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Changes to Materials Allowed in NICET Testing Centers
In early November 2007 NICET was forced to reconsider its "open book" format for paper and pencil tests due to the appearance that one of its examinations had been compromised by a published "study guide". In order to protect the integrity of NICET certifications, NICET established new guidelines on allowable and prohibited reference materials during testing. Notifications (see original message) were sent and information was posted on our website to inform candidates of the changes. This is an ongoing process and it is important that all candidates continue to check the NICET website for updates prior to their testing date.
Links to testing procedures and approved reference material:
http://www.nicet.org/exam.pdf
http://www.nicet.org/candidates/allowable_reference_material.pdf
The following is a summary of allowed and prohibited material, with a brief explanation as to why these new rules were implemented.
Allowed
Applicants may bring the following reference materials into NICET test centers for paper and pencil/work element examinations.
- Standards-publications listed on the "Relevant Standards" and "Selected General References" pages in the Program Detail Manual.
- Textbooks related to general knowledge areas, such as grammar, writing, communications, mathematics, science, and engineering technology.
- Photocopied materials, as long as NICET can clearly identify the original publication by title, author and/or publisher.
- Personal test-taking guidance notes, as long as they are type-written, bound (stapled, three ring binder, etc.) and do not contain any of the prohibited information listed below.
It is NICET's objective to allow all materials one would need "on the job" to express skill and knowledge of the technical specialty, but restrict materials that could provide an inappropriate or unfair advantage.
Prohibited
The following materials are not permitted into NICET test centers for paper-and-pencil/work element examinations. Proctors may confiscate any such materials found at an examination test site. Use and/or possession of any such materials by a candidate inside a NICET test site may be considered an act of cheating and a violation of the NICET Code of Ethics.
- Preparatory and/or training manuals specifically addressing NICET certification.
- Practice or sample tests of any kind.
- Handbooks and/or training manuals with practice/sample tests.
- Questions and answers of any kind.
- Loose-leaf printed text, charts/tables, formulas/equations, etc. with no specific publication reference, author(s), and/or publisher.
NICET test questions are based upon industry-recognized codes, standards and practices - not on any training program or preparatory publication. Furthermore, training providers and course instructors are not permitted to participate in the NICET test development process in order to ensure that all candidates have the same, fair chance to meet the NICET examination requirement(s).
NICET test questions are protected by U.S. copyrights. Unauthorized use of NSPE/NICET copyright protected material by any entity, individual, company or group other than NSPE or NICET is strictly prohibited under U.S. Federal Law, and will be subject to legal prosecution.
Prohibited (continued)
- Loose-leaf blank paper.
- Hand-written notes of any kind.
Hand-written notes and loose leaf papers are prohibited to help ensure that NSPE/NICET copyrighted material is not removed from test sites.
If you have any questions or concerns about these changes, please feel free to contact NICET at 1-888-476-4238 or test@nicet.org. We truly appreciate your patience and cooperation with this sensitive matter.
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