Question:
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Ken
I had a question for you :
What are the risks that involves being a qualifier for another (local) company?
Thanks
Sincerely
Karim
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Answer:
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This question came from an alarm company in New York, a state that requires that alarm sellers, installers and those that service alarm equipment, be licensed. The license is held by an individual who qualified for the license. This practice is not too different from other alarm license laws in other states. If your state doesn't have an alarm license requirement, and you don't do alarm business in any state that does require an alarm license, then you need not read any farther.
If you are an individual who has qualified for an alarm license and you are asked to be the qualifier for a company that you otherwise have no interest in, you are being asked to put your license on the line. There are only two scenarios that I see. One, you legitimately go to work for the company and undertake all of the responsibility required of a license holder, or two, you don't really involve yourself with the company and merely lend your license. There is nothing wrong with the first scenario, but the second is illegal; it's called availing your license and you can be fined and your license revoked if you're caught. So if your license means anything to you, don't "avail" your license.
Qualifiers are responsible for the activities of the company with respect to alarm installations and operation, but no personal liability attaches because you hold the license.
Check your state's license law before deciding whether you will qualify for your own company or another company.