Head of the Class: Being an NTS Instructor Requires Mix of Desire and Rigorous Preparation

From under the clutter of my desk, this is how I see it…

Joel Kent is a senior NTS Instructor and owner of Windsor, Conn.-based FBN Security Company.

AIS Takes Education to the Next Level

For anyone who is interested in taking their knowledge of security systems further, NTS can help. The Advanced Intrusion Systems (AIS) course offered by NTS can help you take the next step to becoming an expert.

AIS is designed to help security professionals go beyond the basics and take their craft to the next level. The 14-hour course provides an advanced look at the design and installation of intrusion systems and dives into the many facets of networking, electronics and power systems.

Through AIS, students will learn how to select and apply proper detectors, control panels and communication devices in a variety of intrusion system applications. They will also receive instruction on basic electronics pertaining to system design, component selection and troubleshooting. AIS includes information on system testing and commissioning, as well as practical application of project management principles. The course concludes with a two-hour examination.

AIS is a great educational resource for those seeking an advanced understanding of intrusion systems such as technical staff, sales personnel, business owners, law enforcement, fire service or code officials. This course serves as a major stepping-stone to eventual certification as a Certified Alarm Technician II.

NTS offers this course online and in the classroom. If you are ready to become an acknowledged expert in your field, sign up for AIS now.

Upcoming AIS Dates

As I See It: What is the Benefit of Licensing?

Recently, I was talking to a friend about training courses, certification and licenses in a bordering state. I explained that the requirements for attaining licensing in that particular state are simple and suggested that he get the license. He replied with "But, what’s in it for me?”

That question left me speechless. This person was so shortsighted that he could not see that licensing would enable his expanding company to work legally in another state. Isn’t promoting licensing to keep the playing field level what we are all about? It’s our job to protect the public by ensuring that the people who install life safety and smart home systems are competent, qualified and skilled.

While not every state requires licensing, it’s still important to become well-versed in your trade. And, there are plenty of resources out there to ensure your team is knowledgeable and efficient in the work they do. Start with ESA’s National Training School. There are a range of courses to meet the needs of everyone on your team. Also, take advantage of manufacturer’s seminars as a training opportunity.

Education is the elixir to quench the thirst for knowledge. Or, as Galileo said, "Sapienta proper se ipsam appetendo,” which translates to "seek knowledge for its own sake.”

Joel Kent is a senior NTS Instructor and owner of Windsor, Conn.-based FBN Security Company.

NTS Trainers Spill Their Tricks of the Trade

Training can be tough for students – especially in the electronic security industry. ESA’s National Training School (NTS) has a reputation of being the most comprehensive and widely recognized training program in the industry, and for good reason. Between the mathematical formulas, codes and standards, and theories, NTS courses are no walk in the park. But, nothing worth doing is ever easy, right?

According to our most experienced instructors, there are a few ways to make your time as a student a little easier. Here are three senior NTS instructors’ top secret tips for being successful at NTS.

Joel Kent is president of Windsor, Conn.-based FBN Security and an NTS instructor.

1. Get a good night’s sleep the night before.

2. Arrive early.

3. You should have no distractions during class. Cell phones should be off. Calls can be returned at breaks. You would not leave work to make a phone call to a friend; the class is your work assignment and nothing should interfere.

4. Pay attention and highlight your student manual. There is an open book test at the end, and while it is open book, your ability to pass the test is directly related to your ability to find what you need quickly.

5. At the end of each chapter ask yourself "What did I learn this past hour that I did not know?"

6. If you struggle with math problems, ask the instructor for help. They did not become experts by divine intervention. Each instructor sat where you are now and learned as you are learning. All of the NTS instructors would be happy to meet with you before or after class or during breaks to help you.

7. Pay attention to break times. If the instructor releases you for a 10-minute break, be back in your seat and ready to go within 10 minutes.

8. Listen to the discussions that take place during the presentation. Many times a student will make a point that has the instructor may not have considered.

9. Participate in discussions, but do not talk ill of a competitor or supervisor in the class. There is no place for complaining during class. Keep it positive and work to develop fresh ideas. Your instructor can offer suggestions as to how you can bring these ideas to your supervisor so that they are not threatened by your effort.

10. Have fun. This is a good break out of the daily routine at the office. You can meet with and learn from others in the industry.


 

Dale Eller is the owner of ITZ Solutions! and an active NTS instructor.

Pre-training (books, online, etc.) can provide students with a solid foundation to understand what we are teaching them. Understanding Ohm's Law, resistor color codes and basic math skills can help them calculate current, voltage and resistance values in a circuit.

2. Many students don't know how to attend training. Basic seminars (1 hour long) and webinars are very passive learning opportunities. Training at NTS requires students to know how to take notes, highlight important references and tab applicable chapters in the course manuals.

They need to arrive on time and be alert. They should bring pencils, highlighters, page tabs and notebooks or note paper.

  

George Bish of Secure Automation is a long-time NTS instructor.

Ultimately, your success at NTS is in your hands. By using these instructor-approved tips, you will get the most out of training and your career will benefit. Now, grab your highlighters and pencils and sign up for an NTS class near you today!

FAIM Prepares Students for the Future Through Technical Skills and Code Knowledge

For those who want to expand their areas of expertise or increase their proficiency, the Fire Alarm Installation Methods (FAIM) course offered by NTS is your ticket to success.

FAIM provides 14 hours of intensive instruction for individuals who want to learn all aspects of code-compliant fire alarm systems. This technical course concludes with a comprehensive two-hour examination. Upon completion, your technicians will be able to confidently install, service and maintain fire alarm systems.

Participants will gain code knowledge and practical technical skills from a curriculum that follows the structure of NFPA 72 and is based on the 2011 edition of NFPA 72 and the 2008 edition of NFPA 70.

FAIM is not just for industry technicians; it’s also great information for business owners, sales personnel, and anyone from the public or private sector who constantly deals with fire systems and codes.

In addition, FAIM training can serve as an excellent opportunity to prepare for Level 1 and 2 examinations from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). These certifications benefit employees, who gain respect from their peers and credibility with customers; and employers, who can promote NICET certification and market their company’s dedication to quality and technical competency.

FAIM is available online, at a comfortable and easily sustainable pace, or in a classroom setting that offers valuable interaction with instructors and colleagues. Whether you take the course online or in the classroom, the outcome is the same: increased proficiency, professionalism and profitability for your business.

Upcoming FAIM Dates

As I See It: What is the Value of Training?

Can you quantify the value received for the dollars and time expended on training a technician? To find out, you have to look at the cost of training.

A three-day Level I instructor-led course offered by ESA’s National Training School costs around $395 plus the technician’s wages. But how does that amount compare to the money spent fixing mistakes made by a technician?

Consider static electricity, which is one aspect of the Level I course. Students are taught the danger of static electricity, how it is generated and how to avoid damaging equipment. So, to understand the value of training, think about the cost associated with replacing a 16-channel DVR with 1TB hard drive that was damaged by static electricity because the technician didn’t know how to discharge it correctly.

What is the value of a technician’s time troubleshooting and repairing a problem if he does not have the knowledge to accurately diagnose a complaint based on the customer’s inarticulate description and his aggressive investigation of the symptoms?

Can you afford a repeat service call because a technician did not complete a repair before he was sure that he found the cause? Are your customers going to appreciate a technician who appears to be stumped with a problem?

These are just some of the costs that result from a lack of quality training. Mistakes quickly eat away at your technicians’ time and your company’s profits, but you can avoid wasting your resources by taking NTS courses that meet needs expressed by company owners and technicians. Courses are written by subject matter experts who have extensive experience in the field. Every course is taught by an NTS instructor who can help students define a problem and find a logical conclusion.

Ultimately, how you spend your company dollars is up to you. You can spend it on correcting mistakes or on increasing your technicians’ efficiency. What’s your choice?

Joel Kent is a senior NTS Instructor and owner of Windsor, Conn.-based FBN Security Company.

Electronic Access Control Course Delivers Technical Knowledge Through Real-Life Examples

Security professionals who are ready to get into the market of electronic access technology should start with the Electronic Access Control (EAC) course offered by ESA’s National Training School (NTS).

The EAC course gives students 14 hours of instruction, covering both the theory and practical application of locks, door hardware and electronic access control systems. The exercises culminate in a real-world situation, an actual system design based on a given customer specification and building plan. This course concludes with a two-hour examination.

EAC is an extensive course that is intended for technical staff, sales personnel and business owners who are seeking a complete understanding of electronic access control technology.

Upon completion of EAC, individuals holding a Certified Alarm/Security Technician – Level I certification for a minimum of 36 months, and who successfully complete the Electronic Access Control course, the Video System Technologies course and the Fire Alarm Installation Methods course are eligible for certification as a Certified Systems Integrator (CSI). 

This essential course is available in a classroom setting or online. Take your business' future into your own hands and register for EAC now.

Upcoming EAC Dates

Going the Distance: One Student's Journey to NTS

It’s no secret that ESA’s National Training School (NTS) instructors are among the most dedicated individuals in the industry. In fact, it was just last year that a few NTS instructors traveled around the world to teach a Level I course in Japan. But recently, we discovered that our instructors aren’t the only ones willing to go the extra mile for education; NTS students are, too.

In March, Ricardo Diaz went the distance for training. Diaz, chief financial officer for Alliance Security, Inc., traveled from Rhode Island to Texas to take a Level I NTS course taught by LJ Lynes at ESA’s headquarters. Even more surprising than his 1,700-mile trip was the fact that Diaz was a first-time NTS student.

Diaz’s trust in the quality of NTS courses had us wondering if the training met his expectations, so we reached out to him to find out. Below is a brief question-and-answer session:

What is your background in the security industry?

I have been in the security industry for approximately two years. I am responsible for financial analysis, financial modeling, due diligence, forecasting, operation management, new business development and business process improvement.

In the last year, I have become more involved in our technician training program. I am responsible for setting up training modules as well as communicating the proper format and standards that should be used when installing a system in a customer’s home.

How would you describe the Level I course you recently completed?

It was a very informational and helpful course. It’s good for individuals seeking an overview of the general standards and codes that should be used in order to properly succeed in the alarm installation process.

In my opinion, all individuals installing a system should take this course. It’s a great beginner’s course that provides students with a general understanding of how properly installing an alarm system.

How was your experience with NTS and its instructors?

My instructor, LJ Lynes, was exceptional. He was informative, experienced and he understood the needs of individuals at this level. I believe that he was successful in training and communicating the importance of standards, codes and tools because he has many years of experience as a technician himself.

How have you benefited from taking the Level I course through NTS?

I had the ability to learn the necessary rules and regulations related to the installation of an alarm system. I was also able to earn the first certification needed to become a license holder in several states.

Would you recommend Level I to other security professionals?

Yes. I recommend this course to anyone and everyone who enters the industry. This course provides a great outline of what should and shouldn’t be done in a customer’s home.

