NICET Certification in Fire Alarm Systems - ETNEWS.ORG · 2004-10-01 · General 18 Level II –...

NICETNICET CertificationCertificationin Fire Alarm Systemsin Fire Alarm Systems

A StepA Step--byby--step Guidestep GuideBy: Michael B. Baker, SETBy: Michael B. Baker, SETMichael Baker & Associates, Inc.Michael Baker & Associates, Inc.P.O. Box 737P.O. Box 737Gladstone, OR 97027Gladstone, OR 97027(503) 657(503) 657--88888888

Copyright © 1998Copyright © 1998Copyright © 1998---2002 by Michael B. Baker. All rights reserved.2002 by Michael B. Baker. All rights reserved.2002 by Michael B. Baker. All rights reserved.

Friendly RemindersFriendly Reminders

•• ExitsExits•• Please silence your phone, pager, PDA, Please silence your phone, pager, PDA,

Palm, Palm, PocketPCPocketPC, WAP, Blackberry, et al, WAP, Blackberry, et al•• Latrine, Latrine, gedunkgedunk, smokers, and sweepers, smokers, and sweepers•• Scheduled for 8Scheduled for 8--55•• BreaksBreaks


IntroductionsIntroductions• Name• Employer• What do you expect from this class?• “I understand Fire Alarm Systems…”

1. Huh?2. Somewhat 3. Reasonably well4. I’m an Imperial Fire Wizard


AgendaAgendaWhat this seminar isWhat this seminar is

•• A review of NICETA review of NICET•• A review of the certification processA review of the certification process•• How to prepare for a NICET examHow to prepare for a NICET exam

What this seminar is notWhat this seminar is not•• A NICET examA NICET exam•• A course in Fire Alarm SystemsA course in Fire Alarm Systems


AgendaAgenda•• NICET BackgroundNICET Background•• NICET by StateNICET by State•• 3 Steps to Certification3 Steps to Certification•• What to Expect on Exam DayWhat to Expect on Exam Day•• TestTest--taking Tacticstaking Tactics•• “Now What?”“Now What?”•• Greasing the SkidsGreasing the Skids•• Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources


NICET BackgroundNICET Background

•• National Institute for Certification in National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.Engineering Technologies.

•• Founded in 1961.Founded in 1961.•• A notA not--forfor--profit division of NSPE.profit division of NSPE.•• The NICET mission is to be an The NICET mission is to be an

independent evaluator of knowledge and independent evaluator of knowledge and experience…experience…



•• JobJob--task certification program developed task certification program developed in 1976 while NICET was working on a US in 1976 while NICET was working on a US Federal Highway Administration contract.Federal Highway Administration contract.•• Job tasksJob tasks---->work element>work element---->ET specialty>ET specialty•• OverOver 104,000 certificates in 40 categories104,000 certificates in 40 categories•• Fire Alarm Systems program since 1988Fire Alarm Systems program since 1988•• Over 8000 certified as of 7/2/02Over 8000 certified as of 7/2/02


NICET BackgroundNICET BackgroundFire Alarm System Certificates as of 7/2/02Fire Alarm System Certificates as of 7/2/02

U.S. Total U.S. Total -- 83428342Level I Level I –– 1833 II 1833 II –– 4658 III 4658 III –– 1254 IV 1254 IV –– 597597

OR Total OR Total -- 102102Level I Level I –– 33 II 33 II –– 49 III 49 III –– 10 IV 10 IV –– 1010

WA Total WA Total -- 188188Level I Level I –– 43 II 43 II –– 108 III 108 III –– 20 IV 20 IV –– 1717



•• GeotechnicalGeotechnical•• Construction, Exploration, Construction, Exploration,

Laboratory, GeneralistLaboratory, Generalist•• Industrial InstrumentationIndustrial Instrumentation•• Land Management & Water Land Management & Water

ControlControl•• Erosion & Sediment Erosion & Sediment

ControlControl•• Low Voltage Electronic Low Voltage Electronic

Communications SystemsCommunications Systems•• Audio SystemsAudio Systems

•• TransportationTransportation•• Bridge Safety Bridge Safety

InspectionInspection•• Highway ConstructionHighway Construction•• Highway DesignHighway Design•• Highway MaintenanceHighway Maintenance•• Highway MaterialsHighway Materials•• Highway SurveysHighway Surveys•• Highway Traffic Highway Traffic

