NICET FAQs: Testing

Work Element Selection

How many work elements can I sign up for on one application?

You may select up to 34 work elements for your exam. NICET recommends that you select the maximum 34 to allow yourself a margin for error and provide the greatest opportunity for successfully meeting an exam requirement with the least number of exams. If you pass more work elements of a particular type and category, the excess may apply to higher-level exam requirements (check your Examination Requirements Chart).

Can I test work elements from more than one field or subfield on the same exam?

Yes, it is acceptable to request work elements from several fields/subfields on the same exam. Make sure you properly identify the multiple fields/subfields on your application.

Do I have to test the work elements I failed on a previous test or can I test some others?

With the exception of core work elements (which are usually mandatory at upper levels of certification), it is not necessary to re-test failed work elements if there are others in the appropriate category you can test instead.

If I fail a work element, can I retest it right away?

If you fail a work element, you must undergo a waiting period before you can retest it. Please see NICET Policy 20.

How can I "unblock" a "blocked" work element?

When an element has been blocked due to three failures within a two-year period (per NICET Policy #20), it may be unblocked by completing a course of study which covers the content of the work element(s) in question. This course of study may be a single review class, seminar, or other course pre-approved by NICET for this purpose. The course of study must publish course descriptions and issue a certificate indicating successful completion. To obtain approval for unblocking, you must submit to NICET, before taking the course, published course descriptions as evidence that the course should be expected to cover topics important to the work element. (Courses completed before the element was blocked will not be considered.) NICET will determine the material submitted to be either acceptable or unacceptable. If acceptable, the candidate should proceed to complete the course. After completing the course successfully, s/he must send a request to unblock the work element along with a copy of the certificate to tech@nicet.org or to NICET, 1420 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 to complete the unblocking.

Can I sit for Level I and II tests on the same day? Does this affect the exam fee?

You may select up to 34 work elements per test sitting. These work elements may come from multiple levels and/or multiple subfields. The number of work elements on your exam does not affect the exam fee.

 

If none of these FAQs answered your question, please e-mail NICET or search again. Questions related to your personal progress toward meeting a certification requirement must be directed to NICET by telephone. Please call 888-476-4238 or 703-548-1518.