According to NFPA 731, security system design must be done only by qualified persons. Qualified persons can include personnel trained and certified by the equipment manufacturer, personnel licensed and certified by state or local authority, personnel certified by an accreditation program or industry-recognized program acceptable to the AHJ or personnel having completed a formal technical training program arranged by the security system provider and acceptable to the AHJ.

Below is a sample of NFPA 731. For the complete section, see the actual NFPA 731 text at NFPA.ORG. Once there, click on the free access link to the latest edition of NFPA 731.

4.3 Personnel Qualifications.

4.3.1 System Design.

4.3.1.1 Persons who develop plans and specifications in accordance with this standard shall be experienced in the design, application, installation, and testing of premises security systems.

4.3.1.2 The system designer shall be identified on the system plans and specifications.

4.3.1.3 Evidence of qualifications shall be provided when requested by the AHJ.

4.3.1.4 Qualified personnel shall include but not be limited to one or more of the following:

(1) Personnel trained and certified by the equipment manufacturer

(2) Personnel licensed and certified by state or local authority

(3) Personnel certified by an accreditation program or industry-recognized program acceptable to the AHJ

(4) Personnel having completed a formal technical training program arranged by the security system provider and acceptable to the AHJ