Important New Jersey licensing distinction: the PSI Alarm Systems Contractor Examination on this page is part of the New Jersey Electrical Contractor examination path. It is separate from New Jersey's individual Fire Alarm and Burglar Alarm licensing process administered through the Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee.
What Is the New Jersey PSI Alarm Systems Contractor Examination?
The New Jersey Alarm Systems Contractor Examination is a technical PSI examination covering low-voltage electrical work, fire alarms, intrusion systems, security systems and alarm installation requirements.
For applicants pursuing New Jersey Electrical Contractor licensure, the current PSI process includes three examinations: the Electrical Contractor Examination, the Alarm Systems Contractor Examination, and the Business and Law Examination.
The Alarm Systems Contractor portion is important because modern electrical contracting involves more than power wiring. Candidates need to understand signaling systems, fire-alarm applications, access control, CCTV, intrusion detection, low-voltage wiring and the special rules that apply to these systems.
Exam: New Jersey PSI Alarm Systems Contractor Examination.
Format: 50 questions, 165 minutes, open book, 70 percent required to pass.
Testing authority: PSI administers the examination after authorization through New Jersey's electrical contractor licensing process.
Important: this exam should not be confused with the separate New Jersey Fire Alarm or Burglar Alarm individual-license examinations.
Use the New Jersey PSI Alarm System Contractor Book Package to organize your study around the approved alarm, fire-alarm, low-voltage, security and CCTV references.
How the New Jersey Alarm Systems Exam Fits the Licensing Path
New Jersey uses several related licenses and examinations. Make sure you prepare for the exact credential on your application.
| Path | Authority / Exam | Important Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Contractor | New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors | Current PSI pathway includes Electrical Contractor, Alarm Systems Contractor, and Business and Law exams |
| Alarm Systems Contractor Exam | PSI | 50-question alarm and low-voltage examination covered on this page |
| Fire Alarm License | Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee | Separate individual alarm-license path with separate application and examination requirements |
| Burglar Alarm License | Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee | Separate individual burglar-alarm licensing path |
| Business and Law | PSI | Separate 50-question examination required in the Electrical Contractor licensing pathway |
Research Authority and Citation Count
The exam format, reference list, licensing path and 1 Exam Prep materials were checked separately so the alarm exam is not confused with New Jersey's other alarm-license categories.
| Verified Point | Authority | Research Result |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm Systems exam format | Current PSI-based New Jersey exam information | 50 questions, 165 minutes and 70% passing |
| Content outline | Current PSI content outline | Six exam categories totaling 50 questions |
| NEC reference | Current PSI reference information | 2023 NEC is provided at the test center for the Alarm Systems examination |
| Additional alarm references | PSI-aligned 1 Exam Prep reference package | NFPA 72, NTC security and low-voltage references, and CCTV technical material |
| Electrical Contractor exam path | New Jersey electrical contractor PSI materials | Electrical Contractor candidates must pass Electrical Contractor, Alarm Systems Contractor, and Business and Law examinations |
| Separate alarm licensing | New Jersey Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee | Fire Alarm and Burglar Alarm individual licensing follows a separate state application and examination path |
New Jersey PSI Alarm Systems Contractor Exam Breakdown
The current Alarm Systems Contractor Examination contains 50 questions. Candidates receive 165 minutes and need at least 35 correct answers to reach the 70 percent passing requirement.
Three categories tie for the largest share of the examination: Application of Fire Alarm Systems, Application of Intrusion and Security Systems, and Installation Requirements. Each contains 12 questions.
Wiring Methods and Materials contributes six questions, General Electrical Knowledge contributes five, and Special Occupancies and Conditions contributes three.
That means the exam expects candidates to understand complete systems, not just individual devices. Knowing what a motion sensor does is useful. Knowing how the sensor, panel, power supply, wiring method, occupancy rules and signaling requirements work together is much more useful.
Exam New Jersey PSI Alarm Systems Contractor Examination
Testing Provider PSI
Questions 50
Passing Score 70% / 35 correct
Time Allowed 165 minutes
Format Open book
NEC Reference NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2023 Edition
NEC Exam Rule PSI provides the NEC at the test center; candidates may not use their own NEC copy
Largest Topics Fire Alarm Systems, Intrusion and Security Systems, Installation Requirements
Electrical Contractor Path One of three required examinations alongside Electrical Contractor and Business and Law
How to Study for the New Jersey Alarm Systems Contractor Exam
Build your study schedule around the three largest sections first. Fire alarms, intrusion and security systems, and installation requirements account for 36 of the 50 current questions.
Study NFPA 72 actively. Practice locating fire alarm definitions, initiating-device rules, notification concepts, power requirements, inspection and testing information.
Study security systems as complete systems. Review intrusion detection, CCTV, access control, intercoms, video security and low-voltage design concepts.
