Certification Examination Practice

Illinois Live Event Lighting Designer Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a lighting designer in live events?
• To operate all the lights during a performance
• To program lighting consoles exclusively
• To create a visual atmosphere that enhances the performance
• To repair lighting equipment

Rationale: The main role of a lighting designer is to support the

performance visually, using light to enhance mood, focus, and storytelling.

• Which type of light is typically used for broad, even stage illumination?
• Spotlights 1 / 4

• Fresnel lights
• Ellipsoidal reflector spotlights (ERS)
• Moving head lights

Rationale: ERS lights provide controllable, even illumination and are

commonly used for stage washes.

• What does DMX512 refer to in lighting?
• A type of light bulb
• A digital protocol for controlling lighting fixtures
• A brand of moving lights
• A dimmer type

Rationale: DMX512 is the standard protocol used to control lighting

fixtures digitally.

• Which color mixing method uses overlapping colored lights on stage to

produce new colors?

• Subtractive mixing
• Gel mixing
• Additive mixing
• Reflective mixing

Rationale: Additive mixing combines colored lights on stage to create

new colors.

• What is the typical color temperature of a tungsten stage light?

A. 2700K–3200K

B. 4000K–4500K 2 / 4

C. 5000K–5500K

D. 3200K

Rationale: Standard tungsten fixtures are around 3200K, giving a

warm color typical for stage lighting.

• Which lighting instrument allows the use of gobos?
• PAR can
• Ellipsoidal reflector spotlight (ERS)
• Fresnel
• LED wash

Rationale: ERS fixtures have shutters and can hold gobos to project

patterns.

• What is a gobo used for in stage lighting?
• To increase brightness
• To focus light
• To project shapes or patterns
• To change color

Rationale: Gobos are stencils or templates used in lighting to create

patterns on stage.

• Which type of light is best for creating soft, diffuse washes?
• PAR can
• Fresnel light

C. ERS

• Moving head spot 3 / 4

Rationale: Fresnels produce soft-edged beams suitable for smooth

washes.

• What is the main advantage of LED lighting in live events?
• Limited color options
• Low power consumption and color flexibility
• High heat output
• Shorter lifespan

Rationale: LEDs are energy-efficient, generate less heat, and can

change colors without gels.

• What is a “cue” in live event lighting?
• A color filter
• A programmed lighting change or sequence
• A type of spotlight
• A control console

Rationale: A cue is a pre-programmed instruction that triggers

lighting changes during a performance.

• What is the purpose of a lighting plot?
• To store light bulbs
• To document the placement and function of all lighting fixtures
• To program DMX consoles
• To adjust color temperatures

Rationale: A lighting plot provides a visual plan for fixture placement

and angles.

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