How to Become an ESA/NTS Certified Instructor

ESA/NTS strives to select instructors that are of the highest caliber.  To do this, instructors must meet standards in the following areas: ability to teach, knowledge of subject matter, and course knowledge.  This policy outlines the prerequisites, training, testing, and certification criteria for those whose responsibilities include training and wish to become certified instructors with ESA/NTS.  Instructors at all  levels of certification shall remain current with trends in training, comply with all applicable laws/regulations related to training delivery, and maintain professional competence through continuing education, networking, and instructor development/delivery.

There are five steps to becoming an NTS Certified Instructor:

STEP 1: Take the primary specialty course and pass it with an 80% or higher. The primary specialty type is dependent upon what courses the potential instructor wants to teach.  If it is just the Certified Alarm Technician Level I course, then they must take and pass that course with an 80% or higher. If they want to teach additional courses, then further requirements will apply per the specialty type designations listed below.

STEP 2: Ensure you hold an active NTS Certification.

STEP 3: Submit an application along with a professional letter of reference and have it approved.

STEP 4: Take and pass the Instructor exam with an 80% or higher. Once your application is approved the NTS Team will contact you with instructions on scheduling the proctored Instructor exam.  The three hour closed book exam is compiled of multiple choice, and short answer questions relating to the specialty are you are planning to teach, plus some questions on teaching adult learners.

STEP 5: Student teach the primary course twice. These will be conducted under the supervision of a Certified Instructor.

Don’t hesitate to contact the NTS Team if you have questions on the Instructor Certification process.

NTS Instructor Specialty Types

Instructors are certified in a specialty type which is assigned based on their past experience, training history, and certifications they hold.  The specialty type defines which NTS courses they are eligible to teach.

  • Certified Alarm Technician Level I (primary)
  • Understanding Electronic Security Systems
  • BASA/FASA Two Day Course
  • Residential Fire Alarm Installation
  • Fire Alarm Installation Methods (primary)
  • Understanding Electronic Security Systems
  • International Building Code
  • Life Safety Code
  • Residential Fire Alarm Installation
  • Troubleshooting Service & Maintenance
  • Fire Alarm Installation Methods
  • Understanding Electronic Security Systems
  • International Building Code
  • Life Safety Code
  • Residential Fire Alarm Installation
  • Troubleshooting Service & Maintenance
  • Professional Fire Alarm Design (primary)
  • Advanced Intrusion Systems (formally ABAT) (primary)
  • Understanding Electronic Security Systems
  • Certified Alarm Technician Level I
  • Troubleshooting Service & Maintenance
  • Advanced Intrusion Systems (formally ABAT) (primary)
  • Understanding Electronic Security Systems
  • Certified Alarm Technician Level I
  • Troubleshooting Service & Maintenance
  • Video Systems Technologies (primary)
  • Understanding Electronic Security Systems
  • Security Sales Essential (primary)
  • Understanding Electronic Security Systems

How to Maintain Certified Specialty Instructor Status

NTS Instructor certifications are valid for 3 years.  In order for an instructor to maintain their certifications status they must:

  • Be available to teach.
  • Sign an Instructor Certification Agreement and abide by all terms and conditions.
  • Attend a minimum of eight hours of ESA/NTS provided or other pre-approved train-the-trainer sessions within the three year renewal period. NTS will provide a minimum of four hours per year train-the-trainer sessions via instructor led classes or webinars as well as identify other acceptable resources for train-the-trainer requirements.
  •  Maintain active status of their primary certification.
  •  Consistently exhibit a high standard of professionalism and technical competence.
  •  Adhere to the NTS Instructor Code of Conduct.
  • Have the ability to effectively conduct classes.

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