The Application and Certification Process

Paper-and-Pencil Testing: If your selected test date is fewer than two weeks away, and you have not received a confirmation notice, please call 888-476-4238 and press 2.If 90 days have passed since you tested, and you have not received a decision from NICET, please call 888-476-4238, and press 3. Computer-Based Testing: When you receive your eligibility notice, you will have a 90-day "window" for testing. Contact the test center network immediately to get the center, date, and time that work best for you.The scheduling process is easy, but if you should encounter any difficulties, please contact NICET for assistance.

You take your first steps on the path towards certification when you complete and submit your application and fee payment to NICET. After that, the process varies depending on the certification that you are seeking. Currently, most NICET programs (in the "work element" or "general knowledge" format) use paper-and-pencil tests, normally administered at NICET test centers four times a year. A few programs use computer-based testing administered through a non-NICET network of computer-based testing centers.

Paper-and-Pencil Tests
All work element and general knowledge testing programs.
After processing your application, the Institute will send you a confirmation notice with directions to your test center and information about what to bring with you. Two to three weeks after the exam, you will receive your score report in the mail.

Computer-Based Tests
Video Security Systems Technician and Designer testing programs.
After processing your application, the Institute will send you an eligibility notice with instructions for selecting your test center and scheduling your exam at a computer-based testing center. You will receive your score report upon completing the exam.

Certification
All programs.
After you have passed the tests required for a certification, the Institute will evaluate your work history against the experience required for that level of certification. Evaluators will also check experience verifications:

• Work element verifications for work element programs
• General and specific experience verifications for computer-based testing programs

If you are applying for Level III or Level IV certification, you must have a current personal recommendation on file.

After confirming that you meet all the requirements for certification, the Institute will mail you a certificate and a wallet card. Your name will then appear in NICET's directories, and you will receive the Institute's newsletter.

After passing the exam, if the evaluation process turns up shortcomings against the other certification requirements, NICET will mail you a "Conditional Decision Letter" with further instructions.

The Institute will notify you of its decision within 90 days of your test date.