The Licensing Question Most Churches Never Think to Ask (But Should)
Picture this: You're halfway through your church's AV installation when someone in a hard hat and a clipboard walks in with four words that'll ruin your week: "Cease work order."
Turns out your integrator isn't actually licensed to work in your state. Oops.
Here's the thing – when churches are vetting AV integrators, they ask about portfolios, budgets, and timelines. Smart questions, all of them. But there's one question that rarely comes up, and it's the one that can make or break your entire project:
Is your integrator actually licensed to do business in your state?
We know. Riveting stuff. But stick with us – this matters more than you think.
Welcome to the Wild West of AV Licensing
Audiovisual integration doesn't have some nice, tidy blanket certification that works everywhere. Each state writes its own playbook, and some of those playbooks are... creative. While there are common low-voltage standards floating around, AV work often gets carved out into its own special category of bureaucratic fun.
The result? A patchwork of state-specific requirements that would make a compliance attorney weep. Some integrators navigate this maze properly. Others... well, let's just say they take a more "wing it and hope for the best" approach.
Spoiler alert: Hope is not a strategy.
What It Actually Takes to Get Licensed (Hint: It's Not Easy)
Think getting licensed is just about filling out forms and writing checks? That's adorable.
Most states require integrators to prove they know what they're doing before they can even apply. We're talking:
Around 4,000 hours of documented experience (that's roughly two years of full-time work)
Financial audits that make tax season look fun
Comprehensive testing on everything from code compliance to technical knowledge
Professional interviews where someone who knows their stuff decides if you know yours
Ongoing education because apparently learning never stops
The timeline? Anywhere from six months to two years. So when someone tells you they can "get licensed real quick" for your project, that's your cue to start looking elsewhere.
When Things Go Sideways (And They Will)
What happens when an unlicensed integrator gets caught? Nothing good:
Immediate cease work orders that turn your installation timeline into confetti
Heavy fines that somehow become your problem to solve
Loss of ability to work in that state, leaving you with half-finished work and no one to finish it
Liability issues that make everyone's lawyers very, very busy
The best part? This information is all public. Anyone can look up who's actually licensed and who's just playing dress-up. We see integrators posting work on social media from states where a quick database search shows they're not licensed. It's like watching someone speed past a speed trap while posting about it on Instagram.
Bold choice.
It's Not Just About the Paperwork
Licensing isn't some bureaucratic box-checking exercise. It's a signal that a company has:
Real expertise backed by documented experience
Professional business practices that protect both parties
Proper insurance because things sometimes go wrong
Commitment to doing things right even when no one's watching
When you work with a properly licensed integrator, you're working with people who've proven they're serious about their craft. They've invested the time, money, and effort to do business the right way.
States Where This Really Matters
If your church is in one of these states, the licensing conversation isn't optional:
California, New Mexico, Arizona, Louisiana, Washington, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Virginia.
This list isn't exhaustive, and rules change faster than software updates. When in doubt, ask. Always.
Questions That Separate the Pros from the Pretenders
Before you sign anything, ask these questions (and don't accept vague answers):
"Show me your license for our state." Documentation, not just confident nodding.
"What's your license number so we can verify it?" Public information means public verification.
"What's your backup plan if you face licensing issues mid-project?" Professional companies have contingencies.
"How does your insurance align with state licensing requirements?" These two usually dance together.
"How long have you been licensed here?" Experience with local codes matters.
The Real Cost of Cutting Corners
Working with an unlicensed integrator is like building on quicksand. Everything might look fine until it doesn't, and then it really doesn't.
Picture explaining to your congregation why the AV installation is stalled because your integrator can't legally work on the project anymore. Or discovering that the completed work doesn't meet local codes and needs to be redone. These aren't hypothetical nightmares – they're real scenarios that happen to real churches.
Working with properly licensed integrators means:
Confidence that work meets local standards
Protection through proper insurance and bonding
Continuity when you need service or support
Peace of mind that someone who knows the rules is running the show
How We Handle This at Summit
At Summit, we don't just talk about doing things right – we actually do them. Every state where we work, we're properly licensed. Every project we take on, we have the legal right to be there.
This isn't about being rule-followers (though we are). It's about integrity. When we say we're going to handle your project, that includes handling all the behind-the-scenes work that makes sure we can actually deliver on that promise.
Is getting licensed in multiple states expensive? Yes. Time-consuming? Absolutely. Worth it to ensure we can serve our clients without any nasty surprises? Without question.
Don't Wait to Ask
If you're working with an integrator now or considering one, ask about licensing today. Remember, getting licensed takes months or years – you can't just decide to do it when someone asks.
The bottom line: A company that cuts corners on basic business requirements like licensing might cut corners elsewhere too. Your church's investment deserves better than crossed fingers and hope.
Want to verify if we're licensed in your state? Just ask – we're happy to provide our license numbers and documentation. Because when it comes to your church's investment in audiovisual technology, you deserve complete transparency and professional integrity. Let’s talk about what integrated excellence looks like for your church. And you can check out more resources here.