March 2026 NICET Newsletter
Story of the Month
"Designing For The Invisible Threat"
PE Magazine recently featured an article about how cyberthreats are increasing and how it’s imperative that engineers embed cybersecurity principles into their design processes from the outset. This means thinking beyond traditional design parameters and building for resilience, survivability, and operational integrity.
What’s one solution? The Systems Software Integrator (SSI) certification — applications are now being accepted, and testing begins in April.
Stay in the Know
SSI Launches April 6
Applications are now being accepted for the Systems Software Integrator (SSI) certification. Approved candidates will be able to take the SSI exam starting April 6. Through the rest of March, the application fee is discounted to $75 (regularly $490).
HCI Program Update Nearing Completion, Updated Exams Launching Soon
NICET’s Highway Construction Inspection (HCI) exams are undergoing update/ maintenance and new exams will be available for testing starting April 27, 2026. References will be permitted in the testing center when the new exams launch.
All ITWBS Exams Now Available
The Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems (ITWBS) Level III Pilot Test ended Nov 30, 2025. All three levels of updated ITWBS exams are now live.
EPT Program Update in Progress
NICET is currently looking for EPT (Electrical Power Testing) Certificants (Levels II-IV) to serve as Subject Matter Experts for item development tasks.
SHS Program Update in Progress
NICET is currently looking for SHS (Special Hazards Systems) Certificants (Levels III-IV) to serve as Subject Matter Experts for item development tasks.
Ambassador Program 2.0
March Challenge: Celebrate Women Who Are NICET Certified
NICET is re-launching the Ambassador Program to spotlight the voices of certified professionals and inspire others to pursue certification. Throughout the year, we'll present a new focus area to keep the community engaged and active. This Women’s History Month, we invite you to help amplify the voices of certified women in engineering and celebrate the impact they make every day. We’ve made it easy with ready-to-share social graphics, sample captions, and hashtags—all in one place.
Quote of the Month
“When I started getting to the higher levels of NICET, that’s when I started learning about the Subject Matter Experts. The people you work with as far as customers take notice especially when you get to Level IV. That’s when they start referring to you for help instead of you going to them for help.”
Ryan Matthews, NICET SME (FAS IV)
Industry Event Calendar
- April 14-16 | AFAA Annual Fire Expo
- April 29-May 1 | NFSA Annual Seminar and Business & Leadership Conference
- June 22-24 | NFPA Conference & Expo (NICET Booth #: 1618)
Tip of the Month
Put Your NICET Certification to Work—Digitally
NICET now issues digital credentials for all certifications, upgrades, and recertifications—giving you a modern, secure way to showcase your achievements. These shareable badges can be added to LinkedIn, email signatures, and more, with built-in verification that employers and stakeholders can trust. Your digital credentials are always available in your NICET account under My Certifications.
To access or update your digital credentials:
Log in to your NICET Account → Click “My Certifications” → Click “View Accredible Badges”
If you hold multiple levels, you’ll receive credentials for each—sharing your highest level is all you need.