While next time he may seek instructor-led courses a bit closer to home, Diaz says he plans to continue his education with courses from NTS. He has set a long-term goal of attaining each certification offered by NTS.

Though we love hearing stories like Diaz’s, you don’t have to go the distance to get great training. Many of ESA’s Chartered Chapters provide instructor-led courses that fit into your budget. For a list of upcoming NTS courses, click here.

Do have a training story that you want to share with other security professionals? Let us know! Email your story to Jeaneen.Bengtson@ESAweb.org today and you could be featured in a future issue of NTS News.

Troubleshooting, Service and Maintenance Course Increases Proficiency with Complex Systems

Are you are an industry professional who is looking for a way to increase your level of customer service while also increasing your proficiency of security systems? Look no further, the Troubleshooting, Service and Maintenance (TSM) training course offered by NTS has you covered.

TSM provides 14 hours of instruction that focuses on service, repair, testing, inspection and preventative maintenance. This informative course provides the industry’s best overview of the proper procedures for maintaining and repairing intrusion, fire, video surveillance and access control systems. You will also get an in-depth look at the troubleshooting mindset, covering a wide range of procedures for today’s complex systems.

TSM is a one of a kind course that includes reference materials from NFPA 70, NFPA 72 and NFPA 730/731 and pays close attention to the proper test and inspection procedures for these systems. TSM concludes with a two-hour examination.

The TSM training course is a major requirement for those looking to attain status as a Certified Service Technician (CST). Not an industry technician? No problem. TSM provides great information for business owners, sales staff and code officials.

TSM is available online, at a comfortable and easily sustainable pace, or in a classroom setting that offers valuable interaction with instructors and colleagues. Both forms of TSM will bring you a better understanding of security systems and a higher level of customer service. Register today!

Upcoming TSM Dates

But Wait, There’s More: Two Common Mistakes Students Make After Completing a Course

Excuses: What are they good for? At NTS, absolutely nothing

NTS also makes training available through online course offerings. In addition to training at home, online training allows you to study at your own pace and receive the same education as an instructor-led course. Currently these courses are offered online:

 
For more information about online courses, click here. A log-in is required.

Excuse #3: Training is expensive.
NTS has always offered the most cost-effective training in the industry. In fact, ESA recently made it even more affordable for members to receive online or classroom training through the Member Volume Discount program.

Private classes through the Member Volume Discount program are ideal if you want to train your staff in a classroom setting. Private classes allow you to select the course, date, time and place that work for your company.  When you purchase as few as 15 seats, you can save as much as $1,950. The more seats you purchase, the more money you save.

You can also save on online training when you buy five or more courses at once. The Power User Discount provides substantial savings on the most popular NTS courses including Level 1, AIS, RFA, IBC and more. The savings start at $250 and increase with each course purchase.

To take advantage of these discount programs, contact NTS Sales Manager Pat Allen at Pat.Allen@ESAweb.org or by phone at 800-447-1689, ext. 6806.

Excuse #4: Money spent on training could be better used for other purposes.
When you put training into your budget, you’re investing not only in your employees but also your company. By training your staff through NTS, they will receive the most up-to-date knowledge and technical skills in the industry.

In addition, a highly skilled staff produces better quality work with fewer errors. As a result, your company will save time and money and allow you to stay competitive in the industry.

Excuse #5: I don’t need to train my salespeople; only technicians need training.
Technicians aren’t the only professionals who make up the life safety and security industry. Others– including central station operators, sales staff, business owners, fire service personnel, code officials and law enforcement officers – bear a huge responsibility in protecting life and property.  

NTS takes pride in training all aspects of the security industry. That’s why NTS offers specialized courses that create a well-rounded and educated staff. Find the courses that fit your company’s needs in the 2013 NTS Course Catalog.

Excuses aside, NTS truly is your one-stop shop for quality training in the security industry. Reach out to NTS today and start enhancing the value of your company; you won’t regret it tomorrow!

 For more information, please contact NTS at (800) 636-1687 or via email at NTS@ESAweb.org.

Residential Fire Alarm Course Gives Companies Added Area of Expertise

Are you an experienced industry professional that is seeking a way to expand your realm of expertise? The Residential Fire Alarm (RFA) offered by NTS is your ticket to a successful future.

RFA is a seven-hour course that can aid technical staff, sales personnel and business owners who previously focused solely on intrusion systems in expanding their knowledge of residential fire alarm systems. Students will gain code knowledge and practical technical skills needed to design, install and maintain residential fire alarm systems. The course concludes with a one-hour examination.

This essential course is based on the 2010 edition of NFPA 72, the 2009 edition of the International Building Code (IBC)/International Fire Code (IFC)/International Residential Code (IRC), the 2009 edition of NFPA 101 and the 2008 edition of NFPA 70.

RFA is offered online, at a comfortable and easily sustainable pace, or in a classroom setting that offers valuable interaction with instructors and colleagues. If you are ready to offer current and prospective customers the code-required system test and inspection services included in today’s fire alarm codes, sign up for RFA today!

Upcoming RFA Dates

International Business Code Course Provides Industry Insight and Technical Skills

Are you a business owner who is interested in creating new revenue-generating services and sales opportunities? The International Building Code (IBC) training course from NTS can help you expand your business through various occupancy classes and increase your bottom line.

The intense seven-hour course focuses on the fire alarm and access control requirements for most common occupancy classes that students will encounter on a daily basis, offering insights on common errors and areas of confusion. The IBC course pays special attention to the similarities and differences between the International Building Code and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.

The IBC course is appropriate for technical staff, sales personnel, business owners and fire service and code officials. Upon completion, students will have the code knowledge and practical technical skills needed to design, install and maintain fire alarm and electronic access control systems that comply with the 2009 edition of the International Building Code and the International Fire Code. The course concludes with a one-hour examination.

Upon completion of IBC, individuals who hold a Certified Alarm/Security Technician – Level 1 certification for a minimum of 12 months as well as completion of the Fire Alarm Installation Methods course, are eligible for certification as a Certified Fire Alarm Technician.

NTS offers IBC online, at a comfortable and easily sustainable pace, or in a classroom setting that offers valuable interaction with instructors and colleagues. Both forms of IBC will bring value to your company, so register today.

Upcoming IBC Dates

Education Paved the Way for New VP of Training and Certification

We are currently working on a new advanced fire course. This two-day course, called Commercial Fire Alarm System Design Considerations, will be offered in a classroom setting. It’s currently under development, but we anticipate it to roll out mid to late 2013.

NTS Courses Reinforce Comcast/XFINITY Home’s Commitment to Customer Service

At Comcast/XFINITY Home, employee education is the basis for providing exceptional customer service.

Originally founded as a cable provider in 1963, Comcast has since expanded its services into other markets, including phone and internet service, but its most recent expansion has been into residential security.

While Comcast’s product and service offerings have changed throughout the years, Senior Director of Licensing and Field Compliance Doug Bassett says the company’s dedication to its employees’ education has not.

"Comcast is committed to providing the highest level of quality to our customers,” Bassett said. "Proper training and education are the cornerstones of the ability to deliver the greatest customer experience possible.”

Comcast offers security services on a broadband and cloud-based platform, which requires technicians to master a mix of principles to efficiently install and service the systems. In addition to company specific training that is unique to Comcast’s next generation technology, technicians also make extensive use of entry- level courses offered by ESA’s National Training School, such as the Certified Alarm/Security Technician (CAT) – Level I.

For Comcast, the benefit of using NTS for industry training is obvious.

"NTS is able to deliver the fundamental and required training at the level of professionalism we desire for our employees,” Bassett said. "With NTS, our employees have gained a comprehensive view of the entry-level training material and industry guidelines.”

But employee training doesn’t stop there. Comcast has defined a training path that helps produce well-rounded and experienced technicians. The continuous training efforts include company specific classes and industry-based instruction. This recurring training model has allowed many of Comcast’s employees to acquire various CEUs and certification through NTS such as CAT Level I, CAT Level II, Advanced Intrusion Systems (AIS) and Fire Alarm Installation Methods (FAIM).

The ultimate goal of training is to give employees the tools they need to provide safety, security and peace of mind to customers. Through its training initiatives, Comcast has been able to meet that goal while still having a positive impact on its employees.

Video System Technologies Course Provides Key Edge in Fastest-Growing Sector

Technicians, salespeople and business owners who are seeking to diversify their knowledge of the security industry can find just that in the Video System Technologies (VST) course offered by NTS.

VST is a 14-hour course that will provide students with solid technical knowledge and a strong skill base in the fastest growing security technology category. The focus of the extensive course is on traditional methods and equipment such as analog cameras, and coaxial cabling. VST also provides insight in to progressive and emerging technologies like digital cameras, Network Video Recorders (NVRs), fiber optic cable and Power over Ethernet (PoE). The course also includes two extensive exercises that culminate in an actual system design based on a given customer’s specifications and building plans and concludes with a two-hour examination.

Individuals who complete VST and who hold a Certified Alarm/Security Technician – Level 1 certification for a minimum of 36 months, who have successfully completed the Electronic Access Control course and the Fire Alarm Installation Methods course are eligible for certification as a Certified Systems Integrator (CSI).

The must-attend course is available at your own pace online or in a classroom setting. Give your business an upper hand and register for VST now.

Upcoming VST dates:

NTS Takes Level 1 Training All The Way to Japan

Since NTS is the industry standard for training and certification, partnering with FVTC to provide industry certifications with the BATA course was a natural step for everyone. As the past president of the Wisconsin Electronic Security Association (WIESA), McInnes helped foster the relationship between WIESA, ESA and FVTC.

NTS can expect to continue providing instruction for the Level 1 portion of the BATA course. Through new deployments from the Marines, Army and other sources, NTS will be able to train more of America’s finest.

NTS Course Highlight: Life Safety Code

For security professionals seeking code knowledge and technical skills needed to design, install and maintain fire alarm and electronic access control systems, NTS has the solution: the Life Safety Code (LSC) course.

From technical sales staff to sales personnel, LSC provides relevant information for everyone on staff. During the seven-hour course, students will learn fire alarm and electronic access control requirements for the most common occupancy classes as well as receive insight on common errors and areas of confusion.

LSC gives special attention to the similarities and differences between the International Building Code (IBC) and the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code to help students understand what requirements apply based on the adopted codes in certain jurisdictions. This course concludes with a one-hour examination.

This course is available for students in a classroom setting or online. Use the LSC course to expand your service offerings.

Click here to learn more!

ESA’s National Apprenticeship Program Helps Create a Strong Industry Workforce

In early October, the Louisiana Life Safety and Security Association (LLSSA) and the Electronic Security Association (ESA) started the first group of students in the National Apprenticeship Program (NAP) on their journey to becoming Protective Signal Installers in Louisiana.

This journey, known as apprenticeship, is the first of its kind for ESA and is important to the growth of the life safety and security industry. Apprenticeship helps to produce a workforce of efficient, professional and dependable individuals who possess the certifications and experience needed to fulfill the demand for Protective Signal Installers for years to come. O*NET, a source for primary occupational information, has classified the Protective Signal Installer career path as a "Bright Outlook” occupation that is expected to grow by as much as 20 percent over the next few years.

