Question:
I operate a small family run alarm service company. We install and service burglar alarms and related equipment, but up till now have only "serviced" existing fire alarm equipment. We have worked on many different types and are familiar with most electrical configuratuions. We also service and are known by many area police and fire departments and our company is well respected. Recently a good commercial customer asked us to install door holders on existing fire alarm systems in 10 of his apartment buildings in a town we have never worked in. We showed up for work with equipment in hand, called the fire department to place the first system on test and were promptly informed that we would need be "certified" to work in that town. This has never been required before. To become certified you need to pass a 50 question multiple choice test with a minimum 70% grade based on anything and apparently everything contained in NFPA 72. If you fail the test they require that you wait ten days before you're allowed to retake it. It was very embarrassing to have to call my customer and tell him that I would be reqiuired to take this test before being able to do this job, however it will be much more embarrassing not to mention, financially lethal if I were to fail it a number of times and have to keep stalling him along and then subsequently lose this job and possibly the account as well. I have ordered a copy of NFPA72 and it should be here tomorrow, however it is 235 pages and this seems like a monumental task to learn everything in this book in just perhaps a week. Now I'm certain that I can deal with circuits etc. but in service you don't get involved with heights, placement, applications etc. You do repairs and replacement. Basically you restore what is already there. I have been doing this for years and I feel that when it comes to troubleshooting and repairing things, I'm a good technician, but as far as knowing all the other rules and remembering them all, I don't know. Years ago I passed an FCC First Class Radio Telephone license test. I did take a class but there were study guides available along with practice exams. The guides and especially the sample test questions were extremely helpful. I have inquired and there are no upcoming classes planned for our area and I have not been able to locate any kind of study guides of the type mentioned above either. Now I want to stress that I'm not looking for a free ride here. If I pass this test it will be on my own merits but this is a big account and it and quite possibly our financial future could be placed in jeopardy if I cannot get through this test and in a timely manner. In leiu of reading through the entire book and trying to remember everything I've read, would anyone have or know of any type of study guides that would help me and perhaps know where I might obtain a copy of a sample test so that I would at least know primarily what they would most likely be looking for? My success on this test will mean a lot to our family so I appreciate any advice and assistance offered.

Answer: I have ordered a copy of NFPA72 and it should be here tomorrow, however it is 235 pages and this seems like a monumental task to learn everything in this book in just perhaps a week. Now I'm certain that I can deal with circuits etc. but in service you don't get involved with heights, placement, applications etc. You do repairs and replacement. Basically you restore what is already there. I have been doing this for years and I feel that when it comes to troubleshooting and repairing things, I'm a good technician, but as far as knowing all the other rules and remembering them all, I don't know. GET SOME TRAINING, EDUCATION, AND INSTRUCTION! Just because you are handy, and have some limited knowledge in the Security Field doesn't mean you "know" zip about Fire! I'm a NY State Instructor and I tell my Students that Security is "Psychology of the Perp and Artistry of the Installer". Fire Is "Science and Physiolgy" Mixed with "Bookwork Code Knowledge" They're NOT the SAME. You need to understand the theory and the requirements of not only the equipment but the Code Requirements of the various jurisdictions you work in whether they be Local, Federal or National: the Legal, Liability and Safety Issues that affect what you're doing, Your responsibilities to the Customer and His responsibilities- all this and more. A DIY'er may read a book from Home Depot, successfully Install a duplex receptacle, and It may even work- that doesn't mean he installed it safely enough that it won't cause harm to Life and Property! Same goes for Fire. Education is a Must- Here in NY even with 60 Hrs of training and Certification, only 16 Hours are FIRE! To me, thats not enough to qualify you to install, maintain or service Fire Systems even if you pass the 60Hr/4week course and take the "Walk-in" Alarm License Test at the next opportunity! THERE IS A LEARNING CURVE! At oue School, we've been thru this route- now that 15+ years have passed since NY instituted a mandatory license-we've pretty much seen all the "Alarm Dino's" that needed to get up to speed- now it's just mainly 'newbies", employees who want to strike out on their own AND MASTER ELECTRICIANS who think that they somehow qualify as "FIRE EXPERT" because they pull wire and lay pipe! Please do yourself a service and seek out the Local Training Center who can help to educate you before you make a serious mistake!