NSI Gold is the highest accreditation level offered by the National Security Inspectorate, the UK's leading certification body for the security and fire industries. Gold-rated providers are independently audited annually against three layered standards — the relevant technical standard (e.g. BS 8243 for confirmed alarms), ISO 9001 quality management, and the NSI's own Gold scheme requirements. NSI also operates Bronze and Silver tiers, which audit fewer dimensions. NSI Gold is most commonly seen on companies that install monitored alarms, monitored CCTV, fire detection systems, and Alarm Receiving Centres.
Issued by
National Security Inspectorate (NSI), an independent UKAS-accredited certification body.
Why it matters
If your insurer requires a monitored alarm or CCTV system, or your local police require a URN-registered system for confirmed-alarm response, the install company almost always has to be NSI Gold (or SSAIB Gold) accredited. Gold is the procurement default for serious insurance and police engagement.
Questions to ask a provider
- Which NSI Gold scheme are you certified to (Alarm, CCTV, Fire, ARC)?
- When was your last NSI audit and were any non-conformances raised?
- Can your install be UKAS-traceable to your NSI certificate?
Related terms
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