California Alarm Company Operator
BSIS ACO ACQ License Examination Test
licensing test information, business consultation
and set-up help, & extensive study material:

Written and compiled by a person who has been
hired by BSIS for the re-write of another BSIS test,
thus learning some 'secrets' behind the wording of
their 'answer choices' and other test-question ideas!
--also: author/compiler has taught PI, PPO,
and other BSIS at schools since 1991,
and has easily passed multiple BSIS qualified
manager licensing examinations himself!--


BEWARE OF USING THE WRONG
MATERIAL TO PREPARE WITH!
Blunt and to the point: there is some worthless 'junk' out there,
promoted as 'helpful for alarm company tests'. Buyer beware.
We have assisted many who failed after trying alternate choices.

Some 'ACO' material out there is really garbage for
the C7 or C10 contractor tests-- NOT the same.

And we don't have the boring books or CDs
of technical language and math formulas!

For some items, we also mix in some state-issued data
modified into more managable & absorbable data!


Our material includes 'trigger questions'
(related sample questions that are not actually
connected to any of the multiple alarm company tests,
planted within as to later prove plagiarism--
catches our competitors every time!)

ALARM COMPANY OPERATOR

Alarm Company Operator, Qualified Manager, or Alarm Agent Requirements for Licensure

An Alarm Company Operator operates a business that sells (at the buyer's home or business), installs, monitors, maintains, services, or responds to alarm systems or supervises such actions. (Retail stores do not have to be licensed if they sell alarm systems only at the store and do not perform any alarm company functions.)

In order for a company to seek licensure as an alarm company operator, the Qualified Manager (see below) must have passed the licensing examination.

In addition, each individual applicant, partner, or corporate officer must meet the following requirements:

• Be 18 or older
• Undergo a criminal history background check through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Have committed no offense or violation of the Alarm Company Act that would be grounds for license suspension or revocation

To apply for a company license, submit the $35 company license application fee and the $280 company license fee, two recent passport-quality photographs and an Alarm Company Operator Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan Operator. A $32 DOJ processing fee and a $19 FBI processing fee must be paid for each applicant at the Live Scan site. Send the application package to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, P.O. Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002.

Note: Local authorities may require an alarm company operator to register locally and to get a business permit. They may also enact ordinances governing false alarm activations and responses, and they may require persons who own, lease, or rent alarm systems to get permits.

Qualified Manager

An individual, partnership, or corporation seeking a license as an alarm company operator must specify in the application the individual who will manage the business on a day-to-day basis. This individual is called the Qualified Manager. (An owner, partner, or corporate officer may serve as the qualified manager, or may hire someone to fill this role.) To be eligible to apply for licensure as a qualified manager, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be 18 or older
• Undergo a criminal history background check through the DOJ and the FBI
• Have committed no offense or violation of the Alarm Company Act that would be grounds for license suspension or revocation
• Have two years (4,000 hours) of paid experience in alarm company work or the equivalent; and
• Pass a two-hour multiple-choice examination covering California law, the Alarm Company Act, alarm agent requirements, weapons laws, business management, and Power to Arrest. A copy of the Alarm Company Act will be sent to you.

To apply for a Qualified Manager certificate, submit a completed application, two recent passport-quality photographs, a $105 application and examination fee and an Alarm Company Operator Qualified Manager Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan Operator. A $32 DOJ processing fee and a $19 FBI processing fee must be paid for each applicant at the Live Scan site. Send the application package to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, P.O. Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002.

Alarm Agent

An Alarm Agent is employed by an alarm company operator to sell (at the buyer's home or business), install, monitor, maintain, service, or respond to alarm systems or to supervise such actions. To be eligible to apply for registration as an alarm agent, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be 18 or older
• Undergo a criminal history background check through the DOJ and the FBI; and
• Pass the Power to Arrest examination (if your duties will include responding to alarm activations). This follows a eight-hour training course covering responsibilities and ethics in citizen's arrest, relationship with police, limitations on Power to Arrest, restrictions on searches and seizures, criminal and civil liabilities, terrorism, code of ethics and personal and employer liability. The training and exam may be administered by any licensed alarm company operator or qualified manager. A copy of the Alarm Company Act will be provided on request for a fee.

To apply for an Alarm Agent registration, submit a completed application, a $17 registration fee and an Alarm Company Employee Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan Operator. A $32 DOJ processing fee and a $19 FBI processing fee must be paid for each applicant at the Live Scan site. Send the application package to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, P.O. Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002.

For an optional photo ID card, request a photo ID application, then send it with a passport-quality photo and $10 to the above address.

Once you have submitted your application and the appropriate fees, you may work with a temporary registration card as an unarmed alarm agent if you have not been convicted of a crime.

Firearm Permit

Whether you work as an alarm agent, alarm company operator, or qualified manager, you may not carry a gun on duty without having been issued a firearm permit by the Department of Consumer Affairs. To apply for a firearm permit, you must be a citizen or have permanent legal alien status, pass a course given by a Bureau- certified firearms training instructor in the carrying and use of firearms, submit a firearm permit application, an $80 application fee and an Alarm Agent Registration w/Firearm Permit Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan Operator. A $28 firearm eligibility application, $32 DOJ fingerprint processing and $19 FBI fingerprint processing fee must be paid for each applicant at the Live Scan Site. The 14-hour firearms (8 hours classroom, 6 hours range) training course covers moral and legal aspects, firearms nomenclature, weapons handling and shooting fundamentals, emergency procedures, and range training. The course must be given by a Bureau certified firearms training instructor at a Bureau certified training facility. Written and range exams are administered at the end of the course. Costs of training are determined by the training facility.

