10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
The AHC exam has 200 questions and runs 4 hours.
These 10 free AHC questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Architectural Hardware Consultant blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
A reduced-size plan print measures approximately 3 feet across a door leaf when checked against its printed scale. The written plan dimension and current door schedule both specify a 3-foot-6-inch leaf. Current elevations, frame details, and addenda agree; only the ruler measurement differs. What should the estimator enter in the takeoff?
Correct answer: B - A 3-foot-6-inch leaf, using the coordinated written dimensions.
A hardware specification requires the contractor to test every installed electrified opening in its specified normal, fire-alarm, and power-loss states, record the results, and correct sequence failures before acceptance. Under CSI SectionFormat, where does this requirement belong?
Correct answer: A - Part 3 - Execution: field quality control
An 84-person Group A meeting room has a latched, 90-minute fire door. The project uses the 2021 IBC and NFPA 80 (2019), with no applicable panic-hardware exception. During scheduled hours, the owner wants push-pull passage without operating a lever or touchpad. Which arrangement can provide this convenience while restoring positive latching on a fire signal?
Correct answer: B - Listed fire exit hardware with electric latch retraction that de-energizes on alarm, restoring latching.
An inspection under the 2010 ADA Standards records four measurements for a non-fire-rated interior manual door: 33 inches of clear width with the leaf at 90 degrees; operating hardware 41 inches above the floor; 4.1 lbf to swing the unlatched leaf; and 3.6 seconds for the closer to move the leaf from 90 degrees to 12 degrees. The opening is 8 inches deep, the door latches reliably, and all other applicable requirements are satisfied. What belongs on the punch list?
Correct answer: C - Slow the closing sweep to at least 5 seconds and recheck reliable latching.
A fire-rated pair is detailed with a rim fire exit device and closer on each leaf, striking a compatible listed removable mullion. There is no overlapping astragal, and the assembly instructions permit either leaf to close first. A reviewer adds a coordinator solely because the opening is a fire-rated pair. How should that addition be resolved?
Correct answer: D - Delete the coordinator; this listed arrangement has no leaf-closing sequence to coordinate.
A classroom's approved egress design permits a lever-operated lock. Staff must be able to lock or unlock the corridor lever with a key from inside, without opening the door. The corridor-side key must also control that lever, and the inside lever must always permit immediate egress. Which lock function fits?
Correct answer: D - Classroom security
A delivery cart has pushed an office door far enough for its lever to strike adjacent glazing. The closer's backcheck is adjusted within the manufacturer's limits, and hold-open operation is not required. Which change provides a defined limit to opening travel rather than relying on hydraulic resistance?
Correct answer: A - Install a compatible, properly anchored positive stop.
An interview-room opening requires a complete assembly rated at least STC 45. Acceptance is based on laboratory evidence for the furnished configuration; field testing is not specified. Proposal X documents STC 46 for its exact leaf, frame, glazing, seals, threshold, and hardware. Proposal Y advertises an STC 50 leaf but substitutes perimeter and bottom seals not covered by its test evidence. Both proposals meet the remaining requirements. Which conclusion is supported?
Correct answer: B - X substantiates the assembly requirement; Y does not substantiate its proposed seal configuration.
Facilities wants one staff-entrance cylinder to accept existing change keys from two separate departmental master-key groups, outside the entrance cylinder's ordinary hierarchy. The departmental cylinders must remain keyed different. The key-system designer warns that this arrangement can consume capacity and create unintended key interchange. What request is being evaluated?
Correct answer: C - Cross-keying the common entrance
An electric latch-retraction device requires at least 22.0 VDC at its terminals during pull-in. It draws 1.20 A during pull-in and 0.25 A while holding. The supply maintains 24.0 VDC at its output during either state. The two-conductor cable run is 180 feet one way, and each conductor has a resistance of 0.0060 ohm per foot. Ignore contact resistance. Which assessment correctly evaluates the cable during pull-in?
Correct answer: C - 21.41 V reaches the device; a lower-resistance cable run is needed.
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