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.
These 10 free BPI questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Broadband Premises Installer blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
Domain 1: Technology, Systems & Requirements
Question 1
Three outlets will share an unbalanced splitter whose port losses are labeled 3.5 dB, 7 dB, and 7 dB at the test frequency. Its input measures +6 dBmV. The proposed modem cable loses another 5 dB; the two television paths have already been checked and can each use a 7 dB port. The modem outlet must receive between -5 and +5 dBmV. Which assignment and predicted level meet that requirement without an amplifier?
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Correct answer: D - Use the 3.5 dB port; expect -2.5 dBmV at the modem
Question 2
A service area now uses 5-85 MHz upstream and 108-1218 MHz downstream. In one home, an older distribution amplifier is labeled 5-42 MHz return and 54-1218 MHz forward. A modem receives downstream channels but cannot complete a required upstream ranging attempt at 70 MHz. Which change addresses the frequency mismatch?
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Correct answer: B - Fit an amplifier supporting both specified forward and return bands
Question 3
A digital cable channel changes from 64-QAM to 256-QAM while symbol rate, received average power, and error-correction overhead remain unchanged. What tradeoff does the higher-order modulation introduce?
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Correct answer: C - More bits per symbol, with less tolerance of constellation error
Domain 2: Premises Devices
Question 4
An installer routes a set-top box through an older AV receiver to a television. At a fixed 1080p output setting, the box's menus appear, but copy-protected programs go blank. Those same programs play when the receiver is bypassed. Each HDMI cable works when tested separately between the box and television. What compatibility issue deserves attention before any equipment is replaced?
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Correct answer: A - HDCP authentication through the AV receiver
Question 5
Both ends of a home Ethernet link support 1000BASE-T and are set to negotiate automatically, yet the link operates at 100 Mb/s. A wiremap test finds an open pair on pins 4 and 5; the pairs on 1-2 and 3-6 are intact. This combination of results is possible because:
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Correct answer: D - 100BASE-TX can use the intact pairs; 1000BASE-T needs all four pairs
Domain 3: Installation
Question 6
Before disconnecting an outdoor service drop, a premises installer notices intermittent arcing at a loose coaxial bonding connection. The customer also reports a tingling sensation when touching nearby cable hardware. Nobody is in contact with it now. What takes priority?
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Correct answer: C - Keep people clear and obtain qualified electrical evaluation without disturbing the bond
Question 7
A homeowner offers a ground rod beside the cable entrance as a convenient bonding point. That rod is not connected to the building's grounding-electrode system. An approved intersystem bonding termination is accessible, and the specified bonding conductor can reach it by an approved route. How should the incoming coaxial shield be bonded?
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Correct answer: B - Connect to the building's intersystem bonding termination
Question 8
During the final walk-through of an aerial drop installation, the installer finds that the span's tension is being carried by the F connector at the entrance bonding block. The signal tests pass, and the approved messenger clamp and building anchorage are available. Which correction makes the installation mechanically sound?
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Correct answer: C - Transfer the span load to the messenger and approved anchorage hardware
Domain 4: Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Question 9
A television intermittently freezes on a downstream 256-QAM channel. Using the same meter and test lead, an installer measures +4 dBmV with 39 dB MER at the entrance bonding block, then +2 dBmV with 28 dB MER at the television outlet. The provider requires -10 to +10 dBmV and at least 35 dB MER on this channel. There are no active devices between the two test points. Where should the installer focus the next isolation test?
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Correct answer: B - The coaxial path and connections between the bonding block and outlet
Question 10
A laptop receives a valid DHCP lease and can reach its LAN gateway. It also reaches an approved external test server by IP address, but a lookup of that server's hostname times out. A second device on the same network resolves the name successfully. Which check best follows the evidence?
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Correct answer: A - Check the DNS server settings on the affected laptop