Fire alarm 411: NICET – A certification that travels

Inside NICET Certification

For states that do not have a licensing program, check to see if they have adopted NFPA 72, which in rule 10.5.2 requires certification by an approved third-party organization and/or by a manufacturer, depending on the case. The NICET certification is the most common in this regard.

NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technology) is an independent, not-for-profit organization focused on assessing the knowledge and experience of individuals in several engineering professions. Fire alarm and fire suppression are obvious areas for our purposes, but NICET is broader than fire protection, covering other specialties like soil testing.

NICET fire alarm system (FAS) certification goes through four levels:

Level I is a basic level aimed at fire alarm assistants and apprentices starting out in the industry. Emphasis is placed on job site safety and basic installation. Certification requires six months of experience, but you can begin testing before meeting the required deadline.

Level II requires two years of industry experience. Aimed at relatively new technicians, it covers a broader selection of installation topics. The test also includes questions on inspection, testing, and basic system design.

Level III is a difficult level to reach. Requiring five years of experience, this level goes a long way in deepening design skills. It also broadens the scope beyond technical aspects, addressing topics such as people supervision and job management.

Level IV is the culmination of the NICET certification journey. Certification requires 10 years of experience. The test lasts five hours. Applicants must also submit a description of a major project for which they were responsible.

Kansas is an example of a state without a licensing program for individuals. The Kansas Fire Code requires businesses to file a notification regarding their business operations. Since the fire code adopts NFPA 72 and the business registration form only lists NICET as an acceptable certification body, we can infer that Kansas accepts NICET certification for NFPA compliance 72 10.5.2. Although the Kansas Fire Marshal's Office has confirmed this to me, I should note that neither NFPA 72 nor the Kansas Fire Code indicates what level of NICET certification is required for which activities.

In contrast, the Texas Fire Marshal's Office has its own licensing program. Obtaining a technician license requires passing a test on Texas fire alarm laws and rules and passing a technical test focused primarily on NFPA 70 and NFPA 72. A few years ago, Texas started accepting passing the NICET Level II FAS test instead of the technical test.

Kansas and Texas are just two examples. Regulations vary in the United States and around the world. However, I have noticed a trend toward standardizing fire alarm licensing requirements around a nationally recognized testing and certification body. This usually means NICET, but there are alternatives like the International Public Security Institute (IPSI).

Why it matters for employers and technicians

Given the challenges of attracting and hiring workers in the skilled trades, NICET certification makes it easier for technicians to transition to a NICET-recognizing state because they can begin work immediately while easing the administrative burden of the recruiting company.

The rules for individuals extend beyond field technicians. It is common to have rules for designers of fire alarm systems. Returning to the Texas example, the state requires designers to pass the statutes and rules exam, but there is no separate test for the technical aspect of design. Instead, Texas requires that designers pass the NICET Level III exam or be licensed as a professional engineer.

Obtaining a license may seem complicated – especially if you're new to the fire alarm business – but it's not as difficult as it seems. Research your state's requirements. And wherever you work, I suggest you go for NICET tests. Learn more at nicet.org.