EN 50518 establishes mandatory requirements across Europe for the design, construction, organization and technical functions and performance of Monitoring and Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs). ARCs are continuously manned centres that receive, monitor, and process alarm and fault signals - typically those generated by alarm systems such as intruder and hold-up alarm systems or fire detection systems. These systems form an integral part of an object's overall protection and security concept.

The certification procedure is described in our Guidelines for the Certification of Alarm Receiving Centres in accordance with EN 50518 - VdS 3137en.
In accordance with EN 50518, an annual audit by a certification body accredited under ISO/IEC 17065 is mandatory to ensure conformity with the standard.
The certification body of VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH is accredited by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS - Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH) to conduct this conformity assessment. As the national accreditation body of the Federal Republic of Germany, headquartered in Berlin, DAkkS independently assesses, confirms, and monitors the technical competence of laboratories, inspection bodies, and certification bodies.

The certification procedure is described in VdS 3137en (Guidelines for the Certification of Alarm Receiving Centres in accordance with EN 50518). It comprises:

• Application and document review (VdS 3137en, Annex A)
• Initial on-site audit by a VdS auditor
• Evaluation and issuance of the certificate upon confirmed conformity
• Annual surveillance audit to maintain certification
• Recertification upon expiry of the certificate’s validity period

Certification documents (guidelines, application form, terms and conditions) are available for download in the Publications section.