Continuing Education Units (CEU)

CEUGuide

Continuing Education Units (CEU) You are responsible for meeting any CEU requirements which may apply to your professional work in the low voltage industry. It is your responsibility to identify any CEU requirements which may apply to your specific licensing and certification requirements. This booklet may be used to help identify which NTC courses can be used to help you meet these CEU requirements. CEU is a term we will use in this document to represent this continued training. The CEUs may be required to maintain a license. The CEUs may be required to maintain a professional certification. The CEUs may be required by a company for employees to stay current with technology. In all of these cases, the goal is the same. The goal is to increase professionalism (productivity) through participation in current and relevant training classes. In some cases, the CEUs must be obtained through pre approved courses. Training providers are required to submit the training course to the approval organization for approval. Other organizations may approve the Training Provider, and whatever courses the approved provider offers will be acceptable. Some organizations do not require any pre approval. They may require an individual to submit the courses they have participated in, and the organization will review them after the training has occurred. Individuals may be required to obtain a specific number of CEUs within a specified period. As an example, a person may be required to have 18 CEUs within 3 years. Some organizations will require 4 hours each year. Some companies may require their employees to go through specific types of training each year (OSHA, Human Resources, EEO just to mention a few). To further complicate the whole CEU issue, various states, counties and sometimes cities may have their own CEU requirements. In addition, various agencies at the state level may require specific CEUs related to their licensing. As an example, a person may be required to have a valid electrical license issued by the Electrical Licensing Board to do low voltage work. The license may be renewed every year and 4 CEUs are required. The same jurisdiction may require a specific license to perform fire alarm work issued by the fire marshal s office. The fire alarm license requires 16 hours of CEUs every 2 years. The same jurisdiction may also require a separate Security Systems license to perform electronic security work. This licensing board may require 6 CEUs every year. It can become very complicated very quickly. It is therefore virtually impossible for a Training Provider such as NTC to get every one of our classes approved for every type of CEU. Additionally there are so many different governmental agencies, organizations and companies which have so many different requirements, that it is virtually impossible to keep track of them all. Because of all this, it is the policy of National Training Center, Inc. that we will submit 3 of our classes for CEU approval whenever the opportunity arises. We have secured CEU approval for several of our courses for several jurisdictions and organizations. We have dedicated a significant effort to identifying CEU requirements for the low voltage industry, and getting our training approved when possible. This booklet identifies the results of our efforts. If you have specific CEU requirements which are not addressed in this booklet, please notify NTC and we will attempt to get the appropriate approvals.

NTC CEU Courses Here at NTC we offer a large amount of training on various subjects. We have 3 courses for which we actively seek CEU approval. These 3 courses are as follows: 1. NICET Exam Preparation for Fire Alarm Systems (16 hours) 2. Networking and IP Video Systems (16 hours) 3. Access Control System Design and Installation (16 hours) Although not all organizations or jurisdictions approve all three, these are the courses we actively submit and attempt to get approved. Generally, these 3 courses will work for your CEU requirements. It is important to check with the approving agency to make sure. Some agencies or organizations may only accept specific types of training, as an example Fire Alarm Systems. Some may only accept Electronic Security Systems training. Others are not so specific and will accept any current and relevant training. The important thing to consider, is making sure your governing agency or organization will accept the CEUs from the training courses you have taken. It is the responsibility of each industry professional to check with their governing body to verify what training is acceptable for CEU purposes. The information in this booklet is intended to be used as guide to help. However, the responsibility for ensuring the appropriate CEU requirement is met rests with you as an industry professional. A majority of states which require CEU s are not specific in the use of a delivery method. At NTC, we typically deliver our training material with a live classroom experience, a webinar, or a self paced online training experience. There are a few states which have a limit on allowable CEU s obtained through online training. There are a few states which require a live classroom training experience only. These are the exceptions, and we will note them in the appropriate state CEU section. On the following pages we have included the course descriptions, outlines and objectives for each of the 3 training courses which we actively seek CEU approval.

NICET Exam Preparation for Fire Alarm Course Description Course Title: NICET Exam Preparation & Fire Alarm Training Course Type: Generic technical training Intended Audience: Low voltage contracting company employees (installation, service, technical sales) Course Length: 16 hours Course Description. This sixteen hour training course provides an in depth look at NICET Certification. The highlights of this training include the importance of NICET Certification, testing strategies, NFPA Codes, and actual subjects which provide the foundation of the test. Every section of this training is code focused. Additionally, this course provides a detailed overview of the National Fire Alarm Code and the National Electrical Code. This course will give students the information and tools needed to succeed on the test.

