Alarm Monitoring Centres

Alarm Receiving Centres Licensing

Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) must hold a Private Security Authority (PSA) licence to monitor alarms originating in the Republic of Ireland. This applies equally to ARCs outside Ireland monitoring alarm signals from Ireland.

All applicants for a license are vetted by An Garda Síochána. In addition, the PSA may request a licence holder to be vetted at any stage during the term of a licence. All vetting results are assessed against the PSA’s Fit and Proper Assessment.

The PSA 33:2014 standard sets out the operational and performance requirements for the services provided by these centres. It operates as a code of practice, outlining the minimum technical, operational and management system requirements for a compliant monitoring centre.

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What Is PSA 33:2014?

This standard applies to providers of Alarm Receiving Centres.

Some of the key features of PSA 33:2014 include:

Standards for the facilities and equipment used by the Centre
Procedures for handling and processing alarm signals
Standards for operational practices, including staff training
Rules for data protection and client confidentiality
Standards for quality management systems, record-keeping and document control.

The standard is available free of charge from the PSA website.

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What Are EN 50518 and SR 25?

The technical standards required for new entrants are EN 50518 and SR 25.

ARCs licensed before 31st October 2024 may continue with certification to IS 228 and SR25 for an interim period. All ARCs must prepare a contingency plan as per section 11 of EN 50518-2 (independent of whether certification is to EN 50518 or IS 228).

EN 50518:2019 is now in place and has replaced EN50518:2013. From the 31st December 2026 the PSA require all ARC’s certified to IS 228:1997 to be certified to EN 50518:2019.

EN50518:2019 combines all three sections of EN 50518:2013 into one standard. While updates have been made, the main focus of the 2019 standard is to bring the standard together. All future and current EN 50518 clients will be audited to the 2019 version.

SR 25 (“Alarm Receiving Centres Alarm – Handling Procedures”) focuses on reducing false alarms. This is now a mandatory requirement for all ARCs.

Amtivo (Formerly Certification Europe and EQA) - Alarm Monitoring - Workers at their desk monitoring the computer screens Workers in an alarm receiving centre

Why You Should Choose Amtivo?

Amtivo in Ireland is currently the only certification body offering certification for all sectors currently licensed by the PSA.
We have a wealth of experience and expertise, offering certification for security systems since 2006.
Our Ireland-based team deliver a local service, supported by global expertise.
We have an excellent reputation for offering exceptional client-focused service.
Our team consists of approachable, experienced and qualified auditors.

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