New Mexico (NM) ES-7J Journeyman Telephone Communication & Telephone Interconnect
Systems Practice Exam
1. When installing external telephone cabling near power lines, what is the primary reason for
maintaining proper separation?
A) To reduce installation time
B) To avoid electromagnetic interference and ensure safety
C) To improve cable aesthetics
D) To increase signal amplification
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Maintaining separation from power lines prevents electromagnetic interference and
enhances safety during installation.
2. Which cable type is most often used for high-speed digital telephone communication in backbone
networks?
A) RG-6
B) Category 5e (Cat 5e)
C) Fiber Optic
D) Coaxial
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Fiber optic cables support very high bandwidth and are immune to electromagnetic
interference, making them ideal for high-speed digital communications over long distances.
3. Which of the following is NOT typically a specification parameter for external telephone cabling?
A) Conductor material
B) Signal loss
C) Tensile strength
D) Water absorption
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Cable specifications usually list physical properties (e.g., conductor material, tensile
strength, water resistance). Signal loss is a performance parameter measured in situ rather than a
manufacturing specification.
4. What is the primary purpose of adhering to safety standards and regulations during cabling
installation?
A) Reducing installation time
B) Minimizing cost
C) Protecting personnel and property
D) Improving signal strength
Correct Answer: C
,Explanation: Safety standards protect workers and the public and help avoid accidents during
installation.
5. Which of the following best describes an analog signal in telephone communication?
A) A continuous electrical wave representing voice frequencies
B) A series of digital pulses
C) A modulated light signal
D) A binary code transmitted via fiber
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Analog signals continuously vary in amplitude and frequency, which makes them suitable
for representing natural voice sounds.
6. In the context of signal transmission, what does “attenuation” refer to?
A) Amplification of a signal
B) Loss of signal strength over distance
C) Interference from external sources
D) Delay in signal processing
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Attenuation is the reduction in signal strength as it travels through a medium.
7. Which method can help improve signal reception in a noisy environment?
A) Increasing cable length
B) Using signal repeaters
C) Decreasing signal strength
D) Removing cable shielding
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Signal repeaters boost weakened signals, compensating for losses and interference.
8. A common troubleshooting technique for diagnosing transmission issues in telephone systems is:
A) A visual inspection of cabling
B) Changing connector types
C) Replacing the telephone handset
D) Modifying network topology
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Visual inspections often reveal physical damage, improper routing, or wear that could be
causing transmission issues.
9. During external cabling installation, which environmental factor is most critical?
A) Ambient temperature
,B) Humidity levels
C) UV radiation exposure
D) Noise levels
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: External cables are exposed to sunlight; UV-resistant jackets are essential to prevent
degradation.
10. When installing underground cabling, what is the primary purpose of using a conduit?
A) To reduce cable cost
B) To facilitate easier cable replacement
C) To protect cables from moisture and physical damage
D) To improve signal strength
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Conduits shield underground cables from moisture, chemicals, and physical harm.
11. Which cable type is best suited for underground telephone cabling installations?
A) UTP cable designed for indoor use
B) Direct burial-rated cable with a UV-resistant jacket
C) Standard coaxial cable
D) Cat 6 cable without water-resistant properties
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Direct burial-rated cables are engineered to withstand harsh underground conditions.
12. A common sign of signal transmission issues in telephone systems is:
A) Clear audio quality
B) Increased signal-to-noise ratio
C) Static or intermittent signal loss
D) Faster data speeds
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Static or intermittent loss of signal is a typical indicator of transmission problems.
13. Which safety standard is most relevant to the installation of telephone cabling?
A) NFPA 70 (NEC)
B) OSHA regulations
C) FCC guidelines
D) ANSI Z136.1
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: OSHA regulations focus on worker safety and are highly pertinent to installation work.
, 14. What is the purpose of using shielded cabling in telephone communication systems?
A) To reduce cable weight
B) To minimize electromagnetic interference
C) To increase signal strength
D) To simplify installation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Shielded cables incorporate a conductive layer that blocks external electromagnetic noise.
15. Which factor is most likely to cause signal degradation in an external cabling installation?
A) Cable length exceeding recommended limits
B) Use of high-quality connectors
C) Adequate cable shielding
D) Proper installation techniques
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Excessively long cable runs lead to higher attenuation and signal loss.
16. Which tool is commonly used to measure signal attenuation when troubleshooting transmission
issues?
A) Oscilloscope
B) Time-domain reflectometer (TDR)
C) Multimeter
D) Spectrum analyzer
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A TDR detects impedance changes and identifies faults by measuring reflected signals
along the cable.
17. Which installation practice helps prevent moisture ingress in underground cabling?
A) Installing cables loosely in a trench
B) Using watertight connectors and sealants
C) Direct burial without protective measures
D) Increasing cable tension
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Watertight connectors and proper sealants keep moisture out, protecting cable integrity.
