An Alarm System Contractor I means an alarm system contractor whose business includes all types of alarm systems for all purposes.

Licensing Requirements

• Age: Must be at least 18 years of age.

  Testing: Candidates must obtain a passing score on the Alarm Systems Iand Business tests before applying for licensure. Passing exam scores must be less than 2 years old.

  Application Fee: If applying for active status, the applicant must submit a check for $300 USD payable to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. If applicant wishes to be inactive instead, the check must be in the amount of $55 USD only.

  Net Worth: The minimum business net worth requirement is $10,000 USD.

  Credit Reports: Applicant must submit a report from a nationally recognized credit reporting agency, which includes a public records statement that records have been checked at local, state, and federal levels. Those applicants wishing to qualify a business must also submit a business report.

  Insurance: The minimum liability insurance requirements are$100,000/per person for public liability and $300,000/per occurrence; and $500,000 for property damage, ora minimum combined single limit policy of $800,000. Applicant must also attest to obtain worker’s comp coverage or an exemption within 30 days after license is issued

  Experience: A person will qualify for a certified Alarm Systems Ilicense by meeting one of the following requirements:

  (1) Must have three (3) years of management experience in the trade of alarm contracting within the last six (6) years immediately preceding the filing of the application; or

  (2) Must have four (4) years of experience as a foreman, supervisor or contractor in the trade within the last eight (8) years immediately preceding the filing of the application; or

  (3) Must have six (6) years of comprehensive training, technical education or supervisory experience associated with an electrical or alarm contracting business within the last 12 years immediately preceding the filing of the application; or must have at least six (6) years technical experience in related work with the Armed Forces or a governmental entity within the last 12 years immediately preceding the filing of the application; or have a combination of these qualifications totaling six (6) years of experience; or

  (4) Must be licensed as an electrical professional engineer for three (3) years within the last 12 years. Provide a copy of current electrical professional engineer license and transcripts showing electrical engineering work; or

  (5) Must have a combination of experience listed in 1-3 above totaling 6 years within the last 12 years.

  You must also provide proof that 40% of the experience includes work in fire alarm systems.Please note that 40 percent of 3 years full time experience is approximately 15 months, 40 percent of 4 years of full time experience is approximately 20 months, and 40 percent of 6 years of full time experience is approximately 29 months.

  Applicants are required to submit copies of W2’s to verify employment with the qualified business.

  Submitting the Application Form

  The applicant must submit complete application form along with supporting documentation and applicable fees to the

  Department of Business and Professional Regulation at

  1940 North Monroe Street

  Tallahassee, FL32399-0783

Electrical Contractor Exams

Obtaining the Alarm Systems I Contractors License in Florida, aka Master Electrician’s License, requires obtaining passing scores on both the Unlimited Electrical and the Business and Law Exams. Below is a detailed description of each one of the two exams.

Electrical Exam

• Testing Method: Computer-Based (at testing center). Open Book.
• Testing Company: Pearson Vue
• Types of Questions: Multiple Choice only.
• Total Number of questions: 100
• Subjects Involved:
  – General Theory and Electrical Principles
  – Plan and Specification Reading and Interpretation
  – Wiring and Protection
  – Wiring Methods and Materials
  – Special Occupancies and Situations
  – OSHA, Safety, Procedures for Testing and Use of Tools and Equipment
  – Life Safety and Americans with Disabilities Act
  – Limited Energy/ Low Voltage
  – Central Station Facilities and Signaling
  – Premises Protective Signaling Systems
  – Initiating Devices
  – Burglar Alarms

Business Exams

This 2.5-hour exam contains 50 questions and covers the following subjects:

• Maintaining Cash Flow
• Estimating and Bidding a Job
• Interpretation of Contracts and Agreements
• Purchasing Control
• Contract Scheduling
• Obtaining Insurance and Bonding
• Complying with Contracting Laws and Rules
• Personnel Management
• Complying with Payroll and Sales Tax Laws
• Interpretation of Financial Statements and Reports
• Management Accounting