Note: A firearms qualification card expires two years from the date of issuance. An applicant must requalify four times during the life of the permit: twice during the first year after the date of issuance, and twice during the second year. Requalifications must be at least four months apart.

Tear Gas Permit

The law requires those who wish to carry tear gas on duty to complete training approved by the Department of Consumer Affairs. For a list of licensed training schools, call (800) 952-5210 or visit the Bureau's license look-up at www.dca.ca.gov/bsis/online_services/verify_license.shtml and search by county.

Applications for registration as an alarm agent are available from alarm company operators. To request an application for licensure as an Alarm Company operator or Qualified Manager, call (916) 322-4000 or (800) 952-5210, or visit our Web site at www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/


Also from the State of California:

1. What are the requirements for licensing an Alarm Company Operator?

   The general requirements for alarm company operator are:

   • Be at least 18 years old
   • Undergo a criminal history review by the Department of Justice and the FBI
2. How long will it take to process my application after I submit it?

   The processing will take approximately three to six months.

3. What forms and fees must be included in the application package?
   • Application for License (Form 31A-4)
   • Personal Identification (Form 31A-9)
   • The second copy of the Live Scan Form (BCII 8016) signed by the Live Scan operator.
   • Two recent passport quality photographs
   • Request for Authorization of Business name [Form 31A-12, if applicable]
   • Corporate applicants only: endorsed Articles of Incorporation or the Statement by a Foreign Corporations (if filed with the Secretary of State)
4. How Long is an Alarm Company Operator's license valid?

   An alarm company operator's license is valid for two years.

5. I was denied an Alarm Company Operator's license. When can I reapply?

   You may submit a new application one-year from the date of denial.

6. I received a 1203.4 dismissal on my conviction. Do I still need to report the conviction on my application?

   Yes. You must report the conviction.

7. I was not sent to jail, so do I have a conviction on my record?

   Yes. You do not have to go to jail to receive a conviction. Any of the following types of convictions are part of your record and should be reported on your application: jail, probation, community services, fine, restitution, counseling programs and rehabilitation programs.

8. I was only convicted of a misdemeanor. Can the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) still deny my license?

   Yes. A conviction does not have to be a felony for the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services to deny licensure. The nature of the crime, whether it was related to the duties of an alarm company operator, the length of time elapsed since conviction, any evidence of rehabilitation, or mitigating circumstances are all considered when deciding whether or not to deny licensure.

9. How does an alarm company operator renew his/her license?

   After two years, the license is scheduled for renewal. The licensee may receive a (courtesy) renewal application mailed to the last address of record. If you do not receive a renewal application, you should submit a copy of your license with a written request for renewal, including the fees for renewal (see fee schedule) and mail to: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services P.O. Box 989002 West Sacramento, CA. 95798-9002(This must be submitted before the expiration date.)

10. When does an alarm company operator's license become delinquent?

    Your license is delinquent 30 days after the expiration date. To renew your license you must then pay the renewal fee and the delinquent fee.

11. How long after the expiration of my license am I able to renew my license?

    You may renew your license for three years after it has expired. The license may be renewed upon payment of the renewal fee and the delinquent fee. If after three years, you failed to renew, you must submit a new application and begin the application process again.

12. Can I verify receipt of my application for license for an alarm company operator?

    Yes. You must contact the Bureau at (916) 322-4000.

13. How do I notify the Bureau of my change of address?

    You must notify the Bureau in writing within 30 days of such a change. Be sure that you include your license number, name, previous address, the new address, date of birth and Social Security number (please print or type information).

14. How do I change my business name?

    To change your business name, you must submit a $25 fee and a written request to the Bureau. Submit at least eight names for consideration. The first name requested will be approved unless the name could be confused with or is similar to a federal, state, county, or municipal agency function or to any law enforcement agency. In addition, any name, which could tend to describe any business function or enterprise, not actually engaged in by the licensee under that name. * You may not operate under your requested new name until an approval is receive

15. If I lost my alarm company license or it was destroyed or damaged, how do I obtain a duplicate?

    You may request a duplicate license by submitting a written request explaining the circumstances. Please allow four to six weeks for receipt

16. The name/address was misspelled on my license. Is there a fee for a new one?

    No. An error on a license should be returned for correction to the Bureau without charge. A correction takes approximately three to four weeks. Please clarify the error in writing and return the license.

17. Can an Alarm Company Operator use a post office box for an address?

    Yes, under certain circumstances. The Alarm Company Operator may list a post office box only if mail is delivered to the business address is not possible, or if the place of business is located at the licensee's personal residence. This request must be explained in writing. Otherwise, the company must state address by street, number and city. In addition, no licensee shall conduct business from any location other than the location for which a license or branch office registration was issued.

18. How long does it take to process a new license after a name, address, or branch office change has been made?

    Typically name, address or branch changes take approximately four to six weeks.

19. What forms are required to open a branch office? Is there a fee?

    Upon written request to the Bureau, a branch office application will be mailed to you. The branch office application fee is $35. (You may download a copy of the application from the Bureau's Web site at www.dca.ca.gov/bsis/)

20. There has been a change in the type of ownership/entity after receiving the Alarm Company Operator License. What do I have to do?

    Licenses can not be transferred or reassigned to new entities. A change of ownership constitutes a new entity. You must submit a new application with appropriate fees. For example: if you apply and become licensed as a sole owner and later decide to form a corporation, you must apply for a new license.
    
    

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