18. What is the primary purpose of cable jacketing in external installations?
A) To enhance signal transmission
B) To provide mechanical and environmental protection
C) To reduce cost
D) To improve flexibility
Systems Practice Exam
1. When installing external telephone cabling near power lines, what is the primary reason for
maintaining proper separation?
A) To reduce installation time
B) To avoid electromagnetic interference and ensure safety
C) To improve cable aesthetics
D) To increase signal amplification
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Maintaining separation from power lines prevents electromagnetic interference and
enhances safety during installation.
2. Which cable type is most often used for high-speed digital telephone communication in backbone
networks?
A) RG-6
B) Category 5e (Cat 5e)
C) Fiber Optic
D) Coaxial
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Fiber optic cables support very high bandwidth and are immune to electromagnetic
interference, making them ideal for high-speed digital communications over long distances.
3. Which of the following is NOT typically a specification parameter for external telephone cabling?
A) Conductor material
B) Signal loss
C) Tensile strength
D) Water absorption
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Cable specifications usually list physical properties (e.g., conductor material, tensile
strength, water resistance). Signal loss is a performance parameter measured in situ rather than a
manufacturing specification.
4. What is the primary purpose of adhering to safety standards and regulations during cabling
installation?
A) Reducing installation time
B) Minimizing cost
C) Protecting personnel and property
D) Improving signal strength
Correct Answer: C
,Explanation: Safety standards protect workers and the public and help avoid accidents during
installation.
5. Which of the following best describes an analog signal in telephone communication?
A) A continuous electrical wave representing voice frequencies
B) A series of digital pulses
C) A modulated light signal
D) A binary code transmitted via fiber
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Analog signals continuously vary in amplitude and frequency, which makes them suitable
for representing natural voice sounds.
6. In the context of signal transmission, what does “attenuation” refer to?
A) Amplification of a signal
B) Loss of signal strength over distance
C) Interference from external sources
D) Delay in signal processing
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Attenuation is the reduction in signal strength as it travels through a medium.
7. Which method can help improve signal reception in a noisy environment?
A) Increasing cable length
B) Using signal repeaters
C) Decreasing signal strength
D) Removing cable shielding
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Signal repeaters boost weakened signals, compensating for losses and interference.
8. A common troubleshooting technique for diagnosing transmission issues in telephone systems is:
A) A visual inspection of cabling
B) Changing connector types
C) Replacing the telephone handset
D) Modifying network topology
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Visual inspections often reveal physical damage, improper routing, or wear that could be
causing transmission issues.
9. During external cabling installation, which environmental factor is most critical?
A) Ambient temperature
,B) Humidity levels
C) UV radiation exposure
D) Noise levels
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: External cables are exposed to sunlight; UV-resistant jackets are essential to prevent
degradation.
10. When installing underground cabling, what is the primary purpose of using a conduit?
A) To reduce cable cost
B) To facilitate easier cable replacement
C) To protect cables from moisture and physical damage
D) To improve signal strength
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Conduits shield underground cables from moisture, chemicals, and physical harm.
11. Which cable type is best suited for underground telephone cabling installations?
A) UTP cable designed for indoor use
B) Direct burial-rated cable with a UV-resistant jacket
C) Standard coaxial cable
D) Cat 6 cable without water-resistant properties
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Direct burial-rated cables are engineered to withstand harsh underground conditions.
12. A common sign of signal transmission issues in telephone systems is:
A) Clear audio quality
B) Increased signal-to-noise ratio
C) Static or intermittent signal loss
D) Faster data speeds
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Static or intermittent loss of signal is a typical indicator of transmission problems.
13. Which safety standard is most relevant to the installation of telephone cabling?
A) NFPA 70 (NEC)
B) OSHA regulations
C) FCC guidelines
D) ANSI Z136.1
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: OSHA regulations focus on worker safety and are highly pertinent to installation work.
, 14. What is the purpose of using shielded cabling in telephone communication systems?
A) To reduce cable weight
B) To minimize electromagnetic interference
C) To increase signal strength
D) To simplify installation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Shielded cables incorporate a conductive layer that blocks external electromagnetic noise.
15. Which factor is most likely to cause signal degradation in an external cabling installation?
A) Cable length exceeding recommended limits
B) Use of high-quality connectors
C) Adequate cable shielding
D) Proper installation techniques
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Excessively long cable runs lead to higher attenuation and signal loss.
16. Which tool is commonly used to measure signal attenuation when troubleshooting transmission
issues?
A) Oscilloscope
B) Time-domain reflectometer (TDR)
C) Multimeter
D) Spectrum analyzer
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A TDR detects impedance changes and identifies faults by measuring reflected signals
along the cable.
17. Which installation practice helps prevent moisture ingress in underground cabling?
A) Installing cables loosely in a trench
B) Using watertight connectors and sealants
C) Direct burial without protective measures
D) Increasing cable tension
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Watertight connectors and proper sealants keep moisture out, protecting cable integrity.
18. What is the primary purpose of cable jacketing in external installations?
A) To enhance signal transmission
B) To provide mechanical and environmental protection
C) To reduce cost
D) To improve flexibility
