Who can install access control in Mississippi

The State Fire Marshal enforces Mississippi's alarm licensing law, the Electronic Protection Licensing Act. An electronic access control system is listed as a type of electronic protective system in its definitions at § 73-69-5.

Under the law, such a system draws its power from the building's main electrical supply. Based on something like a card, a code, or a physical feature (biometrics), the system either permits or blocks access. Alarm contracting includes the design, pre-wiring, installation, repair, testing and servicing of these systems.

Since the definition refers to building power, a lock powered only by batteries might not be covered. Before you decide the law doesn't apply, check with the State Fire Marshal.

§ 73-69-7 requires a company to hold a Class A license for every place it operates. A surety bond, or a policy covering liability and errors and omissions, of at least $300,000 must be shown. Workers' compensation, a minimum of 1 Class B employee per location, and a Mississippi address are also required.

In addition, every person who works for an alarm company carries an individual license, as § 73-69-11 explains. The license class follows your training, and you give fingerprints so a background check can be run.

• Class B: the holder completes advanced alarm training and must live within 150 miles of the office they are assigned to.
• Class C: a beginner-level course, either the Certified Alarm or the Security Technician one.
• Class D: you complete the Understanding Electronic Security Systems course.
• Class H: a Class B or Class C holder must directly oversee your work.

The Mississippi State Board of Contractors issues a license for work it labels as alarm systems, access systems, and security equipment. The category covers electric locks, alarm systems, automatic security gates and parking control. A test is required; the board also tells applicants to check with the Department of Insurance for any extra rules.

The commercial application asks for a Law and Business Management exam and whatever trade exam applies. You need to show general liability coverage: $300,000 for each occurrence and $600,000 aggregate. The fee with one classification is $400.

Look up a contractor license through the board's license search. You can search by a name, or type the license number as digits, leaving off its letter prefix.

Ask the technician to show you their Fire Marshal license. While performing alarm work, every individual license holder must carry the license on their person. The Electronic Protection Systems office can confirm a license by phone at 601-359-1066.

This law says no. A person with only an individual license needs a Class A license to contract independently; a licensed company can't hire them as a contractor either.