ESA’s NAP blends a mix of training styles and content to provide an engaging and customized curriculum that benefits both the apprentice and the employer. Training is also customizable to meet the ever-changing demands of the industry.  Apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum of 590 hours of online instruction that focuses on theoretical, technical and professional concepts of the industry, which helps create well-rounded employees.

To ensure complete mastery of each skill, apprentices work with an assigned journey worker through the duration of the program. The mentor-student relationship allows students to build confidence in their technical skills while being supervised.

Both employers and apprentices benefit from this fast-paced, comprehensive and interactive curriculum. Unlike traditional training methods, ESA’s NAP educates apprentices on multiple technologies at the same time. This allows employers the opportunity to pursue other avenues of business that would be impossible without having a technician trained in a specific area, which results in increased profitability.

Well-rounded and highly educated employees aren’t the only advantage of the program. Employers can remain competitive on Davis-Bacon and Prevailing Wage work by utilizing registered apprentices.  The specialized pay scale gives employers the opportunity to pay apprentices up to 50 percent less than the journey worker wage rate on these types of jobs. This helps employers remain competitive in the pursuit of projects, and apprentices are guaranteed incremental raises throughout the program.

In addition to being a highly efficient form of training, ESA’s NAP is also cost-effective for employers. Participating employers pay a nominal monthly fee per apprentice that covers apprentices’ books, courses and certifications as well as online CEUs to satisfy the accompanying journey worker’s certification renewal requirements. Employers that invest in their employees’ education through ESA’s NAP may also be eligible for tax benefits and workforce development grants in some states. By investing in the continued education of both the apprentice and journey worker, employers will see an increase in employee productivity, safety and consistency, which can result in higher profits for companies.

LLSSA will end its fall semester in December, but the program isn’t slowing down. ESA’s NAP has big plans for the next year: In January, a new class of apprentices in Louisiana will begin training and by December 2013, NAP hopes to launch apprenticeship programs with other ESA Chartered Chapters.

To participate in the National Apprenticeship Program and help ESA create the workforce of the future, contact Operations Manager of Training and Certification Tracy Dalrymple at 888-447-1689 ext. 6821 or by email at Tracy.Dalrymple@ESAweb.org.

NTS Course Highlight: Security Sales Essentials

Security professionals seeking a course that explores the complete sales cycle within the security industry at a granular level should look no further than the Security Sales Essentials (SSE) course offered by NTS.

This fast-paced, comprehensive 14-hour course covers an in-depth sales action plan that can help technical staff, customer service staff, sales personnel and business owners achieve success in commercial, industrial and residential sales. Through the use of visual aids, role playing, a student manual and open classroom discussion, students will develop an understanding of how effectively sell security and alarm systems. SSE pays special attention to the unique issues involved with commercial intrusion, fire alarms, access control and video surveillance systems. In addition, SSE provides students will real world examples that highlight the opportunities and obstacles that they will encounter through the sales process. The course concludes with a two-hour examination.

Individuals who successfully complete this course along with either the Understanding Electronic Security Systems course or the Level 1 Certified Alarm Technician course are eligible for certification as a Certified Security Salesperson.

The SSE course is offered in a classroom setting that offers valuable interaction with instructors and colleagues. Use this course to turn sales prospects into customers. Register today.

Upcoming SSE Dates

Students' Guide to Navigating NTS

NTS takes pride in offering education and certifications that enhance the performance and career prospects of our students. We want to help you grow in any way we possibly can. That’s why we are making it even easier to get what you need from NTS. We’ve compiled the answers to the questions that are most frequently asked by you, the students.

Registration

Q. How do I register for a NTS course?
A. Registering for a course is simple. Use your username and password to log on to www.ESAweb.org. Next, hover over the "Programs" tab in the blue menu bar, then find ‘National Training School’ in the drop down and select "My NTS" from the menu. On the My NTS page you be able to find a list of available online and live classes.

Classes

Q. What's the difference between online and live classes?
A. The online and live classes provide the same content in different settings.

Online classes are a great choice for those who prefer to study at their own pace from a computer at their home or workplace. Students can start and stop the course as many times as needed and have one year from the date of purchase to complete the training. To receive training, students must schedule a proctored exam and pass the exam with a score of 70 or higher.

Live classes offer students valuable interaction with instructors and colleagues in quick, easy-to-follow sessions. The classes are held frequently in various locations across the U.S. and each class is lead by a certified NTS trainer. A proctored exam is administered on the final day of class and students must pass the exam with a score of 70 or higher.

Q. Where are classes held?
A. Live classes are held in various locations across the U.S. You can find the most up-to-date class locations online at your personal My NTS page on www.ESAweb.org/NTS. You can search for live classes by state, topic, instructor and date.

CEUs

Q. How do I report my CEUs?
A. In order to renew your certification you must report your CEUs to NTS. You can do this by completing the NTS Certification Renewal Reporting Form then send it to NTS via email (NTS@ESAweb.org) or fax (972-807-6883).

Q. What CEUs are accepted at NTS?
A. To receive credit for courses taken, students must have CEUs approved by NTS. For a list of NTS-accepted CEUs, please visit the 2012 CEU Catalog. Please call our member service center at 972-807-6801 for more information on qualified CEUs.

Q. How many CEUs do I need to renew my certification?
A. To maintain an active certification status, NTS certificate holders must annually earn a total of 1.2 CEUs (12 credit hours) within the 12-month renewal cycle. Certifications are valid 12 months from the issue date.

NTS Documents

Q. How do I get a document replaced?
A. You can obtain a replacement or copy of a certificate, ID card or transcript through NTS. Simply complete the NTS Replacement Document Order Form and submit the document with the appropriate fees via email (NTS@ESAweb.org), fax (972-807-6883) or mail:

NTS
6333 North State Highway 161, Ste. 350
Irving, TX 75038

NTS Answers Call to Duty by Training Homeland Security Officers

NTS recently enlisted a few of its advanced instructors to provide on-site training for their most challenging students yet—law enforcement officers employed by the U.S. government.

The Federal Protective Service (FPS), a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, sent 12 officers to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Georgia for advanced security training from NTS. Over the course of several weeks, the officers trained extensively in intrusion, video surveillance and access control. The NTS training prepared the students for their next call of duty: providing security for federal buildings as physical security specialists.

FPS plays a critical role in DHS operations, protecting thousands of federal facilities and safeguarding millions of federal employees, contractors and civilian visitors each year. In 2011, FPS conducted more than 2,000 criminal investigations and made more than 1,600 arrests. The unit confiscated more than 700,000 weapons, dangerous objects and contraband, and performed more than 13,000 K-9 sweeps for explosives.

"Federal Protective Service students are not your average students,” said ESA Education Committee Chairman and NTS Instructor LJ Lynes of Stanley Security Solutions. "Almost all of them are well-versed security and law enforcement professionals. They put instructors to the test with questions, scenarios and field experiences they have had.”

Lynes and three other senior NTS instructors – Dale Eller of ITZ Solutions, Joseph Hayes of All County Security and Joel Kent of FBN Security –traveled from across the country to lead the training efforts. They developed a specialized curriculum for that utilized several core NTS classes, including Certified Alarm Technician Level 1 (CAT-1), Advanced Intrusion Systems (AIS), Electronic Access Control (EAC), and Video System Technologies (VST). These courses allowed the students to think about and react to problems on a more technical level.

"The goal of the training is to help our nations’ protectors become more technical and aware of everyday security issues that they are faced with,” Lynes said. "They have a tremendous job and if NTS can offer any assistance, we are glad to do so.”

All parties agreed that the FLETC training was a huge success, and will have a lasting impression on NTS and on ESA as a whole. ESA’s Vice President of Training and Certification Rick Sheets said he looks forward to working with agencies like FLETC in the future.

"NTS loves having the opportunity to train law enforcement agencies like FLETC,” Sheets said. "It really helps them understand our industry and see first-hand the effort we put into training our members.”

NTS Course Highlight: Understanding Electronic Security Systems

For individuals who want to gain basic knowledge of the electronic security industry, the Understanding Electronic Security Systems (UESS) course offered by NTS can help build a foundation necessary for success.

This seven-hour class is designed for non-technical staff, business owners, law enforcement, fire service, code officials and individuals seeking an overview of the electronic security industry. Students will learn basic elements including sensors, control panels and communications, with an emphasis on the need for an adequate site survey. In addition, the UESS course stresses the importance of false alarm prevention and explores the interactions between electronic life safety/security professionals, law enforcement and fire prevention officials. The course concludes with a one-hour examination.

Individuals who complete the UESS course and the Security Sales Essentials course are eligible for certification as a Certified Security Salesperson. The UESS course is offered in a classroom setting that offers valuable interaction with instructors and colleagues. Build a foundation that will last a lifetime. Register today.

NTS Course Highlight: Certified Alarm/Security Technician - Level 1 (CAT 1)

From sales representatives to installation technicians, NTS has developed a comprehensive course to begin developing your skills in life and fire safety. The Certified Alarm/Security Technician – Level 1 (CAT 1) course will put you on the path to a successful career in the electronic security industry.

CAT 1 is designed to provide students with the technical knowledge and skills needed to perform entry-level responsibilities within the many facets of the electronic security industry. The 22-hour course will give students the skill set to confidently plan for and initiate a successful installation.

This course not only provides the most recognized and insisted-upon credential by those with jurisdiction over security integration work, but it’s also a building block for more advanced training. CAT 1 is suitable for technicians, service personnel, installation personnel, sales staff and business owners who would like to increase their knowledge on all forms of electronic security.

NTS offers this course online and in the classroom. If you are ready to produce higher quality, more efficient work then sign up for CAT 1 now.

Upcoming CAT 1 Dates

Train the Trainer Course Puts Instructors to the Test

The National Training School (NTS) recently introduced a "Train the Trainer” course, focused on enhancing the skills of active NTS instructors. The exclusive course was held for the first time on June 25 at ESX Nashville.

Still in the developmental stages, Train the Trainer was an invitation-only course for current instructors. The one-day course and luncheon was designed to give instructors the tools they need to further their skills as instructors, presenters and communicators.

Three NTS instructors led the course: Dale Eller of ITZ Solutions, Joel Kent of FBN Security and LJ Lynes of Stanley Security Solutions. They covered issues such as the expectations of NTS instructors and multiple NTS processes. The course also included modules on student learning methods, advanced adult learning methods, and presentation and public speaking skills. Attendees received 0.7 CEUs upon completion of the course.

The ESA Education Committee continues to improve NTS courses by constantly updating existing courses to meet new code revisions and creating new courses that introduce up-and-coming security applications. While the courses are an integral part of NTS, in order to keep moving forward, NTS must invest in the education of its instructors as well as grow instructor candidates.

