HTA Certification Defined - USA and Canada

Over 26 industry experts plus the Home Technology Association’s esteemed Board of Advisors have weighed in to create the rigorous standards of HTA Certification. Our goal is to empower consumers, architects, builders, and interior designers with the best information possible so that they may research and hire the best home technology integration firms for their projects. HTA Certification requirements for the USA and Canada are listed below. For United Kingdom requirements, click here.

All HTA Certified companies meet the following criteria:

• Ownership and management team must have 3+ years of successful business performance
• A stellar reputation in the marketplace
• A demonstrated history of technical competence
• A demonstrated history of providing high-quality aftercare service
• No significant litigation history
• Do not have tax liens
• At least $1M of liability insurance
• Have not filed bankruptcy in at least the past 5 years
• Must perform background checks on all new employees
• Agree to provide a copy of control system programming code to client
• The ability to deliver high-performance professional-grade computer networks
• Endorsements from at least three manufacturers
• Endorsements from at least three local industry professionals
• Endorsements from at least three design/build professionals *
• Have Worker's Compensation insurance if required by state
• The ability to deliver engineering documentation and as-built drawings (Estate & Luxury tiers only)
• The ability to deliver high-performance theater acoustical design (Estate & Luxury tiers only)
• A demonstrated history of delivering a high-quality home automation experience (Estate & Luxury tiers only)

HTA Certified companies are divided into three categories:

• Foundation

• Luxury

• Estate

These classifications are designed to help you find the right fit for your project based on budget, complexity, and scale. Here is a general overview of the three categories, though we suggest that you interview three companies in the category that seems like the best fit. Most homeowners do not exactly fit into any one of these categories, though look for the most compatible category. For advice on hiring the right technology installation firm for your needs, read the “How to Hire a Technology Pro” article by clicking here.

Definition of HTA Certified “Foundation” **

HTA Certified Foundation companies typically specialize in the following:

• Residences 5,000 square feet and under
• Residences with simpler technology needs
• Homeowners who expect quality customer service
• Projects that take days or weeks to complete, not months
• Projects with technology budgets generally of $50,000 or less

Definition of HTA Certified “Luxury” **

HTA Certified Luxury companies typically specialize in the following:

• Luxury residences between 5,000 - 10,000 square feet
• Residences with more advanced technology needs
• Residences with high-end interior design and architecture
• Deploy professional-grade smart home / home automation systems
• High-performance home theater and home audio systems
• Homeowners who expect a luxury-brand customer service experience
• Homeowners who believe that technology is an important feature of their home
• Projects that take weeks or months to complete
• Typically collaborate with luxury home architects, builders, and interior designers
• Can document all your home’s technology systems through an engineering plan set
• Projects with technology budgets generally in the $50,000 - $250,000 range

Definition of HTA Certified “Estate” **

HTA Certified Estate companies typically specialize in the following:

• Luxury residences of any size, though with the skill set needed for residences 10,000 square feet and up, often with multiple structures
• Residences with complex or large-scale technology needs
• Residences with world-class interior design and architecture
• Residences with domestic staff
• Homeowners who have multiple residences
• Customized smart home / home automation systems
• High-performance and ultra-high-performance home theater and home audio systems
• Homeowners who expect a concierge-level customer service experience
• Homeowners who understand that technology is integral to the operation of their home
• Projects that take months or years complete
• High levels of design, engineering documentation, and project planning
• Highest level of system performance and craftsmanship
• Projects at all budget levels though frequently work with technology budgets of $250,000+

Click here to find HTA Certified installers

* A requirement of the Estate & Luxury tiers, Foundation certified firms must be endorsed by at least three customers and/or trades
** These are general guidelines. We encourage you to carefully review the company data in the dealer listings to get the exact range of projects and services each company specializes in.