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Low Voltage / Alarm Installer
Low voltage installer licensing covers security alarms, fire alarms, structured cabling, CCTV, access control, and more. Most states require a specific license separate from a standard electrician license. Compare requirements across all 50 states.
69
Total States
67
License Required
51
Exam Required
$258
Avg Initial Fees
Low voltage installer licensing is regulated at the state level, with requirements varying significantly. Here are the three key areas you need to understand.
Most states require a specific low voltage or alarm installer license, separate from a standard electrician license. License types include low voltage contractor, alarm system contractor, limited energy technician, and fire alarm installer — each with different scopes of work.
Many states require a licensing exam covering NEC code, NFPA 72 fire alarm standards, and state-specific regulations. NICET Fire Alarm Systems certification (Levels I-IV) and ESA certifications are widely recognized and may satisfy some state requirements.
Most states require general liability insurance ($1M+ minimum) and may require a surety bond ($10,000-$50,000 typical). Workers' compensation is required for employers in most states. E&O insurance is recommended for alarm monitoring companies.
Side-by-side fees, hours, exams, and timelines across all 50 states. Sort by cost, hours, or any column.
Compare All StatesFind out if your license transfers to another state and what extra steps are needed.
Check ReciprocityBrowse approved programs by state — compare costs, requirements, and timelines.
Click any column header to sort. Click a state to view full requirements.
| State | License Req | License Name | Exam | Total Fees | Renewal | CE Req | Confidence | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama(AL) | Yes | Low Voltage License (Alarm System, Structured Cabling) | Yes | $225-$550 | Annual | Yes | medium | January 2025 |
| Alabama(AL) | Yes | Low Voltage License (Alarm System, Structured Cabling) | Yes | $225-$550 | Annual | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Alaska(AK) | Yes | Electrical Administrator License (Limited) | Yes | $250-$700 | Biennial — renewal form references a 2-year period (e.g., January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025) | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Arizona(AZ) | Yes | CR-67 Low Voltage Communication Systems (ROC) | Yes | $375-$850 | Biennial (every 2 years) | No | medium | January 2025 |
| Arizona(AZ) | Yes | CR-67 Low Voltage Communication Systems (ROC) | Yes | $375-$850 | Biennial (every 2 years) | No | medium | March 2026 |
| Arkansas(AR) | Yes | Alarm Systems License | No | $100-$350 | Annual | No | medium | March 2026 |
| California(CA) | Yes | C-7 Low Voltage Systems Contractor (CSLB) | Yes | $525-$1,760 | Biennial (every 2 years) | No | medium | January 2025 |
| California(CA) | Yes | C-7 Low Voltage Systems Contractor — primary; C-10 Electrical Contractor for fire alarm; C-28 Lock and Security Equipment for access control; BSIS Alarm Company Operator for burglar alarm | Yes | $525-$1,760 | Biennial (every 2 years) | No | medium | March 2026 |
| Colorado(CO) | No | No statewide low voltage license for most telecom/data work; local jurisdictions set their own requirements | Yes | $50-$100 | No statewide renewal period for low-voltage installers; varies by local jurisdiction | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Connecticut(CT) | Yes | L-5 / C-5 Limited Electrical Contractor (Low Voltage) | Yes | $295-$925 | Annual | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Delaware(DE) | Yes | Alarm Installer License | No | $125-$350 | Annual | No | medium | March 2026 |
| District of Columbia(DC) | Yes | Low Voltage Installer License (DC) | Yes | $250-$800 | Biennial (every 2 years) | Yes | medium | January 2025 |
| District of Columbia(DC) | Yes | Low Voltage Installer License (DC) | Yes | $250-$800 | Biennial (every 2 years) | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Florida(FL) | Yes | Limited Energy Systems Specialty Electrical Contractor / Alarm System Contractor | Yes | $425-$1,200 | Biennial (every 2 years) | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Georgia(GA) | Yes | LV-A (Low Voltage - Alarm) | Yes | $300-$800 | Biennial (every 2 years) | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Hawaii(HI) | Yes | Specialty Contractor License (C-62 or C-7) | Yes | $270-$700 | Biennial (every 2 years) | No | medium | January 2025 |