OperationsOperations•• Underground and Utilities Underground and Utilities

ConstructionConstruction•• Water & Sewer LinesWater & Sewer Lines

Over 104,000 certificates in 40 fieldsOver 104,000 certificates in 40 fields


NICET BackgroundNICET BackgroundOver 104,000 certificates in 40 fieldsOver 104,000 certificates in 40 fields

•• Building ConstructionBuilding Construction•• Water & Wastewater Water & Wastewater

PlantsPlants•• Geosynthetic Materials Geosynthetic Materials

Installation InspectionInstallation Inspection•• CSPE Geomembranes, CSPE Geomembranes,

HDPE Geomembranes, HDPE Geomembranes, VLDPE/LLDPE VLDPE/LLDPE Geomembranes, Geomembranes, Geosynthetic Clay Liners, Geosynthetic Clay Liners, Geotextiles, Geonets, Geotextiles, Geonets, Geogrids, Geosynthetic Geogrids, Geosynthetic Appurtenances

•• Construction Materials Construction Materials TestingTesting•• Asphalt, Concrete, SoilsAsphalt, Concrete, Soils

•• Fire Protection Engineering Fire Protection Engineering TechnologyTechnology•• Automatic Sprinkler Automatic Sprinkler

Systems LayoutSystems Layout•• Fire Alarm SystemsFire Alarm Systems•• Inspection & Testing of Inspection & Testing of

WaterWater--Based SystemsBased Systems•• Special Hazards Special Hazards

Suppression SystemsSuppression SystemsAppurtenances


NICET BackgroundNICET BackgroundValue of NICET certificationValue of NICET certification

•• Increased professional stature.Increased professional stature.•• Increased opportunities for advancement.Increased opportunities for advancement.•• Quick entry into job assignments that would Quick entry into job assignments that would

otherwise require extensive onotherwise require extensive on--thethe--job job training.training.

•• Opportunities for job assignments where Opportunities for job assignments where there are regulations or contract provisions there are regulations or contract provisions that require NICET certification.that require NICET certification.


NICET by StateNICET by State•• Alaska Alaska –– InstallInstall--Level II; DesignLevel II; Design--Level III.Level III.•• Idaho Idaho –– No known requirements.No known requirements.•• Montana Montana –– Level II allows an installer to Level II allows an installer to

work with all brands of fire alarm equip.work with all brands of fire alarm equip.•• Oregon Oregon –– Varies by municipality.Varies by municipality.•• Washington Washington –– RCW changes comingRCW changes coming……•• Trend Trend –– Install: Level II; Design: Level III.Install: Level II; Design: Level III.•• 25 States require NICET at some level.25 States require NICET at some level.


3 Steps to Certification3 Steps to CertificationStep 1: The Four Certification Criteria:• Relevant Work Experience• Written Examination• Supervisor Evaluation• Personal Recommendation

Step 2: Technician Application FormStep 3: The Examination


STEP 1STEP 1Review the Four Certification CriteriaReview the Four Certification Criteria

1 1 -- Relevant work experienceRelevant work experience•• Level I Level I -- several monthsseveral months•• Level II Level II -- 2 years minimum2 years minimum•• Level III Level III -- 5 years minimum5 years minimum•• Level IV Level IV -- 10 years minimum10 years minimum

2 2 -- Written examinationWritten examination3 3 -- Supervisor evaluationSupervisor evaluation4 4 -- Personal recommendationPersonal recommendation


STEP 2STEP 2Technician Application FormTechnician Application Form

Part I Part I –– Applicant InformationApplicant InformationSection 1: Personal InformationSection 1: Personal Information

A: Name, address, phone number, email, & SSNA: Name, address, phone number, email, & SSNB: Employer name, address, phone #, and positionB: Employer name, address, phone #, and positionC: Has your last name changed?C: Has your last name changed?D: Engineering or engineering tech. student?D: Engineering or engineering tech. student?

Section 2: ObjectivesSection 2: ObjectivesA: Applying for certification or;A: Applying for certification or;B: Applying for examination onlyB: Applying for examination only

Section 3: Statement of UnderstandingSection 3: Statement of Understanding



Part II Part II -- ExaminationExaminationSection 1: Examination SchedulingSection 1: Examination Scheduling•• 11stst & 2& 2ndnd choice of test centerschoice of test centers•• First come first servedFirst come first served

Section 2: Work Element Selection & Section 2: Work Element Selection & VerifVerif..•• Field code, element ID & title, & verifierField code, element ID & title, & verifier’’s initialss initials•• Enter up to 34 work elementsEnter up to 34 work elements

Section 3: Statement of VerificationSection 3: Statement of Verification•• Name, signature, and initials of verifier (Part III)Name, signature, and initials of verifier (Part III)•• Include payment for examInclude payment for exam



20022002

Test Center Test Center OR1OR1 –– PCCPCC-- Sylvania CampusSylvania Campus

Cycle 1Cycle 1 Cycle 2Cycle 2 Cycle 3Cycle 3 Cycle 4Cycle 4EXAM EXAM …… Jan 26Jan 26 Apr 20Apr 20 Jul 27Jul 27 Nov 16Nov 16MAIL MAIL ………… Dec 8Dec 8 Mar 2Mar 2 Jun 8Jun 8 Sep 28Sep 28



20022002Test Center Test Center OR2OR2 -- Clackamas Community CollegeClackamas Community College

Cycle 1Cycle 1 Cycle 2Cycle 2 Cycle 3Cycle 3 Cycle 4Cycle 4EXAM EXAM …… Jan 26Jan 26 Jun 22Jun 22 Sep 14Sep 14 Nov 16Nov 16MAIL MAIL ………… Dec 8Dec 8 May 4May 4 Jul 27Jul 27 Sep 28Sep 28



20022002

Test Center Test Center WA1WA1 –– Bates Tech. College Bates Tech. College -- TacomaTacoma

Cycle 1Cycle 1 Cycle 2Cycle 2 Cycle 3Cycle 3 Cycle 4Cycle 4EXAM EXAM …… Feb 23Feb 23 May 18May 18 Sep 14Sep 14 Dec 14Dec 14MAIL MAIL ………… Jan 5Jan 5 Mar 30Mar 30 Jul 27Jul 27 Oct 26Oct 26



20022002

Test Center Test Center WA2WA2 –– Walla Walla CCWalla Walla CC

Cycle 1Cycle 1 Cycle 2Cycle 2 Cycle 3Cycle 3 Cycle 4Cycle 4EXAM EXAM …… Jan 26Jan 26 Apr 20Apr 20 Jul 27Jul 27 Oct 19Oct 19MAIL MAIL ………… Dec 8Dec 8 Mar 2Mar 2 Jun 8Jun 8 Aug 31Aug 31



20022002Test Center Test Center WA3WA3 -- Spokane Community CollegeSpokane Community College

Cycle 1Cycle 1 Cycle 2Cycle 2 Cycle 3Cycle 3 Cycle 4Cycle 4EXAM EXAM …… Feb 23Feb 23 May 18May 18 Aug 24Aug 24 Nov 16Nov 16MAIL MAIL ………… Jan 5Jan 5 Mar 30Mar 30 Jul 6Jul 6 Sep 28Sep 28



Part II Part II –– Examination (continued)Examination (continued)Section 2: Work Element Selection & Section 2: Work Element Selection & VerifVerif..•• Field code, element ID & title, & verifierField code, element ID & title, & verifier’’s initialss initials•• Enter up to 34 work elementsEnter up to 34 work elements•• Review the Program Detail ManualReview the Program Detail Manual



Three types of Work Elements:Three types of Work Elements:

GeneralGeneral represent tasks performed regularly represent tasks performed regularly by all technicians in the specialty area. by all technicians in the specialty area. SpecialSpecial may be more specific to certain may be more specific to certain specialty areas within the subfield.specialty areas within the subfield.CoreCore are General Work Elements that must are General Work Elements that must be mastered before a technician can build be mastered before a technician can build on their knowledge and advance to the on their knowledge and advance to the upper levels of certification.upper levels of certification.