"Our goal is to have the senior NTS instructors who were present take the course back to their home states and teach it to area instructors,” Lynes said. "The Train the Trainer course will enable NTS to put more instructors in the field as well as assist current instructors in further developing their presentation skills.”

Everyone who attended the ESX Train the Trainer course raved about the value and knowledge that it provided. The successful turnout and feedback is a huge indication of NTS’s bright future.

"NTS instructors are some of the most brilliant people in the entire industry,” Lynes said. "Having strong class sponsors like ESA’s Chartered Chapters coupled with the best instructors is the smartest way to spread our footprint. We are using our greatest resources to get the most beneficial information out to NTS students.”

If you are an NTS instructor and would like more information about the Train the Trainer course, please contact Pat Allen by phone at (972) 807-6806 or via email at Pat.Allen@ESAweb.org.

New VP of Training and Certification Benefits from Wide Range of Experience

In June, ESA welcomed Rick Sheets to the staff as Vice President of Training & Certification. Sheets started in the security industry in 1992 as a technician assistant at a small alarm company. Since then, he has taken on a wide range of roles within the security industry such as sales, project management, engineering, operations, and licensing and compliance.

With extensive experience working in both small and large security companies, Sheets is a natural fit at ESA. His background will undoubtedly aid in the growth of ESA’s National Training School (NTS) in the coming years. Here is a brief question-and-answer session in which he outlines his vision for NTS, and discusses the need for quality training.

What's the strongest case to be made for electronic security companies to keep the knife away from the training budget?
Well-trained employees are likely to have higher morale and greater confidence when they feel prepared to meet the demands of their job. The more prepared employees feel, the more inclined they are to stay in the role rather than becoming frustrated and seeking other employment. Most employers would agree that it is expensive to recruit and hire new employees, not to mention the cost of loss in production.

You can only do so much when you’re interviewing a candidate. You never know who you hire until they are in front of your customers. With proper training, you will see increased efficiencies in processes, which will result in financial gain; increased capacity to adopt new technologies and methods; increased innovation in strategies and products; and an enhanced company image that will create more opportunities in the future.

How can members get the most out of NTS training?
For employees, training isn’t just about getting required licenses or certifications. It’s about mastering the material so that you are better suited for advancement in your career. To get the most out of NTS training for employees, companies should implement a career path that utilizes NTS courses and certifications. A career path based on NTS training is win-win for both the employer and employee. By determining where your employees need improvement, you can determine what training would benefit your company the most.

Are the courses continually being updated?
The majority of NTS courses are updated on a three-year cycle in an effort to coincide with codes and standards updates as well as advancement in technology.

Will there be any new courses or certifications?
NTS is constantly evaluating courses and the need for additional courses. Currently, we are working on an advanced fire alarm course that will meet a Level 3 fire need in our industry. This knowledge-based course will provide professional fire design concepts mixed with project management skills, which will be a leap forward in fire education for our industry.

What can we expect from NTS in the future?
We are putting a lot of time and effort into growing NTS. One of our bigger projects is to make NTS a required and recognized certification and CEU source in additional jurisdictions. To do this, NTS will meet with regulators to introduce the National Apprenticeship Program (NAP), as well as NTS training and certification programs.

But here’s the bottom line: You will continue to see quality products delivered in a professional manner.

National Apprenticeship Program Prepares Workforce for the Future

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have either a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Qualified applicants will also need to be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the program, with or without reasonable accommodation.

NTS Course Highlight: Advanced Intrusion Systems (AIS)

For anyone who is interested in taking their knowledge of security systems further, NTS can help. The Advanced Intrusion Systems (AIS) course offered by NTS can help you take the next step to becoming an expert.

The Advanced Intrusion Systems (AIS) course is designed to help security professionals go beyond the basics and take their craft to the next level, with 14 hours of instruction that provides an advanced look at design and installation of intrusion systems, as well as related information about networking, electronics and power systems. It’s relevant, up-to-date training developed by industry leaders with years of experience and a wealth of knowledge.

In this technical course, students will learn how to select and apply proper detectors, control panels and communication devices in a variety of intrusion system applications. They will also receive instruction on basic electronics pertaining to system design, component selection and troubleshooting. AIS includes information on system testing and commissioning, as well as practical application of project management principles. The course concludes with a two-hour examination.

AIS is a great educational resource for those seeking an advanced understanding of intrusion systems such as technical staff, sales personnel, business owners, law enforcement, fire service or code officials. This course serves as a major stepping-stone to eventual certification as a Certified Alarm Technician II.

NTS offers this course online and in the classroom. If you are ready to become an acknowledged expert in your field, sign up for AIS now.

Upcoming AIS Courses

NTS Course Highlight: Fire Alarm Installation Methods

For those who want to expand their areas of expertise or increase their proficiency, the Fire Alarm Installation Methods (FAIM) course offered by NTS is your ticket to success.

FAIM provides 14 hours of intensive instruction for individuals who want to learn all aspects of code-compliant fire alarm systems. This technical course concludes with a comprehensive two-hour examination. Upon completion, your technicians will be able to confidently install, service and maintain fire alarm systems.

Participants will gain code knowledge and practical technical skills from a curriculum that follows the structure of NFPA 72 and is based on the 2011 edition of NFPA 72 and the 2008 edition of NFPA 70.

FAIM is not just for industry technicians; it’s also great information for business owners, sales personnel, and anyone from the public or private sector who constantly deals with fire systems and codes.

In addition, FAIM training can serve as an excellent opportunity to prepare for Level 1 and 2 examinations from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). These certifications benefit employees, who gain respect from their peers and credibility with customers; and employers, who can promote NICET certification and market their company’s dedication to quality and technical competency.

FAIM is available online, at a comfortable and easily sustainable pace, or in a classroom setting that offers valuable interaction with instructors and colleagues. Whether you take the course online or in the classroom, the outcome is the same: increased proficiency, professionalism and profitability for your business.

Upcoming FAIM Courses

Custom Alarm: Training for Success from Day One

At Custom Alarm, employee education is the key to success. Since 1968, the Rochester, Minnesota-based security integration and monitoring company has focused on developing and maintaining well-rounded employees through on-going training efforts.

From the first day on the job, Custom Alarm employees are enveloped in a comprehensive training program. Not only will the new employee receive necessary training on a specific skill set relating to his or her job, but he or she will also observe the functions and roles within all other departments, such as monitoring and billing. This inclusive program was implemented to help new employees cultivate an understanding of each role in the company. New technicians take part in a three-month orientation period. During this time, new technicians must complete an observational checklist as well as formal training and a supervised solo installation.

In addition to their own training program, Custom Alarm began integrating courses from the ESA's National Training School (NTS) into their training and education program after learning about NTS at ESX a couple of years ago.

"We got involved with NTS after reviewing the curriculum,” said Custom Alarm Chief Operating Officer Melissa Brinkman. "We thought it would be valuable to have the certification and credentials that the CAT Level 1 would provide.”

Since then, many of the technicians at Custom Alarm have successfully completed the Certified Alarm/Security Technician Level 1 (CAT Level 1) training course. This 22-hour foundational course has provided Custom Alarm technicians with the knowledge and skill set to produce more efficient, higher quality work. Technicians at Custom Alarm that have completed course work through NTS are pleased with the skills they’ve learned.

"The technicians have added confidence in what they do because they went through the formal classes,” said Brinkman. "NTS taught them some better ways to do their jobs and be more efficient. It also gives them more credibility as they have certifications to back up their knowledge and skills.”

In the future, Custom Alarm plans to take full advantage of the courses offered by NTS.

"We are working toward having all technicians certified through NTS,” said Custom Alarm Operations Manager Jeff Springer. "One of our focuses is to have our technicians certified to the level and area in which their primary responsibilities lie.”

Because Custom Alarm has a wide selection of products, Custom Alarm provides in-house product-specific training for employees. In-house training is comprised of classes taught by Custom Alarm project managers, product vendors, distributors and manufacturers. This type of training is considered to be beneficial to both the technicians at Custom Alarm and vendors.

"We rely on the product vendors to provide support when a new product is introduced to our company,” said Springer. "They are eager to come to our office and conduct on-going training with our staff. They see the benefit of having educated and trained dealers selling and installing their products.”

The education and training efforts both in-house and through NTS have had a major impact on the success of Custom Alarm.

"Our training and education program has had a very positive effect on our employees and company as a whole,” said Springer. "Our people are our greatest resources. We have invested in them throughout the years and our company and customers have benefited from that in immeasurable way.”

The Importance of CEUs

The security industry is going through a number of changes, from shifts in technology, like the death of POTS lines, to market changes, like the availability of police response, to the increasing adoption of lifestyle applications in addition to life safety services.

In a time of evolution, one thing is for sure: you can't afford to stick with the status quo. You need to stay informed and you need to know how your business is going to be affected.

While the courses taught by NTS are designed to be applicable to the entire industry and not one line or category of products, the changes occurring in the market require that you're constantly learning and staying up-to-date. That's why the Certifications offered by NTS must be renewed annually.

Certifications are renewed by accumulating Continuing Education Units (CEUs), which can be acquired by taking a number of courses throughout the year. CEU courses can focus on technology, business best practices and more. NTS Certifications require 1.2 continuing education units to be earned each year, the equivalent of 12 hours of instruction.

A number of vendors offering training opportunities that provide CEUs, and they can also be acquired during industry events, like June's Electronic Security Expo (ESX).

For the first time, ESA is now listing CEU opportunities on its website. You can view the whole list at the 2012 CEU Catalog here: http://www.esaweb.org/?page=ceucatalog

CEUS can also be obtained from:

• College/University/trade school courses
• Conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions and teleconferences/webinars
• Independent study
• Licenses and certifications
• Published articles or books
• Volunteer service
• Teaching

While many states use NTS courses as the foundation of their licensing and certification programs, acquiring and renewing your state and municipal licenses varies depending on where you live -- so be sure to check that your CEU course is valid before investing the time.

If you have specific questions about whether a program provides acceptable CEUs, contact the NTS office.

NTS is currently offering a 10% discount on CEUs obtained through SecurityCEU (http://www.securityceu.com/). Simply enter the discount code "NTS1285" when signing up and you'll save on your renewal.

After you've completed the CEU-eligible programs, make sure you report your CEUs to NTS. You should keep copies of all paperwork to ensure everything is processed correctly.

Make sure you stay on top of your certifications! It's what differentiates your company and keeps you ahead of the curve when the market is changing.

Guardian Protection Services: Fully Dedicated to Training

At Warrendale, PA-based Guardian Protection Services, success starts with training and education.

The security integration and monitoring company has a dedicated training department, featuring specialists focused on ensuring that any employee or product the company invests in is fully prepared to go into the field.

Dana Sowa, Director of Corporate Training & Development, leads the nine person team, which includes product experts, sales trainers and corporate trainers. The training team handles 99% of the company's training, Sowa says, from new employee onboarding to product expertise to ongoing sales and technician training.

A new employee at the company goes through Guardian's onboarding process, where they'll spend a month learning about the industry and principles of security integration and monitoring. After that month, they'll do a five-day Boot Camp, where they learn how to apply what they've learned and how to handle specific situations with customers.

