Question 1

Does this certify me or license my company?

Accepted Answer

No. SignQualify Academy does not provide certification or electrical licensing. The Academy is an instructional, hands-on learning experience designed to build practical understanding of electrical sign fabrication and installation while working alongside licensed professionals. Licensing requirements vary by state and are governed by local authorities.

Question 2

After attending the Academy, can our team install electrical signs?

Accepted Answer

Yes! When working under SignQualify’s license, permit, and oversight...
Following Academy training, teams may perform electrical sign installation on projects permitted through SignQualify, where:
 • Permits are pulled under SignQualify’s license
 • Permit drawings are reviewed and signed off by SignQualify Professionals
 • Work is completed with SignQualify guidance and compliance oversight
 • Installations are documented as part of your center’s operating history
This structure allows teams to gain real-world experience legally, while building toward the hours and history required to pursue independent qualification in the future.
The Academy itself does not grant licensing or independent authorization.

Question 3

Is the Academy required to use SignQualify?

Accepted Answer

No. Participation in SignQualify Academy is completely optional. 
Many centers use SignQualify successfully without attending the Academy. 
The Academy exists for owners and teams who want to deepen their hands-on knowledge and accelerate their path toward long-term independence.

Question 4

Who teaches the Academy?

Accepted Answer

Academy sessions are led by licensed master electricians and experienced electrical sign professionals with real-world installation and fabrication expertise. 
Training takes place in an active sign fabrication environment and focuses on practical, real-job learning rather than classroom theory.

Question 5

Is this only for FASTSIGNS franchise owners?

Accepted Answer

SignQualify Academy is designed primarily for FASTSIGNS franchise owners and their teams, but availability may extend to other qualified sign companies depending on session capacity. FASTSIGNS participants receive priority access.

Question 6

Can multiple team members attend?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Multiple team members from the same center may attend, space permitting. 
The Academy is well-suited for owners, production managers, installation leads, or team members on a long-term qualification pathway. 
Each attendee must register individually.

Question 7

Do you provide lodging, meals, or transportation?

Accepted Answer

No. Travel, lodging, meals, and transportation are not included. 
Upon acceptance, attendees will receive a list of recommended hotels, restaurants, and nearby vendors to help plan their visit.

Question 8

Where does the Academy take place?

Accepted Answer

The Academy is held at a SignQualify training warehouse in Boca Raton, Florida 33431. 
Location details, directions, and arrival instructions are provided directly after scheduling your visit.

Question 9

What should attendees bring or wear?

Accepted Answer

Attendees should wear comfortable work clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for a fabrication and installation environment. 
All specialized tools and materials required for training are provided.

Question 10

Is this classroom-based or hands-on?

Accepted Answer

SignQualify Academy is primarily hands-on and practical, with instruction delivered directly in a working fabrication environment. 
Participants will observe, assist, and engage with real equipment and installations under professional supervision.

Question 11

I clicked on a template, but it’s a PDF—how do I edit it?

Accepted Answer

Our drawing templates are layered Adobe Illustrator PDFs. Share them with your internal graphic designer. They can:
 • Open the file in Illustrator
 • Add site visit photos, notes, and dimensions
 • Export the updated version as a PDF for uploading
If you're using another design program (like Photoshop, Affinity, or Canva Pro), make sure it supports layered PDF editing. Contact us if you need a .PSD or .AI version.

Question 12

What are the drawing templates for?

Accepted Answer

These templates provide a professional, branded layout for your sign drawings. These include our state specific license number and dedicated sections for the necessary approval signatures. Use them to present:
 • Photos from your site visit (existing conditions + measurements) 
 • Overlay graphics of the proposed sign location (accurately scaled)
 • Measurements, materials, sign dimensions, and side elevation (utilize the electrical side elevation guide on the template)
 • Aerial view of the sign location 
(please note the last page is blank and is to be used for a google maps screenshot / aerial view of the proposed sign location)

Question 13

Can I customize the template?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The templates are designed to be edited. Just make sure:
 • You don’t delete or move the header/footer branding
 • You preserve the locked layers for permit compliance

Question 14

How do I upload finished drawings + documents?