NICET Exam Preparation & Fire Alarm Training Course Outline Subject Time Required Day 1 of Training NICET Certification NICET Testing Strategies NFPA 72 Part 1 Lunch NFPA 72 Part 2 International Building Code National Electrical Code National Electrical Code 60 minutes

Day 2 of Training Properly Install Devices Wiring Methods Occupancy Classifications System Applications Lunch Shop Drawings Power Requirements Identify Codes and Standards Examination 60 minutes 60 minutes

NICET Exam Preparation & Fire Alarm Training Course Objectives 1. Understand what NICET Certification is 2. Understand the importance of NICET Certification 3. Understand NICET testing strategies 4. Understand NFPA Codes 5. Understand other references for NICET Testing 6. Understand NICET test subjects

Networking and IP Technology for Video Security Course Description Course Title: Networking and IP Technology for Video Security Course Type: Generic technical training Intended Audience: Low voltage contracting company employees (installation, service, technical sales) Course Length: 16 hours Course Description. This sixteen hour training course covers video security design considerations and installation practices for IP based systems from a technical perspective. Code compliance is the major theme for this training. The highlights of this training include in depth training on networking as the backbone for a video security system, IP based camera types and placement, lens selection, IP based power requirements and peripheral equipment. Another important subject this course covers in depth is digital video recording and network video recording solutions. This course will provide a detailed view of connecting an IP based video system to an existing network. Additionally, this course provides a detailed overview of setting up a specialized IP based video network for video security. This course will provide students with an in depth knowledge of modern video security systems and how they apply to real life installations.

Networking and IP Technology for Video Security Course Outline Subject Time Required Day 1 of Training Digital Video Networking and IP Technology Designing an IP Video System Project 1 Lunch Network Electronics Network Cabling Networking and IP Video Software Project 2 Questions 60 minutes

Subject Time Required Day 2 of Training Project 3 Video Storage Getting the Right View Power, Wireless & Specialized Equipment Lunch Project 4 Video Management Codes and Best Practices Examination 60 minutes 60 minutes

Networking and IP Technology for Video Security Course Objectives 1. Understand IP based video design considerations 2. Understand networking as it applies to IP based video systems 3. Understand IP based camera technology as they apply to video system performance 4. Understand getting the right view from IP video systems 5. Understand IP based power and wiring requirements for video systems 6. Understand digital video recording and its limitations 7. Understand network video recording and its limitations 8. Understand IP technology and server / software solutions 9. Understand IP video backup systems and archiving options 10. Understand peripheral devices available for IP based video systems 11. Understand wireless mesh networking and video transmission 12. Understand other specialized options for IP based video systems 13. Understand troubleshooting techniques for video systems

Access Control Design & Installation Course Description Course Title: Access Control Design & Installation Course Type: Generic technical training Intended Audience: Low voltage contracting company employees (installation, service, technical sales) Course Length: 16 hours Course Description. This sixteen hour training course covers access control design considerations and installation practices from a technical perspective. The primary focus of this entire course, is code compliance. The highlights of this training include in depth training on control panels, lock hardware, means of egress, cards and readers, power requirements and peripheral devices. Additionally, this course provides a detailed overview of IP technology for access control systems. This course will provide students with an in depth knowledge of modern access control systems and how they apply to real life installations.

Access Control Design & Installation Course Outline Day 1 Subject Time Required Access Control Design Considerations Access Control Panels Lock Hardware Electric Strikes Lock Hardware Magnetic Locks Lunch Lock Hardware Specialized Equipment Means of Egress Card and Reader Technology Part 1 Project 1 10 Minutes 60 minutes

Day 2 Subject Card and Reader Technology Part 2 Power Requirements IP Addressable Technology Access Control Project Lunch Delayed Egress Peripheral Access Control Devices Special Applications Examination Time Required 60 minutes 60 minutes

Access Control Design & Installation Course Objectives 1. Understand access control design considerations 2. Understand control panel options and features 3. Understand lock hardware options and features 4. Understand means of egress requirements 5. Understand access control card and reader options 6. Understand power requirements for access control systems 7. Understand IP technology as it applies to access control systems 8. Understand troubleshooting techniques for access control systems

