Is NICET certification worth it? Yes, NICET technicians earn more than their non-certified counterparts. They prove their value to their employers and industry by investing in themselves and gaining industry knowledge. Let’s start at the basics. What is NICET? NICET, the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, is a sub-division of NSPE, the National Society of Professional Engineers. NICET was created to classify and certify a fire protection technician’s knowledge and experience in fire protection fields such as fire alarm systems, inspection and testing of water-based systems, or special hazards systems. This knowledge and experience demonstrates a technician’s capability to adhere to fire protection codes and manufacturers’ guidelines for construction, system upgrades, and periodic maintenance/service. NICET certified technicians must practice and help enforce NFPA code requirements. NICET certified technicians help inform engineers, customers, and AHJs of code conflicts and outdated spec requirements. Facility managers, authorities having jurisdiction, contracting officers, and contractors can go HERE at NICET.org to search for and verify a technician’s certification status.
NICET Fire Protection Experience
NICET has four levels of certification I through IV. Relevant fire protection experience is the prerequisite to testing and certification. Time worked is allocated in subfields such as fire alarm, water-based, or special hazards. Each subfield has an application package but each level requires similar years of experience.
NICET I = 6 months minimum
NICET II = 2 years minimum
NICET III = 5 years minimum and a recommendation letter
NICET IV = 10 years minimum, recommendation letter, and submittal of a major project write-up that demonstrates senior responsibility role
NICET Certifications
The techncian’s work history is divided up amongst fire protection categories and this experience needs to be verified before a test can be taken. The level I test covers basics but increases in difficulty to level IV. At level IV, the technician is capable of answering questions that span across multiple code books and fire protection references. Every 3-years technicians must earn 90 credit hours of continued education to maintain their certification. This includes: attending fire protection-related webinars, courses, conference sessions; joining industry organizations, and participating in code update/creation groups etc. By continuing their education over the course of their career demonstrates certified individuals’ commitment to their craft. Go to Nicet.org to see the technician certification programs.
Construction
In construction, fire protection engineers work with the architect & owner to write the specifications and prepare contract drawings for fire suppression, fire sprinkler, and fire alarm systems. These performance specs are usually enough information for fire protection contractors to propose a system that will conform to adopted codes and specs. When scope gaps exist or other questions arise, an RFI can be sent to the engineer for clarification. Senior NICET technician support is needed to create the shop drawings & submittal package that incorporate all specs, RFIs, and contract drawings while meeting specific manufacturer requirements and meeting the local code. Senior NICET certified technicians can demonstrate testing for the AHJ and Engineer of record, provide acceptance reports, and certify the fire protection system is operational. They can also provide training to the end user.
Service
Once a system is accepted, the acceptance form requires a maintenance contract to test and inspect the fire protection system in accordance with the national codes and manufacturer’s requirements. NICET certification provides tremendous value to facility managers, authority having jurisdictions, contracting officers, and contractors. NICET technicians are preferred for periodic maintenance and service because of their dedication to the fire protection industry. NICET certification helps ensure the technician will stay in their career and grow their experience. Peace of mind is provided for the customer knowing that the technician performing services understands the code requirements and is familiar with the system.
If you are a fire technician and serious about your life safety career, start studying to become NICET certified. Most employers wil give you monetary incentives for each NICET level you achieve. If you are a contractor or end user, get your money’s worth and make sure NICET certified technicians are involved in your projects!