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  1. Programs
  2. ESA Certified Alarm Technician (CAT) Level 1

ESA Certified Alarm Technician (CAT) Level 1

Electronic Security Association

Course

Become a contributor for free to openly demonstrate student outcomes, industry alignment & eligibility criteria.

The ESA Certified Alarm Technician (CAT) Level 1 Certification gives you a road map for success in your career development by requiring applicants to meet stringent training and work experience requirements. They are earned and continuously maintained to help you develop your skills and knowledge.

Format

Online

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Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

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Program Details

Detailed information about this program

COURSE DESCRIPTION ESA‘s Certified Alarm Technician Level 1 (CAT 1), followed by a two-hour examination, is the foundational course that provides the essential knowledge and skills for all forms of electronic security: intrusion detection, fire detection, video surveillance, and access control. Professionals who complete CAT 1 perform higher quality work more efficiently leading to greater productivity and higher profits for employers. You will learn Alarm Level 1 concepts that will empower you toward success in your career. The course covers planning and building successful installs while staying responsible and safe out in the field in accordance with industry codes and standards. This brand-agnostic training reviews various security system tools, equipment, and technologies so that you can confidently engage with customers and coworkers.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

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Scholarships

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Locations

Where this program is offered

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Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

  • Plan and initiate security system installations by tailoring procedures and equipment selection for commercial and residential applications
  • Apply industry codes and standards to security system installations by locating interpreting and implementing applicable requirements
  • Apply electrical principles to security system installation and troubleshooting including basic electricity concepts and their application to alarm system components
  • Install and configure alarm system control panels by applying knowledge of panel types components programming and integration with connected devices
  • Install and test perimeter sensors including door window and glass break detection devices in compliance with installation standards and manufacturer specifications
  • Install and test interior sensors including motion detectors and volumetric detection devices for residential and commercial security applications
Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

  • Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers49-2098.00
  • Construction and Related Workers, All Other47-4099.00
What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populated·from NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: emerging (Level 1)(based on Course)

  • Electrical layouts and building blueprints — read and interpret under direct supervision before beginning residential alarm installation work.
  • Control panels and door or window contacts — mount and fasten to designated surfaces following step-by-step instructions on a supervised job site.
  • Hand tools and power drills — use to drill holes through wall studs, joists, and ceilings for cable routing under technician guidance.
  • Cables and wiring — feed through access holes, roof spaces, and cavity walls following a predetermined cable route on residential installations.
  • Backup batteries and keypad functions — test using established checklists to verify basic operation under close technician supervision.
  • Loose connections and broken insulation — recognize and flag during visual system inspections with guidance from a senior installer.
  • Video cameras and motion sensors — position and attach to pre-marked locations following manufacturer placement diagrams on new construction sites.
  • Alarm system demonstrations — assist senior technicians in presenting basic system operation to residential customers after installation.
  • Wiring terminations and cable strapping — complete accurately using color-coded diagrams and written specifications on entry-level assignments.
  • Personal protective equipment and worksite safety protocols — follow consistently during drilling, wiring, and climbing tasks on commercial or residential sites.

Some details on this page are auto-populated from public workforce data sources: O*NET (opens in new tab), BLS (opens in new tab), College Scorecard (opens in new tab), DOL Training Provider Results (opens in new tab), NSX (opens in new tab). Provided in partnership with LER.me Career Intelligence.

Student Outcomes

Performance metrics for this program

Completion Rate
Not reported
Placement Rate
Not reported