NEW MEXICO ES-3 ELECTRICAL ALARM & SPECIAL SYSTEMS
EXAM | 50 VOLTS & UNDER 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 nominal voltage permitted for work classified as "low-voltage" under
the New Mexico ES-3 license scope?
A) 24 V AC
B) 30 V DC
C) 50 V AC or DC
D) 120 V AC
Correct Answer: C) 50 V AC or DC
Rationale: The ES-3 license classification is specifically defined for "interior and exterior special
systems, cabling and interconnections" operating at 50 volts or less, whether AC or DC. This threshold
fundamentally distinguishes low-voltage specialty work from standard power circuits requiring higher
classifications .
2. Which state agency regulates the ES-3 Low Voltage contractor licensing 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), operating under the Regulation
and Licensing Department, administers all contractor licensing including the ES-3 low-voltage
specialty classification. This agency sets examination requirements, experience verification, and
bonding standards for all trade licenses .
3. What is the minimum required length for a grounding rod installed for low-voltage systems
under the NEC?
A) 4 feet
B) 6 feet
C) 8 feet
D) 10 feet
Correct Answer: C) 8 feet
,Rationale: The National Electrical Code requires that grounding electrodes, including grounding rods,
have a minimum length of 8 feet to achieve proper earth contact and low impedance. This applies to
low-voltage systems under the ES-3 scope as well as general electrical installations .
4. How many years of documented experience are typically required to qualify for an ES-3
contractor license in New Mexico?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 4 years
D) 6 years
Correct Answer: B) 2 years
Rationale: New Mexico CID requires applicants for the ES-3 license to demonstrate at least 2 years of
experience in the installation and service of sound, alarm, and electronic systems. Specific
requirements may vary based on education and training .
5. What is the total number of trade questions on the New Mexico ES-3 examination?
A) 25 questions
B) 40 questions
C) 50 questions
D) 75 questions
Correct Answer: C) 50 questions
Rationale: The ES-3 trade examination consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must also
pass a separate Business and Law examination to obtain licensure in New Mexico .
6. What is the minimum passing score required for the ES-3 trade exam?
A) 65%
B) 70%
C) 75%
D) 80%
Correct Answer: C) 75%
Rationale: A score of 75% is required to pass the ES-3 Low Voltage examination. This passing
threshold is standard for New Mexico contractor trade examinations administered by PSI .
7. What is the time limit for completing the ES-3 Low Voltage trade exam?
A) 90 minutes
B) 120 minutes
C) 145 minutes
D) 180 minutes
Correct Answer: C) 145 minutes
Rationale: Candidates have 145 minutes to complete the 50-question ES-3 exam. The examination is
open-book, allowing candidates to bring approved reference materials into the testing center .
8. Which of the following reference materials is specifically permitted during the ES-3
examination?
A) Ugly's Electrical Reference
B) 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC)
, C) Personal handwritten study notes
D) Online course materials
Correct Answer: B) 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC)
Rationale: The 2020 NEC is an approved reference for the ES-3 exam, and candidates may bring
tabbed and highlighted copies into the testing center. Ugly's Electrical Reference is specifically
prohibited . NFPA 72 may also be permitted as a reference .
9. 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 contracted testing provider for New Mexico contractor licensing
examinations, including the ES-3 Low Voltage trade and Business and Law exams .
10. Which of the following is NOT within the scope of work for an ES-3 licensed contractor?
A) Fire alarm system installation
B) Telephone and data cabling
C) 120 V AC receptacle installation
D) Security and access control wiring
Correct Answer: C) 120 V AC receptacle installation
Rationale: The ES-3 license is restricted to low-voltage special systems operating at 50 volts or less.
Installation of 120 V AC receptacles requires an ES-7 or higher electrical classification. Subcontracting
to a properly licensed contractor is required for such work .
11. Which edition of the National Electrical Code is adopted for ES-3 examination purposes in
New Mexico?
A) 2017 NEC
B) 2020 NEC
C) 2023 NEC
D) 2008 NEC
Correct Answer: B) 2020 NEC
Rationale: The 2020 National Electrical Code is the adopted standard for New Mexico contractor
licensing examinations, including the ES-3 low-voltage trade exam .
12. What is the primary function of an equipment grounding conductor in a low-voltage system?
A) To carry the normal operating current of the circuit
B) To provide a path for fault current to clear the circuit during a ground fault
C) To provide a path for lightning strikes to the earth
D) To connect the system to the earth
Correct Answer: B) To provide a path for fault current to clear the circuit during a ground fault
EXAM | 50 VOLTS & UNDER 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 nominal voltage permitted for work classified as "low-voltage" under
the New Mexico ES-3 license scope?