Level IILevel IILevel I Level I –– General 6aGeneral 6aLevel I Level I –– SpecialSpecial 22Level II Level II –– General 18General 18Level II Level II –– Special Special 44TotalTotal 30

Level ILevel ILevel I Level I -- GeneralGeneral 66Level I Level I -- SpecialSpecial 22TotalTotal 88

30

(a) Work element 31011 “Basic Metric Units and (a) Work element 31011 “Basic Metric Units and Conversions” must be passed to achieve Conversions” must be passed to achieve certification at levels II, III, and IV.certification at levels II, III, and IV.



Level IVLevel IVLevel I GeneralLevel I General 99Level I Special Level I Special 33Level II GeneralLevel II General 2626Level II SpecialLevel II Special 66Level III GeneralLevel III General 1515Level III SpecialLevel III Special 11Level IV GeneralLevel IV General 66Level IV SpecialLevel IV Special 22TotalTotal 68

Level IIILevel IIILevel I GeneralLevel I General 99Level I SpecialLevel I Special 33Level II GeneralLevel II General 2424Level II SpecialLevel II Special 66Level III GeneralLevel III General 1111Level III SpecialLevel III Special 11TotalTotal 5454

68



Level IVLevel IVLevel I GeneralLevel I General 99Level I SpecialLevel I Special 33Level II General 26Level II General 26Level II SpecialLevel II Special 66Level III General 15Level III General 15Level III SpecialLevel III Special 11Level IV GeneralLevel IV General 66Level IV SpecialLevel IV Special 22Total 68Total 68

Level IIILevel IIILevel I GeneralLevel I General 99Level I SpecialLevel I Special 33Level II General 24Level II General 24Level II SpecialLevel II Special 66Level III General 11Level III General 11Level III SpecialLevel III Special 11Total 54Total 54

Level IILevel IILevel I GeneralLevel I General 66Level I SpecialLevel I Special 22Level II GeneralLevel II General 1818Level II SpecialLevel II Special 44TotalTotal 3030

Level ILevel ILevel I GeneralLevel I General 66Level I SpecialLevel I Special 22TotalTotal 88


5 core

1 non-core

2 special

Level IV5 core

2 non-core

9 special

8 core

7 non-core

1 special

8 core

3 non-core

1 special

Level III8 core

8 non-core

2 special

9 core

17 non-core

6 special

9 core

15 non-core

6 special

18 general(core or non-core)

4 special

Level II9 core

20 non-core

7 special

6 core

2 non-core

- 31011

3 special

6 core

2 non-core

- 31011

3 special


- 31011

2 special


2 special

Level I6 core

- 31011

4 non-core

5 special

Level IV ExamRequirement

Level III Exam Requirement

Level II ExamRequirement

Level I ExamRequirement

AvailableElements

General CoreGeneral CoreGeneral NonGeneral Non--corecoreSpecialSpecial



Part II Part II –– Examination (continued)Examination (continued)Section 3: Statement of VerificationSection 3: Statement of Verification•• Name, signature, and initials of verifier (Part III)Name, signature, and initials of verifier (Part III)•• Include payment for examInclude payment for exam



Part III Part III –– Performance VerificationPerformance VerificationSection 1: ApplicantSection 1: Applicant’’s / Verifier Relationships / Verifier Relationship

A: Verification provided by A: Verification provided by ……B: What if verifier has never supervised applicantB: What if verifier has never supervised applicantC: Your supervisor for what period of timeC: Your supervisor for what period of time

Section 2: VerifierSection 2: Verifier’’s Personal Informations Personal InformationTo be completed by verifierTo be completed by verifier

Section 3: VerifierSection 3: Verifier’’s Statements StatementSign and initial in ink color other than blackSign and initial in ink color other than black



Part IV Part IV –– Work HistoryWork History•• Make copies of the form (page __ of __)Make copies of the form (page __ of __)•• Use a separate page for each positionUse a separate page for each position•• Complete each block of informationComplete each block of informationTo test (with fee):To test (with fee): No test:No test:NICETNICET NICETNICETDept 0037Dept 0037 1420 King Street1420 King StreetWashington DC 20055Washington DC 20055 Alexandria, VA 22314Alexandria, VA 22314



Part V Part V –– Personal Recommendation (1 yr)Personal Recommendation (1 yr)Section 1: ApplicantSection 1: Applicant’’s Statement s Statement ““Policy #2DPolicy #2D””Section 2: RecommenderSection 2: Recommender’’s Informations Information•• Must be qualified (i.e. PE, NICET senior tech.) Must be qualified (i.e. PE, NICET senior tech.) •• Must be familiar with applicants capabilitiesMust be familiar with applicants capabilities•• May not be a relative or nonMay not be a relative or non--tech backgroundtech background

Section 3: Applicant / Recommender Relation.Section 3: Applicant / Recommender Relation.Section 4: RecommenderSection 4: Recommender’’s Evaluations EvaluationSection 5: RecommenderSection 5: Recommender’’s Statements Statement



Education Credit Addendum (optional)Education Credit Addendum (optional)Allows for up to 18 months of work Allows for up to 18 months of work experience towards Level II.experience towards Level II.–– ABET/TACABET/TAC--accredited 2accredited 2-- or 4or 4--year degreeyear degree–– Apply for credit within 1 year of grad.Apply for credit within 1 year of grad.–– Follow the instructions at bottom of formFollow the instructions at bottom of form



1 1 -- ComplaintsComplaints2 2 -- IrregularitiesIrregularities3 3 -- Confidential InfoConfidential Info4 4 -- Certification statusCertification status5 5 -- See #4See #46 6 -- Level IVLevel IV7 7 -- Mailing listsMailing lists8 8 -- Exam security

9 9 -- StatusStatus10 10 -- PDM & GIBPDM & GIB11 11 -- Effective dateEffective date12 12 -- NonNon--refundablerefundable13 13 -- EligibilityEligibility14 14 -- Work experienceWork experience15 15 -- Exam feeExam fee16 16 -- Foreign work exp.Foreign work exp.Exam security



17 17 -- Recommender FormRecommender Form18 18 -- Special examSpecial exam19 19 -- ADAADA20 20 -- Retesting A/BRetesting A/B21 21 -- CrossoverCrossover22 22 -- Release of scoreRelease of score23 23 -- Posting crossoverPosting crossover24 24 -- Exam reschedulingExam rescheduling

25 25 -- ReactivationReactivation26 26 -- DeletionDeletion27 27 -- Copying formsCopying forms28 28 -- Seals & StampsSeals & Stamps29 29 -- Test centerTest center30 30 -- CPDCPD31 31 -- Suspended statusSuspended status



Send your exam application and fee to:Send your exam application and fee to:

NICETNICETc/o Bank of Americac/o Bank of AmericaDept 0037Dept 0037Washington, DC 20055Washington, DC 20055



Technician examTechnician exam $ 150.00$ 150.00Annual Registry feeAnnual Registry fee $ 30.00*$ 30.00*ReRe--certification feecertification fee $ 75.00**$ 75.00**•• Certification is for good for 3 years.Certification is for good for 3 years.•• The registry fee is payable annually and The registry fee is payable annually and

ensures your active status for one year. ensures your active status for one year. •• Renewal after 3 years requires 90 CPD pointsRenewal after 3 years requires 90 CPD points

*Plus $5.00 for each additional certificate*Plus $5.00 for each additional certificate**Plus $15.00 for each certificate**Plus $15.00 for each certificate


STEP 2STEP 2Technician Application FormTechnician Application Form•• Arrive and check in before 8 a.m.Arrive and check in before 8 a.m.•• Test begins at 8:30 a.m.Test begins at 8:30 a.m.

