Page 1 of 82
Virginia ESC (Electronic, Communication Service)
EXAM ALL 200 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
1. What is the PRIMARY purpose of a communications bonding conductor (CBC)?
A. Increase signal bandwidth
B. Provide a low-impedance path to equalize potential
C. Improve cable organization
D. Reduce installation time
B. Provide a low-impedance path to equalize potential — bonding reduces voltage differences
that can cause shock, noise, or equipment damage.
2. Which NEC requirement applies when communications cables enter a building from
outdoors?
A. They must be plenum-rated
B. They must be bonded and protected by a primary protector
C. They must be installed in rigid conduit only
D. They must be powered by a UPS
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, Page 2 of 82
B. They must be bonded and protected by a primary protector — NEC Article 800 requires
protection against lightning and surges.
3. What does insertion loss measure in a cabling system?
A. Signal reflection
B. Signal delay
C. Signal strength lost through the cable
D. Ground resistance
C. Signal strength lost through the cable — excessive insertion loss degrades data and voice
performance.
4. Which condition MOST commonly causes intermittent network connectivity?
A. Incorrect IP address
B. Loose or poorly terminated connectors
C. Excessive labeling
D. Proper grounding
B. Loose or poorly terminated connectors — causes sporadic opens and packet loss.
2
, Page 3 of 82
5. What is the PRIMARY function of a communications equipment room (CER)?
A. Store spare parts
B. Centralize network and communication equipment
C. Improve Wi-Fi coverage
D. Reduce cable length
B. Centralize network and communication equipment — improves management, cooling, and
security.
6. Which device provides centralized power for access control field devices?
A. Network switch
B. Control panel power supply
C. Patch panel
D. Reader interface module
B. Control panel power supply — distributes regulated DC power with battery backup.
7. What is the MAIN advantage of supervised circuits in life-safety systems?
A. Lower voltage
B. Reduced wiring
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, Page 4 of 82
C. Automatic detection of opens and shorts
D. Higher data speed
C. Automatic detection of opens and shorts — ensures faults are reported immediately.
8. Which test verifies that a copper data cable meets Category performance standards?
A. Continuity test
B. Voltage test
C. Certification test
D. Toner test
C. Certification test — confirms compliance with TIA/EIA performance requirements.
9. What is the PRIMARY reason ESC systems require separation from power conductors?
A. Reduce installation cost
B. Prevent electromagnetic interference
C. Improve grounding
D. Increase airflow
B. Prevent electromagnetic interference — power conductors induce noise into low-voltage
systems.
4
Virginia ESC (Electronic, Communication Service)
EXAM ALL 200 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
1. What is the PRIMARY purpose of a communications bonding conductor (CBC)?
A. Increase signal bandwidth
B. Provide a low-impedance path to equalize potential
C. Improve cable organization
D. Reduce installation time
B. Provide a low-impedance path to equalize potential — bonding reduces voltage differences
that can cause shock, noise, or equipment damage.
2. Which NEC requirement applies when communications cables enter a building from
outdoors?
A. They must be plenum-rated
B. They must be bonded and protected by a primary protector
C. They must be installed in rigid conduit only
D. They must be powered by a UPS
1
, Page 2 of 82
B. They must be bonded and protected by a primary protector — NEC Article 800 requires
protection against lightning and surges.
3. What does insertion loss measure in a cabling system?
A. Signal reflection
B. Signal delay
C. Signal strength lost through the cable
D. Ground resistance
C. Signal strength lost through the cable — excessive insertion loss degrades data and voice
performance.
4. Which condition MOST commonly causes intermittent network connectivity?
A. Incorrect IP address
B. Loose or poorly terminated connectors
C. Excessive labeling
D. Proper grounding
B. Loose or poorly terminated connectors — causes sporadic opens and packet loss.
2
, Page 3 of 82
5. What is the PRIMARY function of a communications equipment room (CER)?
A. Store spare parts
B. Centralize network and communication equipment
C. Improve Wi-Fi coverage
D. Reduce cable length
B. Centralize network and communication equipment — improves management, cooling, and
security.
6. Which device provides centralized power for access control field devices?
A. Network switch
B. Control panel power supply
C. Patch panel
D. Reader interface module
B. Control panel power supply — distributes regulated DC power with battery backup.
7. What is the MAIN advantage of supervised circuits in life-safety systems?
A. Lower voltage
B. Reduced wiring
3
, Page 4 of 82
C. Automatic detection of opens and shorts
D. Higher data speed
C. Automatic detection of opens and shorts — ensures faults are reported immediately.
8. Which test verifies that a copper data cable meets Category performance standards?
A. Continuity test
B. Voltage test
C. Certification test
D. Toner test
C. Certification test — confirms compliance with TIA/EIA performance requirements.
9. What is the PRIMARY reason ESC systems require separation from power conductors?
A. Reduce installation cost
B. Prevent electromagnetic interference
C. Improve grounding
D. Increase airflow
B. Prevent electromagnetic interference — power conductors induce noise into low-voltage
systems.
4
