Remember - depending on your AHJ / County / State, you may have to have a separate license to install alarm systems, with different permits for burglar v. fire.
Here in IL, it's similar steps as getting a Private Investigator's license, complete with bonding and background checks.
Illinois Statutes for Private Alarm Companaies and Installers (225 ILCS 447/20‑10)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2014)
Sec. 20‑10. Qualifications for licensure as a private alarm contractor.
(a) A person is qualified for licensure as a private alarm contractor if he or she meets all of the following requirements:
(1) Is at least 21 years of age.
(2) Has not been convicted of any felony in any
jurisdiction or at least 10 years have elapsed since the time of full discharge from a sentence imposed for a felony conviction.
(3) Is of good moral character. Good moral character is a continuing requirement of licensure. Conviction of crimes other than felonies may be used in determining moral character, but shall not constitute an absolute bar to licensure.
(4) Has not been declared by any court of competent jurisdiction to be incompetent by reason of mental or physical defect or disease, unless a court has subsequently declared him or her to be competent.
(5) Is not suffering from dependence on alcohol or from narcotic addiction or dependence.
(6) Has a minimum of 3 years experience of the 5 years immediately preceding application working as a full‑time manager for a licensed private alarm contractor agency or for an entity that designs, sells, installs, services, or monitors alarm systems that, in the judgment of the Board, satisfies the standards of alarm industry competence. An applicant who has received a 4‑year degree or higher in electrical engineering or a related field from a program approved by the Board shall be given credit for 2 years of the required experience. An applicant who has successfully completed a national certification program approved by the Board shall be given credit for one year of the required experience.
(7) Has not been dishonorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States.
(8) Has passed an examination authorized by the
Department.
(9) Submits his or her fingerprints, proof of having general liability insurance required under subsection (c), and the required license fee.
(10) Has not violated Section 10‑5 of this Act.
Here's a small exemption:
(a) The provisions of this Act related to the licensure of private alarm contractors do not apply to any of the following:
(3) A licensed electrical contractor who repairs or services fire alarm systems on an emergency call‑in basis or who sells, installs, maintains, alters, repairs, or services only fire alarm systems and not alarm or other security related electronic systems.
