Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems
Test Development and Supporting Organizations

This program was initiated in response to NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.

NICET designed the program with technical assistance provided by the National Fire Sprinkler Association, the American Fire Sprinkler Association, the Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association, Oklahoma State University, the National Fire Protection Association, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., Factory Mutual Global, and the office of the Virginia State Fire Marshal. Through a practice analysis, the volunteer panel of experts identified technicians' job tasks and responsibilities and categorized them into work elements. Volunteers then submitted and reviewed examination questions for each of the work elements.

After an extensive field test, the program became operational in 2000. A technical advisory committee whose membership consists of a broad cross-section of the industry from across the country provides continued technical guidance. The members represent a variety of stakeholder organizations including manufacturers, equipment distributors, independent contractors, engineering firms, authorities having jurisdiction, and trade associations including but not limited to the American Fire Sprinkler Association, the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors, the National Association of State Fire Marshals, the National Fire Protection Association, the National Fire Sprinkler Association, and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers.