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NICET Newsletter | December 2010
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The volunteer leaders and staff of NICET wish you a safe and happy holiday season, and a prosperous 2011. This past year has continued to be economically challenging for many people, and unfortunately we are not out-of-the-woods yet. And the introduction by NICET of the new standard model examinations and computer-based testing (CBT) within the Fire Protection programs, the revised fees structure, and several revised Policies have added to the concerns and apprehension among NICET applicants. But NICET remains committed to updating our major tests and certification programs to current Industry standards, to maintaining and promoting the value of NICET certifications among employers and other end-users, to providing excellent service to all of our customers, and to keeping our fees as reasonable as possible along the way. We truly appreciate your participation in NICET testing and certification activities in the past, and we sincerely hope that your participation will continue into the future. If there is ever anything we can do to assist you in your pursuit of NICET certification, and the resulting recognition of your qualifications, please do not hesitate to ask. Best Regards, Michael A. Clark, CAE
Chief Operating Executive |
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 50 Years of Qualified Technicians
In 2011 NICET will celebrate 50 years of providing certifications to the engineering technology community. This is a tribute to you, the technicians and technologists, employers, industries, and public agencies that recognize the value of a qualified workforce. It is your dedication to quality and public safety through NICET certification that is to be commended. NICET's success is a testament to your support. Read More |
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I Used to be Certified, Now I Need it Back. What can I do?
Almost every day someone contacts NICET with a question like this. Typically the individual let their certification lapse because it was not required at a new job or location. Now a new employer or jurisdiction requires NICET certification and the individual wants their certification back. Unfortunately, this could be a costly mistake...Read More |
Fire Protection Programs
NICET's Transition to the Standard Model/CBT Format
On February 1, 2010, NICET released the first exam for Fire Alarm Systems (FAS) in the Standard Model/Computer-Based Testing (CBT) format. FAS is NICET's first program to transition from Work Elements to the Standard Model. All NICET programs are scheduled to make the transition over the next few years to provide scheduling convenience, faster scoring, and to keep up with industry-standard testing methods. The following is the current status and release schedule for the Fire Protection Programs. 
All levels are now live and practice tests are available through the NICET website. Work Element applications for FAS must be received electronically or postmarked by January 31, 2011. Work Element testing ends for FAS on June 30, 2011.  Water-Based (formerly Automatic Sprinkler) Systems Layout:
Level I, II and III: Available Now! Level III Consists of two exams: General and Hydraulics
Level IV: Planned for Early 2011
Level I and II Practice Tests: Available Now!
Work Element applications for Water-Based (formerly Automatic Sprinkler) Systems Layout must be received electronically or postmarked by June 30, 2011. Work Element testing ends for Water-Based Systems Layout on September 30, 2011.
Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems:
Levels I and II: Planned for February 2011
Level III: Planned for Early 2011
Work Element applications for Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems must be received electronically or postmarked by July 31, 2011. Work Element testing ends for Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems on October 31, 2011.
Special Hazards Suppression Systems:
Schedule to be determined.
NICET is still seeking qualified individuals to volunteer for the development of Water-Based Systems Layout, Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems, and Special Hazards Suppression Systems. Click to Volunteer Now! The release of the CBT Level I exam in a given program initiates the beginning of the transition period to complete Work Element testing in that program. Transition for each program will be posted on the NICET website and featured in News from NICET. All new applicants for programs in transition are NOT eligible for Work Element testing and must apply for Standard Model/CBT testing. |
Practice Tests for Standard Model/CBT
To aid in candidates' preparation of the new Standard Model/CBT programs, NICET created a series of practice tests for each program. Practice tests are currently available for all levels of the Fire Alarm System (FAS) Program and levels I and II of Water-Based (formerly Automatic Sprinkler) Systems. Practice tests are meant to resemble the certification exams as closely as possible. This is an opportunity to get a feel for the difficulty and the types of questions that you will encounter on the certification exam.
The test questions were created using the same process and the same content outline as the certification exam. The online interface and navigation was designed to look and feel the same as the testing experience at a Pearson VUE center. The test is timed and once you complete the test or run out of time you no longer have access to the questions, just like the certification exam.
Unlike the certification exam, the practice test...Read More |
 Board Meeting RecapOctober 14-16, the NICET Board of Governors convened in Saratoga Springs, New York. During the meeting the following items were discussed:
NICET Policy
Modifications to two policies; Policy 20: Retesting of Failed Exams and Policy 30: Continuing Professional Development were approved.
The revisions to Policy 20 eliminated the requirement for candidates to complete a NICET-approved "certificate" course prior to retesting a failed work element. In addition, candidates are now allowed to test four times within a two year period. For more information, please see Policy 20: Testing of Failed Exams.
