Security Certification Regulations

Amtivo (Ireland) Limited (“Amtivo”) is a certification body that is authorised by the Private Security Authority (“PSA”) to assess whether contractors operating in the private security industry meet the relevant standards set out by the PSA for licensing requirements. These Security Certification Regulations set out the respective obligations of Amtivo and the Client to each other in relation to all activities that form part of the certification process (“Certification Activities”).

1. Amtivo shall perform the Certification Activities using reasonable care and skill. 
    
2. Confirmation that the Client meets the relevant standard (“Certification”) shall only be issued once Amtivo determines, at its sole discretion, that the requirements of Certification have been met. Amtivo shall be solely responsible for granting, refusing, maintaining of certification, expanding or reducing the scope of certification, renewing, suspending or restoring, or withdrawing of certification.  
    
3. The Client shall always fulfil the certification requirements of the relevant standard, including implementing appropriate changes when they are communicated by Amtivo. If the Certification applies to ongoing production, the certified product must continue to fulfil the product requirements as specified in the relevant standard.
    
4. The Client shall make all necessary arrangements for:
    
   i) the conduct of the assessment and surveillance (if required), including provision for examining documentation and records, and access to the relevant equipment, location(s), area(s), personnel, and client’s subcontractors;
   ii) investigation of complaints;
   iii) the participation of observers, if applicable. The Client shall agree to the presence of a PSA and/or Amtivo observer should the PSA and/or Amtivo wish to assess the provision of the Certification Activities.
    
5. The Client shall only make claims regarding certification consistent with the scope of their Certification.
    
6. The Client shall not use its Certification in such a manner as to bring Amtivo or the PSA into disrepute and shall not make any statement regarding its Certification that Amtivo may consider misleading or unauthorised.
    
7. Upon suspension, withdrawal, or termination of Certification, the Client shall discontinue its use of all advertising matter that contains any reference thereto and take action as required by the certification scheme (e.g. the return of Certification documents) and take any other required measures.
    
8. If the Client provides copies of Certification documents to others, the documents shall be reproduced in their entirety or as specified in the certification scheme.
    
9. In making reference to its Certification on communication media such as documents, brochures or advertising, the Client shall comply with the requirements of Amtivo, or as specified by the certification scheme.
    
10. The Client shall comply with any requirements that may be prescribed in the certification scheme relating to the use of marks of conformity, and on information related to the product,  as set out in Amtivo’s guidance on the use of certification badges (a copy of which is available on Amtivo’s website).
     
11. The client shall keep a record of all complaints made known to it relating to compliance with certification requirements and make these records available to Amtivo when requested, and 
     
    i) take the appropriate action with respect to such complaints and any deficiencies found in the products that affect compliance with the requirements for Certification; and
    ii) document the action taken.
     
12. The Client shall inform the Amtivo, without delay, of changes that may affect its ability to conform with the certification requirements. Examples of changes can include the following:
     
    i) the legal, commercial, organisational status or ownership,
    ii) organisation and management (e.g. key managerial, decision-making or technical staff),
    iii) modifications to the product or the production method,
    iv) contact address and production sites,
    v) major changes to the quality management system.

    Where it can be demonstrated that the Client seriously failed to meet the certification requirements, this shall provide grounds for Amtivo to decide on action to be taken – up to and including suspension or withdrawal of Certification. 
     

13. Amtivo and the PSA shall have the right to display the Client’s Certification and current assessment status in the public domain for inspection.
     
14. Where Amtivo is required by law or authorised by contractual arrangements to release confidential information, Amtivo shall notify the Client of the information disclosed unless prohibited from doing so by law. 
     
15. In the event that that there is a conflict between the terms of these Certification Regulations and the terms of an agreement into which they are incorporated, the terms of these Security Certification Regulations shall prevail. 
     
16. Amtivo may update these Security Certification Regulations from time to time and shall inform the Client of any changes to the terms.
     
17. Amtivo conduct assessments of the following standards in accordance with the requirements of the PSA:
     
    i) Door Supervision and Security Guarding (PSA 28:2013)
    ii) Event Security (PSA 39:2014)
    iii) Intruder Alarm Installation (I.S. EN 50131-1, I.S. CLC TS 50131-7 and PSA 74:2019)
    iv) CCTV Installation (PSA 2006_12 and PSA 74:2019)
    v) CCTV Monitoring and Alarm Monitoring Centres (PSA 33:2014)
    vi) Private Investigation (PSA 42:2015)
    vii) Locksmith (PSA 55:2016)
    viii) Private Security Providers (Access Control) (PSA 74:2019)

    Additional requirements in relation to these individual standards are set out below.

