The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act is opening new ways for individuals to use 529 education savings to support career credentials. Under the law, 529 funds can now be used for certain expenses associated with recognized postsecondary credentials, including qualifying certification exams and continuing education required to maintain a credential. The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) actively supported the legislation and advocated for its passage to expand access to professional licensing and credentialing pathways.
The IRS has since incorporated the expansion into its 529 guidance, although some state plans are still updating their policies and administrative processes. For NICET certification candidates and credential holders, the change cThe Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act is opening new ways for individuals to use 529 education savings to support career credentials. Under the law, 529 funds can now be used for certain expenses associated with recognized postsecondary credentials, including qualifying certification exams and continuing education required to maintain a credential. The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) actively supported the legislation and advocated for its passage to expand access to professional licensing and credentialing pathways.ould provide another way to help cover qualifying costs associated with earning or maintaining a professional credential. Individuals considering a 529 withdrawal should confirm with their plan administrator that the specific credential and expense qualify under the new rules.
NICET certified professionals fill essential, hands-on roles across fire protection, transportation, construction inspection, and other engineering technology disciplines. Just as important as that day-to-day work is their formal place on the Qualified Engineering Team, the group of licensed engineers, certified technicians, and technologists jointly responsible for the design, oversight, and delivery of a project.
That relationship anchored a session at NSPECon26, NSPE's annual national conference, led by Dr. Paul D. Flannigan, EdD, SET, CFPS, CWBSP, Chair of the NICET Board of Governors; John Denhardt, PE, FSPE, CET, Vice President of Engineering and Technical services at the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA); and Melinda Sprow, PE, City Engineer for the City of Defiance, Ohio.
The presenters built the session around audience participation, prompting attendees to weigh in on how their own firms define and support the engineering team. The conversational format let PEs and certificants compare notes directly on where responsibilities are clearly drawn and where they tend to blur in practice.
Starting with the Fire Alarm Systems program, NICET has begun issuing new downloadable certificates using the Accredible platform. This is the same platform we issued digital badges through. These new certificates have added security to protect your credential and the value of NICET certification. Access the certificates the same way you access digital badges—log in to your NICET account> click My Certification> click View Your Accredible Badges in the upper right.
Please note: We are working to have all programs available soon. We appreciate your patience if you don’t see yours immediately.
NICET is currently working on a Feasibility/Optimization study and is seeking input through a survey from the construction materials testing community to help inform the redesign of its Construction Materials Testing (CMT) certification program. The survey closes Sep 22.
Updates began in May 2026. Exam content will be updated to reflect the 2025 edition of NFPA 72, and NICET has applied for ANAB accreditation under the ISO/IEC 17024 standard. NICET is also seeking Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to support the test development process. Updated exams are anticipated to launch in mid-to-late 2027.
Updated exams for Electrical Power Testing (EPT) Levels I, II, and III will be available October 5, 2026. The EPT Level IV exam will be unavailable until 2027.
NICET is currently updating the exams for all levels of SHS. The updated exams will be available for testing on November 2, 2026.
Did you know that volunteers who help update NICET programs earn CPD points toward the recertification requirements? NICET staff add the points to your log after the task or activity is complete. And, if needed, NICET staff can send recognition in the form of a letter or certificate. Learn more.
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As NICET updates each program, we are publishing a corresponding candidate handbook that includes important information, requirements, content outlines, reference lists, application instructions, and more, all in one document. Fire Alarm Systems was first, and now handbooks are available for Water-Based Systems Layout, Inspection & Testing of Fire Alarm Systems, Systems Software Integrator, and In-Building Public Safety Communications. |