Accepted Answer

Export your updated template as a flattened PDF and your filled out permit documents - include it in your next permit submission via the Upload tab.

Question 15

What do I need in order to complete my drawings?

Accepted Answer

Before starting your drawings please make sure you have the following... 
 • Clear and straight photos from your site visit
 • Logo provided / approved design by client
 • Measurements of existing storefront and approved sign dimensions

Question 16

What do I do after I download my permit documents?

Accepted Answer

After downloading our prefilled documents from your permit documents folder please proceed to fill out the remaining highlighted sections. 
Every section must be filled out including the signature of the landlord / property owner.

Once all sections are filled in and the documents are completed please include it in your next permit submission via the Upload tab as a PDF file.

Question 17

What does indemnity mean in this context?

Accepted Answer

Indemnity means that SignQualify’s agreements are written to protect you from liability as long as you follow our permit use terms. If a permit is used improperly, our legal team handles revocation and shielding you from legal consequences.

Question 18

Is it legal to submit permits through SignQualify?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SignQualify operates through legally registered LLCs in each licensed state. These LLCs are backed by verified electrical sign contractors, and your access is protected through formal agreements and oversight.

Question 19

Can I use the license for any project?

Accepted Answer

Only for projects that meet our usage criteria. Permits must be submitted through approved documents, and the work must align with the type of signage covered under the license for that state.

Question 20

What happens if someone misuses a license?

Accepted Answer

Each permit submission is tracked through our system. If terms are violated, access is revoked for that user, and we maintain legal separation through the LLCs. You are not liable for another subscriber’s misuse.

Question 21

Do I get proof that I’m using a valid license?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When onboarded, you’ll receive compliance documentation, license information tied to your assigned LLC, and templates that show permitted use.

Question 22

How is license oversight handled?

Accepted Answer

All licenses are monitored by SignQualify and the licensed contractors behind each LLC. Our system includes checks to ensure that license holders maintain good standing and remain compliant with state regulations.

Question 23

Can I speak to someone about my specific state’s requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once subscribed, you’ll be assigned a compliance contact who can walk you through permit submission processes and answer state-specific questions.

Question 24

What happens if a suitable electrical supply is not available?

Accepted Answer

If a suitable electrical supply is not available at the time of installation, the sign will still be installed and electrically tested using a portable power supply to demonstrate full sign functionality. 
In this case, installation will be considered 100% complete as priced between you and the customer.
SignQualify® will then provide an estimate for any additional electrical work required. 
Any additional work will proceed only upon the customer approval and payment.

Question 25

Should I include wall thickness and access in my price?

Accepted Answer

Yes — your installation pricing should assume the wall or substrate:
 • Is no more than 18 inches thick, and
 • Allows access to the opposite side of the wall to complete electrical connections
If the wall is discovered to be thicker than 18 inches, or if access cannot be gained at the time of installation, SignQualify® master electrician will provide an estimate for the additional work required. Work will proceed only after approval of the additional cost.

Question 26

Are city or county permit fees included in my membership or subscription?

Accepted Answer

No. City or county permit fees are not included in the SignQualify® service. 
These fees vary based on location, sign type, and municipal requirements and are determined solely by the permitting authority.
Because permit fees are set by the city or county, SignQualify® cannot estimate them in advance. Fees are finalized only when the permit is fully approved and closed.
Fees must be paid in one of two ways:
 • Directly by the customer to the city or county, or
 • Paid by your FASTSIGNS location on the customer’s behalf and then invoiced for the exact amount once all charges have been issued

Need help understanding your obligations? Contact our Compliance Support team

Review the terms and conditions for using the SignQualify website,
including user responsibilities, service limitations, and legal disclaimers.

Compliance is our commitment.
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We currently hold active contractor or master electrician licenses in 41 states and counting.

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