the value of work performed and resolves misunderstandings professionally.
Question 37: What does a limited liability company (LLC) structure provide to a mobile repair shop owner?
- The ability to hire unlimited employees without payroll taxes
- Separation of personal assets from business liabilities in most legal actions (Correct answer)
- Tax-exempt status automatically
- Unlimited protection from all lawsuits
Correct answer: Separation of personal assets from business liabilities in most legal actions
An LLC creates a legal barrier between personal and business assets, limiting personal financial exposure.
Question 38: A technician is replacing the display on an iPhone and must heat the adhesive. What is the maximum recommended temperature to avoid damaging the battery?
- 25°C (77°F)
- 60°C (140°F) (Correct answer)
- 120°C (248°F)
- 100°C (212°F)
Correct answer: 60°C (140°F)
Heating adhesive above approximately 60°C risks thermal runaway in lithium batteries; 60°C is the safe upper limit for most repair heating.
Question 39: What does 'Pass-Through Charging' mean in the context of power banks and mobile devices?
- Transferring charge from one device battery directly to another
- Wirelessly charging a device through a protective case
- Simultaneously charging the power bank while it charges a connected device (Correct answer)
- A fast-charge mode that bypasses the battery and powers the device directly
Correct answer: Simultaneously charging the power bank while it charges a connected device
Pass-through charging allows a power bank to receive charge from an input source while simultaneously outputting power to charge a connected device.
Question 40: A phone running Android cannot connect to any Wi-Fi network after a screen replacement. The technician notices the Wi-Fi MAC address shows 'unavailable.' What is the most likely cause?
- Wrong Wi-Fi password saved
- iCloud activation lock
- Wi-Fi chip damaged during repair or antenna cable disconnected (Correct answer)
- Android OS corruption
Correct answer: Wi-Fi chip damaged during repair or antenna cable disconnected
A missing or 'unavailable' MAC address after a repair indicates the Wi-Fi chip was damaged by ESD or heat, or the antenna/flex cable is disconnected.
Question 41: A technician is configuring mobile hotspot on a repaired device. The customer wants to share their LTE connection with a laptop. Which setting must be enabled on the phone?
- Wi-Fi Direct
- Personal Hotspot / Tethering (Correct answer)
- USB Debugging
- VPN passthrough
Correct answer: Personal Hotspot / Tethering
Personal Hotspot (tethering) must be enabled, and the carrier plan must support it, for the phone to share its cellular data connection.
Question 42: A tablet's USB-C port passes data but won't charge from any charger. The port pins look clean. What internal component is most likely faulty?
- The display driver IC
- Battery management IC / charge controller IC (Correct answer)
- The USB data mux IC
- The main CPU
Correct answer: Battery management IC / charge controller IC
The charge controller IC manages power delivery negotiation and charging circuits; a failure here prevents charging while data functions remain intact.
Question 43: What does the term 'battery capacity' refer to in mobile devices?
- The maximum voltage the battery can output
- The physical size of the battery cell
- The number of full charge cycles a battery can complete
- The total charge a battery can store, measured in milliamp-hours (mAh) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The total charge a battery can store, measured in milliamp-hours (mAh)
Battery capacity is expressed in milliamp-hours (mAh) and represents the total amount of electrical charge the battery can store and deliver.
Question 44: After a battery replacement on a device that uses pentalobe screws, the technician realizes they stripped one screw. What is the recommended next step?
- Apply super glue to the screw head
- Drill out the screw immediately
- Use a rubber band between screwdriver and screw head for added grip, or use a left-handed screw extractor bit (Correct answer)
- Leave the stripped screw and close the device
Correct answer: Use a rubber band between screwdriver and screw head for added grip, or use a left-handed screw extractor bit
A rubber band fills stripped screw head grooves to provide enough friction for removal; a screw extractor is the professional alternative for badly stripped screws.
Question 45: Which USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) feature allows a device to act as both a charger and a chargeable device?
- Passive Power Switching
- Battery Charge Specification 1.2
- Voltage Regulator Mode
- Dual-Role Power (DRP) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Dual-Role Power (DRP)
Dual-Role Power (DRP) in USB Power Delivery allows a port to dynamically switch between acting as a power source and a power sink depending on what is connected.
Question 46: What does 'Developer Options' enable on an Android device that is relevant to technicians?
- Access to the App Store
- USB debugging, mock locations, and advanced performance monitoring (Correct answer)
- Removal of carrier locks
- Full hardware diagnostics only
Correct answer: USB debugging, mock locations, and advanced performance monitoring
Developer Options exposes USB debugging and diagnostic tools that technicians use for troubleshooting and flashing.
Question 47: What does 'NFC' stand for and what accessory use does it enable?
- Non-Functional Component; placeholder hardware
- Near Field Communication; enables contactless payments, smart tags, and pairing with NFC accessories (Correct answer)
- New Format Connector; describes USB-C
- Network Frequency Control; manages Wi-Fi channels
Correct answer: Near Field Communication; enables contactless payments, smart tags, and pairing with NFC accessories
NFC enables short-range communication for mobile payments, transit passes, and accessory pairing within a few centimeters.
Question 48: What is the purpose of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) in a mobile repair shop?
- It certifies technicians for hazardous environments
- It requires that employees be informed about hazardous chemicals (such as solvents and adhesives) used in repairs through Safety Data Sheets (Correct answer)
- It governs customer privacy only
- It sets device repair pricing standards
Correct answer: It requires that employees be informed about hazardous chemicals (such as solvents and adhesives) used in repairs through Safety Data Sheets
HazCom (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires SDS availability and hazard labeling for all chemical products used in the workplace.
