FAQ

Q. What is the IQ Certification Board?
A. The IQ Certification Board awards the Installation Quality Certification to companies that provide electronic security and life safety systems. The board is comprised of police and fire officials, experts from the insurance industry and the state regulatory community plus technical professionals from the alarm industry, recommended by the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association. The IQ Certification is granted based on stringent technical and customer service standards of quality and false alarm reduction.

Q. What separates IQ Certified Companies from other alarm companies?
A. To receive their IQ Certification, alarm companies must adhere to strict installation and false alarm prevention guidelines. They must agree to a stringent code of ethics. They must have top-notch maintenance and service programs. They must train their employees in industry-recognized programs. They must meet all licensing requirements. They must have proper insurance coverage. In addition, they must recertify every year. How does this separate them? Not all companies operate by these standards, ethics and guidelines. If certified companies have proved their mettle to the IQ Certification Board, you can be confident they are a company working to have a truly positive partnership with the public safety community.

Q. Why should I recommend IQ Certified companies?
A. There are many decisions to make when an individual considers an alarm system. Too often false alarm free performance is toward the end of the list of priorities. While other organizations either “list” or “certify” alarm installation or monitoring companies, those organizations typically focus on the insurance industry’s concerns. No other program focuses on quality and false alarm reduction in the way that the IQ Certification program does. The program standards were written with the input of the law enforcement and state regulatory communities and reflect a true commitment to reducing the burden that false alarms place on public safety. When you recommend IQ Certified Companies to the public, you can be confident that you are recommending a company that is proactively addressing quality and false alarm reduction issues.

Q. Is IQ the ONLY answer to the false alarm problem?
A. In a word, no. The IQ Certification program addresses false alarm issues within a company. However, many other factors contribute to the false alarm problem. Local governments are encouraged to consider enacting a local alarm ordinance based on the NBFAA/FARA Model Burglar Alarm Ordinance. In addition, states should continue to set a minimum standard for the industry that includes minimum training and criminal background checks. Keep in mind, however, that these are minimum requirements. When you look for those that exceed the minimums and reach for the highest in quality and false alarm resistance, look for the IQ Certification Logo!