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Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems: NICET's Newest Certification

NICET’s newest program, launched in May 2015, was developed for those inspectors who specialize in maintenance/periodic fire alarm inspections and who have little experience in other types of fire alarm systems work. The Automatic Fire Alarm Association (AFAA) saw a need in the industry for this specialty certification and urged NICET to establish this new credential.

Approximately 130 people have taken the exams for Level I or II and approximately 70 individuals are certified in the new credential already. The scope is narrowly focused and the career track is only two levels.

Level I requires a minimum of six months’ experience. Qualified candidates are expected to competently perform periodic inspections and tests of basic fire alarm systems and prepare related records and reports. Basic fire alarm systems do not include the following: suppression interfaces, networked control units, smoke control interfaces, aspirating systems, multi-zone voice evacuation systems, high-rise applications, and job planning.

Level II requires a minimum of 12 additional months of experience. Qualified candidates are expected to competently plan, perform, and coordinate periodic inspections and tests of complex fire alarm systems, as well as prepare related records and reports. Complex fire alarm systems may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: suppression interfaces, networked control units, smoke control interfaces, air sampling systems, multi-zone voice evacuation systems, or high-rise applications.

Please see the Application Package for a detailed description of experience requirements and Performance Measures.