Practice installation rules. Know conductor routing, support, separation, equipment placement, power supplies, grounding and low-voltage wiring principles.
Practice with an unmarked NEC. PSI supplies the 2023 NEC at the test center, so you cannot depend on your personal highlighting or tabs in that book during the exam.
Alarm System Electrical Math and Reference Strategy
Alarm contractors still need electrical fundamentals. Low voltage does not mean no math. Candidates should be comfortable working through Ohm's Law, current, resistance, voltage drop, power supplies, batteries, series and parallel circuits, and conductor-related questions.
Simplified New Jersey Alarm Systems Contractor exam prep illustration for fire alarms, security systems, CCTV and access control.
Start by identifying the system being tested. Then choose the most likely reference instead of randomly searching through every book on the table.
- Fire Alarm: NFPA 72 plus applicable NEC requirements
- Intrusion: security-system design, devices, signaling and installation concepts
- CCTV: camera technology, imaging, lenses, transmission and system design
- Access Control: readers, credentials, locking interfaces, entry and exit functions
- Low Voltage: power supplies, conductor rules, separation, routing and system wiring
- Electrical Math: Ohm's Law, power, voltage drop, batteries, resistance and circuit calculations
Your New Jersey PSI Alarm Systems Contractor Exam Roadmap
Move from application approval to reference preparation, PSI testing and completion of the appropriate New Jersey licensing path.
1
Confirm which New Jersey license you are pursuing
Determine whether you are preparing for the PSI Alarm Systems Contractor examination in the Electrical Contractor pathway or a separate Fire Alarm or Burglar Alarm license.
2
Complete the correct state application process
Submit your licensing application and supporting documentation to the New Jersey authority responsible for your credential.
3
Receive authorization to test
PSI scheduling follows state eligibility approval. Do not assume purchasing books alone makes you eligible to sit for the examination.
4
Build your approved reference set
Prepare NFPA 72, NTC security references, low-voltage materials and CCTV references according to current PSI rules.
5
Train with the 2023 NEC
Practice finding alarm, signaling, communications and low-voltage requirements without depending on personal markings because PSI provides the exam-room NEC.
6
Take timed 50-question simulations
Use a 165-minute clock and practice moving efficiently between fire alarm, security, installation and wiring topics.
7
Complete the remaining required examinations
Electrical Contractor applicants must also complete the other PSI examinations required for that licensing path.
New Jersey Alarm Systems Contractor Exam Topic Weighting
These counts follow the current PSI-aligned New Jersey Alarm Systems Contractor examination outline. Bar lengths compare each category with the largest 12-question sections.
General Electrical Knowledge 5 questions • 10%
Application of Fire Alarm Systems 12 questions • 24%
Application of Intrusion and Security Systems 12 questions • 24%
Installation Requirements 12 questions • 24%
Wiring Methods and Materials 6 questions • 12%
Special Occupancies and Conditions 3 questions • 6%
New Jersey PSI Alarm Systems Contractor Exam References
Always compare your books with the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin before testing because editions can change.
| Reference | Primary Study Use | Exam-Day Note |
|---|---|---|
| NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2023 | Electrical fundamentals, signaling circuits, low-voltage wiring and applicable installation requirements | Provided by PSI at the test center; candidates may not use their own NEC copy |
| NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2022 | Fire alarm systems, initiating devices, notification, signaling, inspection and testing | Candidate-supplied approved alarm reference |
| NTC Yellow Book: Video Security Systems Handbook, 2025 | Video security, cameras, system layout and surveillance applications | Candidate-supplied approved reference |
| NTC Blue Book: Security System Design and Installation | Intrusion, security-system design, components, wiring and installation concepts | Verify the exact edition listed in the current PSI bulletin |
| NTC Blue Book: Low Voltage Systems Handbook, 2025 | Low-voltage electrical systems, wiring methods, signaling and related technical concepts | Candidate-supplied approved reference |
| CCTV From Light to Pixels, 3rd Edition | CCTV imaging, cameras, lenses, video transmission and system design | Listed alarm-system technical reference |
How to Prepare for the Open-Book New Jersey Alarm Systems Exam
Build these exam-prep habits
- Practice with the same reference editions listed by PSI
- Learn the structure of NFPA 72
- Practice navigating an unmarked 2023 NEC
- Use compliant permanent tabs in candidate-supplied references
- Learn which book covers each security-system topic
- Practice electrical math and voltage-drop questions
- Complete 50-question timed simulations
Avoid these exam-prep mistakes
- Depending on a personally tabbed NEC during the actual exam
- Using temporary Post-it-style tabs
- Adding handwritten notes to approved references
- Bringing loose papers inside reference books
- Studying only burglar alarms and ignoring fire alarms
- Ignoring CCTV and access-control concepts
- Searching every reference for every question
New Jersey Alarm Systems Exam vs Fire and Burglar Alarm Licenses
The names sound similar, which can make New Jersey licensing confusing.
