How to Become a Security Technician
- Check with your state regarding licensing and training requirements to become a security technician.
- Complete ESA’s Certified Alarm Technician Level 1 training to gain foundational skills.
- Determine a specialization.
- Take advanced training classes.
- Take continuing education classes.
Check State Licensing/Training Requirements
The first step to becoming a security technician is to determine state requirements as each state has differing obligations to meet. In fact, each state and local jurisdiction can have different licensing requirements altogether. Google “security technician license requirements” and then enter the name of the state in which you want to obtain a security technician license. For example, for the state of Texas, enter “security technician license requirements Texas” into the Google search bar and hit enter. Make sure you click on the “.gov” website to ensure you are at the state’s office website. For Texas, it is www.tdi.texas.gov. Be sure to know what is required to keep licensing/certification current once it has been obtained.
Acquire Foundational Skills with ESA’s CAT Level 1 Training
Whether required or not, a security technician should be educated, starting with foundational knowledge and skills. The Electronic Security Association’s National Training School’s Certified Alarm Technician Level 1 is the most recognized and accepted training course and industry certification that any technician who needs fundamental industry training should take — it is the industry standard for electronic security and life safety technicians. This course — available in English and Spanish — provides essential knowledge and skills for intrusion and fire detection, video surveillance and access control taught by subject matter experts.
Determine Specialization and Take Advanced Classes
Upon completion of ESA’s Certified Alarm Technician Level 1, determine a specialization — fire, access control or video/CCTV — and take advanced classes depending on your chosen specialization to embark on an advanced security technician career path.
To determine what additional courses to take, ESA offers online, cost-effective assessment exams to help gauge level of expertise in fire, access control, intrusion and video surveillance. A roadmap for planning further customized training can be created based on a detailed outcome report of core competencies given after aptitude testing is complete.
Continue Learning
Seek out relevant continuing education classes to keep certification/licensure relevant, valid and up to date, but also, to enhance knowledge, skills and abilities for career advancement. Shop ESA’s National Training School by State for courses specific to your state.
All ESA training is brand agnostic and will assist in skill development that is relatable to any security technology or product brand that security technicians choose to install and service.