Exam Management
After a review of the current lengthy process whereby Test Proctors review reference materials at testing sessions, the NICET Board elected to reduce the number of reference materials allowed for paper-pencil exams. Effective January 1, 2011, candidates are allowed only five (5) references into an exam session. 50th Anniversary Celebration
NICET, in conjunction with the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), will kick-off its 50th anniversary celebration at the NSPE 2011 Winter Meeting, January 13-15, 2011, in Tucson, Arizona. Additional celebrations will occur at the ASCET Executive Committee Meeting , March 4-5, 2011 in Kansas City, MO; at the NSPE/ASCET Annual Meetings, July 13-17, 2011 in Las Vegas, NV; and a culmination event at the NICET Board of Governors Meeting, October 27-29, 2011 in Alexandria, VA. Express Evaluation Fee
NICET now offers express evaluations for a nominal fee. The express evaluation fee applies to the processing and reviewing of application materials for any type or level of certification within five business days after payment confirmation. For more information, see NICET fees.
The next NICET Board of Governors meeting will be held in Seattle, Washington, April 7-9, 2011. |
Technician Spotlight: Eric Neill
With over 30 years of experience, in our final newsletter for 2010, we highlight fire protection engineering technician Eric Neill. At present, Mr. Neill is the Senior Fire Protection Designer with an Engineering Firm in Kansas, but has served in the capacity as an engineering technician, senior designer, design training supervisor, and design engineering technician. Mr. Neill holds multiple NICET certifications, including: Level IV Water-Based (formerly Automatic Sprinkler) Systems Layout, Level IV Special Hazards Systems Layout, and Level II Fire Alarm Systems and is a member of the NICET Item Writing Committee for Water-Based (formerly Automatic Sprinkler) Systems Layout and Inspection & Testing of Water-Based Systems. Read More |
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 New Technology Being Implemented for NICET Standard Model/CBT Examinees
Individuals taking NICET exams will soon encounter a new biometric technology when taking their exam at a Pearson VUE test center. This new security enhancement is called palm vein recognition and represents the next generation of biometric technology. Palm vein recognition works by...Read More |
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Changes to Exam Management
In an effort to provide a uniform and secure examination experience, NICET has recently made a few modifications to the way the paper-pencil exams in the work element programs are administered. All changes were recently discussed and approved by the NICET Board of Governors.
Reference Material Effective January 1, 2011, the number of allowed references an examinee may bring into a paper-pencil exam is limited to five (5) bound references for each examination. Examinees may choose any five references from the NICET approved list-including general references and personal notes. NICET highly recommends...Read More |
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Apply Online For NICET Testing | |
Save Time, Apply Online
NICET is committed to continuously improving our customer service and satisfaction. Therefore, we are pleased to announce the ability for applicants to apply online to schedule a NICET exam.
Key Benefits:
· Reduces the turn-around time necessary to confirm a test date;
· Removes the guesswork of selecting tests and an available test center;
· Instant confirmation;
· Ability to pay using a credit card; and
· Integrates with the NICET database making it easier to complete a testing application.
We encourage you to take advantage of applying online. Only a few steps are necessary. To apply:
· Follow the link entitled "Exam Application" on the left-hand side
· Select your field and subfield
· For Standard Model/CBT Exams:
o Select a 3-month testing window
o Enter/verify billing information
o Enter credit card information
· For Work Element Exams:
o Select the appropriate work elements
o Select a test center using either the zip code, state, or center code
o Select an available test center and date*
o Enter/verify billing information
o Enter credit card information
*NICET encourages its testing centers to schedule future testing dates at least 6-12 months in advance. However, there are times when they just cannot commit that far into the future. Consequently NICET cannot confirm testing requests for these future unknown/unpublished testing dates -- even though we expect to continue testing at these locations beyond the published testing dates. |
NICET Salary Survey
In mid-February of this year, NICET launched a wage and salary survey to assess the compensation package of individuals working within the engineering technology profession. By the close of the survey, in early July, the survey garnered over 4,900 responses from the 50 states, District of Columbia, Canada, Guam, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, Iran, South Korea, Germany, Switzerland, and Puerto Rico.
Purchase a complete copy of the Salary Survey Results. Survey respondants will receive their complimentary summary by email over the next few days. |
 NICET Merchandise
Show your pride and support of NICET certification.
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Professional Development: Self-Motivation
Occasionally we all need a little "push" to complete a mundane or unwanted task. In this issue we will address several common reasons for the lack of self-motivation and how to overcome them.
Self-motivation is one of the major forces that drive an individual to produce, develop, advance, and achieve his or her goals. Having self-motivation empowers you to accept challenges and seize opportunities that life throws at you.
Several common reasons for a loss of motivation are a lack of:
1. Confidence-Why try if it's not going to make a difference?
2. Direction-Is there a reason to try if you do not know what you are doing and where you are going?
3. Focus-How can you work towards something when you don't know what you are working towards?
We are only human, so it's not uncommon to periodically lose motivation. However, what's important is that we bounce back and regain motivation. Here are a few tips to help maintain motivation:
1. Create a life plan by writing down your goals, visualizing those goals, and then monitoring your progress towards each goal.
2. Separate major goals/tasks into smaller goals/tasks; making each less daunting to tackle.
3. Acknowledge and move past your mistakes or failures.
4. Align yourself with like-minded people.
5. Maintain a positive outlook.
"Above all, challenge yourself. You may well surprise yourself at what strengths you have, what you can accomplish." - Cecile Springer. People let's get motivated and stay motivated! |
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