A) 24 V AC
B) 30 V DC
C) 50 V AC or DC
D) 120 V AC
Correct Answer: C) 50 V AC or DC
Rationale: The ES-3 license classification is specifically defined for "interior and exterior special
systems, cabling and interconnections" operating at 50 volts or less, whether AC or DC. This threshold
fundamentally distinguishes low-voltage specialty work from standard power circuits requiring higher
classifications .
2. Which state agency regulates the ES-3 Low Voltage contractor licensing 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), operating under the Regulation
and Licensing Department, administers all contractor licensing including the ES-3 low-voltage
specialty classification. This agency sets examination requirements, experience verification, and
bonding standards for all trade licenses .
3. What is the minimum required length for a grounding rod installed for low-voltage systems
under the NEC?
A) 4 feet
B) 6 feet
C) 8 feet
D) 10 feet
Correct Answer: C) 8 feet
,Rationale: The National Electrical Code requires that grounding electrodes, including grounding rods,
have a minimum length of 8 feet to achieve proper earth contact and low impedance. This applies to
low-voltage systems under the ES-3 scope as well as general electrical installations .
4. How many years of documented experience are typically required to qualify for an ES-3
contractor license in New Mexico?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 4 years
D) 6 years
Correct Answer: B) 2 years
Rationale: New Mexico CID requires applicants for the ES-3 license to demonstrate at least 2 years of
experience in the installation and service of sound, alarm, and electronic systems. Specific
requirements may vary based on education and training .
5. What is the total number of trade questions on the New Mexico ES-3 examination?
A) 25 questions
B) 40 questions
C) 50 questions
D) 75 questions
Correct Answer: C) 50 questions
Rationale: The ES-3 trade examination consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must also
pass a separate Business and Law examination to obtain licensure in New Mexico .
6. What is the minimum passing score required for the ES-3 trade exam?
A) 65%
B) 70%
C) 75%
D) 80%
Correct Answer: C) 75%
Rationale: A score of 75% is required to pass the ES-3 Low Voltage examination. This passing
threshold is standard for New Mexico contractor trade examinations administered by PSI .
7. What is the time limit for completing the ES-3 Low Voltage trade exam?
A) 90 minutes
B) 120 minutes
C) 145 minutes
D) 180 minutes
Correct Answer: C) 145 minutes
Rationale: Candidates have 145 minutes to complete the 50-question ES-3 exam. The examination is
open-book, allowing candidates to bring approved reference materials into the testing center .
8. Which of the following reference materials is specifically permitted during the ES-3
examination?
A) Ugly's Electrical Reference
B) 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC)
, C) Personal handwritten study notes
D) Online course materials
Correct Answer: B) 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC)
Rationale: The 2020 NEC is an approved reference for the ES-3 exam, and candidates may bring
tabbed and highlighted copies into the testing center. Ugly's Electrical Reference is specifically
prohibited . NFPA 72 may also be permitted as a reference .
9. 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 contracted testing provider for New Mexico contractor licensing
examinations, including the ES-3 Low Voltage trade and Business and Law exams .
10. Which of the following is NOT within the scope of work for an ES-3 licensed contractor?
A) Fire alarm system installation
B) Telephone and data cabling
C) 120 V AC receptacle installation
D) Security and access control wiring
Correct Answer: C) 120 V AC receptacle installation
Rationale: The ES-3 license is restricted to low-voltage special systems operating at 50 volts or less.
Installation of 120 V AC receptacles requires an ES-7 or higher electrical classification. Subcontracting
to a properly licensed contractor is required for such work .
11. Which edition of the National Electrical Code is adopted for ES-3 examination purposes in
New Mexico?
A) 2017 NEC
B) 2020 NEC
C) 2023 NEC
D) 2008 NEC
Correct Answer: B) 2020 NEC
Rationale: The 2020 National Electrical Code is the adopted standard for New Mexico contractor
licensing examinations, including the ES-3 low-voltage trade exam .
12. What is the primary function of an equipment grounding conductor in a low-voltage system?
A) To carry the normal operating current of the circuit
B) To provide a path for fault current to clear the circuit during a ground fault
C) To provide a path for lightning strikes to the earth
D) To connect the system to the earth
Correct Answer: B) To provide a path for fault current to clear the circuit during a ground fault
