The Monitoring Association acquires IQ Certification

McLEAN, Va.—The Monitoring Association (TMA) has assumed control of the Installation Quality Certification Program “IQ Certification,” a quality control program for installations, maintenance and service of electronic security systems.

The program was initially developed by the Electronic Security Association's (ESA) False Alarm Committee as a means to reduce the occurrence of false alarms and has been broadly endorsed by security industry associations including CANASA, ESA, the False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA), the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), Security Industry Association (SIA) and TMA.

“Systems designed properly, with the proper equipment, installed properly, by trained technicians, monitored properly, and operated by properly trained users typically operate without fault or failure for years and reduce false alarms,” TMA President Don Young said in the announcement. “The IQ program requirements are in direct alignment with TMA's mission of advancement and commitment to excellence. It is a valuable addition to our program portfolio.”

To be IQ Certified, companies pledge to adhere to a stringent code of ethics and to provide top-notch maintenance and service. Employees must be trained in industry-recognized programs, meet all licensing requirements and carry proper insurance coverage. Most importantly, companies must demonstrate that they are meeting these requirements annually in order to be re-certified. As the only quality control program for installations, maintenance and service of electronic safety systems, TMA pointed out that IQ Certification serves as a “badge of honor” for companies that have met the program's criteria to earn certification.

“The IQ Certification Guidelines provided a foundation upon which our company established best practices for the operations,” said Amherst Alarm President and CEO Tim Creenan. “These guidelines have helped us create and grow a business that provides systems that consumers can trust because of the demonstrated low dispatch rates,” “The program has also created a large competitive advantage for us. Our sales team uses the IQ certification to differentiate our company from the competition. It is a wise investment for any security systems company to invest in quality.”