Expanding Opportunity Through Digital Recognition
At ESA, we take pride in delivering training that does more than just inform — it equips professionals with the tools to build long-term, successful careers in electronic security and life safety. I’m thrilled to share an exciting development that expands how our certifications can support that journey: ESA’s Certified Alarm Technician (CAT) Level 1 graduates will now receive verified digital badges through our new partnership with Credly.
This is more than a cosmetic change — it is about giving security professionals real visibility in a digital-first world. A Credly badge is more than a graphic; it is a credential backed by secure, standards-based metadata that verifies your achievement, outlines the requirements you met, and affirms the authority behind it. For those who have worked hard to earn their CAT Level 1 Certification, this provides an easy and credible way to showcase their skills on LinkedIn, digital resumes, email signatures, or professional portfolios.
Here’s how it works:
- Enroll in the CAT Level 1 Certification course
- Complete all course requirements
- Pass the proctored exam
- Receive an email from admin@credly.com
- Accept your badge and register it with the same email address you used in the ESA Learning Portal
- Share your achievement with confidence
As a foundational industry credential, CAT Level 1 is already a significant step for technicians. Now, this digital badge makes the value of that certification more visible — not just to employers, but to clients and peers alike. It tells the world you’ve put in the work, built the knowledge, and earned a meaningful distinction that sets you apart.
ESA is committed to advancing the industry by supporting workforce development in every way we can. This initiative aligns perfectly with that mission — and it’s only the beginning. In the coming months, we’ll be expanding digital badging to more ESA National Training School certifications, giving even more professionals the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and build credibility in a way that’s both modern and meaningful.
If you haven’t yet started your CAT Level 1 journey, now is the perfect time. Visit www.courses.esaweb.org/cat-level-1 to learn more and enroll.
We’re proud to stand behind our certified professionals — and now, with digital badging, the world can see what they’ve accomplished too.