| Hawaii(HI) | Yes | Specialty Contractor License (C-62 or C-7) | Yes | $270-$700 | Biennial (every 2 years) | No | medium | March 2026 |
| Idaho(ID) | Yes | Limited Electrical Installer (LEI) | Yes | $200-$450 | Annual | Yes | medium | January 2025 |
| Idaho(ID) | Yes | Limited Electrical Installer (LEI) | Yes | $200-$450 | Annual | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Illinois(IL) | Yes | Alarm Contractor License (IDFPR) | No | $250-$800 | Licenses under the Illinois Alarm Systems Contractor Act renew on a biennial cycle per IDFPR standard practice for this profession | No | medium | March 2026 |
| Indiana(IN) | Yes | Fire Alarm and Security Alarm Contractor License | Yes | $175-$550 | Annual | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Iowa(IA) | Yes | Class C or Special Electrician License | Yes | $150-$350 | Triennial (every 3 years) for Special Electrician, Journeyman, Residential Electrician, Master, and Electrical Contractor licenses | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Kansas(KS) | Yes | Fire Alarm System Contractor Registration | No | $100-$265 | Annual | No | medium | March 2026 |
| Kentucky(KY) | Yes | Low Voltage License | Yes | $165-$450 | Biennial (every 2 years) | Yes | medium | January 2025 |
| Kentucky(KY) | Yes | Low Voltage License | Yes | $165-$450 | Biennial (every 2 years) | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Louisiana(LA) | Yes | Alarm System Contractor License | No | $175-$600 | Annual | No | medium | March 2026 |
| Maine(ME) | Yes | Limited Electrician (Low Energy) License | Yes | $225-$450 | Triennial (every 3 years) | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Maryland(MD) | Yes | Low Voltage Electrician License | Yes | $225-$650 | Biennial — aligns with state electrician license expiration. Baltimore County CE requirement is every two years. | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Massachusetts(MA) | Yes | Systems Technician D License (Low Voltage Electrician) | Yes | $700-$1,450 | Triennial (every 3 years) | Yes | medium | January 2025 |
| Massachusetts(MA) | Yes | Systems Technician D License (Low Voltage Electrician) | Yes | $700-$1,450 | Every 3 years (licenses expire July 31st on a triennial cycle) | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Michigan(MI) | Yes | Fire Alarm Specialty License | Yes | $175-$400 | Triennial (every 3 years) | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Minnesota(MN) | Yes | Technology Systems Contractor License | Yes | $330-$650 | TSC contractor license: expires last day of February in even-numbered years (biennial). PLT personal license: 2-year renewal period expiring on anniversary date of initial issue. | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Mississippi(MS) | Yes | Alarm Systems Contractor License | No | $150-$500 | Annual | No | medium | January 2025 |
| Mississippi(MS) | Yes | Alarm Systems Contractor License | No | $150-$500 | Annual | No | medium | March 2026 |
| Missouri(MO) | No | No statewide low voltage license; local municipalities (e.g., St. Louis, Kansas City) regulate independently | N/A | $50-$150 | Varies by locality | N/A | medium | March 2026 |
| Montana(MT) | Yes | Electrical Permit (Low Voltage Exempt below 50V in some cases) | No | $120-$300 | Annual | No | medium | March 2026 |
| Nebraska(NE) | Yes | Fire Alarm Installer License | Yes | $200-$450 | Annual | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Nevada(NV) | Yes | C-2d Low Voltage Systems License | Yes | $525-$1,250 | Biennial (every 2 years) | No | medium | March 2026 |
| New Hampshire(NH) | Yes | Low Voltage Electrician License | Yes | $200-$450 | Annual | Yes | medium | January 2025 |
