TFM12 STUDY GUIDE 2026 – UPDATED
FIRE ALARM TECHNICAL REVIEW &
PREPARATION RESOURCE
Description (150 words):
The TFM12 Study Guide 2026 – Updated Fire Alarm Technical Review & Preparation Resource
offers a focused and structured academic support tool designed to help learners strengthen
their understanding of key fire alarm systems concepts and technical requirements associated
with TFM12-related training. This guide provides clear explanations of essential topics such as
detection technologies, notification appliances, control panel functions, system wiring, circuit
classifications, supervisory signals, maintenance procedures, and code-compliant installation
standards. It emphasizes core terminology, operational principles, and troubleshooting
considerations that fire alarm technicians must understand in order to work safely and
effectively. While it does not provide actual exam questions, the study guide delivers
comprehensive conceptual reinforcement, helping users build confidence with system
components, workflow processes, and relevant NFPA-based expectations. With its streamlined
organization and practical orientation, this resource supports learners in reviewing technical
foundations, improving knowledge retention, and preparing thoroughly for fire alarm system–
related evaluations and field responsibilities.
Keywords (10):
1. Fire alarm systems
2. Detection technology
3. Control panels
4. Notification appliances
5. Circuit classifications
6. Supervisory signals
7. NFPA standards
8. System wiring
9. Troubleshooting
, 10. Technical maintenance
Category 1: Codes, Standards, and Definitions (Questions 1-15)
1. The primary standard governing the installation, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm
systems in the US is:
A) NFPA 70 (NEC)
B) NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code)
C) NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code)
D) UL 864
Answer: C
2. According to NFPA 72, what is the maximum allowable monthly delay for a routine
service visit when a system is under a maintenance contract?
A) 5%
B) 10%
C) 2%
D) No delay is permitted; it must be exactly monthly.
Answer: B
3. The "Authority Having Jurisdiction" (AHJ) is best defined as:
A) The local fire department chief.
B) The organization that owns the building.
C) The entity responsible for enforcing the code requirements.
D) The senior fire alarm technician on site.
Answer: C
4. A "Protected Premises Fire Alarm System" is one that:
A) Only serves the occupants of the building where it is installed.
B) Automatically transmits a signal to the fire department.
C) Is required to be fully monitored.
D) Uses only addressable devices.
Answer: A
5. What NFPA standard contains the rules for the installation of electrical circuits and
wiring?
A) NFPA 72
B) NFPA 70
C) NFPA 101
, D) NFPA 25
Answer: B
6. The purpose of a "Record of Completion" as defined in NFPA 72 is to:
A) Document the system's design intent.
B) Verify that the installation conforms to the design documents and codes.
C) Provide a log of all future testing.
D) Serve as the manufacturer's warranty certificate.
Answer: B
7. A "Supervising Station" is a facility that:
A) Monitors the status of protected premises systems.
B) Is always located at the fire department.
C) Performs annual inspections.
D) Designs new fire alarm systems.
Answer: A
8. Which of the following is NOT a type of supervising station alarm system recognized by
NFPA 72?
A) Central Station
B) Remote Supervising Station
C) Proprietary Supervising Station
D) Municipal Fire Alarm System (Master Box)
Answer: D (Note: Municipal systems are a separate category)
9. The document that provides evidence of the system's capabilities and the owner's
responsibilities is the:
A) Shop Drawing
B) Record of Completion
C) Sequence of Operation
D) Owner's Manual
Answer: D
10. A fire alarm control unit (FACU) is considered "on guard" when it is:
A) In normal operating condition.
B) In a trouble condition.
C) Under maintenance.
D) In alarm condition.
Answer: A
, 11. The purpose of a "Performance-Based Design" is to:
A) Reduce the cost of the system.
B) Meet the requirements of the local fire chief.
C) Achieve specific fire safety goals through engineering analysis.
D) Use the least expensive equipment available.
Answer: C
12. NFPA 72 requires that a minimum of ___% of spare initiating devices and notification
appliances be provided.
A) 1%
B) 3%
C) 5%
D) 10%
Answer: B
13. A "Nonrequired" fire alarm system is:
A) Not subject to the requirements of NFPA 72.
B) One that is installed voluntarily or for other than a code requirement.
C) A system that only has manual pull stations.
D) A system that is not monitored.
Answer: B
14. The "Responsible Party" for a fire alarm system is typically the:
A) Installing Contractor
B) System Designer
C) Building Owner
D) AHJ
Answer: C
15. What document details the specific steps the fire alarm system will take upon an alarm
or trouble signal?
