California Alarm Company Operator
Licensing Exam Questions and Answers
Graded A+
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.
California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) - Correct answer-Responsible
for regulating the licensing process and ensuring that alarm company operators
meet the required standards.
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.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,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.
Intrusion alarm system - Correct answer-Alarm systems designed to detect
unauthorized entries by using sensors like door contacts and motion detectors.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
,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.
POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) - Correct answer-A communication method
for transmitting alarm signals that relies on traditional telephone lines.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
, IP-based communication - Correct answer-Refers to using Internet Protocol
networks to transmit alarm data, often providing faster and more secure
connections.
Verification - Correct answer-Confirming that an alarm is real before notifying
authorities
Primary responsibility of an ACO when an alarm is activated - Correct answer-
Verifying the alarm and documenting the event
Regulation aspect aimed at reducing false alarms - Correct answer-The false alarm
reduction program
Component responsible for alerting occupants - Correct answer-Siren and strobe
lights
Role of a monitoring center in alarm operations - Correct answer-Receiving alarm
signals, verifying them, and notifying emergency services
Type of sensor used to detect movement within a room - Correct answer-Motion
detector
First recommended step for effective alarm system troubleshooting - Correct
answer-Perform a systematic check of system components
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
Licensing Exam Questions and Answers
Graded A+
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.
California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) - Correct answer-Responsible
for regulating the licensing process and ensuring that alarm company operators
meet the required standards.
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.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,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.
Intrusion alarm system - Correct answer-Alarm systems designed to detect
unauthorized entries by using sensors like door contacts and motion detectors.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
,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.
POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) - Correct answer-A communication method
for transmitting alarm signals that relies on traditional telephone lines.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
, IP-based communication - Correct answer-Refers to using Internet Protocol
networks to transmit alarm data, often providing faster and more secure
connections.
Verification - Correct answer-Confirming that an alarm is real before notifying
authorities
Primary responsibility of an ACO when an alarm is activated - Correct answer-
Verifying the alarm and documenting the event
Regulation aspect aimed at reducing false alarms - Correct answer-The false alarm
reduction program
Component responsible for alerting occupants - Correct answer-Siren and strobe
lights
Role of a monitoring center in alarm operations - Correct answer-Receiving alarm
signals, verifying them, and notifying emergency services
Type of sensor used to detect movement within a room - Correct answer-Motion
detector
First recommended step for effective alarm system troubleshooting - Correct
answer-Perform a systematic check of system components
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