| New Hampshire(NH) | Yes | Low Voltage Electrician License | Yes | $200-$450 | Annual | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| New Jersey(NJ) | Yes | Burglar and Fire Alarm Business License | Yes | $425-$1,450 | Biennial (every 2 years) | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| New Mexico(NM) | Yes | EE-98J Journeyman Alarm Systems Technician | Yes | $175-$500 | Three years (certificates issued to qualifying military service members are valid for a three-year period; general renewal period aligns with three-year cycles per 14.6.4.8(D)(5)) | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| New York(NY) | Yes | NYS Alarm License | Yes | $400-$1,150 | Biennial (every 2 years) | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| North Carolina(NC) | Yes | Fire Alarm / Low Voltage Electrical Contractor License | Yes | $325-$750 | Annual (1 year from date of issuance) | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| North Dakota(ND) | Yes | Class B Electrician (Low Voltage/Communications) | Yes | $200-$400 | Annual | Yes | medium | January 2025 |
| North Dakota(ND) | Yes | Class B Electrician (Low Voltage/Communications) | Yes | $200-$400 | Annual | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Ohio(OH) | Yes | Fire Alarm and Detection License | Yes | $224-$550 | Biennial (every 2 years) | Yes | medium | January 2025 |
| Ohio(OH) | Yes | Fire Alarm and Detection License | Yes | $224-$550 | Biennial (every 2 years) | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | Yes | Alarm and Locksmith Industry License | No | $150-$350 | Annual | No | medium | January 2025 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | Yes | Alarm and Locksmith Industry License | No | $150-$350 | Annual | No | medium | March 2026 |
| Oregon(OR) | Yes | Limited Energy Technician (LET) License | Yes | $300-$700 | Every three years (triennial), expiring October 1 | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | Yes | Burglar and Fire Alarm License (Bureau of Security) | Yes | $300-$800 | Biennial (every 2 years) | Yes | medium | January 2025 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | Yes | Burglar and Fire Alarm License (Bureau of Security) | Yes | $300-$800 | Biennial (every 2 years) | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Rhode Island(RI) | Yes | Fire Alarm Installer License | Yes | $250-$650 | Biennial (every 2 years) | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| South Carolina(SC) | Yes | Alarm System Business License (SLED) | No | $210-$600 | Biennial (every 2 years) | No | medium | March 2026 |
| South Dakota(SD) | Yes | Low Voltage Technician License | Yes | $250-$400 | Annual | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Tennessee(TN) | Yes | Alarm Systems Contractor License | No | $200-$600 | Annual | No | medium | January 2025 |
| Tennessee(TN) | Yes | Alarm Systems Contractor License | No | $200-$600 | Annual | No | medium | March 2026 |
| Texas(TX) | Yes | Burglar Alarm Company/Employee License (TDLR) | Yes | $450-$1,300 | Biennial (every 2 years) | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Utah(UT) | Yes | Alarm Company and Alarm Agent License | No | $170-$450 | Biennial (every 2 years) | No | medium | January 2025 |
| Utah(UT) | Yes | Alarm Company and Alarm Agent License | No | $170-$450 | Biennial (every 2 years) | No | medium | March 2026 |
| Vermont(VT) | Yes | Fire Alarm System Designer/Installer Registration | No | $175-$300 | Annual | No | medium | March 2026 |
| Virginia(VA) | Yes | Electronic Security Business License (DCJS) | Yes | $300-$750 | Biennial (every 2 years) | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Washington(WA) | Yes | Telecommunications (06A) Specialty License (L&I) | Yes | $400-$1,100 | Triennial (every 3 years) | Yes | medium | January 2025 |
| Washington(WA) | Yes | Telecommunications (06A) Specialty License (L&I) | Yes | $400-$1,100 | Triennial (every 3 years) | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| West Virginia(WV) | Yes | Fire Alarm Installer License | Yes | $200-$450 | Annual | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Wisconsin(WI) | Yes | Fire Alarm System Installer License | Yes | $255-$600 | Biennial (every 2 years) | Yes | medium | January 2025 |
| Wisconsin(WI) | Yes | Fire Alarm System Installer License | Yes | $255-$600 | Biennial (every 2 years) | Yes | medium | March 2026 |
| Wyoming(WY) | Yes | Low Voltage Technician License | Yes | $200-$400 | Annual | No | medium | March 2026 |
Low voltage installers often work alongside other licensed professionals. Explore related licensing requirements.
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See the full comparison table above for all 69 states.
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