About ESTI.

ESTI is a licensed postsecondary institution in Tempe, Arizona, dedicated to producing the next generation of electronic security technicians through applied, hands-on technical education.

Designed with Purpose. Built for the Trade.

ESTI provides structured, hands-on technical education aligned with the evolving needs of the electronic security and low-voltage systems industry. Our instructional model emphasizes applied learning, technical competency, and professional standards consistent with real-world field environments — because that's what the job demands.

That same standard extends to safety. Safety is foundational at ESTI — reinforced daily and built into every pillar of the program, with curriculum grounded in NEC and BICSI standards. We don't treat safety as a single module to be checked off; we treat it as a discipline — reinforced every day, because the technicians we send into the field carry responsibility for themselves, their crew, and the customer.

What Is ESTI Built to Do?

Electronic security systems have become increasingly complex, integrated, and software-driven. Employers face growing challenges in identifying and developing professionals who can confidently install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain modern systems.

ESTI was built to address that gap — through applied, lab-based instruction that reflects current industry practices rather than purely theoretical or introductory coursework. Our goal is to prepare learners to meet professional expectations through structured technical training and practical experience.

Our Philosophy.

ESTI is founded on the belief that effective technical education must closely mirror the conditions, tools, and challenges technicians encounter in the field. Our instructional approach emphasizes three things:

Applied Technical Instruction

70% of program time is spent in the lab — installing, terminating, configuring, and troubleshooting live systems under instructor supervision

Industry-Standard Equipment

Students train on platforms they will actually encounter on the job: Software House, LenelS2, Hirsch, Genetec, Avigilon, Axis Communications, Milestone, Hanwha, DMP, and Aiphone

Scenario-Based Problem Solving

Real-world failure modes — bad terminations, network outages, camera faults — are simulated so students learn to diagnose and resolve

Leadership & Governance.

ESTI is lead by professionals with extensive experience in electronic security systems, technical operations, and industry analysis. Our leadership team is committed to building an institution that prioritizes instructional quality, operational safety, and regulatory compliance from inception.

Seth Ferrier

Founder and Executive Director

Leads institutional strategy, industry partnerships, and long-term vision for ESTI. Founded the institute to close a persistent gap between classroom training and field-ready technician performance.

PATTY WALLACH

DIRECTOR OF TRAINING

Leads curriculum development, instructor standards, and student progress monitoring across all programs. Ensures every element of ESTI training translates from the lab into measurable competency in the field.

Institutional policies, faculty standards, and operational procedures are designed to align with Arizona statutes and administrative rules governing private postsecondary education. ESTI operates under the oversight of the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education and maintains current documentation of facilities, curriculum, faculty qualifications, and institutional policies as required for ongoing licensure.

Commitment to Safety & Standards.

ESTI integrates safety and compliance awareness throughout every program. Safety is reinforced on the lab floor every day, not taught as a one-time module.

Every graduate leaves ESTI with:

Working knowledge of job-site safety practices and PPE standards
Familiarity with informational content from NEC and BICSI
Applied understanding of fire-rated walls, doors, and penetration requirements
Completion of OSHA 10 Construction training (when enrolled in the OSHA 10 and Aerial Lift Safety program)

Looking Ahead.

ESTI is building advanced and refresher courses to support long-term skill development beyond certification. With continued access to instructors, learning remains ongoing— aligned with an industry that never stands still.

See How ESTI Trains the Next Generation.

Explore Core Areas

Electronic Security Technical Institute (ESTI) is a conditionally licensed postsecondary institution granted by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.

7850 S. Hardy Dr. Suite 116
Tempe, AZ 85284
(480) 712-1616