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Free CSPM Practice Questions

10 free, exam-style Certified Security Project Manager (CSPM) practice questions with answers and explanations. No signup required. Work through them below, then take the full free CSPM practice test to study every exam domain.

Question 1

A security project manager needs an official interpretation of how an electrified-lock egress requirement applies to a specific fire-rated door. Who should the PM ALWAYS contact for this interpretation?

  1. The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)
  2. The lock manufacturer's technical support line
  3. The design engineer who stamped the drawings
  4. The local municipal building department's front desk
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)

Question 2

On an occupied building, an access-controlled door on a required means of egress uses an electromagnetic lock. To comply with life-safety requirements, what must happen to this lock when the fire alarm system activates?

  1. It must switch to battery backup and stay locked until reset
  2. It must remain locked but sound a local alarm at the door
  3. It must lock down to help contain the affected area
  4. It must release so the door can be opened freely
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - It must release so the door can be opened freely

Question 3

A client's IT security team requires that all communication between card readers and access control panels be encrypted to prevent eavesdropping and replay attacks. The existing readers use the Wiegand protocol. What is the MINIMUM change required?

  1. Route the existing reader wiring through metal conduit for shielding
  2. Replace both the readers and the panels with OSDP-capable hardware
  3. Upgrade the access control software to an encrypted version
  4. Add a PIN keypad at each reader for two-factor authentication
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Replace both the readers and the panels with OSDP-capable hardware

Question 4

A camera must capture a 10-foot-wide target area at a working distance of 25 feet using a 1/3-inch sensor (4.8 mm sensor width). Using the lens formula FL = (sensor width × working distance) ÷ target width, which fixed focal length is the closest practical choice?

  1. 8 mm
  2. 12 mm
  3. 16 mm
  4. 25 mm
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - 12 mm

Question 5

A specified access control platform is sold only through a single certified dealer in the project region, and no other vendor can supply or service it. Which procurement method is MOST appropriate?

  1. Request for Proposal (RFP), to fairly compare competing vendors
  2. Invitation for Bid (IFB), to obtain the lowest competitive price
  3. Sole source, with documented single-source justification
  4. Competitive negotiation with at least three qualified suppliers
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Sole source, with documented single-source justification

Question 6

At a status review, a security project shows Planned Value (PV) = $200,000, Earned Value (EV) = $180,000, and Actual Cost (AC) = $210,000. What is the Cost Performance Index (CPI)?

  1. 0.90
  2. 0.86
  3. 1.17
  4. 1.10
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - 0.86

Question 7

A contractor submits a progress payment application for $120,000 of completed work under a contract with 10% retainage. What payment amount should the contractor expect to receive for this period?

  1. $132,000
  2. $12,000
  3. $108,000
  4. $120,000
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - $108,000

Question 8

Midway through installation, the owner's facilities manager stops by the site and verbally asks the crew to add two cameras to the parking garage. Before any of this added work begins, the project manager should FIRST:

  1. Direct the crew to install the cameras now to keep the client satisfied
  2. Add the work now and reconcile the cost in the final pay application
  3. Begin planning the addition while awaiting verbal confirmation
  4. Document the request and route a written change order for approval
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - Document the request and route a written change order for approval

Question 9

A security system reaches substantial completion on March 1 and the owner signs the Certificate of Substantial Completion. A card reader fails on April 10 of the following year. The standard one-year workmanship warranty is in dispute. When did the warranty period most likely begin?

  1. On the date the final punch list item was completed and accepted
  2. On the date of substantial completion (March 1)
  3. On the date the owner released final payment and retainage
  4. On the date the system was first energized during installation
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - On the date of substantial completion (March 1)

Question 10

A project manager is selecting the video surveillance system for a client. The PM's spouse holds an ownership stake in one of the camera manufacturers under consideration. Under the SIA Code of Ethics, what must the PM do?

  1. Disclose the financial interest to the client in writing before specifying
  2. Select a different manufacturer to avoid any possible appearance of bias
  3. Proceed if the chosen product genuinely meets the project specification
  4. Record the relationship privately in the project file without telling the client
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - Disclose the financial interest to the client in writing before specifying

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