Ask the Expert

This month's expert discusses the importance of certifications

With the rising integration of IT with physical security, certifications have become increasingly necessary for security integrators. There are a variety of certifications available— from both professional organizations and manufacturers—that should help an end user select an integrator.

ISSUE: What role do certifications play in the security industry?

SOLUTION: Certifications may require a major investment in time and money on the part of the integrator, but they are a highly worthwhile investment that is now becoming a requirement throughout the industry.

Years ago, it seemed like almost anyone could become a dealer/integrator— all that was needed was a basic understanding of a few products and how to run cable to connect them in a simple installation. But with all the new computer-based technology today, things are not so simple. Installations now often require the use of a company’s network, such as when using IP cameras or with Web-based access control. It is important to understand how networks operate to allay any concerns the IT department may have. This is where certifications come into play.

ISSUE: What are some of the certification types available? How does one go about obtaining and maintaining certification?

SOLUTION: Many IT networks employ products or systems from Cisco. Four levels of Cisco certification are offered: entry-level (CCENT), associate (CCNA), professional (CCNP) and expert (CCIE). The examination process to receive the CCIE designation consists of a two-hour written exam and an eight-hour, hands-on laboratory exam. Specialized certifications also are offered, such as the Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP). If a new or upgraded security system requires the use of network bandwidth, look for integrators with certifications such as these to help ensure a smooth installation.

Most certifications are valid only for a couple of years, so maintaining a designation requires continuing education. High-tech equipment also is more complicated to use than ever before, and the abundance of newer technologies requires time to understand how they work and how to install and integrate them. GE, Honeywell, Pelco and Lenel are among the many manufacturers who offer certifi cations. These manufacturers offer classes to ensure that integrators are using their products properly and reducing installation and maintenance problems. Some companies require integrators to complete a certification process before they can purchase equipment.

Industry certifications offered by ASIS International include the C.P.P. (certified protection professional) and P.S.P. (physical security professional). The C.P.P. designation requires several years of experience in the industry while a P.S.P. certification is more commonly required of industry salespeople or sales engineers. This exam requires about five years of experience and covers topics such as risk assessment, applying security measures, and system design and performance.

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies is another examining body that has recently gained traction and popularity. The NICET qualification demonstrates an expertise and an advanced understanding of technical knowledge in the engineering field. There are several certification tracks available, including fire alarm systems, video security systems design and video security systems technicians. An experienced integrator with a staff possessing a variety of certifications can be entrusted to set up a professional security system.

READER QUESTION: Our company is a large organization with a variety of people, some of whom have disabilities. When creating a safety plan, we ran into some concerns on how to quickly alert our hearing-impaired employees to a fire alarm. Another issue was how to safely evacuate wheelchair- bound employees and others with mobility disabilities. How can we ensure the safety of all our employees during an emergency?

SOLUTION: The special needs of hearing- impaired employees in a fire alarm situation are addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. It reads in part, "at a minimum, visual signal appliances shall be provided in buildings and facilities in each of the following areas: restrooms and any other general usage areas (e.g., meeting rooms), hallways, lobbies and any other area for common use." The act is very specific in regard to fire alarm signaling appliances and their specific use for the hearing-impaired.

Employees with mobility disabilities also are addressed by the International Building Code. The IBC covers the need for fire evacuation plans and fire safety plans specific to the group or occupancy code assigned to your facility. Those with mobility disabilities must be provided with areas of refuge, where they can remain temporarily to await instructions or assistance during emergency evacuation. Areas of refuge shall be provided with a two-way communication system between the area of refuge and a central control point.

The local authority having jurisdiction (normally the fire marshal, inspector or chief) in your municipality is always willing to help in code interpretation and in designing fire safety plans.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • AI to Help Resolve Non-Emergency Calls Across Utah and Decrease 911 Caller Wait Times

    The Utah Communications Authority (UCA), which oversees the state’s next generation 911 technology services, recently announced that public safety answering points (PSAPs) throughout the state plan to implement Motorola Solutions’ Virtual Response technology to automate the receipt and resolution of 10-digit non-emergency line calls in Utah with the help of AI. Read Now

  • Report: 2025 Video Surveillance Market Set to Grow After Small Decline in 2024

    Novaira Insights has unveiled its latest report, “World Market for Video Surveillance Hardware and Software – 2025 Edition.” The research indicates that the global market for video surveillance hardware and software experienced a slight decline of 0.3% in 2024. This performance fell short of previous forecasts, primarily due to a significant decrease of 7.8% in the Chinese market. Conversely, the rest of the world saw a growth of 4.9%. The global market for video surveillance equipment was estimated to be worth $25.0 billion in 2024. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Local Governments Face Surge in Ransomware Attacks with Minimal Resources

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, recently released new research highlighting the critical cybersecurity challenges facing state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments. The report details how government organizations have become prime targets for cybercriminals while simultaneously facing severe resource constraints. Read Now

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

New Products

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities