Electronic Protection Systems Board Requirements
Board role
The Mississippi Electronic Protection Systems Board administers licensure under the Electronic Protection Systems Act. It approves examinations, issues contractor and technician credentials, sets renewal and continuing education requirements, and investigates unlicensed practice or code-related complaints. The board does not replace the AHJ’s fire inspection authority.
Requirements to know
- Contractors must hold the appropriate board contractor license before bidding, contracting, or offering fire alarm services. The license is tied to the qualified business and must be maintained.
- Technicians must hold a board technician license for installation, service, inspection, and programming. Trainees and apprentices work only under required supervision.
- Applicants must pass the board-approved exam and meet experience/training requirements. Renewal requires board-approved continuing education; expired practice is unlicensed practice.
- Licensees must notify the board of changes affecting the license, such as business address, employment, or qualifying party.
- The board may fine, suspend, or revoke a license for unlicensed activity, false statements, incompetent work, or failure to comply with adopted codes.
Worked example
A technician’s license expires June 30. In July the contractor sends the technician to perform a fire alarm inspection and sign the test record. Even if a licensed technician later reviews the paperwork, the July inspection was performed by an unlicensed person. Reasoning: the violation occurs at the time and place of work; a later signature does not retroactively license the technician. The contractor also faces exposure for assigning unlicensed work.
Traps
- Assuming a contractor license covers every employee.
- Missing a renewal or continuing education deadline.
- Counting non-board-approved training as continuing education.
- Using an unlicensed subcontractor for fire alarm work.
- Failing to report address, employment, or qualifying-party changes.