CMST Practice Exam Questions And

ALOA Certified Master Safe Technician (CMST) Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which type of safe relies on a combination lock as the primary locking

mechanism?

• Key lock safe
• Electronic safe
• Combination safe
• Biometric safe

Rationale: Combination safes require the correct sequence of numbers to

align internal wheels, which releases the locking mechanism.

• A Group II safe under UL ratings is typically designed to resist which type

of attack? 1 / 4

• Fire only
• Light burglary attacks with basic tools
• Explosives
• Long-term water damage

Rationale: UL Group II safes are tested for light burglary attacks, usually

using hand tools like screwdrivers and pry bars.

• What is the primary purpose of a relock trigger in a safe?
• To improve fire resistance
• To prevent manipulation if the lock is compromised
• To control humidity
• To allow emergency override

Rationale: A relock trigger engages if the lock is tampered with, preventing

further manipulation of the locking mechanism.

• Which material is most commonly used for high-security safe doors?
• Aluminum
• Hardened steel
• Wood laminate
• Fiberglass

Rationale: Hardened steel is resistant to drilling and cutting, providing

strong protection against burglary attacks.

• A safe’s UL Class 350 1-hour rating indicates what?
• Can withstand burglary attacks for 1 hour
• Can survive water immersion for 1 hour 2 / 4

• Can maintain internal temperature below 350°F for 1 hour
• Can resist impact for 1 hour

Rationale: UL Class 350 1-hour safes are fire-rated to keep the interior

below 350°F, protecting paper and similar contents.

6. The difference between Group II and Group III UL safes is primarily:

• Door color
• Lock type
• Resistance to more advanced burglary tools
• Fire rating

Rationale: Group III safes are built to withstand more aggressive burglary

attempts than Group II, including basic power tools.

• A key change in a combination lock requires which component to be

altered?

• Dial
• Handle
• Change key wheel pack
• Bolt work

Rationale: The wheel pack inside the combination lock contains the cams

and wheels that must be realigned to reset the combination.

8. The primary function of a safe’s boltwork is:

• Fire protection
• Securing the door to the safe body
• Relocking the lock 3 / 4

• Humidity control

Rationale: Boltwork consists of the bolts and mechanism that physically

hold the door closed.

• What tool is commonly used to manipulate a mechanical combination

lock?

• Drill
• Manipulation tools (like stethoscopes or borescopes)
• Cutting torch
• Hydraulic press

Rationale: Skilled technicians use manipulation techniques to determine a

combination without destructive entry.

• Which of the following is a key feature of a Group II high-security safe?
• Biometric access
• Fireproof insulation
• Basic burglary resistance
• Electronic monitoring

Rationale: Group II safes provide resistance to light burglary but may not

withstand advanced tools.

• What is a common method for safe technicians to open a safe when

the combination is lost?

• Hydraulic expansion
• Explosive breach
• Lock manipulation or drilling
• / 4