What alarms must be tested for an alarm test?

• A. Intrusion, detection and duress if installed
• B. Fire alarms only
• C. All building systems
• D. Intrusion and detection only

Answer: (A)

In an alarm test, you verify every alarm that is part of the security system. That means testing intrusion alarms that trigger on unauthorized entry, testing detection alarms from the various sensors that indicate a security event, and testing a duress alarm if the installation includes one. Fire alarms belong to the fire safety system and are tested separately, so they aren’t included in a security alarm test. Testing all building systems would go beyond the scope of a security alarm test and isn’t necessary unless the test is defined to cover everything. If there’s a duress feature, include it to ensure responders receive the alert correctly; if not installed, you still cover intrusion and detection.