A) Record of Completion
B) Shop Drawings
C) Sequence of Operation
D) Equipment Schedule
Answer: C
Category 2: System Components & Circuits (Questions 16-40)
16. A circuit that connects initiating devices where the FACU can determine the specific
device in alarm is called a(n):
FIRE ALARM TECHNICAL REVIEW &
PREPARATION RESOURCE
Description (150 words):
The TFM12 Study Guide 2026 – Updated Fire Alarm Technical Review & Preparation Resource
offers a focused and structured academic support tool designed to help learners strengthen
their understanding of key fire alarm systems concepts and technical requirements associated
with TFM12-related training. This guide provides clear explanations of essential topics such as
detection technologies, notification appliances, control panel functions, system wiring, circuit
classifications, supervisory signals, maintenance procedures, and code-compliant installation
standards. It emphasizes core terminology, operational principles, and troubleshooting
considerations that fire alarm technicians must understand in order to work safely and
effectively. While it does not provide actual exam questions, the study guide delivers
comprehensive conceptual reinforcement, helping users build confidence with system
components, workflow processes, and relevant NFPA-based expectations. With its streamlined
organization and practical orientation, this resource supports learners in reviewing technical
foundations, improving knowledge retention, and preparing thoroughly for fire alarm system–
related evaluations and field responsibilities.
Keywords (10):
1. Fire alarm systems
2. Detection technology
3. Control panels
4. Notification appliances
5. Circuit classifications
6. Supervisory signals
7. NFPA standards
8. System wiring
9. Troubleshooting
, 10. Technical maintenance
Category 1: Codes, Standards, and Definitions (Questions 1-15)
1. The primary standard governing the installation, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm
systems in the US is:
A) NFPA 70 (NEC)
B) NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code)
C) NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code)
D) UL 864
Answer: C
2. According to NFPA 72, what is the maximum allowable monthly delay for a routine
service visit when a system is under a maintenance contract?
A) 5%
B) 10%
C) 2%
D) No delay is permitted; it must be exactly monthly.
Answer: B
3. The "Authority Having Jurisdiction" (AHJ) is best defined as:
A) The local fire department chief.
B) The organization that owns the building.
C) The entity responsible for enforcing the code requirements.
D) The senior fire alarm technician on site.
Answer: C
4. A "Protected Premises Fire Alarm System" is one that:
A) Only serves the occupants of the building where it is installed.
B) Automatically transmits a signal to the fire department.
C) Is required to be fully monitored.
D) Uses only addressable devices.
Answer: A
5. What NFPA standard contains the rules for the installation of electrical circuits and
wiring?
A) NFPA 72
B) NFPA 70
C) NFPA 101
, D) NFPA 25
Answer: B
6. The purpose of a "Record of Completion" as defined in NFPA 72 is to:
A) Document the system's design intent.
B) Verify that the installation conforms to the design documents and codes.
C) Provide a log of all future testing.
D) Serve as the manufacturer's warranty certificate.
Answer: B
7. A "Supervising Station" is a facility that:
A) Monitors the status of protected premises systems.
B) Is always located at the fire department.
C) Performs annual inspections.
D) Designs new fire alarm systems.
Answer: A
8. Which of the following is NOT a type of supervising station alarm system recognized by
NFPA 72?
A) Central Station
B) Remote Supervising Station
C) Proprietary Supervising Station
D) Municipal Fire Alarm System (Master Box)
Answer: D (Note: Municipal systems are a separate category)
9. The document that provides evidence of the system's capabilities and the owner's
responsibilities is the:
A) Shop Drawing
B) Record of Completion
C) Sequence of Operation
D) Owner's Manual
Answer: D
10. A fire alarm control unit (FACU) is considered "on guard" when it is:
A) In normal operating condition.
B) In a trouble condition.
C) Under maintenance.
D) In alarm condition.
Answer: A
, 11. The purpose of a "Performance-Based Design" is to:
A) Reduce the cost of the system.
B) Meet the requirements of the local fire chief.
C) Achieve specific fire safety goals through engineering analysis.
D) Use the least expensive equipment available.
Answer: C
12. NFPA 72 requires that a minimum of ___% of spare initiating devices and notification
appliances be provided.
A) 1%
B) 3%
C) 5%
D) 10%
Answer: B
13. A "Nonrequired" fire alarm system is:
A) Not subject to the requirements of NFPA 72.
B) One that is installed voluntarily or for other than a code requirement.
C) A system that only has manual pull stations.
D) A system that is not monitored.
Answer: B
14. The "Responsible Party" for a fire alarm system is typically the:
A) Installing Contractor
B) System Designer
C) Building Owner
D) AHJ
Answer: C
15. What document details the specific steps the fire alarm system will take upon an alarm
or trouble signal?
A) Record of Completion
B) Shop Drawings
C) Sequence of Operation
D) Equipment Schedule
Answer: C
Category 2: System Components & Circuits (Questions 16-40)
16. A circuit that connects initiating devices where the FACU can determine the specific
device in alarm is called a(n):