DOOR SUPERVISION AND SECURITY GUARDING

18. Prior to offering services as a Door Supervision Contractor or a Security Guarding Contractor, the Client is required to obtain certification to PSA 31:2014. Once trading, the Client is required to meet the requirements of PSA 28:2013.
     
19. Audit Requirements:

    i) Phase 1 Assessment (Applicants who are not yet trading): Phase 1 Assessment must be completed with the PSA. All applicants must contact the PSA to organise and complete Phase 1 of PSA 31:2014. Once the applicant has been successful with the Phase 1 assessment with the PSA the PSA require contractors to have a phase 2 assessment with an approved certification body. This is required to be completed within 6 months of the date of successful completion of phase 1.
    ii) Phase 2 Assessment: An Amtivo auditor(s) will visit the contractors’ offices/premises and at least one site where door supervision and/or security guarding is taking place. The audit will be conducted in accordance with PSA 28:2013, a copy of which is available on the PSA website. Amtivo are required to inform the PSA if a PSA 28:2013 audit does not take place within the agreed timeframe.
    iii) On-going surveillance inspections of offices, premises and site installations: Amtivo will carry out periodic surveillance audits in accordance with PSA 28:2013 at a sufficient frequency to verify continuing conformity with the scheme regulations and applicable standard(s). Minimum period is once per year.
     

20. Ongoing Requirements:
     
    i) Amtivo must be granted access to all relevant documentary material, records, personnel, active sites and complaints (as per scheme regulations, it is a requirement that a complaint file detailing customer/client complaints and resulting actions is held by all certified companies).
    ii) It is not possible to exclude any activities within the Republic of Ireland from the scope of the PSA 28:2013 audit (all activities carried out under the auspices of a PSA license are subject to audit).
    iii) Amtivo reserve the right to conduct un-announced surveillance visits (in most cases, this would only occur in response to a complaint).

EVENT SECURITY

21. Prior to offering services as an Event Security Contractor, it is required to obtain certification to PSA 31:2014. Once trading, it is required to meet the requirements of PSA 39:2014. 
     
22. Audit Requirements: 

    i) Phase 1 Assessment (Applicants who are not yet trading): Phase 1 Assessment must be completed with the PSA. All applicants must contact the PSA to organise and complete Phase 1 of PSA 31:2014. Once the applicant has been successful with the Phase 1 assessment with the PSA, the PSA requires contractors to have a phase 2 assessment with an approved certification body. This is required to be completed within 6 months of the date of successful completion of phase 1.
    ii) Phase 2 Assessment: An Amtivo auditor(s) will visit the contractors’ offices/premises and at least one site where event security is taking place. The audit will be conducted in accordance with PSA 39:2014, a copy of which is available on the PSA website. Amtivo is required to inform the PSA if a PSA 39:2014 audit does not take place within the agreed timeframe.
    iii) On-going surveillance inspections of offices, premises, and site installations: Amtivo will carry out periodic surveillance audits in accordance with PSA 39:2014 at a sufficient frequency to verify continuing conformity with the scheme regulations and applicable standard(s). The minimum period is once per year.
    iv) Re-certification Audits: Amtivo certificates are issued for 2 years. A new certificate will be issued on expiry subject to a successful PSA 39:2014 audit. Certificates will be issued for 2 years from the date of expiry of the previous certificate.

INTRUDER ALARM INSTALLATION

24. Meeting the requirements of the I.S. EN 50131-1, I.S. CLC TS 50131-7 and PSA 74 standards is a requirement of the PSA for a full Intruder Alarm Installer license. The PSA will issue a temporary license to applicants who have registered with a certification body (and meet all other requirements for a temporary license). The temporary license will allow the applicant time to install the required intruder alarm systems for an audit to take place.
     