When the Boot Camp is complete, the new employee will go out into the field with their manager for the first time. Each new employee has an action plan developed for the next 30 days, and after that month, they meet with the training team in a webinar to see how things are going and make sure everything they've been trained on has been captured.

"We really dedicate our time to make sure the technician is set up for success," says Sowa. "We provide them guides to follow so it becomes easier for them to talk to the customer as we want them to."

Sales staff tend to focus more on onboarding, while operations staff engage in more ongoing training. Trevor Block, Vice President of Field Operations, leads the charge for that ongoing training. "He really invests in that ongoing development so the technicians are touching [the product], breaking it, installing it, etc." says Sowa.

When the company is evaluating a new product to use, vendors will often come in and do that product overview, but the training team will build the training around it. "We're large enough that when we introduce something new, it moves from test boards to analyzing certain products in the field to developing training," with handouts, webinars and PowerPoints, says Block.

"We take a product and use 65% of the capabilities - or we're marketing it slightly differently than everybody else. We customize our training," he adds.

The company focuses on ensuring that any initiative or product is done the Guardian way, and that all staff understand why it's being used, how it's being sold, and where it fits into the company's offerings. "We try to dive into what the product is -- and how we implement that product into our processes," says Sowa.

That includes what they're telling their customers, says Adam Rohan, Manager, Corporate Training & Development. "We always have to make sure we can communicate it to the customer effectively. We want to make sure we get the message in there."

"We want everybody to be on the same page," says Block, adding that the sales, operations and customer service departments all need to know what's going on.

For example, the company has invested in interactive services, and they're now supporting devices like thermostats that they'd never worked with before. When you're doing something new like that, every group needs to know about it, from customer service to billing to tech support.

As they've started working with Z-Wave, Guardian has done a rollout to get techs to understand the concepts. "It's helped us put together our progressive plan and how to stay in front of the new technology," says Block.

The shift to interactive services couldn't have happened as smoothly as it has without the already established training team.

"Our training department laid the groundwork for effectively communicating to the base a couple of years ago," says Block. "It was a lot of trial and error, but we quickly realized it was more effective for us to train. As we started migrating to this new technology, we didn't have to develop the training department first and then do the training. We had a good core of training professionals already in place, so as we started to add in these new products and services, we could hit the ground running.

"If we hadn't invested in training, this would have been a huge endeavor with a thousand employees to train on interactive services at the drop of the hat," he adds.

Instructor Q&A: Wayne Jones, Jones Security Consulting

Each month, we talk to an NTS instructor and find out a bit about their background and how they got involved in the industry. This month, we talk to Wayne Jones of Jones Security Consulting.

What's your background in the security industry?

I worked for 20 years for a major oil company in the IT industry providing Management and support for large Ethernet networks with a large number of workstations and servers. After leaving, I formed my own company focused on integration of security, fire and IT systems. I also sold and installed these systems individually.

After many years, I closed my business and worked for a large Fire and systems integration company, for several years, in New Orleans. I have been an instructor for NTS for approximately fifteen years.

How did you get involved in NTS?

I have always believed that if one really wants to be knowledgeable and remain current about a subject/Industry, one should teach it.

As a result, at the first opportunity, I contacted the Louisiana Life Safety and Security organization and volunteered.

How do you apply your background to the courses you've taught?

I share my knowledge and experiences, both positive and negative, so that the students can learn not only technical knowledge, but identify with actual applications and real world solutions. I also use my experiences from the evolution of the IT world in large corporate environments to try to expand their understanding on better approaches to their business and an understanding of the potential that exists for careers in this industry.

What's the funniest experience you've had teaching a course?

Not sure I can share the funniest. However, in a large hotel, we had just discussed the subject of proper mounting of devices -- i.e. devices cannot be support by their wires -- only to walk out into the hotel lobby on break and find two smoke detectors hanging by their wires.

What do you find are the best ways for students to get the most out of NTS courses?

Simple! Pay attention in class, read the material and ask questions. The books are excellent quick reference material and should be kept close. I also encourage the students to take advantage of every opportunity to improve their knowledge.

Attending training, conferences and other functions even in their off time increases their value and will help them, over the long term, in their careers. They need to take the initiative in this area and not just wait for their employers.

How have you seen the security industry change over the years?

I have seen this industry grow from a very fragmented industry with function specific technology and technicians with little or no training in code and techniques to one that is far more professional. The technologies have improved, knowledge of code has improved and knowledge of the industry as a whole has improved.

Our technicians are showing far more responsibility and professionalism with their installs and with their customers.

What are your predictions for the future of the industry?

Systems Integration capabilities as well as system intelligence will continue to improve. The one thing that drew me to this industry was that the evolution that had taken place in the IT industry was visible on the horizon for this industry. With all devices converging onto the Internet as their highway, the door will open for better communications between devices.

While TCP/IP has opened the door, better applications will be developed to provide this communication. However, this will require the development of standards. Unfortunately, in our industry we do not have a major company, like the Department of Defense in the IT Industry, that can force this convergence, which means it will take manufacturers longer to make that step.

The demand from companies for Open Systems (plug and play between new systems and existing infrastructures) would help push this development. Individual systems will continue to increase in intelligence (Smart Systems and Devices, Learning Systems, Systems that learn from our actions). Devices will become more software concentric.

Handheld devices and wireless will play a greater role to support our mobile society and in devices installed in facilities. Whether we realize it or not, something as simple as a contact is a point of information. We should be able to capture that information (its state) at its source and pass it anywhere it is needed in any system. The wonder of this is that our industry may actually be destined to become part of the information world.

Our capabilities today and our future is only limited by our imagination.

As I See It: The Fundamentals of TSM

I'm back. Have you signed up for an NTS course yet? Maybe this is the one for you and your team: Troubleshooting, Service and Maintenance (TSM).

What is TSM, and how can it help you and your bottom line?

Troubleshooting is an all-inclusive term for the instructions you give a technician who is faced with a system that is not performing correctly. The customer calls and says, "It's broken!" You tell your technician, "Find out what's wrong a fix it!"

Simple enough, right? Hang on a second.

There are some things you don't necessary tell your technician, but nonetheless they are important instructions:

1. Do it quickly. Do not spend too much time on site. Customers get upset with long calls that turn into many billable hours. Customers also do not like to think the technician is stumped and must call tech support.
2. Do it properly. Find out exactly what is wrong and fix it.
3. Do it right the first time. Comebacks cost more than money. They cost your reputation and your ability to send the technician elsewhere to make money.

The NTS TSM course will prepare your technicians to handle this process by introducing them to some of the tools available to them, including TDR Meters, Video meters, Sound pressure meters and VOM as well as some of the intangible tools of the trade.

It will also teach them the Troubleshooting Mindset - how to organize the attack on the problem in a logical, orderly manner to prevent going over the same areas over and over and getting the same answer over and over.

Service is the art of repair. Maintenance is the ability to keep equipment working by constant inspection and testing. Maintenance is not really practical for alarm companies, but your commercial customers may want to know how to keep their systems in top shape.

The technician is encouraged to think like a detective and organize the Investigation into false alarms and narrow down the symptoms until you find the cause.

Lastly, when all else fails your technician needs to call tech support, he should be prepared to reply to each question the support specialist poses with an answer. They are taught to take notes and record all meter readings before calling tech support.

TSM is taught in a two-day format with all lecture and class participation and in a three-day format with practical exercises after each chapter (required in New York).

Joel Kent is a senior NTS Instructor and owner of Windsor, CT-based FBN Security Company.

Training Opportunities at ESX

The leading event for security integration and monitoring companies, the Electronic Security Expo (ESX), is right around the corner -- June 25-29 in Nashville, TN.

As you can expect, ESX - which is owned and sponsored by the Electronic Security Association (ESA) and the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) - provides a number of opportunities for education, networking and training.

At ESX, you'll have the opportunity to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs), attend ESA's Education Committee meeting, and sit in on seminars from some of NTS's senior instructors.

Let's check out some quick highlights about ESX 2012:

• Every seminar in the ESX conference program provides 0.1 NTS CEU credits. Be sure to get your paperwork approved during the session to ensure your participation is counted.
• The ESA Education Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 26 from 1:45 pm to 4:15 pm at the Nashville Convention Center.
• A number of exhibitors will be offering free training on their products and services during ESX. Visit http://www.esxweb.com/page.cfm/link=51 for the full list of opportunities.

Members of the ESA Education Committee and NTS instructors are also participating in the ESX Conference Program. Here are some opportunities to connect and learn from them.

Industry Training and Certification (Tuesday, June 26 at 4:45 pm)

The top integration and monitoring companies in the industry are able to sell their services based on their expertise and qualifications, and the best way to build up those credentials is with the right training and education program. In this session, we discuss how to build a training and certification program that works for your company and hear from an executive who's seen their business grow thanks to having the right training.

Presenter: Howard Sanders, ESA VP of Education

Hiring and Firing for Success (Tuesday, June 26 at 4:45 pm)

The process of hiring, retaining and firing employees is not easy, but with preparation and practice, these skills can be mastered. In today's competitive world, these skills are not merely tangential to your business, but absolutely essential to its success. In this session, you'll learn the four stages of hiring and firing, which will assist employers, hiring managers, and HR professionals with the most difficult personnel decisions.

Presenters: NTS Instructor Don Childers, Alarm South and Cathy McBride, Alarm South

Best Practices for Installation Managers (Wednesday, June 27 at 9:30 am)

This session will help Installation Managers adopt innovative best practices in order to consistently achieve and maximize on customer service excellence for their companies’ installations. At the same time, it will help companies minimize liability. Case studies will be presented.

Presenters: NTS Instructor Joel Kent, FBN Security Co and Jeffrey Zwirn, IDS Research and Development

Have you registered for ESX yet? If not, go to http://www.esxweb.com/register and register now!

NTS Course Schedule: May 2012

Troubleshoot Your Way to Better Business

The Troubleshooting, Service and Maintenance (TSM) course from NTS is relatively new, but it's already proven to be an extremely popular course. With a focus on problem-solving and servicing security systems, TSM makes one of your company's most profitable engines perform even better.

In an industry that maintains long-term relationships with its clients primarily through monitoring, system maintenance and upkeep is an additional opportunity to connect and serve the customer base. It can also be incredibly profitable - or costly.

"Typically, a service call can make or break your company's reputation," says Joel Kent of FBN Security and an NTS Senior Instructor. "If customers say - yeah, the technician was great, he was in and out, the charge was reasonable - that's a good thing," he says.

But if the technician spends too much time on the job site, or needs to make too many calls to tech support to solve a problem, it can be a problem. "You don't want the customer thinking the tech doesn't know what he's doing and is learning on their dime," says Kent.

Every business owner knows the cost of a service call, and if a tech isn't prepared to fix the problem, the company's cost may increase without the ability to charge the client for that additional time.