NICET Continuing Professional Development All NTC Training courses are acceptable for NICET continuing education units. The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) required continuing education for those who hold the certification. In the low voltage industry, NICET Certification is important for Fire Alarm systems. Many states require NICET Certification for those involved in the fire alarm industry. NICET Certification may be required by job specification as well. Additionally, some companies may require industry professionals to obtain a NICET Certification. Due to its widespread acceptance and recognition in the low voltage industry, maintaining the certification can be important. Generally, NICET as an organization requires recertification every 3 years. During the 3 year period certificants must obtain 90 CEU hours (called CPD by NICET). They can get 72 of these hours simply by working in the industry. The remaining 18 hours can be obtained through formal or informal training, industry activities such as attendance at an association meeting or a conference. NICET does not approve any formal training for continuing professional development. Formal training is developed and presented by a professional Training Provider (like NTC). Rather, NICET evaluates the training obtained in order to determine its appropriateness based on the subject and level of certification. NICET s policy leaves this aspect quite vague. NICET does state that any training which primarily provided with the intent of selling product will be disapproved. However, it seems to be very rare that NICET disapproves any formal training for continuing professional development credit. At NTC we have a wide variety of training in fire alarm subjects and related subjects which can be used for all levels of NICET recertification. NICET does not approve any informal training for continuing professional development. Again, NICET evaluates the training obtained based on the subject and level of certification. Informal training includes things like on the job training, training other employees, and self study. It is important to check NICET Policy to ensure compliance. Although it is not common for NICET to deny continuing professional development training, violations of their policy may result in such a denial. In addition to fire alarm certification, NICET does offer certification in video security systems. Although this certification is not yet widely accepted or recognized, for those who have it, continuing professional development is important. Based on NICET policy concerning continuing education, NTC has a wide variety of training courses which can be used to meet the requirement. The NTC courses which we actively seek approval for continuing education units will meet the NICET CPD policy requirement. Additionally we have training which covers fire alarm design, water based fire protection, testing and inspection as well as many other training opportunities.

Electronic Security Association / NTS All NTC Training courses are acceptable for ESA / NTS continuing education units. The National Training School (NTS) is the training branch of the Electronic Security Association (ESA). ESA offers 3 certification as follows: Certified Alarm Technician Level 1 Advanced Alarm Technician Advanced Fire Alarm Technician The ESA does not preapprove any training. ESA requires recertification every year. In order to recertify, certificants must complete 12 hours of training. ESA evaluates CEUs using this formula: 1 hour of training = 0.1 CEUs. In order to successfully recertify, the certificant must demonstrate 1.2 CEUs. These 12 hours can be achieved with formal training or informal training. The ESA reserves the right to audit a certificant s CEUs for relevance. The ESA provides a great deal of latitude in the training certificants select, but their policy does not allow for training which is focused on selling specific products. Most all formal training which is technical and generic in nature seems to be acceptable. The ESA also permits informal training activities. They specifically mention attendance at industry events, meetings, self study, publishing articles, college credits (as long as they are relevant), and obtaining licenses or other certifications. Based on ESA / NTS policy concerning continuing education, NTC has a wide variety of training courses which can be used to meet the requirement. The NTC courses which we actively seek approval for continuing education units will meet the ESA CEU policy requirement. Additionally we have training which covers fire alarm design, water based fire protection, testing and inspection as well as many other training opportunities.

State By State CEU Requirements & NTC Approvals Alabama Alaska Arizona 1. Electrical CEUs (Low Voltage): No requirement 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: NICET CPD s (6 per year), ESA (12 per year) NTC Approvals: All 3. Other CEUs: Alarm Systems = 12 per year NTC Approvals Video (8) Access (8) NICET Exam Prep (16) Networking & IP (16) Security Systems (8) 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: NICET CPD s (6 per year) NTC Approvals: All 1. Electrical CEUs (Low Voltage): No requirement 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: No requirement 3. Other CEUs: No requirement Arkansas 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: NICET CPD s (6 per year), ESA (12 per year) NTC Approvals: All

California 1. Electrical CEUs (Low Voltage): 32 Hours 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: 32 hours Colorado 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: NICET CPD s (6 per year) NTC Approvals: All Connecticut 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: ESA (12 per year) NTC Approvals: All 3. Other CEUs: Security Systems ESA (12 per year) NTC Approvals: All Delaware Florida 1. Electrical CEUs (Low Voltage): Not Approved 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: Not Approved 3. Other CEUs: Not Approved Georgia

Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: NICET CPDs (6 per year) NTC Approvals: All 3. Other CEUs: Security Systems (12 ESA per year) NTC Approvals: All Kansas

Kentucky 3. Other CEUs: City of Louisville, Security Systems NTC Approvals: All Louisiana Maine 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: (24 hours every 3 years) NTC Approvals: All Fire Classes 3. Other CEUs: (24 hours every 3 years) NTC Approvals: All Security Maryland Montgomery County 1. Electrical CEUs (Low Voltage): (10 per year) NTC Approvals: All 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: NICET CPD s (6 per year) NTC Approvals: All Maryland Prince George s County 1. Electrical CEUs (Low Voltage): (10 per year) NTC Approvals NICET 1&2 NICET 3&4 2. Fire Alarm CEUs : No requirements Security System Maryland Queen Anne s County 1. Electrical CEUs (Low Voltage): (10 per year) NTC Approvals: All

