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Licenses at a glance
Work
License
Agency
Intrusion and CCTV
Class B company and Alarm Installer
Texas DPS
Access control
Class B company and Electronic Access Control Device Installer
Texas DPS
Fire alarm
ACR, plus FAL, AMT, RAS-SS, RAS, RAL, or APS
State Fire Marshal (TDI)
Structured cabling, Class 2 and 3, and fiber
No state electrician license. A city can override.
TDLR
Summary of the verified facts on this page.
Alarm & CCTV
Alarm systems and access control companies are Class B
A company that sells, installs, services, or monitors an alarm system or detection device acts as an alarm systems company and needs a security services contractor license. DPS issues that as a Class B license, and the license has to list alarm or electronic access before the company performs that service. The same chapter covers electronic access control devices.
Techs need an individual license and a licensed employer
Alarm Installer, Alarm System Monitor, and Electronic Access Control Device Installer are individual DPS licenses. To do work regulated by Occupations Code chapter 1702, the person needs the matching individual license and has to be employed by a company license holder. DPS notes that Level III and Level IV instructors are the exception to the company affiliation rule.
Alarm systems and access control companies are Class B
A company that sells, installs, services, or monitors an alarm system or detection device acts as an alarm systems company and needs a security services contractor license. DPS issues that as a Class B license, and the license has to list alarm or electronic access before the company performs that service. The same chapter covers electronic access control devices.
Techs need an individual license and a licensed employer
Alarm Installer, Alarm System Monitor, and Electronic Access Control Device Installer are individual DPS licenses. To do work regulated by Occupations Code chapter 1702, the person needs the matching individual license and has to be employed by a company license holder. DPS notes that Level III and Level IV instructors are the exception to the company affiliation rule.
A company that plans, certifies, leases, sells, services, installs, monitors, or maintains fire detection devices or systems needs an Alarm Certificate of Registration. Each registered firm must employ at least one fire alarm technician, residential fire alarm superintendent, or fire alarm planning superintendent.
Individual licenses on the SFMO renewal form are Fire Alarm Technician (FAL), Fire Alarm Monitoring Technician (AMT), Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent – Single-Station (RAS-SS), Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent (RAS), Residential Fire Alarm Technician (RAL), and Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS). The renewal fee is $200, or $100 for an RAL. A late fee applies when the renewal is not postmarked before the license expires.
No state electrician license for Class 1, 2, and 3, fire alarm, fiber, or communications circuits
Occupations Code §1305.003(a)(12) says the electrician chapter does not apply to the design, installation, erection, repair, or alteration of Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 remote-control, signaling, or power-limited circuits, fire alarm circuits, optical fiber cables, or communications circuits, including raceways, as defined by the National Electrical Code. TDLR says a city may override these exemptions.
Alarm Installer: 16 hours of Alarm Level I training to start, including 2 hours on the NEC for low voltage, with the application or within the first 12 months after the original license. Then 8 hours in an alarm-related field every two years, including 1 hour on the NEC for low voltage. Electronic Access Control Device Installer: 8 hours every two years, 7 on the service provided and 1 on ethics.
A company license can be renewed online from 180 days before the expiration date through one year after it expires. Late fees apply once the license is expired.
TDLR adopted the National Electrical Code 2023 edition, as it existed on August 25, 2022, effective September 1, 2023. Cities can add local amendments and their own permit rules.
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