Questions with Verified Answers Complete Study Guide for the
Massachusetts Systems Technician (Fire Alarm) License |pdf MA Systems
Technician (Class D) License Prep
Introduction
Quick Reference Summary Table
Section Topic Question Numbers
1 Massachusetts Regulations & Licensing 1-35
2 NFPA 72 Fundamentals & Definitions 36-70
3 Initiating Devices 71-105
4 Notification Appliances 106-135
5 Fire Alarm Control Panels & Circuits 136-165
6 Wiring & Installation 166-195
7 Testing, Inspection & Maintenance 196-220
8 Troubleshooting & Special Applications 221-250
SECTION 1: Massachusetts Regulations & Licensing (Questions 1-35)
,Q1. Which Massachusetts regulation is the principal governing document for fire
prevention and fire safety requirements, including provisions affecting fire alarm
systems?
A) 527 CMR 12.00
B) 527 CMR 1.00
C) 780 CMR 5.00
D) 248 CMR 5.00
Answer: B – 527 CMR 1.00
Explanation: 527 CMR 1.00 is the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code and
contains Massachusetts fire-safety requirements applicable to fire alarm and detection
systems. It adopts and amends NFPA standards for fire alarm systems in the state.
Q2. Which national standard is the primary document referenced for the installation,
testing, inspection, and maintenance of fire alarm and signaling systems in
Massachusetts?
A) NFPA 10
B) NFPA 72
C) NFPA 13
D) NFPA 70E
Answer: B – NFPA 72
,Explanation: NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, establishes
requirements for fire alarm and signaling system installation, inspection, testing,
maintenance, and related functions.
Q3. Under Massachusetts law, the installation, alteration, or repair of fire alarm
systems must be performed by a:
A) Master Electrician
B) Systems Contractor
C) Systems Technician
D) Both a licensed Systems Contractor (the firm) and supervised by a licensed Systems
Technician
Answer: D – Both a licensed Systems Contractor and supervised by a licensed
Systems Technician
Explanation: M.G.L. c. 112, § 165 requires that all fire alarm system work be performed by a
licensed Systems Contractor (the firm) and supervised by a licensed Systems Technician. A
master electrician's license does not automatically qualify someone for fire alarm work
without the specific systems certification.
Q4. Which agency oversees fire alarm system certification and licensing in
Massachusetts?
, A) OSHA
B) NFPA
C) Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS)
D) Massachusetts Building Code Committee
Answer: C – Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS)
Explanation: The Massachusetts DFS regulates licensing, installation, and inspection
standards for fire alarm technicians and systems. The Board of State Examiners of
Electricians administers the licensing examinations.
Q5. What is the minimum passing score required on the Massachusetts Systems
Technician Exam?
A) 60%
B) 65%
C) 70%
D) 75%
Answer: C – 70%
Explanation: Candidates must pass the Systems Technician (Part I & II) Exams with a score
of 70% or higher.