25. Audit Requirements:

    i) Initial Assessment: An Amtivo Auditor will visit the company offices/premises to confirm compliance with the PSA 74 (Provision of Security Providers), I.S. EN 50131-1 (Alarm systems – intrusion systems – part 1: system requirements) and I.S. CLC TS 50131-7 (Alarm systems – intrusion systems – part 7: application guidelines) standards. An Amtivo auditor will visit a minimum of 4 Intruder Alarm installations to ensure compliance with I.S. EN 50131-1 and I.S. CLC TS 50131-7. Subject to a recommendation from the lead auditor and approval by the assessment committee to award certification, Amtivo will issue a PSA 74 certificate and a joint I.S. EN 50131-1 and I.S. CLC TS 50131-7 certificate. These certificates will be valid for 2 years.
    ii) On-going surveillance inspections of offices, premises, and Intruder Alarm Installations: Amtivo will carry out periodic surveillance audits at a sufficient frequency to verify continuing conformity with the scheme regulations and applicable standard(s). Minimum period is once per year. A minimum of 2 Intruder Alarm installations will be viewed at each Surveillance visit.
    iii) Re-certification Audits: Amtivo certificates are issued for 2 years. New certificates will be issued on expiry subject to a successful audit. Certificates will be issued for 2 years from the date of expiry of the previous certificates. A minimum of 2 Intruder Alarm installations will be viewed at a re-certification visit.
     

26. Ongoing Requirements:
     
    i) Amtivo must be granted access to all relevant documentary material, records, personnel, and complaints (as per scheme regulations, it is a requirement that a complaint file detailing customer/client complaints and resulting actions is held by all certified companies). The installer must cooperate with Amtivo in gaining access to installed intruder alarm systems.
    ii) All Intruder Alarms installed must be installed in accordance with EN 50131 standards. A certificate of Conformance (see below) must be issued for each alarm installed and/or significant upgrade of an existing alarm.
    iii) Amtivo reserve the right to conduct un-announced surveillance visits (in most cases, this would only occur in response to a complaint).
     
27. Amtivo Certificates of Conformance: 
     
    i) All registered clients are given a username and password to access the Amtivo on-line tool for generation of certificates of conformance. Certificates must be issued for every intruder alarm installed or significant upgrade to an existing alarm (e.g. replacement of the alarm panel with another make of panel). By issuing a certificate of conformance for an alarm, the installer is taking responsibility for compliance of the alarm with the standard(s).
    ii) Certificates of conformance may be purchased on-line or by making a payment to Amtivo (Amtivo will add credits to the on-line system on receipt of payment).
    iii) Credits purchased are non-refundable. If an installer is suspended or withdrawn, it will not be possible to issue certificates until such time as certification is restored.
    iv) The installer is required to comply with the terms and conditions for use of the on-line tool for generation of certificates.
     

CCTV INSTALLATION

28. Meeting the requirements of the PSA 2006_12 and PSA 74 standards is a requirement of the PSA for a full CCTV Installer license. The PSA will issue a temporary license to applicants who have registered with a certification body (and meet all other requirements for a temporary license). The temporary license will allow the applicant time to install the required CCTV systems for an audit to take place.
     
29. Audit Requirements:

    i) Initial Assessment: An Amtivo Auditor will visit the company offices/premises to confirm compliance with the PSA 74 (Electronic security services – intruder alarm, access control and CCTV systems) and PSA 2006_12 (CCTV installation) standards. An Amtivo auditor will visit a minimum of 4 CCTV installations to ensure compliance with PSA 2006_12 and PSA 74. Where an installer already has a license to install intruder alarms or where an initial audit for Intruder Alarms is taking place at the same time as the CCTV audit, the minimum number of CCTV installations to be inspected is 2. Subject to a recommendation from the lead auditor and approval by the assessment committee to award certification, Amtivo will issue an PSA 74 certificate and a PSA 2006_12 certificate. These certificates will be valid for 2 years.
    ii) On-going surveillance inspections of offices, premises and CCTV Installations: Amtivo will carry out periodic surveillance audits at a sufficient frequency to verify continuing conformity with the scheme regulations and applicable standard(s). Minimum period is once per year. A minimum of 2 CCTV installations will be viewed at each Surveillance visit.
    iii) Re-certification Audits: Amtivo certificates are issued for 2 years. New certificates will be issued on expiry subject to a successful audit. Certificates will be issued for 2 years from the date of expiry of the previous certificates. A minimum of 2 CCTV installations will be viewed at a re-certification visit.
     

30. Ongoing Requirements:
     
    i) Amtivo must be granted access to all relevant documentary material, records, personnel, and complaints (as per scheme regulations, it is a requirement that a complaint file detailing customer/client complaints and resulting actions is held by all certified companies). The installer must cooperate with Amtivo in gaining access to installed CCTV systems.
    ii) All CCTV installed must be installed in accordance with PSA 2006_12 standards. A certificate of Conformance (see below) must be issued for each CCTV System installed.
    iii) Amtivo reserve the right to conduct un-announced surveillance visits (in most cases, this would only occur in response to a complaint).
     