Maryland Cecil County 1. Electrical CEUs (Low Voltage): (10 per year) NTC Approvals: All Massachusetts 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: 21 hours NTC Approvals: None 3. Other CEUs: 21 hours NTC Approvals: None Michigan 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: NICET CPDs (6 per year) NTC Approvals: All 3. Other CEUs: ESA (12 hours per year) NTC Approvals: All Minnesota 1. Electrical CEUs (Low Voltage): Power Limited (16 per year) NTC Approvals: None Mississippi 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: 12 per year NTC Approvals: All 3. Other CEUs: Security 8 per year NTC Approvals: All Missouri

Montana 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: (8 hours per year) NICET CPDs (6 per year) NTC Approvals: All Nebraska Nevada 1. Electrical CEUs (Low Voltage): 12 hour per year NTC Approvals: None 3. Other CEUs: No requirement 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: Sign plans NICET CPDs (6 per year) NTC Approvals: All 4. Other CEUs: No requirements New Hampshire New Jersey 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: 12 annually + (NICET CPDs, 6 per year) NTC Approvals: NICET (16) Video (8) 3. Other CEUs: 12 annually Access (16) Security (8) New Mexico

New York North Carolina 1. Electrical CEUs (Low Voltage): 6 hours per year NTC Approvals: Video (6) Access (6) IP (6) 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: 12 hours per year (classroom only) NTC Approvals: NICET (12) Fire Design (8) Access (8) 3. Other CEUs: Security Systems: 4 hours per year NTC Approvals: Video (8) Access (16) IP (8) North Dakota Ohio 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: Sign Plans NICET CPDs (6 per year) NTC Approvals: All Oklahoma 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: NICET CPDs (6 per year) NTC Approvals: All

Oregon 1. Electrical CEUs (Low Voltage): 8 hours every 3 years NTC Approvals: None Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: NICET CPDs (6 per year) NTC Approvals: All South Dakota 1. Electrical CEUs (Low Voltage): No requirement 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: No requirement 3. Other CEUs: No requirement Tennessee 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: 8 hours every year NTC Approvals: NICET(16) 3. Other CEUs: Security 8 hours every year NTC Approvals: IP(16) Video(8)

Texas Utah 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: 8 hours per year (NICET CPDs 6 per year) NTC Approvals: None for TX NICET: All 3. Other CEUs: Security 8 hours per year NTC Approvals: None Vermont Virginia 1. Electrical CEUs (Low Voltage): 8 hours every 3 years NTC Approvals: None 3. Other CEUs: Security 4 hours per 2 years (DCJS) NTC Approvals: None Washington 1. Electrical CEUs (Low Voltage): 24 hours per 3 years NTC Approvals: NICET(16) West Virginia 1. Electrical CEUs (Low Voltage): No requirement 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: NICET CPDs (6 per year) NTC Approvals: All 3. Other CEUs: No requirement

Wisconsin 1. Electrical CEUs (Low Voltage): No requirement 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: No requirement 3. Other CEUs: No requirement Wyoming 1. Electrical CEUs (Low Voltage): No requirement 2. Fire Alarm CEUs: No requirement 3. Other CEUs: No requirement

CEU Summary There are 41 states where NTC Training Courses are approved for use in obtaining Continuing Education Units (CEUs). There are only 9 states where NTC Training Courses are not permitted to be used at the state level. State by state CEU requirements are very confusing. There is no clear national requirement for CEUs. Licensing issues are governed by the individual states and jurisdictions. The following chart diagrams the major classifications of CEUs and their applicable states. State Approved CEU NICET CPDs ESA CEUs No CEU Requirement AL AL AL AZ CA AK AR DE FL* AR CT GA MD CO IA HI MA* IA LS ID MN* MD MI IL MS MI IN NE* MT KS NJ NV ME NC NJ MO OR* OH NH TN OK NY TX* SC ND VT* TX PA VA* WV RI WA SD UT *NTC not approved WI WY State Approved CEU. There are 16 states which have their own CEU approval process. NTC training is approved in 7 of those states. Some states have a specific approval process for CEUs. The requirements for approval vary. Some states require specific types of classes which may not be offered by NTC. An example of this is Nebraska, which requires 8 hours of Changes to the NEC training for their CEU approval. Other states charge an unreasonable fee for CEU approval. Florida for example, charges a submission fee and then $100 for each hour of training. Some states may have a requirement that the training company have an address in the state. Texas as an example only approves training from providers who have a physical office inside the state. All other training providers are excluded. NICET CPDs. NICET for fire alarm systems is an important professional certification. NICET certification is required in one form or another in 15 states. The specific requirements vary by state. Some states require certification for signing plans. Others require someone employed by the company to be NICET certified.

ESA CEUs. There are 6 states which accept ESA CEUs. All NTC Training Courses are approved for ESA CEUs, because the ESA accepts any classes. No CEU Requirement. There are 19 states which have no direct CEU requirement for licensing. CEU s are required for professional certifications such as NICET or ESA Level 1 Technician. Since all NTC Training Courses are approved for these certifications, NTC Training works in all of these states.