NEW MEXICO ES-3 ELECTRICAL ALARM & LOW-VOLTAGE
SYSTEMS EXAM COMPLETE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS | 2026–2027 LATEST UPDATE |
GUARANTEED PASS | DETAILED RATIONALES | FULL STUDY
GUIDE | EXAM PREP | PRACTICE TEST | CERTIFICATION
PREPARATION
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1) What is the maximum voltage allowed for work performed under the New Mexico ES-3 license
classification?
A) 30 V AC
B) 50 V DC
C) 60 V AC
D) 120 V AC
Correct Answer: B) 50 V DC
Rationale: The ES-3 license is specifically for low-voltage special systems operating at 50 volts or less,
whether AC or DC . This threshold is the fundamental characteristic that distinguishes this license
from higher-voltage electrical classifications and defines its scope of practice.
2) Which state agency is responsible for regulating the ES-3 low-voltage contractor license in New
Mexico?
A) New Mexico Public Regulation Commission
B) New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID)
C) New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions
D) New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department
Correct Answer: B) New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID)
Rationale: The New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), which operates under the
Regulation and Licensing Department, is the authoritative body for all contractor licensing in the
state, including the ES-3 low-voltage specialty . This agency oversees the application, examination,
and renewal processes.
3) What is the ES-3 license classification in New Mexico?
A) General Electrical Contractor
B) Sound and Alarm Systems Contractor
C) Telephone Systems Contractor
D) Plumbing Contractor
Correct Answer: B) Sound and Alarm Systems Contractor
Rationale: The ES-3 classification specifically covers contractors who install, service, and repair sound
systems, fire alarm systems, burglar alarm systems, and similar low-voltage signaling systems . ES-7 is
the separate classification for telephone and communication systems .
,4) How many questions are on the New Mexico ES-3 Low Voltage examination?
A) 25 questions
B) 40 questions
C) 50 questions
D) 100 questions
Correct Answer: C) 50 questions
Rationale: The ES-3 Low Voltage exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions . Candidates must
correctly answer 75% of the questions (38 correct) to pass. This is a separate exam from the Business
and Law exam required for all New Mexico contractors.
5) What is the time limit for completing the ES-3 Low Voltage exam?
A) 90 minutes
B) 120 minutes
C) 145 minutes
D) 180 minutes
Correct Answer: C) 145 minutes
Rationale: Candidates are given 145 minutes (2 hours and 25 minutes) to complete the 50-question
ES-3 exam . This is a sufficient amount of time to reference the open-book materials allowed during
the exam, such as the NEC codebook.
6) Is the ES-3 Low Voltage exam open book or closed book?
A) Closed book
B) Open book
C) Open book for code references only
D) Open book for business questions only
Correct Answer: B) Open book
Rationale: The ES-3 exam is open book, allowing candidates to bring approved reference materials,
such as the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), into the testing center . Candidates are permitted to
highlight, tab, and bring their own copies for quick reference during the exam.
7) Which edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) has New Mexico adopted for its electrical
installations?
A) 2014 NEC
B) 2017 NEC
C) 2020 NEC
D) 2023 NEC
Correct Answer: C) 2020 NEC
Rationale: New Mexico has adopted the 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) for all
electrical installations, effective March 28, 2023 . All ES-3 contractors must comply with this edition
and should bring it as a reference for the exam.
8) According to the New Mexico CID, what experience requirement must an applicant meet for the
ES-3 license?
A) No experience required
B) 1 year of experience
C) 2 years of experience in sound and alarm systems
D) 4 years of journeyman-level experience
, Correct Answer: C) 2 years of experience in sound and alarm systems
Rationale: The New Mexico CID requires applicants for the ES-3 (Sound and Alarm) license to
document at least 2 years of verifiable experience in installing and servicing sound and alarm
systems . This experience must be documented and confirmed as part of the application process.
9) Which of the following NEC articles specifically covers the installation of fire alarm systems?
A) Article 250
B) Article 725
C) Article 760
D) Article 800
Correct Answer: C) Article 760
Rationale: NEC Article 760 covers the installation of wiring and equipment for fire alarm systems,
including both power-limited fire alarm (PLFA) and non-power-limited fire alarm (NPLFA) circuits . It
specifies cable types, wiring methods, and separation requirements unique to these systems.
10) What is the minimum clearance required from the edge of a wood stud for a wire hole, per the
NEC?
A) 1/2 inch
B) 3/4 inch
C) 1 inch
D) 1 1/4 inches
Correct Answer: D) 1 1/4 inches
Rationale: NEC 300.4(A)(1) requires that holes bored in wood studs maintain a minimum clearance of
1 1/4 inches from the nearest edge of the stud . This rule is designed to prevent nails or screws from
penetrating the wire when drywall or other finishes are installed.
11) An ES-3J journeyman is authorized to install which of the following systems without a separate
electrical contractor's license?
A) 120/240 V power circuits
B) Low-voltage fire alarm signaling circuits (≤ 50 V)
C) Commercial HVAC control panels
D) High-voltage motor starters
Correct Answer: B) Low-voltage fire alarm signaling circuits (≤ 50 V)
Rationale: The ES-3J license permits work on low-voltage signaling and communication systems rated
at 50 volts or less . Work on standard power circuits, such as those at 120V or 240V, is outside this
scope and requires a different license.
12) Which testing provider administers the New Mexico ES-3 examination?
A) Pearson VUE
B) PSI Services
C) Prometric
D) Kryterion
Correct Answer: B) PSI Services
Rationale: PSI Services is the testing provider that administers the New Mexico ES-3 Low Voltage
exam . Candidates must schedule their exam with PSI and follow their procedures regarding
identification, materials allowed, and testing center rules.
