Water-Based Systems Layout
All Water-Based System Layout exams have been updated and are currently available as of July 8, 2024. Learn more.
The Water-Based Systems Layout certification program is for engineering technicians engaged in the layout and detailing of water-based systems that must meet code and statutory requirements. Areas covered include plan and submittal preparation, applications of various types of water-based systems, equipment selection and application, and technical management of layout projects. Technical areas covered include types of water-based systems and their components; water supply requirements; hydraulics; building features, hazards, and occupancy considerations; system installation, inspection, and maintenance requirements; applicable codes and standards; and contract administration.
Successful candidates must pass an exam or exams, complete a work history description that documents and meets specific industry related experience, successfully perform key role specific activities, and obtain a personal recommendations (Levels III and IV). Once earned, certification must be maintained through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and recertified every three years.
Water-Based Systems Layout comprises four levels of certification:
- Level I is designed for trainees and entry-level technicians who perform limited job tasks under frequent supervision.
- Level II is for technicians who perform routine tasks under general daily supervision.
- Level III is for technicians who can work independently with standards, plans, and specifications to produce complete plans for typical/standard systems for approval.
- Level IV is for senior-level technicians whose work includes complex or specialized systems and supervision of others.
Certification requirements for each level build on those of lower levels; certification at levels II, III, or IV does not require prior certification at the lower level, but it does require that the certification requirements of the lower levels have been met.
The Water-Based Systems Layout exam is delivered on a computer at Pearson Vue Testing Centers. Computer-based testing (CBT) allows NICET to extend several benefits to our customers: more flexible exam dates and appointment times; immediate scheduling and confirmation; and quicker exam scoring.
NICET has updated the Water-Based Systems Layout exams, and they are available for testing as of July 8, 2024. Each level has searchable PDF references that are available on-screen. Candidates may also bring physical copies of the references to use during testing. (For specific information about what references are allowed and will be available on-screen, please check the corresponding reference lists for each level.) New practice tests are also available.
New for 2024: The updated WBSL III - Hydraulics exam now contains a 15-minute break. This time is NOT part of the allotted time to answer exam questions. Examinees will be able to review questions from the first section before the break but will NOT have access to the first section’s questions after the break.
Applications are now done electronically in the NICET portal. Please log into your NICET account or if you are a first time applicant, create one here.
Certification Requirements
Application Procedures
Performance Measures
Take a Practice Test
Listing of references allowed in testing centers and some books that might be useful in preparing for an exam.
Level I
Level II
Level III General Plans Preparation
Level III Hydraulics and Water Supply Planning
Level IV
Title Page - Edit and print this page with the information about the reference, according to the standard
For WBSL III – Hydraulics: Limited copies of Fire Protection Hydraulics and Water Supply Analysis, 3rd Edition by Pat Brock are available as the 4th edition is currently being developed. Copies of the 3rd edition are available to purchase here if needed.
Below are the rates for the listed services. Do not add state or local taxes to any of the fees. Please note fees are subject to change at any time; however, whenever possible advance notice will be given. Certain NICET fees may be tax deductible on your individual federal income tax return when your involvement with NICET is for the purpose of maintaining and improving professional skills. Payments are not deductible as charitable expenses.
All fees listed below supersede fees listed on paper applications and are effective as of August 1, 2026.
| Water-Based Systems Layout Standard Model/CBT Application | |
| Level I | $235 |
| Level II | $325 |
| Level III | |
| General Plan Preparation | $295 |
| Hydraulics and Water Supply | $295 |
| Level IV | $435 |
Rescheduling for all NICET tests more than 24 hours before your exam date is complimentary in the same testing window. Please contact PearsonVUE.
Within 24 hours after your scheduled date or for a new testing window, there is an additional fee equal to one half of the original testing fee. For more information on rescheduling, click here.
Rescheduling your NICET exam has never been easier, and in most cases, does not incur any additional fees. Additional fees may apply if rescheduling is attempted within 24 hours of the appointment time, the eligibility window expires, or there is less than 24 hours until the eligibility expires.
The best way to reschedule your exam is to login to your NICET account and click “Schedule" in the left side navigation, then “Schedule with Pearson VUE” for the exam you want to reschedule.
Click the exam name to view the appointment, then “Reschedule” on the right side of the screen.
Caution: Just like the original scheduling process, there are several screens, agreements, and confirmations. The process is not complete until you click the “Confirm Reschedule” button, see the notice “Your Appointment is Rescheduled”, and receive a confirmation email directly from Pearson Vue. Taking a screenshot of this process is not acceptable. Failure to complete the process and missing your appointment does incur a rescheduling fee.
You may also call Pearson VUE at 1-866-880-0048 to reschedule. However, significant wait times can occur.
Candidates who are testing using the online remote proctored (OnVue) option may reschedule their appointment date/time right up until their appointment without incurring additional fees. Just follow the same process as detailed above.
What is the Test Like?
The exam will be administered on a computer at a proctored test center managed by a test administration company. The content outline and reference list for the program will serve as the guide to what will be covered on the test.
Each test session begins with a tutorial allowing you to get used to the process. During the test, you will see one question at a time, but can move forward or backward to view or review other questions. Some questions include a graphic or document to be viewed by clicking on the exhibit button. Exhibits may be in color. Answer options will usually be selected by clicking the boxes or circles next to the answers. For a few questions, you may be presented with a picture and asked to click on the part of the picture that correctly answers the question. Questions may have more than one correct answer, but in those cases, you will be told how many answers to choose. You will receive an unofficial score report at the conclusion of your test session.
To apply, click here.
NOTE:
You will be required to sign an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) to begin your examination. Failure to accept will result in a failed score and fees will be forfeited. The NDA that will be displayed is:
| Water-Based Systems Layout Exams | |
| Level I Exam | 105 questions 150 minutes |
| Level II Exam | 120 questions 225 minutes |
| Level III: General Plan Preparation Exam | 70 questions 175 minutes |
| Level III: Hydraulics and Water Supply Planning Exam | 60 questions 240 minutes* |
| Level IV Exam | 80 questions 240 minutes* |
“You must accept the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) below in order to take this exam.
I understand that NICET tests and test questions are owned and copyrighted by NICET and affirm that I will not share the content of any NICET examination with any other person. I acknowledge that divulging the contents of this examination to others in any manner is expressly forbidden and may subject me to sanctions.”
Test Time
Your appointment time will be 10 minutes longer to cover an introductory tutorial section before your exam begins. Any unused time will NOT extend the time allotted for answering exam questions.
Exams with scheduled breaks will be marked with an asterisk in the list above. Outside of these scheduled breaks, candidates taking any exam at any level may take unscheduled breaks, but the exam clock will continue to run.
*This exam contains a scheduled, 15-minute break. This time is NOT part of the allotted time to answer exam questions. You will be able to review questions from the first section before the break, but you will NOT have access to the first section questions after the break.
Calculators
A calculator is built into the exam. Please see the CBT Calculator Preview for information about the onscreen calculator. Candidates may not bring any personal calculators into the testing room.
NOTE: Meta/Smart Glasses of any kind are NOT PERMITTED.
Applicants with a disability as defined in Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act who may be placed at a disadvantage when taking a NICET certification examination may request a testing accommodation by contacting test@nicet.org prior to scheduling testing. Each request will be evaluated individually and every effort will be made to offer reasonable accommodations to qualifying applicants. There will be no additional charges to qualifying applicants for these accommodations. NICET will contact the applicant to arrange a mutually suitable accommodation.