Question 49: A phone fails to maintain a Bluetooth connection beyond 3 feet despite the paired device being within 30 feet. After ruling out software issues, what should the technician inspect?
- Battery capacity
- Proximity sensor
- Bluetooth antenna and its coaxial connector (Correct answer)
- NFC chip
Correct answer: Bluetooth antenna and its coaxial connector
Severely limited Bluetooth range is a classic symptom of a disconnected or damaged Bluetooth antenna or its coaxial snap connector inside the device.
Question 50: When reflashing stock firmware on an Android device, which file format is commonly used for Qualcomm-based devices?
- .dmg
- .mbn / .img via EDL (Qualcomm Emergency Download Mode) (Correct answer)
- .ipsw
- .zip via ADB sideload
Correct answer: .mbn / .img via EDL (Qualcomm Emergency Download Mode)
Qualcomm devices use EDL (Emergency Download Mode) with QFIL/QPST tools and .mbn or .img firmware files for deep-level flashing.
Question 51: What is the recommended method for cleaning a mobile device's charging port?
- Use rubbing alcohol applied with a cotton swab
- Use a dry, non-conductive tool (toothpick or specialized pick) to gently remove debris without using liquids or metal objects (Correct answer)
- Spray compressed air directly into the port at full pressure
- Use a metal pin to dislodge debris
Correct answer: Use a dry, non-conductive tool (toothpick or specialized pick) to gently remove debris without using liquids or metal objects
Metal tools risk shorting pins, and liquids can cause corrosion; a dry non-conductive pick is the safest method.
Question 52: What is the function of Android Debug Bridge (ADB)?
- A tool for flashing iOS firmware
- A battery calibration utility
- An app store alternative for Android
- A command-line tool that allows communication between a PC and an Android device for diagnostics and control (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A command-line tool that allows communication between a PC and an Android device for diagnostics and control
ADB enables technicians to install apps, pull logs, flash partitions, and issue shell commands from a computer.
Question 53: After a water damage repair, a device boots to the OS but has no cellular signal. All other functions work. What component is most suspect?
- Front camera
- NAND flash chip
- Cellular baseband module or its antenna connections (Correct answer)
- Touchscreen digitizer
Correct answer: Cellular baseband module or its antenna connections
Water damage often corrodes the baseband processor or antenna connector pads, eliminating cellular function while leaving Wi-Fi and other features intact.
Question 54: What is the role of biometric authentication in mobile security?
- To track user behavior
- To provide secure access using physical traits (Correct answer)
- To monitor internet usage
- To improve device performance
Correct answer: To provide secure access using physical traits
Biometric authentication utilizes unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial features, or iris patterns, to verify a user's identity. This method provides a highly secure and convenient way to unlock devices and authorize transactions. It significantly enhances mobile security by making it extremely difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access, as physical traits are much harder to replicate than passwords.
Question 55: A phone dropped in saltwater is brought in for repair. After rinsing with fresh water, what is the next critical step before attempting power-on?
- Disassemble, clean with 90%+ isopropyl alcohol, and fully dry before any power attempt (Correct answer)
- Place in rice for 1 hour
- Immediately plug it in to see if it works
- Perform a factory reset via recovery mode
Correct answer: Disassemble, clean with 90%+ isopropyl alcohol, and fully dry before any power attempt
Saltwater is highly corrosive and conductive; powering on before thorough IPA cleaning and complete drying causes short circuits and accelerates corrosion.
Question 56: What is the function of a mobile device's baseboard processor (baseband chip)?
- Renders graphics for the display
- Handles biometric authentication
- Controls touchscreen input sampling rate
- Manages all cellular radio communications (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Manages all cellular radio communications
The baseband processor manages cellular modem functions including LTE/5G communication, call processing, and SMS independently of the main CPU.
Question 57: A customer claims their screen was cracked when returned, but it was cracked before intake. Which record protects the technician?
- The signed intake form documenting pre-existing damage (Correct answer)
- Verbal confirmation from a coworker
- The payment receipt
- The parts invoice
Correct answer: The signed intake form documenting pre-existing damage
A signed intake form with pre-existing damage noted is the authoritative record in any dispute.
Question 58: Which mobile device management (MDM) capability allows an IT administrator to erase corporate data from a personal employee device without deleting personal photos and apps?
- Partition format
- Full remote wipe
- Selective wipe (Correct answer)
- Factory reset
Correct answer: Selective wipe
Selective wipe (also called corporate wipe) removes only managed corporate data and apps while leaving personal content intact.
Question 59: Wireless charging in smartphones most commonly uses which technology standard?
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) power transfer
- Near Field Communication (NFC) charging
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) power harvesting
- Qi (pronounced 'chee') inductive charging (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Qi (pronounced 'chee') inductive charging
Qi is the most widely adopted wireless charging standard for smartphones, using inductive coils to transfer energy between a charging pad and the device.
Question 60: What is the purpose of Safe Mode on Android?
- It boots the device with only pre-installed apps to isolate third-party app issues (Correct answer)
- It disables Wi-Fi to save battery
- It encrypts the device storage
- It resets network settings
Correct answer: It boots the device with only pre-installed apps to isolate third-party app issues
Safe Mode disables third-party apps, making it the fastest way to determine if a downloaded app is causing problems.
CMT Certified Mobile Technician
The CMT Certified Mobile Tech certification validates a technician's knowledge and skills in mobile device diagnostics, repair, hardware/software maintenance, and professional business practices. It covers the full scope of smartphone and tablet servicing from hardware repair to OS management and compliance.
Exam Rules
- You can skip questions and return to them later
- Flag questions for review before submitting
- No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
- Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
- 10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
- Timer auto-submits when time runs out
- Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds