A smoke sensor with test switch and a method of operation thereof are disclosed. The smoke sensor is an example of a fire alarm initiation device that is deployed in a building, and is part of a fire alarm system at the building. Fire alarm initiation devices include a fire detection system for detecting an indication of fire, a normally deactivated test switch that is activated during testing of the device, and a controller. The controller senses the activation of the test switch, and in response, prevents the device from sending an alarm message upon the fire detection system detecting the indication of fire. In one example, the test switch is a magnetic reed switch that is activated when a hood of a test tool is placed over the device, the hood including a magnet that comes within proximity of the magnetic reed switch to activate the switch.