NICET In-Building Public Safety
Communications (IB-PSC) – Technician Track
Level II Practice Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download PDF
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of an in-
building public safety communications system?
A. To provide commercial cellular service inside a building
B. To enhance Wi-Fi connectivity in public areas
C. To ensure reliable radio communication for public safety personnel
inside a building
D. To provide emergency lighting during a power outage
Rationale: The primary goal of an IB-PSC system is to maintain reliable
two-way radio communications for firefighters, police, and other public
safety personnel within buildings.
2. What is the minimum signal strength recommended by NFPA 1221
for public safety radio coverage inside a building?
A. -85 dBm
B. -95 dBm
C. -105 dBm
D. -75 dBm
Rationale: NFPA 1221 specifies a minimum in-building signal strength of
-95 dBm for adequate public safety radio coverage.
,3. Which type of antenna is most commonly used to provide coverage
throughout a large building?
A. Parabolic antenna
B. Distributed antenna system (DAS)
C. Satellite antenna
D. Yagi antenna
Rationale: A DAS distributes the radio signal throughout a building
using multiple antennas to ensure consistent coverage.
4. In a DAS, what is the function of the bi-directional amplifier (BDA)?
A. To block unwanted signals from entering the system
B. To convert digital signals to analog
C. To amplify both transmitted and received signals between the radio
system and in-building antennas
D. To provide power backup for antennas
Rationale: BDAs are used to boost both the incoming and outgoing
signals for reliable two-way communication.
5. Which of the following can cause signal loss in an in-building public
safety communications system?
A. Metal walls and reinforced concrete
B. Glass windows
C. Elevator shafts
D. All of the above
,Rationale: Structural elements such as metal, concrete, and even certain
glass can attenuate radio signals, reducing coverage.
6. What is the typical frequency band used for public safety radio
communications in the United States?
A. 800 MHz and 900 MHz
B. VHF low-band only
C. VHF, UHF, and 700/800 MHz bands
D. 2.4 GHz
Rationale: Public safety agencies operate across VHF, UHF, and 700/800
MHz bands for two-way radio communications.
7. What is the primary role of a coaxial cable in an IB-PSC system?
A. To provide electrical grounding
B. To power the antennas
C. To carry radio frequency signals between the amplifier and
antennas
D. To transmit digital data signals
Rationale: Coaxial cables are used to transmit RF signals efficiently with
minimal loss.
8. What is the main purpose of performing a site survey in an in-
building radio system installation?
A. To locate Wi-Fi access points
B. To calculate electrical load
, C. To determine coverage needs and identify areas with weak signal
D. To measure building occupancy
Rationale: Site surveys identify dead zones, optimal antenna locations,
and coverage requirements before installation.
9. Which NFPA standard specifically addresses in-building emergency
responder radio coverage systems?
A. NFPA 70
B. NFPA 72
C. NFPA 1221
D. NFPA 101
Rationale: NFPA 1221 provides requirements for emergency services
communication systems, including in-building coverage.
10. When testing an in-building public safety system, what is the
primary purpose of a signal strength map?
A. To measure Wi-Fi coverage
B. To visualize radio coverage and identify areas with insufficient
signal
C. To locate grounding points
D. To test fire alarm speakers
Rationale: Signal strength maps show where coverage meets
requirements and where improvements are needed.
11. Which type of antenna is typically installed in hallways to provide
consistent signal coverage?
Communications (IB-PSC) – Technician Track
Level II Practice Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download PDF
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of an in-
building public safety communications system?
A. To provide commercial cellular service inside a building
B. To enhance Wi-Fi connectivity in public areas
C. To ensure reliable radio communication for public safety personnel
inside a building
D. To provide emergency lighting during a power outage
Rationale: The primary goal of an IB-PSC system is to maintain reliable
two-way radio communications for firefighters, police, and other public
safety personnel within buildings.
2. What is the minimum signal strength recommended by NFPA 1221
for public safety radio coverage inside a building?
A. -85 dBm
B. -95 dBm
C. -105 dBm
D. -75 dBm
Rationale: NFPA 1221 specifies a minimum in-building signal strength of
-95 dBm for adequate public safety radio coverage.
,3. Which type of antenna is most commonly used to provide coverage
throughout a large building?
A. Parabolic antenna
B. Distributed antenna system (DAS)
C. Satellite antenna
D. Yagi antenna
Rationale: A DAS distributes the radio signal throughout a building
using multiple antennas to ensure consistent coverage.
4. In a DAS, what is the function of the bi-directional amplifier (BDA)?
A. To block unwanted signals from entering the system
B. To convert digital signals to analog
C. To amplify both transmitted and received signals between the radio
system and in-building antennas
D. To provide power backup for antennas
Rationale: BDAs are used to boost both the incoming and outgoing
signals for reliable two-way communication.
5. Which of the following can cause signal loss in an in-building public
safety communications system?
A. Metal walls and reinforced concrete
B. Glass windows
C. Elevator shafts
D. All of the above
,Rationale: Structural elements such as metal, concrete, and even certain
glass can attenuate radio signals, reducing coverage.
6. What is the typical frequency band used for public safety radio
communications in the United States?
A. 800 MHz and 900 MHz
B. VHF low-band only
C. VHF, UHF, and 700/800 MHz bands
D. 2.4 GHz
Rationale: Public safety agencies operate across VHF, UHF, and 700/800
MHz bands for two-way radio communications.
7. What is the primary role of a coaxial cable in an IB-PSC system?
A. To provide electrical grounding
B. To power the antennas
C. To carry radio frequency signals between the amplifier and
antennas
D. To transmit digital data signals
Rationale: Coaxial cables are used to transmit RF signals efficiently with
minimal loss.
8. What is the main purpose of performing a site survey in an in-
building radio system installation?
A. To locate Wi-Fi access points
B. To calculate electrical load
, C. To determine coverage needs and identify areas with weak signal
D. To measure building occupancy
Rationale: Site surveys identify dead zones, optimal antenna locations,
and coverage requirements before installation.
9. Which NFPA standard specifically addresses in-building emergency
responder radio coverage systems?
A. NFPA 70
B. NFPA 72
C. NFPA 1221
D. NFPA 101
Rationale: NFPA 1221 provides requirements for emergency services
communication systems, including in-building coverage.
10. When testing an in-building public safety system, what is the
primary purpose of a signal strength map?
A. To measure Wi-Fi coverage
B. To visualize radio coverage and identify areas with insufficient
signal
C. To locate grounding points
D. To test fire alarm speakers
Rationale: Signal strength maps show where coverage meets
requirements and where improvements are needed.
11. Which type of antenna is typically installed in hallways to provide
consistent signal coverage?
