COVERING FIRE ALARMS, BURGLARY, ACCESS CONTROL & BSIS REGULATIONS,
REAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) ALREADY GRADED A+
Ace the California Alarm Company Qualified Manager (QM) Exam – Guaranteed!
Are you preparing for the California BSIS Alarm Company Qualified Manager (QM) license exam?
Feeling overwhelmed by the massive amount of material—from BSIS regulations and fire alarm codes
(NFPA 72) to burglar alarm systems, access control, CCTV, and California labor laws?
This comprehensive 250-question practice exam is your ultimate study tool. Designed to mirror
the actual PSI-administered QM exam in format, difficulty, and content distribution, this document will give
you the confidence you need to pass on your very first attempt.
📌 What's Inside:
✅ 250 realistic multiple-choice questions covering every exam category:
o BSIS Alarm Company Act (B&P 7590) – licensing, QM responsibilities, fines, renewals
o Fire Alarm Systems – NFPA 72, control panels, detectors, notification appliances, California Fire Code
o Burglar Alarm Systems – contacts, motion detectors, control panels, monitoring, false alarm reduction
o Access Control Systems – card readers, maglocks, biometrics, egress codes, mantraps
o Video Surveillance (CCTV) – IP vs. analog, DVR/NVR, lenses, PoE, analytics, privacy laws
o Business, Safety & Labor Law – contracts, workers' comp, overtime, Cal/OSHA, CSLB requirements
✅ Every correct answer in bold italics – no second-guessing
✅ Detailed explanations for every question – learn the why behind the answer, not
just the letter
✅ California-specific content – BSIS rules, Prop 65, CCPA, Title 19, and local false
alarm ordinances
,Section 1: Alarm Company Operations & BSIS Regulations (Questions
1-40)
1. In California, which agency issues the Alarm Company Qualified
Manager (QM) license?
a) Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)
b) Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS)
c) California Department of Insurance (CDI)
d) Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Answer: b) Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS)
Explanation: BSIS, under the DCA, regulates alarm companies and QMs in
California.
2. To qualify for the QM exam in California, an applicant must have at
least how many years of experience within the last 5 years?
a) 1 year
b) 2 years
c) 3 years
d) 4 years
Answer: b) 2 years (or equivalent combination of education/experience
approved by BSIS)
Explanation: BSIS requires at least 2 years of full-time experience in alarm
installation, service, or sales.
,3. A QM is responsible for the actions of their alarm company
employees. This is known as:
a) Vicarious liability
b) Strict liability
c) Comparative negligence
d) Assumption of risk
Answer: a) Vicarious liability
Explanation: Under California law, the QM and the company are liable for
employees' actions performed within the scope of employment.
4. What is the maximum fine BSIS can impose per violation against an
alarm company?
a) $1,000
b) $2,500
c) $5,000
d) $10,000
**Answer: c) $5,000 (per violation under current BSIS authority)***
*Explanation: BSIS has the authority to levy administrative fines up to $5,000
per violation.
5. A California alarm company license must be renewed every:
a) 1 year
b) 2 years
, c) 3 years
d) 4 years
Answer: b) 2 years
Explanation: Alarm company licenses expire every 2 years and require
renewal with BSIS.
6. Which of the following is a disqualifying criminal conviction for a
QM applicant?
a) A minor traffic violation
b) A felony involving fraud or dishonesty within the last 10 years
c) A misdemeanor for trespassing 15 years ago
d) A dismissed charge
Answer: b) A felony involving fraud or dishonesty
Explanation: BSIS may deny a license for felony convictions substantially
related to the alarm industry, especially those involving moral turpitude.
7. "Fingerprinting" for a QM application is required for:
a) Background checks through the DOJ and FBI
b) Identifying the applicant's physical characteristics
c) Union registration
d) Insurance purposes