"If a tech spends too much time on a job site, you'll have difficulty billing the customer for what it really cost you to have him out there," says Kent.

TSM is designed to ensure that your techs are more efficient when they're on the job site, and that they can properly find the problem and fix it. According to Kent, TSM teaches how to be a detective -- how to recognize the problem, fix it, then reexamine the situation and be confident the problem is fixed.

The big thing is to have technicians establish the troubleshooting mindset and properly examine the system. You don't want them to get tunnel vision and fix the first thing that looks wrong and then leave.

Kent says it's important to take notes during troubleshooting. When you take notes, he says, you'll stop repeating steps. And if you really hit an hurdle and need to call tech support, having proper notes will allow you to provide answers to tech support's questions.

Poorly trained technicians don't do this, says Kent. "They don't even call tech support prepared to answer the basic questions."

For a business, a properly trained technician can have a huge impact on costs and reputation. If a technician can service multiple accounts in one day, it's more valuable than one who can only do one. And customer satisfaction goes up when you can fix things the first time.

"Service is the place that will either make or break your company," says Kent.

Moon Security: Trained for Every Situation

Many security integration and monitoring companies train the employees on how to handle specific situations - dealing with a customer on a job site, working with a allied trade on an installation or negotiating with a vendor, to name a few.

For companies with central stations, the way their employees are trained to deal with customers when an alarm goes off or an event happens is crucial. But when the employees need to respond in specific ways to specific customers, their training becomes even more important.

At Pasco, Wa.-based Moon Security, the security integrator and central station has a number of different clients, including local school districts and the Oregon National Guard, who require specific processes when responding to alarms.

"We take that responsibility very seriously," says Tom Pitcher, general manager for Moon. The company spends a significant amount of time training its operators to respond appropriately to clients with specific sets of rules and protocols, including using a three-digit acronym for the client.

"We're trying to get top of the mind awareness," says Pitcher. "We have to make sure we are following [the procedures] to the T."

The company has at least 15 large clients with specific rules to follow, and when a call comes in from one of them, operators are trained to think, "OK, what are my rules?" and then know how this client is handled, says Pitcher.

Moon is also prepared to handle the requirements of the different states where it does business. Washington and Oregon both require licensing, and Pitcher is happy that Oregon requires CS operators to be certified. "Oregon was a really good place for us to start building our in-house central station training program," he says.

"We teach the Oregon course in-house," and they add in company-specific things, says Pitcher. "I have always been a big advocate for licensing and certification."

In Washington, new employees to the company go through the Washington ESA Apprenticeship program, a two-year, self-paced program with weekly safety trainings and monthly chapter exams. The state's apprenticeship coordinator and Training Director, Stella McDonald, keeps the company on track, says Pitcher. "She is right on the ball with needing to see progress reports."

When a new employee joins the company, they spend the first month training, then the next two months sitting with a senior operator on the floor. "At the end of 90 days, these folks know what they're doing," Pitcher says.

The company also does a fair amount of product-specific training, with vendors coming to the office multiple times per year. "They'll be here providing tech training as well as sales training," says Pitcher.

Moon employees have gone to visit with DMP, Silent Knight, First Alert and Sedona Office, to name a few.

Pitcher says that Mike Miller, president of Moon and a past president of ESA, had wanted to send employees to NTS courses in the past, and when one was available, they jumped on it. "When we saw NTS was coming into our backyard, it was phenomenal," says Pitcher, who sent two technicians to an NTS Certified Alarm/Security Technician - Level 1 course. "Mike's been pushing this for the past couple of years now."

When the employees came back, one of the technicians told Pitcher what he learned. "He thought it was high-quality. He didn't think he'd learn anything from it, but he did and know wants all the salespeople to go through it," says Pitcher. The tech said to him, "If we've got guys doing it the way they recommend in this class, we'll do it quicker and right the first time."

"I was really happy to hear that," says Pitcher.

Because the company takes training so seriously and wants to invest in its employees' careers, they've been able to maintain long-term relationships with their employees. "We invest in our people's careers because it's good for our business," says Pitcher.

"It makes us better, it makes our people better, and it makes our industry better. The way equipment and software changes, I don't see any other way to do business and do it right," he says.

Instructor Q&A: Danny Northcutt, Lafayette Alarm Services

What's your background in the security industry?
I started helping my stepfather when I was 12 years old, holding the ladder and handing tools. Other than going to college and four years in the Navy Air-wing, Security and Life Safety systems have been my profession.

How did you get involved in NTS?
A friend, Don Brown, who was a board member of the Louisiana Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (now the LLSSA - Louisiana Life Safety and Security Assn.), asked me to be a regional VP. I said sure, but only for one year. That was a lot of years back and I'm proud of the accomplishments of our board and especially to be able to work with some truly inspirational people associated with LLSSA. I even had the privilege of serving as state President in 2000.

I have always had an interest in teaching and felt I could satisfy this interest through NTS. I also hoped to help raise the "bar" in the NTS program both nationally and in my state, LA. When Don Brown retired, he again asked me to help by taking his place as Education Coordinator, a position which I still hold.

How do you apply your background to the courses you've taught?
As I said, I started as a green helper, but being a two-person company, I've sold, installed, serviced and cleaned the office over the years. I now have a nice medium-sized company with wonderful employees and enjoy the benefits of the same.

My experiences over the years allow me to relate specifically to most of the lessons in the NTS program. I have been able to balance my real life experiences with the courses to justify the course recommendations to do or do not do certain things in our profession.

What's the funniest experience you've had teaching a course?
There's been a few, but the first time I taught FAIM, which was maybe the first time it was taught by an NTS instructor, I had gone through the slides very quickly to get an idea of what I would be teaching.

Everything looked good, and the day of the class, I had four representatives from the LA State Fire Marshal's office as students along with fifteen industry professionals. As soon as I started the program and had to dwell on a slide, it automatically advanced, and advanced and advanced. I paused class for an emergency repair and called NTS for help, but there wasn't anything they could do for me.

Apparently, the creator had set the PowerPoint up to auto advance, and since I had reviewed the slides quickly, this error had gone unnoticed. The PowerPoint Reader was just that -- "read only" -- so I couldn't modify and had to advance a slide, right click, pause, discuss, right click, resume, over and over through the entire course. Also the irregular ceiling formulas were incorrect and created serious confusion for this instructor.

After muddling through this embarrassing course, I promptly bought a copy of PowerPoint and learned how to edit programs as needed after careful review.

What do you find are the best ways for students to get the most out of NTS courses?
I like to ask a lot of questions, e.g. after a module I ask questions about specific points both general with all class participation and specific questions to individuals and only the assigned person can answer. If they can't answer from memory, I tell them to look it up and let us know when they find the answer. This adds emphasis to the knowledge based courses, in that they don't have to memorize the answers, but know where and how to find them.

Encouraging the entire class to look up the answers during review seems to help. There are always students that can answer my questions from memory. I don't ask those obvious students, I ask the ones that I think don't know the answers. This process has worked well for my classes.

How have you seen the security industry change over the years?
I've seen it change a lot. I started putting in systems with one zone using a shunt lock to allow for exiting, dry cell batteries for circuit and bell power. I've foiled many windows and knocked holes in brick walls with a star drill and hammer. So power tools, re-chargeable power supplies, multi-zoned panels, reliable glass break detectors and passive infrared space detection were very important, but the most important change was the digital communicator, which allowed affordable remote monitoring of commercial and especially residential systems.

What are your predictions for the future of the industry?
There is a new generation of clients -- our children who grew up with computers and video games are now building businesses and buying homes. They see the value in Security and Life Safety, but want it with the modern bells and whistles, i.e. the "App" generation. The new systems using smart phones to control and monitor without land lines is, in my opinion, the future.

We also have to quit thinking of a Burglar Alarm as a Security System. It is only one component of a "System." Burglar Alarms are for after hours detection of intruders, Access Control allow specific people to go where they are authorized and record the same and CCTV captures what goes on in and around a facility 24/7. When you combine and maybe integrate these items, then you have a "Security System."

As I See It: Are You Properly Trained?

It is my firm belief that most of you reading these columns have the intent to avail yourselves of training, but never take advantage of it because something always gets in the way.

What if your competitor took the training and then saturated the area with advertising touting the fact that his or her technicians are now NTS Certified Level II Technicians?

If you were a consumer looking for an alarm system, would you be inclined to look at a company with high standards and qualifications?

That is what proper training and education is all about.

This month, I'd like to talk about the Electronic Access Control (EAC) course, which will educate your technicians about installing and maintaining access control systems.

EAC is a 14-hour classroom course that teaches both the theory and the practical application of locks, door hardware and electronic access control systems. Exercises culminate in an actual system design based on a given customer specification and building plan.

Like many other NTS courses, EAC was was recently re-written to acknowledge changes in technology.

One of the things you must know before you sell the system -- which you will learn about in EAC -- is the defined usage classification of the building. For example, what are the access and egress requirements of the code?

If you are not aware of the code requirements involved in selling and installing an access control system, then you are definitely handicapped. Can you cite the requirements of NFPA 101 as it applies to access control? Do you know there are requirements in NFPA 72? What about the requirements of Article 250? What is Article 250?

Remember: training doesn’t cost. It pays!

Train the Trainer Program Coming for NTS Instructors

The National Training School is finalizing the rollout of its Train the Trainer program, designed to grow and develop the skills of its current and future instructors.

According to LJ Lynes, Education Committee Chair, NTS wanted to develop a program to "make our instructors better instructors and to teach new folks how to be an instructor."

"When we did our strategic planning six years ago, Paul Baran [former education committee co-chair] and Isat down and looked at where our weaknesses were," says Lynes. "With an aggressive plan to grow the courses, we needed an aggressive plan to grow the instructors."

Now that NTS has rolled out a number of new and updated courses, the focus has shifted to making the instructors even better.

The Train the Trainer program will consist of a compilation of adult learning techniques and adult learning courses in a one day session. The first part of the day will be learning methods and adult learning skills, while the latter part will be presentation skills and oral communication skills, including speaking and giving lectures in front of the other instructors.

"When we get the education committee members trained on the Train the Trainer, they will go and teach it in their regions," says Lynes. He expects the program will be available to the public around September of this year.

"I think the biggest benefit is being able to assist our current instructors with updated techniques and bringing on new instructors," he says. There are currently 130 instructors in the instructor pool, but less than 50 of them are active and teaching classes.

The program will solely be focused on instruction techniques, and not on course content. New instructors will also learn what's expected of an NTS instructor.

Lynes says the Train the Trainer program will make NTS courses an even better experience for both the students and the instructors. "The courses will run better, students will learn better and they'll have a better experience when they take the course," he says.

NTS Course Schedule: April 2012

NTS, Education Committee Have Big Plans for 2012

As we make our way through the beginning of 2012, it's important to look back at the major accomplishments by the Education Committee and National Training School (NTS) in 2011, as well as provide an update on projects that are at the top of the to-do list for 2012.

