How to check an installer is PSIRA-registered and reputable

You've called three installers and one has already sent a quote. Before you commit to any of them, you need to know they're actually qualified to do the work. A PSIRA registration isn't just a badge—it's proof they've met baseline competency standards and can be held accountable if something goes wrong. Here's how to verify it properly.

Search the public register yourself

The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority maintains a searchable database of all registered security service providers. Go to the PSIRA website and look up each installer by company name or, if they've given you one, their individual registration number. The register will show their status, what category of work they're licensed for, and whether any suspensions or conditions apply. If a company claims to be PSIRA-registered but doesn't appear in the database, that's an immediate red flag. Don't proceed. A legitimate installer will expect you to check and should be able to give you their registration number upfront—if they seem evasive or annoyed by the question, question their professionalism.

Ask for proof and recent credentials

Don't just take their word that they're registered. Ask them to email you a copy of their current PSIRA certificate or registration document. A reputable installer will send it without hesitation. Check that the name on the certificate matches the company name they're trading under, and verify the expiry date hasn't passed. PSIRA registration needs to be renewed, so an out-of-date certificate suggests they've let it lapse—or worse, they're operating without one. Also ask whether they hold any specific qualifications relevant to alarm systems or CCTV, such as manufacturer training or electrical competency. These show they've invested in staying current.

Call their references and ask the right questions

A solid installer should be willing to give you contact details for three recent customers. When you ring them, don't just ask "Were you happy?" Get specific. Ask whether the installation was completed on time and within the quoted price. Ask if the system has been reliable since installation, and whether the installer responded promptly if issues came up. Crucially, ask whether the installer explained the system clearly—what zones cover which areas, how to arm and disarm, what the monitoring service covers. Poor communication upfront often means confusion and frustration later. If a reference says the installer was pushy about adding features you didn't need, or vague about what they were selling, that's telling you something. If an installer refuses to provide references, walk away.

Cross-check with the Police and industry records

Beyond PSIRA, ask whether the installer has worked with your local police station or armed response providers. Installers who've built relationships with law enforcement and monitoring centres tend to be the ones doing solid work—their systems have to integrate properly and respond to real calls. You can also check the Better Business Bureau or online review platforms, though take reviews with caution; focus on patterns rather than single complaints. If you see multiple mentions of incomplete work, hidden charges, or systems that don't function as promised, weigh that heavily. Finally, confirm they're insured. Public liability and professional indemnity insurance protect you if something goes wrong during installation or if their advice leads to a breach. A reputable company will be able to produce a current certificate of insurance.

Once you've verified their credentials and spoken to references, you'll have a much clearer sense of whether they're trustworthy. PSIRA registration is the legal floor, not the ceiling—it's the starting point for your due diligence. When you're ready to compare vetted installers, Strove lets you review their credentials and read customer feedback in one place, so you can make a confident choice.