Following our previous blog “How to Choose a Trusted Security Integration Partner,” here we detail why industry certifications and affiliations should play heavily into your decision to partner with a security integration company.
In a world riddled with security threats and risks, enterprises need to put their trust in a security integrator with the experience and expertise to properly protect their people, property, and assets.
But for new companies looking to hire a security integrator or those shopping for a different one, deciding on a trusted partner to work with can be difficult. How will you know if they have the skills and competence you require? Asking about the certifications they’ve earned is a good way to find out.
Certificates attest to an integrator’s ability and expertise in selling, designing, installing, and servicing integrated security systems and solutions. Earning certifications often entails a sizable amount of time and money on the part of the integrator; the effort and study that goes into it shows a solid commitment to achieving excellence in the field. Holding these certifications validates the integrator’s ability to meet the diverse and often complex needs of their customers.
Among the most common technical certifications are those offered by leading security industry manufacturers. They typically include comprehensive classroom and/or online instruction that culminate in rigorous testing. Most also require ongoing re-certification to ensure that technicians stay current on their latest product applications, enhancements, capabilities, and technology advancements.
At NextGen, we’ve always remained diligent and committed to earning and maintaining accreditations and certifications that empower us to deliver superior solutions to our clients. We proudly hold security systems and software certifications from Genetec, Software House, Lenel, Microsoft, Senstar, Axis, and other technology partners.
Our commitment to excellence is also evidenced by our management team and staff holding several prestigious certifications. They include the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) Certified Protection Professional® (CPP) certification, for which eligibility requirements are very strict. Either nine years of security work, or a bachelor’s degree or higher with seven years – both including at least three years ‘in responsible charge of a security function’ – are required. To gain CPP certification, you must successfully complete a 200+-question timed exam that covers tasks, knowledge, and skills in eight key domains of security management.
NextGen is also Board Certified by ASIS as a Physical Security Professional (PSP). Verification requires six years of “progressive physical security experience” with a high school diploma, GED, or associate’s degree, or four years with a bachelor’s degree or higher – after which is a timed exam of at least 125 questions on threat assessment and risk analysis; integrated physical security systems; and the appropriate identification, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of security measures.
We also proudly hold The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Fire Alarm Systems certification. The program tests on multiple technical areas, including applicable codes and standards, types of detectors and signaling systems, supervision requirements, power requirements, building/space structure and occupancy considerations, and basic electricity and electronics.
We are also part of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program, which is an initiative of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Coast Guard. Defined and administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration, these federal programs specifically address the protection of information pertaining to chemical facilities from inappropriate public disclosure, and appropriate vetting and credentialing of workers requiring access to secure areas of the nation’s maritime facilities and vessels. This expertise is especially meaningful to our Oil & Gas an Utility clients. NextGen’s zero-harm environmental, health, safety & risk management policy and performance is reviewed and verified by ISNetworld and Avetta (formerly PICS Auditing) contractor prequalification programs, which encourage companies to proactively develop plans to prevent hazards and encourage commitment to workplace safety. It includes a 600-page internal safety program as well as weekly safety training for all NextGen employees.
NextGen remains unwavering in its commitment to bring our clients the deep experience and expertise needed to protect and secure their people, property, and assets. Our ongoing efforts to continually earn important technical certifications and accreditations also continue to provide our clients with peace of mind that they have a trusted security integration partner in NextGen.