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California Alarm Company Operator Licensing Exam
– 2025/2026 Edition | Verified Questions & Correct
Answers
Alarm Company Operator (ACO) License - CORRECT ANSWER=Legally
enables companies to operate and offer alarm system services under California
regulations, ensuring compliance with state requirements.
Licensing Process - CORRECT ANSWER=The licensing process is rigorous and
involves meeting specific qualifications, passing background checks, and
complying with state regulations to ensure public safety.
Unauthorized Access Prevention - CORRECT ANSWER=Strong encryption and
secure access protocols are vital for protecting alarm systems from unauthorized
access and cyber threats.
Continuing Education for Operators - CORRECT ANSWER=Continuing
education helps operators stay updated on technological advances and regulatory
changes, ensuring high-quality operations and compliance.
Technical Proficiency - CORRECT ANSWER=Technical proficiency involves a
deep understanding of system installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance,
which is essential for ensuring reliable performance.
Risk Analysis Significance - CORRECT ANSWER=Risk analysis is essential for
identifying vulnerabilities and planning appropriate security measures, which
enhances system effectiveness.
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Conflict of Interest Example - CORRECT ANSWER=A personal financial stake
in a related business can create a conflict of interest, potentially compromising the
operator's impartiality in business decisions.
Educating Customers on False Alarms - CORRECT ANSWER=Educating
customers about proper system usage and troubleshooting techniques helps
minimize accidental activations and false alarms.
Operational Procedures - CORRECT ANSWER=Operational procedures are
formalized processes designed to ensure consistency and reliability in handling
alarms, maintenance, and customer service.
Wiring Organization - CORRECT ANSWER=The wiring should be organized to
minimize interference and ensure a secure connection.
Wiring Pattern - CORRECT ANSWER=The wiring should follow an arbitrary
pattern.
Wiring Importance - CORRECT ANSWER=The wiring is not important as long
as sensors are installed.
Central Station Components - CORRECT ANSWER=Which of the following is
NOT a typical component of a central station monitoring system?
California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) - CORRECT
ANSWER=Responsible for regulating the licensing process and ensuring that
alarm company operators meet the required standards.
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Responsibilities of Alarm Company Operator - CORRECT ANSWER=Typical
responsibilities include overseeing installation standards, managing monitoring
centers, and ensuring compliance with local and state laws, but not operating
emergency dispatch services directly.
Alarm Company Operator Act - CORRECT ANSWER=Outlines the legal
framework and responsibilities for operators in California.
Basic qualifications for ACO License - CORRECT ANSWER=Include passing a
background check, demonstrating technical proficiency, and meeting ethical
standards, but not holding a degree in electronics engineering.
Maintaining an active ACO License - CORRECT ANSWER=Requires
participating in regular continuing education.
Regulations enforcement for alarm companies - CORRECT ANSWER=Enforced
through various codes including the California Penal Code, Business and
Professions Code, and Health & Safety Code.
Local regulations for alarm companies - CORRECT ANSWER=May impose
additional requirements such as local ordinances regarding false alarms.
Importance of record-keeping under ACO License - CORRECT ANSWER=Strict
documentation is necessary to monitor alarm system reliability and performance.
false alarm - CORRECT ANSWER=An alarm that is triggered without an actual
emergency.
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Intrusion alarm system - CORRECT ANSWER=Alarm systems designed to detect
unauthorized entries by using sensors like door contacts and motion detectors.
Communication equipment - CORRECT ANSWER=Equipment critical for
transmitting signals to the monitoring center, such as telephone, cellular, or internet
connections.
glass break detector - CORRECT ANSWER=A device specifically designed to
sense the sound of breaking glass, indicating potential intrusion.
proper installation of alarm system wiring - CORRECT ANSWER=Ensures
optimal performance and reduced interference, which is essential for reliable
operation.
code compliance and optimal sensor placement - CORRECT ANSWER=Principle
most important for ensuring coverage and reliability in alarm system design.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards - CORRECT
ANSWER=Help ensure that alarm systems meet fire safety regulations and
maintain reliable performance.
risk analysis - CORRECT ANSWER=Involves determining sensor placement to
cover all potential entry points and hazards.
central station - CORRECT ANSWER=A dedicated monitoring center that
receives, verifies, and dispatches alarm signals as needed.
