What qualifications must I have before I can take a NICET exam?
There are no pre-qualifications for taking an exam. Once you meet an exam requirement, you must then satisfy the program's other criteria before you can be certified.
Can I test right away for Level III or IV?
The exam requirements for each level of certification are cumulative; each successive level builds on the previous level's requirements. Therefore, you cannot test only Level IV to achieve Level IV certification; you must meet all lower level exam requirements first.
If I pass the test, am I certified?
Passing the test is only one of the requirements for certification. You must also submit a detailed write-up of your work experience and a supervisor's verification of your on-the-job performance For Levels III and IV, you will need a personal recommendation and a major project write-up.
Can I begin testing for a higher level of certification before I have the required amount of work experience?
You may test for a higher level before satisfying the work experience requirement, but NICET reserves the right to question the validity of any higher-level work elements successfully tested and/or verified for persons with substantially less than the required amount of experience. Also, in the time it takes you to fulfill the work experience requirement, you would be required to comply with any changes to the exam requirement.
Some time ago, I met an exam requirement but did not meet the other requirements for certification at that level. Since that time, the exam requirement for that level has changed. Do I need to retest?
If you meet an exam requirement, you will receive a Conditional Decision letter that grants you one year of immunity from any program changes that occur while you submit documentation to meet the other certification criteria. After this date, you will be subject to any changes that occur in the exam requirement or other certification criteria. NICET policies #10 and #11 govern the updating of certification requirements and program detail manuals.
If none of these FAQs answered your question, please e-mail NICET or search again. Questions related to your personal progress toward meeting a certification requirement must be directed to NICET by telephone. Please call 888-476-4238 or 703-548-1518.