News from NICET
NICET Newsletter March 2009
Quick Links
In This Issue
Get Quick Work Experience Decision
Importance of Professional Development
Fire Protection Update
Technichian Spotlight on Jim Gooslin
NICET at ISC-West
An Accurate and Up-to-Date Resume

It is hard to believe a year has gone by since we launched News from NICET. It has been an exciting year with program updates, adjustments to test site procedures for work element testing and policy changes. Feel free to browse past issues in our Archive section.

 
In uncertain economic times many people are scrambling to enhance their qualifications. This issue contains articles with proactive information on qualifying for, maintaining, and advancing your NICET certification along with your career.
 
Plus, we continue the Technician Spotlight and include an update on the NICET Fire Protection programs.
 
Sincerely,
Chip Hollis
NICET Manager, Marketing & Public Relations
Get Quick Work Experience Decision
Tips from Certification Services 
 
Most likely you know, when you submit your work experience to NICET, it is evaluated against certification requirements developed by industry experts. But, did you know there are steps you can take to avoid unnecessary delays in the evaluation process? NICET's Certification Services has compiled the following list to help you ensure there is no delay in issuing certification, or a Conditional Decision Letter (CDL), due to improper submission of work experience. Read More
Importance of Professional Development
With a tough economic state, it's important now more than ever to improve your knowledge, skills, and abilities. Industries' recognition of the value of technicians demonstrating professional growth is the reason for NICET's recertification requirements.  Learning relevant skills and techniques is essential to advancing your career and keeping a business competitive.Read More
Did You Know?
Everyone who has applied for NICET and kept their records current can register for online access to their records.
 
Apply Online! Now, everyone who has registered may apply for Work Element testing online. Look for the apply link on the left side after you login.
 
Fire Protection Update
Test Development Workgroups Continue to Meet with Progress
 
Last year, NICET announced a move from work element testing to a more consolidated assessment model that is still standards-based, but is delivered via computer by a third party vendor.  Since that announcement, several individuals have asked when NICET will begin administering the new computer-based exams. Read More
Spotlight
Technichian Spotlight on 
Jim Gooslin
Jim Gooslin is a Commercial Fire Development Manager for Honeywell. He currently holds a NICET Level IV Fire Alarms certification and has volunteered his time and expertise to assist in the redevelopment of the Fire Alarm Systems program. We recently had the opportunity to speak with Jim and ask him a few questions about his experiences with NICET. Read More 
NICET at ISC-West
ISC-West is one of the largest security events of the year. With over 1,000 exhibitors and 26,000 security professionals attending it is a great opportunity to see the newest products, network with colleagues, and gain valuable knowledge through ISC Education. ISC-West will be held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas on April 1-3, 2009.
 
The event provides opportunities to meet face-to-face with representatives from companies and organizations instrumental in developing NICET's newest certification program, Video Security Systems (VSS). Read More
An Accurate and Up-to-Date Resume
Is your job safe? We certainly hope so and in most cases, professions that depend on NICET certification are less risky. However, with the current economy, keeping your resume up-to-date becomes more important. Crafting an accurate and compelling resume takes time and rushing to meet a submission deadline while trying to recall years of accomplishments could lead to errors and omissions. Having current information on hand is like having good insurance. Hopefully you will not have to use it but being prepared is advantageous. Read More
Contacting NICET by Phone 
NICET Main Number: 888-476-4238
NICET Local Number: 703-548-1518
 
NICET recently changed the phone menu options to the following:

Option 1: Staff Directory
 
Option 2: Customer Service
Questions regarding: certification and recertification process and fees; personal certification status; calculating Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points; update personal information
 
Option 3: Examination Services
Questions regarding: testing; test dates and locations; submitting an application; scoring
 
Option 4: Certification Services
Questions regarding: the evaluations process; receipt of a Conditional Decision Letter (CDL)
 
Option 5: Development Services
Questions regarding: program content; program development; and other program specific technical issues
 
Option 6: Marketing and Public Relations
Questions regarding: marketing; the NICET web site; NICET job board; online training ads; and NICET participation in seminars and tradeshows
 
Option 7: Repeat of the message.
 
Keep in mind the fastest way to obtain general information is to visit our website www.nicet.org.