31. Amtivo Certificates of Conformance:
     
    i) All registered clients are given a username and password to access the Amtivo on-line tool for generation of certificates of conformance. Certificates must be issued for every CCTV System installed or significant upgrade to an existing CCTV System. By issuing a certificate of conformance for a CCTV system, the installer is taking responsibility for compliance of the alarm with the standard(s).
    ii) Certificates of conformance may be purchased on-line or by making a payment to Amtivo (Amtivo will add credits to the on-line system on receipt of payment).
    iii) Credits purchased are non-refundable. If an installer is suspended or withdrawn, it will not be possible to issue certificates until such time as certification is restored.
    iv) The installer is required to comply with the terms and conditions for use of the on-line tool for generation of certificates.

CCTV MONITORING AND ALARM MONITORING CENTRES

32. Meeting the requirements of the PSA 33:2014 standard is a requirement of the PSA for Security Guard (Alarm Monitoring) and Security Guard (CCTV Monitoring) licenses. PSA 33:2014 lists the additional standards required in order to obtain a license. Depending on whether the monitoring station is a new build and whether monitoring is Alarm and/or CCTV, the additional requirements will include IS 228, EN 50518 and SR 25.
     
33. Audit Requirements:

    i) Initial Assessment: As very few new monitoring stations are built each year, discussions should take place with the PSA on a case-by-case basis as to whether a limited number of Alarms and/or CCTV systems can be monitored pending certification and licensing. All new monitoring stations must be built in accordance with EN 50518-1:2013. An Amtivo Auditor(s) will visit the Monitoring station to confirm compliance with PSA 33:2014 (CCTV Monitoring and Alarm Monitoring Centres) standard. This will include certification to the following standards: EN 50518-1 Monitoring and alarm receiving centre Part 1 “Location and Construction Requirements,” EN 50518-2 Monitoring and alarm receiving centre Part 2 “Technical Requirements,” and EN 50518-3 Monitoring and alarm receiving centre Part 3 “Procedures and requirements for operation.” These standards are required for Alarm and/or CCTV monitoring centres. Where a monitoring centre is only monitoring CCTV systems, these standards must be applied to the extent possible. SR 25:2005 is required for Alarm Monitoring Centres. Subject to a recommendation from the lead auditor and approval by the assessment committee to award certification, Amtivo will issue a PSA 33:2014 certificate together with other applicable standards as per above. Certificates are issued for 2 years.
    ii) On-going surveillance: Amtivo will carry out periodic surveillance audits at a sufficient frequency to verify continuing conformity with the scheme regulations and applicable standard(s). Minimum period is once per year. For existing CCTV Monitoring and Alarm Monitoring Centres, certification to EN 50518 may be replaced with certification to IS 228. This is subject to change in accordance with PSA requirements. Amtivo are required to inform the PSA if audits do not take place within the agreed timeframe.
    iii) Re-certification Audits: Amtivo certificates are issued for 2 years. New certificates will be issued on expiry subject to a successful audit. Certificates will be issued for 2 years from the date of expiry of the previous certificates.

34. Ongoing Requirements:
     
    i) Amtivo must be granted access to all relevant documentary material, records, personnel, and complaints (as per scheme regulations, it is a requirement that a complaint file detailing customer/client complaints and resulting actions is held by all certified companies).
    ii) Amtivo reserve the right to conduct un-announced surveillance visits (in most cases, this would only occur in response to a complaint).

 

PRIVATE INVESTIGATION

35. Meeting the requirements of the PSA 42:2015 standard is a requirement of the PSA for private investigation license applications. It is not permitted to provide Private Investigative services without a PSA license, it is possible to meet the PSA 42:2015 requirements prior to operating as a private investigator (there is no phase 1 auditing requirement or temporary license requirement for private investigators).
     
36. Audit Requirements:

    i) Initial Assessment: An Amtivo Auditor will visit the company offices/premises to confirm compliance with the PSA 42:2015 standard. Subject to a recommendation from the lead auditor and approval by the assessment committee to award certification, Amtivo will issue a PSA 42:2015 certificate. This certificate will be valid for 2 years.
    ii) On-going surveillance inspections of offices, premises: Amtivo will carry out periodic surveillance audits at a sufficient frequency to verify continuing conformity with the scheme regulations and applicable standard(s). Minimum period is once per year. Amtivo are required to inform the PSA if audits do not take place in accordance with the schedule.
    iii) Re-certification Audits: Amtivo certificates are issued for 2 years. New certificates will be issued on expiry subject to a successful audit. Certificates will be issued for 2 years from the date of expiry of the previous certificates.