Last year, NTS continued its efforts toward updating and launching a growing number of educational opportunities for the industry. The committee updated the following courses in 2011:

Understanding Alarm Systems
This course was updated and re-titled Understanding Electronic Security Systems (UESS). The update reflected not only the most recent changes to the various code references, but also included the newest false dispatch reduction methods and procedures. It also broadened the scope of the course to offer non-technical insights on the full realm of "integrated” security systems, including intrusion, fire, access and video.

Level One Certified Alarm/Security Technician
The NTS "flagship” course underwent a significant rewrite in 2007, and in 2011 was updated to reflect the newest version of the various code references, specifically including the latest information on the fire alarm aspects of the code. Additional updates covered the newest false dispatch reduction methods and procedures.

Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician (ABAT)
This course was updated and released at the end of the year under the new name Advanced Intrusion Systems (AIS). This update reflects the first significant update and revision to the course originally released more than 15 years ago. Specific content was included to address the growing IP nature of the industry and our systems, as well as information on how technicians and sales personnel need to address the various integrated components. An overview of project management was also included specifically to aid senior personnel with managing larger, more complex projects.

Essential Sales Training (EST)
This course was updated and re-titled as Security Sales Essentials (SSE) course. Originally written in the mid-90s, the new version offers a modular approach to training both new and seasoned sales personnel on the increasingly diverse nature of our industry. The first day of the course focuses on sales fundamentals from a residential perspective, while the second day focuses on the unique sales processes for commercial intrusion, fire, access, video and integrated systems individually.

The committee also continued its efforts on several new courses in 2011.

Following the release of the classroom version, NTS launched the online version of the Residential Fire Alarm Course (RFAC), International Building Code (IBC) course, and the Life Safety Code (LSC) course.

With these releases, NTS now offers nine of its core courses in both a classroom and online delivery format.

Long considered the backbone of the NTS program are the nearly 100 volunteer instructors across the country who invest considerable time and effort teaching the various courses. This year, with the expanding and diverse nature of the industry, NTS is re-evaluating the instructor accreditation process, specifically to allow industry specific "subject matter experts” (SME) to teach selected NTS courses in which they have considerable expertise.

To facilitate this SME accreditation, NTS will launch its own Train-The-Trainer (TTT) course, which will be used to accomplish two objectives for the program:

• To provide these SMEs with the necessary instruction on how to present technical information in the most favorable manner to an adult learning audience.
• To offer our existing instructor pool the ability to improve their course presentation skills, improving the value of the course to our students and their employers.

Also scheduled for release this year is the Advanced Fire Alarm course, designed specifically for those students who need instruction on the design and advanced technology of these systems.

Lastly, NTS is exploring the development and release of an IP Networking course, instructing students on the various technologies, methodologies and procedures necessary to integrate our systems with the various network protocols our systems utilize in today’s network-centric environment.

If you are interested in aiding NTS and the Education Committee with any of the new course development, please contact NTS at (866) 636-1687.

USA Fire & Burglar Alarm: A Culture of Education

Most businesses look to have a company culture that positively impacts their employees, not only to help them more effectively do their jobs, but also to help them grow.

Instructor Q&A: Roy Pollack, Devcon Security Systems

What's your background in the security industry?

As I See It: Training with a Chartered Chapter

This month, I want to talk about ESA's Chartered Chapters, formerly called Chartered State Associations (CSAs). The chapters commit to supporting ESA and require all member companies of that state's association to be a (hopefully active) member of ESA.

Chartered Chapter Update: Virginia

We'll be highlighting training and education updates from ESA's Chartered Chapters throughout 2012 and beyond.

The training and education program of ESA of Virginia had seen better days. "While it wasn't completely dead, it was dying," says president Lynn Comer. "We hadn't really been doing anything."

Members of the association were unhappy, and the state's regulatory board was unhappy too.

"Everybody was doing just [enough to] meet requirements," she says. They'd get their certifications, meet their requirements, and nothing more.

When Comer became president of ESA of Virginia in October, she declared that education would be one of her initiatives. "After our annual meeting in October, we put out a survey. [Better] training had a big response," she says.

So they hired a new Training Director, Bill Hemminger, who has been working with ESA and NTS to integrate training in a way that complies with the state. "His charge is to start working with NTS to get better training for folks here in Virginia," says Comer.

One of the issues they're working through is that members often have to take classes that aren't always appropriate in order to meet a requirement deadline. They tend to look to see what's available before the deadline, and take it.

"Here in Virginia, you get time limits on when you can do your educational piece," she says. "It's becoming almost silly. We recognize it, and we're going to do something about it."

They're also tackling the licensing issues, including putting the classes into a format so that Virginia will accept them. "If it's got the NTS label, we want to streamline it [for certification]," she says.

Association members are interested in topics ranging from fire equipment training to professional development to home automation, says Comer. "People are really keying in on IP. Whole-house automation is another one that's really big," she says. "Obviously there's a hunger out there - somebody's thirsty."

Business know-how is a big driver, she says, including ways to add additional recurring monthly revenue (RMR). "RMR is king. That's what you need to keep your business healthy for the duration," she says.

Comer is excited about working with NTS, and bringing back a once flourishing training program. "It's senseless for a chapter to recreate all of it. The work has been done," she says. "NTS to me is a no-brainer."

"We're at the very beginning stages," Comer says. "We're bringing it back, for sure. It's coming."

NTS Course Schedule: March 2012

ESA Modifies Records Policy for National Training School

As I See It: IQ Certification and False Alarms

In this inaugural article for the NTS Newsletter, I was asked to present my thoughts on various topics affecting the security industry.

In order to earn IQ Certification, alarm companies must undergo a rigorous evaluation by the IQ Certification Board, made up of security, law enforcement, fire, state regulatory and insurance industry representatives. Throughout the application process, companies must demonstrate that they adhere to the IQ Certification Program's strict Policies and Guidelines.

To ensure that these companies continue to meet the IQ Certification standards, they must annually demonstrate to the Board that they meet the IQ Certification guidelines to earn re-certification.

The NTS Value Equation: Great Training Equals Great Technicians

Determining the future path of ESA's National Training School (NTS) isn't that much different from planning any other journey: In order to figure out where we're going and how to get there, we first have to understand where we are today.

Wayne Alarm Systems: Training From Every Angle

Most security integration companies work to make sure their employees are well rounded in their understanding of the alarm industry. At Lynn, Mass.-based Wayne Alarm Systems, new employees learn from every possible asset available to them.

Teaching Security at the Highest Level

Most people who receive a phone call from the Secret Service would be a little worried about what they were about to hear. From Jerry Antoon, he heard an opportunity.

NTS Instructor of the Year, Training Coordinator of the Year Announced

During the Diamond Awards Dinner at the co-located ESA Leadership Summit and ESI Forum, Shelton Mangum of Montgomery, AL-based Creative Security Systems received the NTS Instructor of the Year Award in Honor of Paul F. Baran and Linda Ferguson of the Utah Alarm Association was named the ESA/NTS Training Coordinator of the Year.

NTS Course Schedule: February 2012

RMR Beyond Monitoring: What You Can Add

Recurring monthly revenue (RMR) improves your cash flow, your bottom line profits, and determines the valuation of your company. So it’s no wonder that security integrators look to add new sources of RMR whenever they can.

5 More Training Best Practices from Security Integrators

Over the past two years, we’ve interviewed and profiled a number of leading security integrators from across the industry – large, national companies who deal with training hundreds of employees to smaller, regional businesses who only have a handful of employees.

3 Qualities that Make a Great NTS Instructor

Many of the icons in the security industry have spent time in the classroom as NTS instructors, teaching the next generation of professionals what they need to know to succeed.

5 Things About: Understanding Electronic Security Systems

Each month, we take a look at an NTS course and go through five things you may or may not know about the course.

Don’t Forget Your CEUs!

As we get closer to the end of the year, it’s important to remember to fulfill your continuing education unit (CEU) requirements to maintain your certifications.

NTS Course Schedule: December 2011

The New Technologies You Need to Understand

The security industry is seeing a shift in some of the foundational technologies that have been used over the years – POTS lines to Alternative Signal (Alt-Sig) Transmissions, for example – and any business looking to succeed in the future needs to understand these changes.

5 Training Best Practices from Leading Security Companies

Even though nearly every company in the security industry shares similar goals – achieve success through providing great service, making smart business decisions and generating profits – there are definitely a number of ways to skin the cat.

Instructor Spotlight: Gary Talma, ADT

Gary Talma didn’t expect to become a professional teacher – it’s just something he fell into.

5 Things About: Essential Sales Training

Each month, we take a look at an NTS course and go through five things you may or may not know about the course.

New ESA Headquarters to Include Dedicated NTS Space

When the Electronic Security Association (ESA) moves into its new office space at the beginning of November, association members will have a new location to participate in NTS courses.

NTS Course Schedule: November 2011

How to Improve Your Company’s Sales

While the majority of courses offered by NTS focus on the technology security integration companies use each and every day, non-technical classes are also available to improve your business.

Security Specialists: Success Through Training

If you’re going to work for Stamford, Ct.-based Security Specialists, you need to have training – or be prepared to get trained.

Instructor Q&A: Tommy Lewis, Lewis Clock & Electronic Systems

Each month, we talk to an NTS instructor to find out their background, how they got involved in NTS, and their predictions for the future of the security industry.

NTS Certifications: What’s Available

After last month’s look over the online courses that are available to security integration professionals, let’s take a look at the Certifications offered by NTS: what they cover and how you get them.

NTS Course Schedule: October 2011

5 Things About: Advanced Intrusion Systems

Each month, we take a look at an NTS course and go through five things you may or may not know about the course.

This month, we’re talking about the course that takes an advanced look at design and installation of intrusion systems: Advanced Intrusion Systems (AIS).

5 Things About AIS

1. In this course, formerly known as Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician (ABAT), students learn how to select and apply proper detectors, control panels and communication devices in a variety of intrusion system applications.
2. The course provides instruction on basic electronics and how it pertains to system design, component selection and troubleshooting.
3. System testing and commissioning and project management are included in AIS.
4. Along with Certified Alarm/Security Technician-Level I and Fire Alarm Installation Methods, students are eligible for the prestigious certification Certified Alarm Technician – Level II.
5. It’s a 14-hour course that concludes with a two-hour exam.

Upcoming AIS Dates

• October 7-8, Birmingham, AL
• October 12-14, Elmsford, NY
• October 14-16, Long Island, NY
• October 19-21, Rochester, NY

Boost Your Bottom Line

In today’s business climate, it’s more necessary than ever to be looking for ways to boost your bottom line – from your company’s profits to employee productivity.

Electronix Systems: Staying Current and Knowledgeable

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but for Huntington Station, NY-based Electronix Systems, training and education are what keep the staff on top of their games – and on top of the industry.

Instructor Q&A: John Yusza, Jr., Monitor Controls

Each month, we talk to an NTS instructor to find out their background, how they got involved in NTS, and their predictions for the future of the security industry.

