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BCIN exam

The Detection, Lighting and Power exam

The technical exam for early warning and electrical systems: fire alarm and detection, voice communication, smoke and CO alarms, exit signs, lighting and emergency power, door hardware tied to alarms, elevators in emergencies, and the fire separation and penetration rules for wiring.

Services and systemsTechnical

multiple choice questions
70
multiple choice questions
to finish
3 hours
to finish
to pass
70%
to pass
you work from the code
Open book
you work from the code

Last updated

Who needs it

Inspectors and BCIN designers who review or design fire alarm, detection, lighting and emergency power systems in Part 3 and Part 9 buildings. Building Services also grants this qualification, so few people take it on its own.

Covered by: Building Services. Passing one of those also qualifies you for Detection, Lighting and Power.

Free Detection, Lighting and Power study guide

One chapter per section of the exam, following the Ministry's study guide for the Detection, Lighting and Power exam, in plain language, with every rule linked to the 2024 OBC article it comes from.

  1. 1Code structure, objectives and farm building systemsDivision A (with exclusions), Division B application and referenced documents, SA-1, SB-1.5 min read
  2. 2Classification, wiring materials and interior finishMajor occupancy classification and multiple occupancies, combustible and noncombustible construction rules for wires, cables.5 min read
  3. 3Fire separations, door latches and penetrationsFire separation requirements and continuity, hold-open devices, door latches, penetrations (except combustible piping sentences).5 min read
  4. 4Fire alarm and detection systemsAll of 3.2.4: when a fire alarm is required, single and two stage systems, zoning and annunciators, electrical supervision, detectors.7 min read
  5. 5Sprinkler triggers, firefighting and high building systemsSprinkler triggers, soffits and canopies, service lines under buildings, access routes, water supply, standpipes, sprinklers.6 min read
  6. 6Lighting, emergency power, floor openings and testingAll of 3.2.7 lighting and emergency power, 3.2.8.3 to 3.2.8.8 for interconnected floor spaces, and 3.2.9 integrated systems testing.5 min read
  7. 7Floor areas, exits and vertical transportationHazardous substances, barrier-free path protection, door hardware tied to the fire alarm, service space signs, aisles, stages.6 min read
  8. 8Service facilities, health care electrical and barrier-free itemsService rooms and spaces, plenums and duct clearances, window areas, health care electrical systems and X-ray shielding.6 min read
  9. 9Special buildings and existing buildingsAlarm, lighting, electrical and firefighting items for portable classrooms, self-storage, public pools and spas, rapid transit stations.6 min read
  10. 10Parts 5 to 7 itemsSolar collectors, duct clearances, fans, laboratory ventilation, piping clearances, smoke detectors in air handling systems, CO alarms.5 min read
  11. 11Part 9 egress, fire protection and alarmsPart 9 items on conductors, exits, obstructions, doors and latching, exit signs and lighting, jurisdiction, flame spread, openings.7 min read
  12. 12Part 9 electrical facilities and related itemsAll of 9.34 electrical facilities, plus the listed sump pit, notching, air barrier, solar collector, cladding, ventilation and CO alarm.6 min read
  13. 13Energy, renovation and Division C administrationPart 12 items on CO2e, peak electric demand, motion sensors, dwelling unit temperature controls and kitchen energy supply.5 min read
Start with chapter 1

Practise for the Detection, Lighting and Power exam

Start with the free quiz. When you are ready, paid prep adds the full question bank and timed simulations in the real exam format.

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    • A one page cheat sheet and a hint sheet for every exam
    • The Calculation Lab
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Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the Detection, Lighting and Power exam?
70 multiple choice questions in 3 hours. You need 70% to pass.
Is the Detection, Lighting and Power exam open book?
Yes. The exam is open book: you work from the code, so knowing where to find an answer quickly matters as much as knowing it.
Do I need the Detection, Lighting and Power exam if I pass a higher exam?
Passing Building Services also qualifies you for Detection, Lighting and Power, because that exam covers its material. Check the Ministry rules for your role before you book.