TN ALARM MONITORING SYSTEMS
QUALIFYING AGENT EXAM 2026
PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION WORKBOOK
◉ Intrusion Detection System (IDS). Answer: The process of
identifying and reporting unauthorized entry/movement within a
protected facility.
◉ Access Control System (ACS). Answer: The process of managing
cardholder movement through various portals within a protected
facility.
◉ Examples of alarm points. Answer: Balance Magnetic Switch,
Passive Infrared, Tamper, Duress.
◉ Balance Magnetic Switch (BMS). Answer: An intrusion detection
device typically used on doors and windows that generates an alarm
condition when a change in the magnetic field is detected.
◉ Passive Infrared (PIR). Answer: An electronic device that
measures infrared light radiating from objects in its field of view.
, ◉ Buried Line Sensor (BLS). Answer: Set of sensor electromagnetic
cables buried in the ground around the perimeter of a site.
◉ Fiber SenSys. Answer: Single/dual-channel sensor cables
mounted on a chain-link fence to detect disturbances of the fence
such as lifting or cutting.
◉ Panel. Answer: The electronic board used in IDS and/or ACS.
◉ Partition. Answer: A software grouping of alarm points that arm
and disarm collectively.
◉ Keypad. Answer: User interface for arming/disarming panels and
partitions locally, also used for displaying current status and
identifying problems.
◉ Workstation. Answer: A networked computer that runs ASN
software.
◉ Access Code. Answer: A code verified at the panel, that is the first
part of the arm/disarm sequence and is common to all individuals
having authorization to arm/disarm a secure area.
QUALIFYING AGENT EXAM 2026
PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION WORKBOOK
◉ Intrusion Detection System (IDS). Answer: The process of
identifying and reporting unauthorized entry/movement within a
protected facility.
◉ Access Control System (ACS). Answer: The process of managing
cardholder movement through various portals within a protected
facility.
◉ Examples of alarm points. Answer: Balance Magnetic Switch,
Passive Infrared, Tamper, Duress.
◉ Balance Magnetic Switch (BMS). Answer: An intrusion detection
device typically used on doors and windows that generates an alarm
condition when a change in the magnetic field is detected.
◉ Passive Infrared (PIR). Answer: An electronic device that
measures infrared light radiating from objects in its field of view.
, ◉ Buried Line Sensor (BLS). Answer: Set of sensor electromagnetic
cables buried in the ground around the perimeter of a site.
◉ Fiber SenSys. Answer: Single/dual-channel sensor cables
mounted on a chain-link fence to detect disturbances of the fence
such as lifting or cutting.
◉ Panel. Answer: The electronic board used in IDS and/or ACS.
◉ Partition. Answer: A software grouping of alarm points that arm
and disarm collectively.
◉ Keypad. Answer: User interface for arming/disarming panels and
partitions locally, also used for displaying current status and
identifying problems.
◉ Workstation. Answer: A networked computer that runs ASN
software.
◉ Access Code. Answer: A code verified at the panel, that is the first
part of the arm/disarm sequence and is common to all individuals
having authorization to arm/disarm a secure area.