Online Courses: What’s Available

As part of its commitment to flexibility and serving security integration and monitoring companies across the country, NTS has increased its availability of online training courses over the past few years.

NTS Course Schedule: September 2011

5 Things About: International Building Code

Each month, we take a look at an NTS course and go through five things you may or may not know about the course.

Training on Fire!

For security integration and monitoring companies looking to expand or grow their knowledge of fire systems, there's no better time than now.

Creative Security Systems: Fully Invested in Education

Shelton Mangum’s love of electronics got him involved in the family business – Creative Security Systems, LLC (CSS) – founded by his parents in 1973. But he says he didn’t understand it all at first … at least not until he started educating himself.

Instructor Q&A: Darren DiMaggio, CHAMPION Alarms and Surveillance

Each month, we talk to an NTS instructor to find out their background, how they got involved in NTS, and their predictions for the future of the security industry.

NTS Course Schedule: August 2011

5 Things About: Life Safety Code

Each month, we take a look at an NTS course and go through five things you may or may not know about the course.

A Look at Private and Custom Classes

While NTS offers a large selection of classroom and online courses, you may find that, for your company, you’re looking for something more specialized or tailored toward your needs.

NTS Instructors Tell Their Tricks of the Trade

It’s no secret that NTS instructors are some of the brightest, hands-on professionals in the security industry.

Devcon Security Services: Nationally Prepared

Devcon Security Systems covers territory – a lot of territory.

Instructor Q&A: Mark Welnicki, Machetim Enterprises

Each month, we talk to an NTS instructor to find out their background, how they got involved in NTS, and their predictions for the future of the security industry.

NTS Course Schedule: July 2011

5 Ways to Market Your Training and Education

Are you letting potential clients know that your company cares about being properly trained? You should be.

5 Things About: Fire Alarm Installation Methods

Each month, we take a look at an NTS course and go through five things you may or may not know about the course.

This month, we’re talking about the course designed for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge of the installation, service and maintenance of fire alarm systems: Fire Alarm Installation Methods (FAIM).

5 Things About FAIM

1. In this 14-hour course, you’ll learn how to design, install, service and maintain code-compliant fire alarm systems.
2. FAIM follows the structure of NFPA 72 and is based on the 2011 edition of NFPA 72 and the 2008 NFPA 70 and provides the necessary review material to prepare for NICET Level 1 and 2 examinations.
3. There are two certifications available involving FAIM – Certified Alarm Technician Level II (formerly Advanced Alarm Technician) for students who pass FAIM, Advanced Intrusion Systems and hold a Level 1 certification for 24 months, and Certified Fire Alarm Technician for students who pass FAIM, Life Safety Code and hold a Level 1 certification for at least 12 months.
4. The course is appropriate for technical staff, sales personnel, business owners, fire service and code officials, and anyone seeking NICET certification.
5. FAIM is available both in the classroom and online. 

Upcoming FAIM Dates

• June 29 – 30, Little Rock, AR
• July 9 – 10, Lafayette, LA
• July 13 – 15, New York, NY
• July 16 – 17, Knoxville, TN

5 Things About: Video System Technologies

Each month, we take a look at an NTS course and go through five things you may or may not know about the course.

This month, we're talking about the course designed to build solid technical knowledge and a strong skill base in the fastest growing security technology category: Video System Technologies (VST).

5 Things About VST

1. The primary focus of this 14-hour course is on traditional methods and equipment such as analog cameras, coaxial cabling and VCRs, as well as insight into progressive and emerging technologies such as digital cameras, Network Video Recorders (NVRs), fiber optical cable and Power over Ethernet (PoE).
2. The course includes two extensive exercises which culminate in an actual system design based on a given customers' specifications and building plans.
3. Students attending the course will acquire the skills and knowledge needed to successfully design and install a basic video surveillance system.
4. Subject areas include imaging hardware, transmission media, auxiliary equipment, video processing, monitors and more.
5. It's appropriate for technical staff, sales personnel and business owners.

Upcoming VST Dates

• June 11-12, Bossier City, LA
• June 11-12, Nashville, TN
• June 21-22, Pittsburgh, PA
• June 22-23, Riverside, CA

Security Central: Training for Top Performance

The family-owned and operated alarm monitoring company invests in its employees' training and education so they can perform at their peak. By Jason Unger

Security Central, based in Statesville, N.C., is an alarm monitoring service company with a unique background.

In 1963, owner Ralph Brown started a service patrol for the newly created Lake Norman Country Club, walking the community of affluent homes every night. After seeing the opportunity of installing electronic security systems in homeowners' houses, he began installing Dictograph systems.

As the technology changed, Brown had the foresight to purchase the city of Statesville's central office, says Don Childers, Director of Technical Training for Security Central. It had a little garage, fuel storage, and 500 pairs of copper coming into it, and became the company's central state/remote station headquarters and installation business office.

"He grew the company step by step by step, very methodologically to where he was able to become very successful,” says Childers.

A lot of that success is due to the company's investment and belief in proper training and education for its 200+ employees who handle around 300,000 accounts.

The focus on education and training is apparent to any potential customer visiting Security Central's website, which outlines their procedures:

All new operators are trained by our resident certified Security Industry Association (SIA) and Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International, Inc. (APCO) instructor. (APCO certifies 911 dispatchers.) The first week of training, new operators spend 40 hours in a classroom setting. They have access to a simulated central station, set up on a separate computer system, where each new operator practices his/her skills. This provides invaluable experience as the traffic flow, type of signals received, and calls are replicated from actual experiences occurring in the central station. The second week, these operators are placed in the central station with a qualified, experienced operator for supervised hands-on experience. The third week, the new operator is evaluated by the instructor to be certain all skills have been mastered.

Once a quarter, all central station supervisors and operators attend a mandatory refresher class. During each refresher, we review the latest technology at Security Central as well as review procedures and address any concerns that may have been expressed.

"We want to do our jobs to the best of our ability," says Childers. "We're a life safety company."

Childers, who is an NTS instructor (and who was in South Carolina to teach a Certified Alarm/Security Technician - Level 1 course when we spoke), has been with Security Central for 19 years, handles licensing training for the company's operators. He "keeps them trained so they can keep the job,” he says.

Cathy McBride, Security Central's Central Station Manager, does all of the operator training, teaching new employees about standards, procedures, company policies and more. "She'll help them understand how [everything] works,” says Childers.

The commitment to training has paid off for the company's employees, says Childers. "They really appreciate the training we provide them because it helps them fully understand what their job is and what they do," he says.
"It's almost more of an emotional investment in our employees to let them know we care about them," says Childers. "We think it makes them a better employee."

When your employees are trained, says Childers, they recognize the company's commitment to them and pay it back.

"It's showing the employee that we're investing in them as an employee – that we want to keep them," he says. "The best way to keep them is to teach them."

The company has even had some second-generation employees – mothers and daughters – working there.

"I think the majority of our employees look forward to when I do training with them," says Childers. "They know it's not a waste of time."

The effect training has on employees is pretty obvious, says Childers, comparing the before and after. "The biggest thing I see is confidence -- the ability to make a decision and know why they make that decision," he says. "It's amazing … it's like a transformation."

Security Central, which is still owned by Ralph and Christine Brown, invests in employees' education beyond the office, helping with tuition and books for off-site education. "Education doesn't end because it's 5 o clock or the end of your shift, says Childers.

Instructor Q&A: John Luzzo, DMP

Each month, we talk with NTS instructors about their backgrounds, how they've seen the industry change, and how students can get the most out of their classes.

This month, we spoke to John Luzzo of DMP.

What's your background in the security industry?

I started in the alarm industry in in 1971 with ADT in Paterson NJ. I was an Apprentice "mechanic” and progressed to be an Installer and later a serviceman. After 6 years, I became the Maintenance Supervisor, in charge of the servicemen and Fire Alarm Inspectors.

In 1983, I left ADT to join Electro Protective as the Corporate Field Service Manager. I became the Training Manager for Emergency Products Corporation, a Distributor. Alarm Supply merged with Arrowhead Distribution to become Ussco, who later merged with Aritech Distribution to become Arius. In 1988, I became the Regional Sales Manager for Arrowhead Security.

Other stops along the way were at DSC as a Regional Sales Manager and Kingalarm as a Fire Alarm Specialist. In 1995, I joined Radionics, which became Bosch. In 2003, I joined DMP as the NE Sales Manger. So I have extensive experience in the Installation, Service, Central Station, Distribution and Manufacturing segments of the Alarm Industry.

How did you get involved in NTS?

I got involved with NTS in the early days when the courses were taught using overhead slides and it took seven people to teach the course. I became a Certified Instructor in 1986, and I was NTS Instructor of the Year in 1994.

How do you apply your background to the courses you've taught?

Having a varied background in Installation, Service and Central Stations has helped me relate real life experiences to the course material. You have to be careful not to get into too many "War Stories”.

What's the funniest experience you've had teaching a course?

The funniest story happened while I was teaching in Pennsylvania with the late Great Paul Baran. I am also a High School Football official. Paul was instructing and was ignoring my "Signals” to break for lunch. Since the class was being held during the football season, I was prepared. I blew my whistle and tossed the yellow flag from the back of the room. The look on Paul's face was priceless as I announced and signaled "Delay of Lunch” on Paul.

What do you find are the best ways for students to get the most out of NTS courses?

The best ways for students to get the most out of the NTS classes is to bring their experiences into the class to discuss. Taking notes and keeping the course textbook with them on their trucks for reference is a very valuable tool to make their job easier.

How have you seen the security industry change over the years?

The industry is nothing like what it was in 1971 when I started. There were no wireless devices or network communication. Cell and radio communication are just a few of the new technologies that have evolved. Alarms were transmitted via Direct Wire, McCulloh Series Circuits. The Digital Dialer using POTS lines was a great step forward.

What are your predictions for the future of the industry?

The future of the Alarm Industry will be enhanced wireless devices, Cell and Network communication. The Alarm Technician will have to be Network-, IT- and IP-savvy. Integration of Alarms, CCTV and home automation will continue to evolve. That's why the courses offered by NTS are so valuable to keep the Alarm Tech current on the ever-changing technologies of the industry.

How to Find the Courses You Want to Take

With the new esaweb.org site, you can filter and sort courses to find exactly the ones you want to take.

The new ESAweb.org Web site has a great feature previously unavailable to NTS students and instructors – an advanced search tool to find courses by specific criteria.

With the Advanced Search feature, you can find courses by:

• State
• Topic
• Instructor
• Start Date/End Date

So if you're hoping to find a course taught by your favorite instructor, or need one in a specific date range, the Advanced Search feature can help you out.

To access the Advanced Search feature, head to esaweb.org and log in to your account.

In the main navigation, hover over "Programs” and then "National Training School” and click on "Search Courses.” On the bottom, right-hand side of the page, you'll see links for:

• Live Classes
• eLearning
• Webinar
• Tradeshows

By clicking on "Live Classes”, you can sort your search by selecting the filter on the right-hand side.