The PSI Alarm Systems Contractor Examination described on this page is part of the examination structure used for New Jersey Electrical Contractor licensure.
New Jersey also separately licenses individuals and businesses engaged specifically in fire alarm and burglar alarm work through the Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee.
Preparing for New Jersey Electrical Contractor licensure? Study the PSI Alarm Systems Contractor Examination along with the Electrical Contractor and Business and Law portions.
Applying specifically for a Fire Alarm or Burglar Alarm license? Follow the separate Advisory Committee application, experience, training, background-check and exam requirements for that license.
New Jersey Electrical Contractor Exam Comparison
Candidates pursuing the Electrical Contractor license need to prepare for three different PSI examination areas.
| Exam | Current Format | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Contractor | 100 questions • approximately 260 minutes • 70% passing | NEC, electrical systems, grounding, motors, services, raceways and calculations |
| Alarm Systems Contractor | 50 questions • 165 minutes • 70% passing | Fire alarm, intrusion, security, installation, wiring and special conditions |
| Business and Law | 50 questions • 130 minutes • 70% passing | Licensing, estimating, contracts, project management, risk, labor, finance, tax and lien law |
New Jersey PSI Alarm Systems Contractor Exam Prep Requirements
Exam Authorization
Before PSI Scheduling
- Use the correct New Jersey licensing application
- Submit required supporting documentation
- Receive approval or examination eligibility
- Follow the PSI scheduling instructions
- Confirm the current candidate bulletin
Alarm Systems Exam Candidate
Technical Study Focus
- Fire alarm systems
- Intrusion and security systems
- Installation requirements
- Wiring methods and materials
- General electrical knowledge
- Special occupancies and conditions
- CCTV and low-voltage systems
Reference Preparation
Open-Book Performance
- 2023 NEC navigation practice
- NFPA 72 familiarity
- NTC Yellow Book navigation
- NTC Blue Book navigation
- CCTV technical review
- Permanent tabs where permitted
- No handwritten notes or loose papers
Six-Week New Jersey Alarm Systems Contractor Exam Prep Plan
Build fire-alarm knowledge, security-system knowledge and reference-navigation speed in focused study blocks.
Week 1
Exam Setup and Electrical Fundamentals
- Review current PSI rules
- Organize alarm references
- Practice Ohm's Law
- Review voltage drop
- Learn NEC alarm-related article locations
Week 2
Fire Alarm Systems
- NFPA 72 navigation
- Initiating devices
- Notification appliances
- Power supplies
- Inspection and testing concepts
Week 3
Intrusion and Security Systems
- Alarm panels
- Sensors and detection
- Access control
- Intercom systems
- Security-system design
Week 4
Installation Requirements
- Low-voltage wiring
- Power supplies
- Conductor routing
- Separation and support
- Equipment installation
Week 5
CCTV and Special Conditions
- Camera fundamentals
- Lenses and imaging
- Video transmission
- Special occupancies
- Wiring methods and materials
Week 6
Full PSI Simulation
- 50-question practice exam
- 165-minute timer
- Book-navigation drills
- Missed-question review
- Final reference check
How Hard Is the New Jersey Alarm Systems Contractor Exam?
The exam can be challenging because candidates must move between electrical concepts, fire alarms, security systems, CCTV, installation rules and multiple reference books.
You have 165 minutes for 50 questions, which gives you a little over three minutes per question on average. That sounds comfortable until one question sends you into the wrong handbook for six minutes.
Strong preparation means knowing both the trade and the books. If the question is about fire-alarm notification, you should already be thinking NFPA 72. If it is about camera imaging, your brain should be reaching for the CCTV reference before your hands start flipping pages.
New Jersey Alarm Systems Contractor Exam Day Checklist
Do this
- Confirm your current PSI eligibility and appointment
- Bring required identification
- Bring the candidate-supplied references listed for your exam
- Expect PSI to provide the 2023 NEC
- Use compliant permanent tabs where allowed
- Identify the correct reference before searching
- Protect enough time for final review
Do not do this
- Bring your personal NEC expecting to use it in the exam
- Use temporary tabs or Post-it notes
- Add loose paper to approved books
- Write notes in references during the exam
- Ignore CCTV or security topics
- Assume all alarm questions come from NFPA 72
- Spend too long on one reference search
New Jersey PSI Alarm System Contractor Exam Prep Options
Alarm System Contractor Book Package
Primary New Jersey PSI Reference Package
- Alarm-system technical references
- Fire-alarm reference material
- Security-system references
- Low-voltage handbook
- Video-security reference
- Built around PSI exam preparation
New Jersey Electrical Contractor Prep
Full Licensing Exam Support
- Electrical Contractor exam review
- Alarm Systems exam preparation
- Business and Law awareness
- NEC navigation
- Practice-exam strategy
- Timed exam preparation
New Jersey Exam Prep Collection
Additional Study Resources
- Alarm system resources
- Electrical contractor prep
- Business and law materials
- Electrician study guides
- Reference books
- Code-navigation support
Prepare for Fire Alarm, Security and Low-Voltage Systems
The New Jersey PSI Alarm Systems Contractor Examination covers several connected technologies.
