Who is the governing agency?
California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
What are the initial requirements for an Alarm Installer and Locksmith License?
An Alarm Company Operator operates a business that sells (at the buyer’s home or business), installs, monitors, maintains, services, or responds to alarm systems or supervises such actions. (Retail stores do not have to be licensed if they sell alarm systems only at the store and do not perform any alarm company functions.)
Each individual applicant, partner, or corporate officer must submit an application to the Department which includes:
– proof of age, an applicant must be 18 or older
– a background check via the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
– proof they have committed no offense or violation of the Alarm Company Act that would be grounds for license suspension or revocation
– passing score of the licensing examination
– all applicable fees
– two recent passport quality photos
– an Alarm Company Operator Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan Operator
(Send the application package to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, P.O. Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002)
The Qualified Manager is the individual who will manage the business on a day-to-day basis;
An applicant must submit an application to the Department which includes:
– proof of age, an applicant must be 18 or older
– a background check via the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
– proof they have committed no offense or violation of the Alarm Company Act that would be grounds for license suspension or revocation
– Pass a two-hour multiple-choice examination covering California law, the Alarm Company Act, alarm agent requirements, weapons laws, business management, and Power to Arrest
– all applicable fees
– two recent passport quality photos
– an Alarm Company Operator Qualified Manager Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan Operator
(Send the application package to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, P.O. Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002.)
The Alarm Agent is employed by an alarm company operator to sell (at the buyer’s home or business), install, monitor, maintain, service, or respond to alarm systems or to supervise such actions.
An applicant must submit an application to the Department which includes:
– proof of age, an applicant must be 18 or older
– a background check via the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
– Pass the Power to Arrest examination (if your duties will include responding to alarm activations). This follows a eight-hour training course covering responsibilities and ethics in citizen’s arrest, relationship with police, limitations on Power to Arrest, restrictions on searches and seizures, criminal and civil liabilities, terrorism, code of ethics and personal and employer liability. The training and exam may be administered by any licensed alarm company operator or qualified manager
– all applicable fees
– an Alarm Company Employee Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan Operator
(Send the application package to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, P.O. Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002.)
A Locksmith operates a business that installs, repairs, opens or modifies locks, or that originates keys for locks. (An individual who simply duplicates existing keys is not considered a locksmith.)
An applicant must submit an application to the Department which includes:
– all applicable fees
– two recent passport quality photos
– Submit a Locksmith Company Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan Operator, including the ATI number
(Send your application package to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, P.O. Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002.)
For additional and up to date information, always verify your licensing requirements via the States website:
Information About Licensing – Alarm Company
Locksmith Company and Locksmith Employees Fact Sheet
Information About Licensing – Locksmith Company
What courses are approved for credit with the State?
Hours are not approved for State required CEs.
All Elite CEU, Inc. courses and Certifications are available for General Education
All Elite CEU license specific coursework is approved by NICET for the renewal of NICET Certifications. To update your NICET Certification, review our Fire Systems Category or Industry Code Category for applicable coursework. Remember, this is not a State specific Certification, and our coursework is approved across State lines. For up to date information and requirements for your Certification renewal, you can visit the NICET website here.