SYSTEMS EXAM COMPLETE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS | 2026–2027 LATEST UPDATE |
GUARANTEED PASS | DETAILED RATIONALES | FULL STUDY
GUIDE | EXAM PREP | PRACTICE TEST | CERTIFICATION
PREPARATION
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1) What is the maximum voltage allowed for work performed under the New Mexico ES-3 license
classification?
A) 30 V AC
B) 50 V DC
C) 60 V AC
D) 120 V AC
Correct Answer: B) 50 V DC
Rationale: The ES-3 license is specifically for low-voltage special systems operating at 50 volts or less,
whether AC or DC . This threshold is the fundamental characteristic that distinguishes this license
from higher-voltage electrical classifications and defines its scope of practice.
2) Which state agency is responsible for regulating the ES-3 low-voltage contractor license in New
Mexico?
A) New Mexico Public Regulation Commission
B) New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID)
C) New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions
D) New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department
Correct Answer: B) New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID)
Rationale: The New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID), which operates under the
Regulation and Licensing Department, is the authoritative body for all contractor licensing in the
state, including the ES-3 low-voltage specialty . This agency oversees the application, examination,
and renewal processes.
3) What is the ES-3 license classification in New Mexico?
A) General Electrical Contractor
B) Sound and Alarm Systems Contractor
C) Telephone Systems Contractor
D) Plumbing Contractor
Correct Answer: B) Sound and Alarm Systems Contractor
Rationale: The ES-3 classification specifically covers contractors who install, service, and repair sound
systems, fire alarm systems, burglar alarm systems, and similar low-voltage signaling systems . ES-7 is
the separate classification for telephone and communication systems .
,4) How many questions are on the New Mexico ES-3 Low Voltage examination?
A) 25 questions
B) 40 questions
C) 50 questions
D) 100 questions
Correct Answer: C) 50 questions
Rationale: The ES-3 Low Voltage exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions . Candidates must
correctly answer 75% of the questions (38 correct) to pass. This is a separate exam from the Business
and Law exam required for all New Mexico contractors.
5) What is the time limit for completing the ES-3 Low Voltage exam?
A) 90 minutes
B) 120 minutes
C) 145 minutes
D) 180 minutes
Correct Answer: C) 145 minutes
Rationale: Candidates are given 145 minutes (2 hours and 25 minutes) to complete the 50-question
ES-3 exam . This is a sufficient amount of time to reference the open-book materials allowed during
the exam, such as the NEC codebook.
6) Is the ES-3 Low Voltage exam open book or closed book?
A) Closed book
B) Open book
C) Open book for code references only
D) Open book for business questions only
Correct Answer: B) Open book
Rationale: The ES-3 exam is open book, allowing candidates to bring approved reference materials,
such as the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), into the testing center . Candidates are permitted to
highlight, tab, and bring their own copies for quick reference during the exam.
7) Which edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) has New Mexico adopted for its electrical
installations?
A) 2014 NEC
B) 2017 NEC
C) 2020 NEC
D) 2023 NEC
Correct Answer: C) 2020 NEC
Rationale: New Mexico has adopted the 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) for all
electrical installations, effective March 28, 2023 . All ES-3 contractors must comply with this edition
and should bring it as a reference for the exam.
8) According to the New Mexico CID, what experience requirement must an applicant meet for the
ES-3 license?
A) No experience required
B) 1 year of experience
C) 2 years of experience in sound and alarm systems
D) 4 years of journeyman-level experience
, Correct Answer: C) 2 years of experience in sound and alarm systems
Rationale: The New Mexico CID requires applicants for the ES-3 (Sound and Alarm) license to
document at least 2 years of verifiable experience in installing and servicing sound and alarm
systems . This experience must be documented and confirmed as part of the application process.
9) Which of the following NEC articles specifically covers the installation of fire alarm systems?
A) Article 250
B) Article 725
C) Article 760
D) Article 800
Correct Answer: C) Article 760
Rationale: NEC Article 760 covers the installation of wiring and equipment for fire alarm systems,
including both power-limited fire alarm (PLFA) and non-power-limited fire alarm (NPLFA) circuits . It
specifies cable types, wiring methods, and separation requirements unique to these systems.
10) What is the minimum clearance required from the edge of a wood stud for a wire hole, per the
NEC?
A) 1/2 inch
B) 3/4 inch
C) 1 inch
D) 1 1/4 inches
Correct Answer: D) 1 1/4 inches
Rationale: NEC 300.4(A)(1) requires that holes bored in wood studs maintain a minimum clearance of
1 1/4 inches from the nearest edge of the stud . This rule is designed to prevent nails or screws from
penetrating the wire when drywall or other finishes are installed.
11) An ES-3J journeyman is authorized to install which of the following systems without a separate
electrical contractor's license?
A) 120/240 V power circuits
B) Low-voltage fire alarm signaling circuits (≤ 50 V)
C) Commercial HVAC control panels
D) High-voltage motor starters
Correct Answer: B) Low-voltage fire alarm signaling circuits (≤ 50 V)
Rationale: The ES-3J license permits work on low-voltage signaling and communication systems rated
at 50 volts or less . Work on standard power circuits, such as those at 120V or 240V, is outside this
scope and requires a different license.
12) Which testing provider administers the New Mexico ES-3 examination?
A) Pearson VUE
B) PSI Services
C) Prometric
D) Kryterion
Correct Answer: B) PSI Services
Rationale: PSI Services is the testing provider that administers the New Mexico ES-3 Low Voltage
exam . Candidates must schedule their exam with PSI and follow their procedures regarding
identification, materials allowed, and testing center rules.
