Section 661.277.6. Installer certification requirements.

An applicant for alarm system installer certification shall meet all of the following requirements which are applicable to the endorsements for which the applicant is applying in order to receive certification from the fire marshal and shall continue to meet all such requirements throughout the period of certification. The installer shall notify the fire marshal, in writing, on a form designated by the fire marshal, within 30 calendar days if the installer fails to meet any applicable requirement for certification.

       277.6(1) The alarm system installer shall meet one of the following requirements:

        a.           Current licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa engineering and land surveying examining board, with competence in alarm system design.

        b.           For fire alarm system endorsement, current certification by NICET at level II or higher in fire alarm systems or current certification by NBFAA as an advanced alarm system technician (level II) and two years of related work experience.

        c.           For nurse call system endorsement, current certification by a nurse call system manufacturer, documented training by the certified nurse call contractor employer, current NICET level I certification or higher in fire alarm systems or audio systems, completed certification by NBFAA as an alarm system technician (level I) or higher, or current licensure as a master electrician or journeyman electrician by the electrical examining board, pursuant to Iowa Code Supplement chapter 103.

        d.           For security alarm system endorsement, completed certification by NBFAA as an alarm technician (level I) or higher, or current NICET level I certification or higher in fire alarm systems or audio systems.

        e.           For alarm system component installer endorsement, completed certification by NBFAA as an alarm technician (level I) or higher, current NICET level I certification or higher in fire alarm systems or audio systems, or current licensure as a master electrician or journeyman electrician by the electrical examining board, pursuant to Iowa Code Supplement chapter 103.

        f.            For alarm system maintenance inspection endorsement, completed certification by NBFAA as an alarm system technician (level I) or higher, or current NICET level I certification or higher in fire alarm systems or audio systems.

        g.           For dwelling unit alarm system endorsement, completed certification by NBFAA as an alarm technician (level I) or higher, or current NICET level I certification or higher in fire alarm systems or audio systems, or current licensure as a master electrician or journeyman electrician by the electrical examining board, pursuant to Iowa Code Supplement chapter 103.

        h.           For alarm system installer assistant endorsement, submission of a completed application no later than the first day of employment. An alarm system installer assistant may perform work which requires certification under this chapter only under the direct supervision of an alarm system installer whose certification contains one or more endorsements as provided in subrule 277.6(1), paragraphs “a” through “f,” and that work must be within the scope of work authorized by the endorsements held by the supervising installer.

        i.            For any endorsement, completion of any third-party training or certification approved by the state fire marshal as provided in subrule 277.3(5).

        j.            Prior to October 1, 2010, an alarm system installer may receive provisional certification if the installer provides documentation that procedures have been initiated for obtaining required qualifications for the endorsement requested. Provisional certification shall not be recognized on or after October 1, 2011. No provisional certification shall be issued for alarm system installer endorsement. Documentation may include an affidavit completed by the applicant if documentation is not available from the testing organization.

       277.6(2) The installer shall maintain compliance with all other applicable provisions of law related to operation in the state of Iowa and of any political subdivision in which the installer is performing work.

       277.6(3) In any case in which training or testing that is offered to satisfy the requirements of this rule is required to be approved by the state fire marshal, such approval is required prior to acceptance of the training or testing to meet certification requirements. Approval by the state fire marshal of any training or testing to meet these requirements may be sought by the individual, firm, or organization providing the testing or training or initiated by the state fire marshal. Any individual, firm or organization seeking to obtain such approval may apply to the state fire marshal. An application form for approval of a testing or training program may be obtained by contacting the alarm system contractor and installer certification program as specified in subrule 277.1(4).

       277.6(4) Work performed by an installer subject to these rules shall be limited to areas of competence indicated by the specific certification or certifications or other training requirements met by the installer and shall be limited to areas of competence indicated by the specific certification or certifications or other training requirements met by the responsible managing employee of the installer’s employer, unless the employer is not a certified contractor as allowed by 2008 Iowa Acts, House File 2547, section 2.

       277.6(5) Nothing in this rule shall be interpreted to conflict with or diminish any requirement for training or certification for anyone installing or servicing an alarm system set forth in any rule of the fire marshal or local fire ordinance or standard adopted by reference therein.