Becoming a Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Why should I become an SME?

There are many reasons to become an SME for NICET. Here are just a few:

• Networking opportunities within the industry.
• Earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.
• Make valuable contributions to the layout and content of NICET certification programs.
• Become closely affiliated with a widely recognized and respected emblem of excellence within the engineering technology community.
• Receive recognition from peers and other industry professionals.
• Increase your knowledge about certifications, particularly about exam creation.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and advance competencies.

What are the requirements for becoming an SME?

To become an SME, you must meet the following requirements:

• Significant experience in the certification practice area.
• Advanced knowledge and deep understanding of the certification practice area.
• The support of your employer to attend in-person workshops (usually two to three days in length) and/or online sessions (usually two to three hours in length).

Additionally, other eligibility requirements may apply based on program needs as each certification program is unique.

How do I become an SME?

Typically, there are two ways to apply:

• Submit your name, your NICET ID, the program for which you want to volunteer, your resume, and your preferred contact information to tech@nicet.org.
• Respond to SME recruitment emails as and when programs are updated.

Who gets recruited to become an SME?

When NICET is updating a series of exams, invitations to participate are extended to individuals who already hold certification at the corresponding Level. However, recruitment is not always limited in that way. Other qualified volunteers could be invited to participate if their experience exceeds the work history requirement for a given certification level. Depending on the timeline for the program update/maintenance, you will be contacted by NICET's development staff once your resume is reviewed regarding the tasks in which you could participate as an SME.

Do I have to sign a Confidentiality Agreement?

Yes. All SMEs are required to sign a confidentiality/non-disclosure agreement. This document protects the integrity of NICET's certification exam and the certification program as a whole. In summary, the agreement states that SMEs will not disclose any exam content to anyone, unless authorized by NICET.

Will I be able to conduct training for colleagues and other industry members while I am an SME?

SMEs must agree not to be directly involved in the preparation and/or delivery/distribution of any educational offering or instructional materials related to the NICET certification program that they were involved with for a period of at least two years after designing, creating, editing, reviewing, and/or approving content for an exam. In many cases, SME involvement with training courses and materials could lead to "teaching to the test," which is viewed as a conflict with the Confidentiality Agreement.

NICET does not wish to discourage individuals who may be mentoring others in the industry from volunteering. However, to ensure the security of exams, NICET must confirm that SME applicants' training activities do not create a conflict of interest with participation in test development activities.

If you are unsure about whether your training/mentorship activities pose a conflict of interest, simply contact NICET at tech@nicet.org.

Will I have to promise to never take a test or apply for a certification?

No. NICET does not ask volunteers to abstain from taking the exam permanently.  Please refer to Policy 40 for the waiting period for SMEs seeking certification.

How much will it cost me?

NICET will offer reimbursement to SMEs for travel expenses (e.g., airfare and hotel expenses) to attend in-person workshops, in accordance with NICET’s reimbursement guidelines. For individuals who are unable to travel, NICET offers other opportunities virtually. NICET currently follows a hybrid approach, which involves in-person workshops as well as virtual meetings.

What's a typical day?

There are two common volunteer activity structures: in-person workshops and virtual meetings.

In-person workshops are held at the NICET office in Alexandria, VA.

• These workshops will last for two to three days, and run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
• Detailed training is provided on the first morning of the workshop. (It's important to arrive promptly.)
• Dress is business casual.
• NICET provides lunch for the SMEs and usually provides dinner on the first night of the workshop.

Virtual meetings are typically two to three hours in length.

• Depending on the nature of the work required for the virtual meeting, there may be as few as two meetings and as many as ten or more.
• These meetings will usually take place within a one- to three-month time frame.
• Virtual meetings will take place over Zoom.

How can my company get more involved?

NICET encourages companies to support volunteer SMEs by providing them with time off from work to attend in-person workshops and virtual meetings, assisting with the travel costs associated with in-person workshops, etc. While NICET greatly appreciates organizations that support our volunteer SMEs, we cannot provide specific financial incentives to those companies as it risks a conflict of interest.

What kinds of volunteer opportunities exist? What will I be signing up for?

Volunteer activities vary according to two important factors: (1) the volunteer group with which you serve; and (2) the program's stage in the development and/or maintenance cycle. Here are just a few examples of volunteer activities:

• Job Task Analysis: SMEs analyze the practice area's job tasks to identify content to be covered by the exam.
• Assessment Design: SMEs lay out the test content and determine the program's experience criteria.
• Item Development: SMEs write test questions and develop any related exhibits and other graphics.
• Item Review: SMEs review and approve exam content.
• Standard setting: SMEs work to recommend the passing score. This activity is led by a psychometrician.

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