California Alarm Company Operator Licensing Exam
– 2025/2026 Edition | Verified Questions & Correct
Answers
Alarm Company Operator (ACO) License - CORRECT ANSWER=Legally
enables companies to operate and offer alarm system services under California
regulations, ensuring compliance with state requirements.
Licensing Process - CORRECT ANSWER=The licensing process is rigorous and
involves meeting specific qualifications, passing background checks, and
complying with state regulations to ensure public safety.
Unauthorized Access Prevention - CORRECT ANSWER=Strong encryption and
secure access protocols are vital for protecting alarm systems from unauthorized
access and cyber threats.
Continuing Education for Operators - CORRECT ANSWER=Continuing
education helps operators stay updated on technological advances and regulatory
changes, ensuring high-quality operations and compliance.
Technical Proficiency - CORRECT ANSWER=Technical proficiency involves a
deep understanding of system installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance,
which is essential for ensuring reliable performance.
Risk Analysis Significance - CORRECT ANSWER=Risk analysis is essential for
identifying vulnerabilities and planning appropriate security measures, which
enhances system effectiveness.
,2|Page
Conflict of Interest Example - CORRECT ANSWER=A personal financial stake
in a related business can create a conflict of interest, potentially compromising the
operator's impartiality in business decisions.
Educating Customers on False Alarms - CORRECT ANSWER=Educating
customers about proper system usage and troubleshooting techniques helps
minimize accidental activations and false alarms.
Operational Procedures - CORRECT ANSWER=Operational procedures are
formalized processes designed to ensure consistency and reliability in handling
alarms, maintenance, and customer service.
Wiring Organization - CORRECT ANSWER=The wiring should be organized to
minimize interference and ensure a secure connection.
Wiring Pattern - CORRECT ANSWER=The wiring should follow an arbitrary
pattern.
Wiring Importance - CORRECT ANSWER=The wiring is not important as long
as sensors are installed.
Central Station Components - CORRECT ANSWER=Which of the following is
NOT a typical component of a central station monitoring system?
California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) - CORRECT
ANSWER=Responsible for regulating the licensing process and ensuring that
alarm company operators meet the required standards.
,3|Page
Responsibilities of Alarm Company Operator - CORRECT ANSWER=Typical
responsibilities include overseeing installation standards, managing monitoring
centers, and ensuring compliance with local and state laws, but not operating
emergency dispatch services directly.
Alarm Company Operator Act - CORRECT ANSWER=Outlines the legal
framework and responsibilities for operators in California.
Basic qualifications for ACO License - CORRECT ANSWER=Include passing a
background check, demonstrating technical proficiency, and meeting ethical
standards, but not holding a degree in electronics engineering.
Maintaining an active ACO License - CORRECT ANSWER=Requires
participating in regular continuing education.
Regulations enforcement for alarm companies - CORRECT ANSWER=Enforced
through various codes including the California Penal Code, Business and
Professions Code, and Health & Safety Code.
Local regulations for alarm companies - CORRECT ANSWER=May impose
additional requirements such as local ordinances regarding false alarms.
Importance of record-keeping under ACO License - CORRECT ANSWER=Strict
documentation is necessary to monitor alarm system reliability and performance.
false alarm - CORRECT ANSWER=An alarm that is triggered without an actual
emergency.
, 4|Page
Intrusion alarm system - CORRECT ANSWER=Alarm systems designed to detect
unauthorized entries by using sensors like door contacts and motion detectors.
Communication equipment - CORRECT ANSWER=Equipment critical for
transmitting signals to the monitoring center, such as telephone, cellular, or internet
connections.
glass break detector - CORRECT ANSWER=A device specifically designed to
sense the sound of breaking glass, indicating potential intrusion.
proper installation of alarm system wiring - CORRECT ANSWER=Ensures
optimal performance and reduced interference, which is essential for reliable
operation.
code compliance and optimal sensor placement - CORRECT ANSWER=Principle
most important for ensuring coverage and reliability in alarm system design.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards - CORRECT
ANSWER=Help ensure that alarm systems meet fire safety regulations and
maintain reliable performance.
risk analysis - CORRECT ANSWER=Involves determining sensor placement to
cover all potential entry points and hazards.
central station - CORRECT ANSWER=A dedicated monitoring center that
receives, verifies, and dispatches alarm signals as needed.