• 50 questions
• 165 minutes
• 70% passing score
• 2023 NEC provided by PSI
• 12 questions on Fire Alarm Systems
• 12 questions on Intrusion and Security Systems
• 12 questions on Installation Requirements
• NFPA 72, NTC and CCTV references are important study tools
Learn which reference controls the question before you start searching. That simple habit can save a surprising amount of exam time.
New Jersey PSI Alarm System Contractor Exam Prep FAQ
New Jersey Alarm Systems Exam
The current New Jersey Alarm Systems Contractor Examination contains 50 questions.
Candidates currently receive 165 minutes to complete the examination.
The passing requirement is 70 percent, which means at least 35 correct answers out of 50 questions.
Yes. The current PSI examination is open book, but each reference has specific rules about whether PSI provides it or the candidate must bring it.
PSI administers the examination for candidates who have received the required New Jersey examination authorization.
Exam Content
Three areas tie for the largest share: Application of Fire Alarm Systems, Application of Intrusion and Security Systems, and Installation Requirements. Each contains 12 questions.
The current content outline assigns 12 questions to Application of Fire Alarm Systems.
Application of Intrusion and Security Systems contains 12 questions.
Yes. The current reference list includes CCTV From Light to Pixels and the NTC Video Security Systems Handbook, so video-security concepts are an important part of preparation.
Security-system preparation should include access-control concepts because the examination covers intrusion and electronic security applications and uses security-system design references.
Reference Books and Exam Rules
The current PSI-based reference information lists NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2023 Edition.
No. PSI currently provides the 2023 NEC at the test center for the Alarm Systems Contractor examination. Candidates may not use their personal NEC copy for that exam portion.
No. The PSI-provided NEC may not be written in, highlighted, underlined or indexed.
Current exam rules allow applicable candidate-supplied references to be highlighted, underlined and indexed before the examination, but written notes are prohibited.
Permanent tabs are allowed where permitted by the current PSI reference rules. Temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are not allowed.
The current reference list includes NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2022 Edition.
Licensing Path
Yes. Current PSI-based New Jersey Electrical Contractor information states that candidates must pass the Electrical Contractor, Alarm Systems Contractor, and Business and Law examinations to qualify for Electrical Contractor licensure.
No. New Jersey also has separate individual Fire Alarm and Burglar Alarm licensing through the Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee. Those licenses have separate eligibility, application and examination requirements.
Current New Jersey PSI-based materials state that first-time candidates in the Electrical Contractor licensing pathway are required to take the Electrical Contractor, Alarm Systems Contractor, and Business and Law examinations as required by the state's testing process.
The current package is built around PSI alarm-system references including National Electrical Code study material, NFPA 72, NTC video-security and low-voltage references, and CCTV From Light to Pixels.
Watch: How to Pass an Alarm Contractor License Exam
Watch this related 1 Exam Prep alarm-contractor video for open-book study strategy, alarm-system reference navigation, technical exam preparation and guidance on approaching contractor licensing questions.
New Jersey exam prep note: this 1 Exam Prep video was created around alarm-contractor exam preparation in another state, so use it for general alarm-system study strategy, reference navigation and open-book testing techniques. For your New Jersey examination, follow the current PSI question counts, references, code editions and testing rules.
New Jersey PSI Alarm System Contractor Exam Prep Resources
Use the current New Jersey PSI exam requirements together with focused alarm, fire-alarm, low-voltage, security and electrical study resources.
New Jersey PSI Alarm System Contractor Book Package New Jersey Contractor License Exam Prep New Jersey Exam Prep Collection New Jersey Electrical Contractor Practice Prep Low Voltage Electrician Practice Questions NJ Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm & Locksmith Committee NJ Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors Contact 1 Exam Prep
Ready for New Jersey PSI Alarm System Contractor Exam Prep?
Build stronger fire-alarm knowledge, faster security-system reference navigation, better low-voltage fundamentals, stronger CCTV awareness and realistic open-book exam skills for the 50-question New Jersey PSI Alarm Systems Contractor Examination.
Questions? Call 877-775-9400
or email sales@1examprep.com
New Jersey Alarm System Exam Prep
- Al elegir una selección, se actualiza la página completa.
- Se abre en una nueva ventana.