Frequently Asked Questions

(For more details, see also CertAlarm global presentation: CertAlarm presentation April 2012).

1. What is the scope of CertAlarm ?
   On fire products:
   All products covered by EN 54 series standards including systems (EN 54 Part 13),
   smoke alarm devices (EN 14604), EN 12094-1, -3, CEA 4021 ….

   On security products:
   EN50131-x, EN 50136-x, usually called Intrusion and Transmission.

2.  Our  products are already certified in my country;  what do I need to transfer this certification into CertAlarm certificates?
   We need a test report issued by an accredited lab . ( for  Accreditation Bodies, see MLA official list and the scope of accreditation is also available on its website). The test reports must  comply with the EN Standards (i.e. in CertAlarm’s scope).
3. Can  my product  bear both the National quality mark and CertAlarm Mark ?
   Yes. CertAlarm is a pan-European Mark and aims at superseding country-specific certifications.
4. When launching a new product, what do I need to get a CertAlarm certificate ?
   To keep it short, you have to choose a lab among the Recognized Test Labs (see CertAlarm website), then you need a test report.
   The second step  consists in choosing a Contracted Certification Body (see CertAlarm website). This CCB issues the CertAlarm certificate, tthough  the CertAlarm database, (if the test report mentions compliance to the EN Standards).
5. My product needs one pan-European quality Mark , are there other European marks in fire or intrusion, endorsed by E-A ?
   No.
6. What is the  coverage of a CertAlarm certificate ?
   A CertAlarm certificate is valid throughout Europe. CertAlarm rules have been endorsed by the European co-operation for Accreditation (E-A).
7. Is a CertAlarm certificate recognized by Insurers ?
   Yes. The CertAlarm scheme is based on EN standards. In many European countries, the law mentions: “ the national Quality Mark  OR  the equivalent”. So now it is possible for an insurer or for an end user to ask for :
   - either the national Quality Mark
   - or the CertAlarm Mark
   - or both of them.
8. What is a System 5 Certificate ?
   The System 5 as defined in ISO/IEC Guide 67 is the highest level of Quality.
   This involves initial type testing and the audit of the manufacturing facilities, the continuous surveillance of the product compliance, the continuous surveillance of the manufacturing facilities, etc …
9. Is Certalarm scheme complying with the level System 5 ?
   Yes. All CertAlarm certificates are now issued in System 5, ISO/IEC Guide 67.
10. How is checked the Quality level of the CertAlarm partners (labs and certifiers) ?
    First of all, they must be accredited for the products they are assessing, then they are audited by an independent auditor, there is a follow-up of the CertAlarm management through the database, finally a continuous surveillance of the labs is achieved thanks to annual round-robin tests.
11. How long does it takes to get a CertAlarm certificate for a new product, valid all over Europe ?
    CertAlarm Certification is based on ONE test lab (for one product), consequently the time needed for a European certification is much shorter than any  other certification schemes.
12. In any case, should I contact a Contracted Certification Body (CCB) ?
    Yes, the CCB analyses the test report and issues the CertAlarm certificate (System 5).
13. In any case, should I contact a Recognized Test Lab (RTL) ?
    If you have a test report made by an accredited lab, you can contact directly a CCB. This possibility is granted only during the transfer period until 16 May 2013. After 16 May 2013, you will have to contact a RTL.
14. What is the cost of the CertAlarm label ?
    The label fee is 400 € per year and per certificate, valid all over Europe. However if you are requesting several certificates, the price is decreasing according to the quantities (please contact a CCB or CertAlarm). The lower level is 50 € per year and per certificate.
15. What are the costs for a certificate transfer until 16 May 2013 ?
    In that case, you just need to contact one or several CCBs and to request a quote for the certification service directly to the CCBs.
16. What are the costs for a CertAlarm certificate for a new product ?
    In that case, you need to contact one or several RTLs and CCBs (could be the same company). Then you ask for a quote directly. When the CertAlarm certificate is issued, the CertAlarm label fee is invoiced by the CCB.
17. When do I have to pay the CertAlarm label fee ?  In all cases, the CertAlarm label has to be paid to the CCB, which transfers it to CertAlarm AISBL.
18. How is CertAlarm being run ? 
    CertAlarm is an AISBL, non-profit association, located in Brussels. All interest groups can be represented: Labs and certifiers, Manufacturers, Insurers, Endusers and Authorities.
19. Do I need to be registered in the CertAlarm database ?  Yes, you need to register once in the CertAlarm database. The one and only registration fee costs 3000 € per headquarters (whose address is mentioned on the certificate). See  How to register
20. How can I check the Quality level of CertAlarm scheme ?
    Please see in the website, the CertAlarm Rules R-01, R-02, R-03 and R-04.
21. A lot of (security) products are certified on level 1 to 3, why should we go to level 5 ?
    In several European countries, level 5 is mandatory. CertAlarm is valid all over Europe, so CertAlarm complies with System 5, which is the highest quality level.
22. How many standards are covered by the CertAlarm scheme ?
    Up to now, for fire products : 21 standards, for intrusion products : 11 standards, for transmission : 8 standards. This will be updated with the new forthcoming standards. See the Rules R-02 and Standards
23. What are the probable evolutions of CertAlarm within the next years ?
    CertAlarm will also be operational in the field of Inspection Bodies, with a high quality Mark available for installers.
    CertAlarm will increase the number of Partners (RTLs and CCBs) in order to be present in the main European countries.
24. Can I become Member of CertAlarm AISBL ?
    If you are:

• Manufacturer
• End User
• Assessment body
• Insurer
• you can apply to become Member of CertAlarm Association.
  (see application form in website).