sundance-communications.com/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Security, Alarms and Paging Help with becoming alarm level 1

WHere should I start guys?
Take an online course for 495.00 and take the test?

Is there a cheaper way?

Electronics knowledge and some basic alarm experience should make it fairly easy.
My intelligence level being somewhere around "retarded clam" should make it a little tougher.

any advice will help and I greatly appreciate it.

I have low voltage telecom & General (GA)

I would start with checking license and insurance requirements. Once you know what is needed and you obtain your license I would hook up with a good dealer and find a system you like. Start training from their. Their is a lot more to security systems then most people think. Most of the guys here have learned threw the school of hard knocks. My best piece of advice is do not cut corners, learn a system and learn it well. Make sure you have all the proper licenses and insurance.
Good Luck

I would contact the state agency that regulates the security system industry in your state and request a study manual for the test. I'm sure there will be a fee for it but it will be precisely what you will need to study to pass the test.
I'm sure things are different in Georgia (and Texas by now) but they will provide you with all of the information you will need to get started.

You will probably be able to down load all of the forms you will need from the internet.

A word to the wise, if you have ANY criminal record (other than speeding tickets as long as you paid the fine) you will be wasting your time and money for nothing.

I once had a guy apply for a job as an alarm installer that had a felony record for being caught with 2+ grams of cocaine with intent to deliver on his record. Fortunately he admitted it before I spent the money and sent the paper work to the state.
He was a heck of a nice guy and I learned later that he did get his life together and became a productive member of society..... in the construction industry.

I agree with the above members. But, whatever you do, put anything that you have ever been convicted of on that application. I have seen a guy get refused because he had a conviction 35 years ago, and thought it was deleted from his record, per his attorney. Yet, I have seen a person get granted a license that within the last two months of the hearing got convicted of carrying a concealed weapon, another was a recent DWI. When this guy ask why he didn't get his license because of something that was done when he was a "boy" the judge said because you did not put it on your application. Be honest on the application no matter how painful it is.

Good Luck

are you talking about state certification testing or NICET? if state, do what was said above. if you are talking NICET, spend money. now, i would shop around for the best price on the classes, but be warned, the classes are there to tell you how to take the test. they are not "study' type tests. the class will teach you how to set up your reference material for quicker reference. and what reference material to have. NICET test are all open book, but it is not suggested to try to answer questions from memory. the answers will not be commonsence but as the book answers it.

now, unless you are planing on working for a company or a state that requires NICET training, i would not suggest it. most companies will pay for this testing and training if they require it. most states that require NICET training also require that you have 2 years experience before you can have a license anyway. if you live in a big enough area, you might check with the local community college and see if they have a class.


good luck

sam