Education · 1 of 5
The path
No degree. You get hired as a helper, or into a registered apprenticeship, and certify as you go.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Electronics, computer classes and shop. A clean record matters here because you will work inside people's homes.
- 2
Get hired as a helper
0 to 12 months
Pulling cable, mounting devices, drilling and labelling. Six months to a year of this before you touch programming.
- 3
State license or registration
Weeks
Most states require an alarm installer credential, with fingerprints and a background check. Your employer usually walks you through it.
- 4
Learn to program and commission
Year 1 to 2
Panels, keypads, networked cameras, card readers and integrations. This is where you stop being a helper.
- 5
Certify and specialize
Year 2 onward
Fire alarm certification, manufacturer certifications and networking. Then service lead, project foreman or system designer.