ESA Revamping Cornerstone Certified Alarm Technician 1

ESA’s Certified Alarm Technician Level 1 is the standard for technicians in the industry and has become THE most widely recognized certification for authorities having jurisdiction over state licensing. We take pride in how influential it is for the thousands of technicians worldwide who are training each year to install vital technologies to help keep people, places, and property safe.  

We do not take this responsibility lightly. Staying ahead on the latest technology, regulations, and best practices is crucial for professionals who design, install, and maintain electronic security and life safety systems.  

ESA adheres to a strict reviewal and curriculum update schedule for this certification. Therefore, this year we are not only routinely revising modules to stay up to date with technological and industry standards, but we are also adding learning modules in key areas. Additionally, we are revamping the certification’s delivery to keep pace with how today’s learners engage with educational content online. 

Given the constant advancements in both technology and industry standards, our training programs must remain current. Here’s what you can expect from ESA’s Certified Alarm Technician Level 1 training next year: In addition to the regularly made updates modernizing technology modules, codes, and standards, we’ll take a deep dive into these areas for revision and addition: 

Wireless Technology 

We’re currently working with subject matter experts to draft enhancements to our wireless technology learning module. Material will review 5G and introduce communication protocols, site assessments and diagnosing, and resolving common issues with wireless systems. 

Internet of Things (IoT) 

As systems evolve to become smarter, more efficient, and better connected, technicians need to understand the basics of IoT to remain effective in the field. Throughout, the content revamp we will be adding foundational education on IoT to familiarize learners with IoT-enabled devices, communication protocols, networking concepts, and security considerations they will commonly engage within the field.  

Rack Basics 

A solid understanding of rack basics is crucial for technicians to ensure proper organization, safety, and accessibility. We’re adding curriculum on rack basics that will cover areas, such as types of racks, rack units, cable management, understanding power distribution, proper cooling and ventilation methods, grounding, and rack security. 

Cybersecurity 

Cybersecurity continues to be a critical concern for electronic security and life safety systems. We plan to enhance our education to ensure technicians have a basic understanding of how to protect both the physical security systems they are installing and the data these systems collect. We’ll cover basic network security concepts, password management, and best practices for firmware updates. Content will highlight the basic types of cyber threats so they can recognize and mitigate potential risks. 

Engaging Content Delivery 

These exciting enhancements to the training content are just one layer of our evolution for CAT 1. We are also entirely revamping the content delivery. We’re combatting the passive nature of traditional online learning with new creative strategies for delivering content to create a more interactive and dynamic learning experience. You can expect to see more interactive video simulations, gamification, and check-ins to gauge learner’s retention of concepts. 

This CAT 1 revision aims to equip today’s professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to be well-equipped to meet the new challenges faced in the field today — and provide the highest level of service. The work done here will impact your customers, your businesses and will support the ongoing integrity and reputation of our industry. 

With this investment made to educating our technicians with critical content in the most engaging way to increase their understanding and utilization of the concepts, we can better impact all our communities to help keep people, places, and property safe. 

I for one, couldn’t be more excited to get to work. The Certified Alarm Technician Level 1 revamp will be available in early 2025. 

ESA Revamping Cornerstone Certified Alarm Technician 1