•• Be sure to bring:Be sure to bring:•• Your confirmation notice and picture IDYour confirmation notice and picture ID•• At least (2) #2 pencils and eraserAt least (2) #2 pencils and eraser•• Two highlighters of different colorTwo highlighters of different color•• SelfSelf--powered calculatorpowered calculator•• Code books, handbooks, & bound notesCode books, handbooks, & bound notes

•• Do not bring laptop or unbound notesDo not bring laptop or unbound notes



•• ScantronScantron®® answer sheetanswer sheet•• Expect Expect 55 or 10 questions per elementor 10 questions per element•• Timed questions (Timed questions (aveave. 2 minutes each). 2 minutes each)•• All questions are multiple choiceAll questions are multiple choice•• Pass/Fail Pass/Fail -- 60% required to pass60% required to pass•• Exams over 3 hrs break for 1Exams over 3 hrs break for 1--hr lunchhr lunch•• The proctor is not an exam resourceThe proctor is not an exam resource•• Use your time wiselyUse your time wisely……


TestTest--taking Tacticstaking Tactics•• Check your exit time on the whiteboardCheck your exit time on the whiteboard•• Start reading test until brainStart reading test until brain--lock passes lock passes •• Use 1Use 1stst highlighter on first passhighlighter on first pass•• Complete first pass before lunch breakComplete first pass before lunch break•• Start your 2Start your 2ndnd pass after lunchpass after lunch•• Use 2Use 2ndnd highlighter on 2highlighter on 2ndnd passpass•• After your second pass, guess!After your second pass, guess!•• Review answer sheet in final momentsReview answer sheet in final moments


Now What?Now What?•• A score report will be mailed within 18 daysA score report will be mailed within 18 days•• Certification determined within 90 daysCertification determined within 90 days•• Once certified, use the CET suffix or;Once certified, use the CET suffix or;

TT TT -- Level I (Technician Trainee)Level I (Technician Trainee)AET AET -- Level II (Associate Eng. Tech.)Level II (Associate Eng. Tech.)ETET -- Level III (Engineering Technician)Level III (Engineering Technician)SET SET -- Level IV (Senior Eng. Tech.)Level IV (Senior Eng. Tech.)

•• Track progress with Personal Tally SheetTrack progress with Personal Tally Sheet•• Keep track of your CPD activitiesKeep track of your CPD activities


Greasing the skidsGreasing the skids•• Send NICET everything they need to Send NICET everything they need to

evaluate your eligibility before you test.evaluate your eligibility before you test.•• When your file is reviewed, your When your file is reviewed, your

evaluator will be looking for 3 things:evaluator will be looking for 3 things:•• A good work historyA good work history•• A current personal recommendation from A current personal recommendation from

an appropriate personan appropriate person•• Your supervisor's verification (initials) of Your supervisor's verification (initials) of

work elementswork elements


Greasing the skidsGreasing the skids•• Be sure your work history is detailed, Be sure your work history is detailed,

informative and complete.informative and complete.•• Personal Recommendations = one year Personal Recommendations = one year •• Supervisor verifies work elements.Supervisor verifies work elements.•• Level IV requires project writeLevel IV requires project write--up.up.•• If anything is left out, your certification If anything is left out, your certification

will be delayed and you will receive a will be delayed and you will receive a ““Conditional Decision LetterConditional Decision Letter””..


Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources•• NICET Prep. Handbooks NICET Prep. Handbooks http://http://etnews.orgetnews.org•• NICET web site: NICET web site: http://www.nicet.orghttp://www.nicet.org•• NFPA web site: NFPA web site: http://www.nfpa.orghttp://www.nfpa.org•• ASCET web site ASCET web site http://www.ascet.orghttp://www.ascet.org•• OAFAA web site: OAFAA web site: http://www.oafaa.orghttp://www.oafaa.org•• ET News web site: ET News web site: http://etnews.orghttp://etnews.org•• Engineering Technician Newsletter Engineering Technician Newsletter

[email protected]@etnews.org subject => subscribesubject => subscribe•• Usenet: Usenet: alt.engineering.firealt.engineering.fire--protectionprotection


ReviewReview

Joseph Joseph NicephoreNicephore 18261826


Good Luck and Have Fun!Good Luck and Have Fun!

NICET Certification in Fire Alarm Systems - ETNEWS.ORG · 2004-10-01 · General 18 Level II –...

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Transcript of NICET Certification in Fire Alarm Systems - ETNEWS.ORG · 2004-10-01 · General 18 Level II –...