A method, apparatus, remote accessory and authentication server are
provided for facilitating operations such as an authenticated test of
life safety equipment having components including a control panel and
sensors. The life safety equipment requires testing according to a fire
code. An access procedure is conducted to identify equipment and testing
requirements and to establish a communication session between the
equipment and an authentication server during an authenticated test.
Another access procedure is conducted to provide access for a remote
device for facilitating the authenticated test and to establish a
communication session between the remote device and an alarm system or
authentication server, or the like. Information associated with an
impending activation of one of the sensors is received from the remote
device and information associated with the sensor, when activated, is
reported if detected by the alarm system, to the authentication server
and the reported activation information is forwarded to the remote
device. Authentication information associated with the activated sensor
whether or not detected is received from the remote device and an
authenticated report is forwarded to the remote device when all of the
alarm condition sensors are tested according to test procedures.