37. Ongoing Requirements:
     
    i) Amtivo must be granted access to all relevant documentary material, records, personnel, and complaints (as per scheme regulations, it is a requirement that a complaint file detailing customer/client complaints and resulting actions is held by all certified companies). Where client confidentiality must be maintained, restricted access to some materials may be acceptable for auditing purposes.
    ii) It is not possible to exclude any activities within the Republic of Ireland from the scope of the PSA 42:2015 audit (all activities carried out under the auspices of a PSA license are subject to audit).
    iii) Amtivo reserve the right to conduct un-announced surveillance visits (in most cases, this would only occur in response to a complaint).
     

LOCKSMITH

38. Meeting the requirements of the PSA 55:2016 standard is a requirement of the PSA for Locksmith license applications. It is not permitted to provide Locksmith services without a PSA license, it is possible to meet the PSA 55:2016 requirements prior to operating as a Locksmith (there is no phase 1 auditing requirement or temporary license requirement for Locksmiths).
     
39. Audit Requirements:

    i) Initial Assessment: An Amtivo Auditor will visit the company offices/premises to confirm compliance with the PSA 55:2016 standard. Subject to a recommendation from the lead auditor and approval by the assessment committee to award certification, Amtivo will issue a PSA 55:2016 certificate. This certificate will be valid for 2 years.
    ii) On-going surveillance inspections of offices, premises: Amtivo will carry out periodic surveillance audits at a sufficient frequency to verify continuing conformity with the scheme regulations and applicable standard(s). Minimum period is once per year. Amtivo are required to inform the PSA if audits do not take place in accordance with the schedule.
    iii) Re-certification Audits: Amtivo certificates are issued for 2 years. New certificates will be issued on expiry subject to a successful audit. Certificates will be issued for 2 years from the date of expiry of the previous certificates.
     

40. Ongoing Requirements:
     
    i) Amtivo must be granted access to all relevant documentary material, records, personnel, and complaints (as per scheme regulations, it is a requirement that a complaint file detailing customer/client complaints and resulting actions is held by all certified companies). Where client confidentiality must be maintained, restricted access to some materials may be acceptable for auditing purposes.
    ii) It is not possible to exclude any activities within the Republic of Ireland from the scope of the PSA 55:2016 audit (all activities carried out under the auspices of a PSA license are subject to audit).
     iii) Amtivo reserve the right to conduct un-announced surveillance visits (in most cases, this would only occur in response to a complaint).

 

SECURITY SERVICE PROVIDERS (ACCESS CONTROL)

41. Meeting the requirements of the PSA 74:2019 standard is currently a requirement of the PSA for Access Control, Alarm and CCTV license applications.
     
42. Audit Requirements:

    i) Initial Assessment: An Amtivo Auditor will visit the company offices/premises to confirm compliance with the PSA 74:2019 standard. Subject to a recommendation from the lead auditor and approval by the assessment committee to award certification, Amtivo will issue a PSA 74:2019 certificate. This certificate will be valid for 2 years.
    ii) On-going surveillance inspections of offices, premises: Amtivo will carry out periodic surveillance audits at a sufficient frequency to verify continuing conformity with the scheme regulations and applicable standard(s). Minimum period is once per year. Amtivo are required to inform the PSA if audits do not take place in accordance with the schedule.
    iii) Re-certification Audits: Amtivo certificates are issued for 2 years. New certificates will be issued on expiry subject to a successful audit. Certificates will be issued for 2 years from the date of expiry of the previous certificates.

43. Ongoing Requirements:
     
    i) Amtivo must be granted access to all relevant documentary material, records, personnel, and complaints (as per scheme regulations, it is a requirement that a complaint file detailing customer/client complaints and resulting actions is held by all certified companies). Where client confidentiality must be maintained, restricted access to some materials may be acceptable for auditing purposes.
    ii) It is not possible to exclude any activities within the Republic of Ireland from the scope of the PSA 74:2019 audit (all activities carried out under the auspices of a PSA license are subject to audit).
    iii) Amtivo reserves the right to conduct un-announced surveillance visits (in most cases, this would only occur in response to a complaint).