NICET and Safer Buildings Coalition Announce New ERRCS Certification Program
NICET, in cooperation with the Safer Buildings Coalition, is pleased to announce the initiation of efforts to develop a new engineering technician certification program for Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems (ERRCS). In November 2019, the NICET Board of Governors recognized the need for qualified individuals to design, install, test, inspect and maintain these in-building radio communication systems. “With almost 40 years in the Fire Service, I've seen the positive difference credentialing programs for fire sprinklers and fire alarms has made to building owners, code officials and the industry that provides these systems,” Chief Alan Perdue, Safer Buildings Coalition's Executive Director, explained. “With this joint NICET-Safer Buildings Coalition program, we aim to bring that same level of quality, professionalism and consistency to communications enhancement system design, installation and inspections to ensure these systems are safe, effective, and compliant to fire code and FCC regulations.”
The Safer Buildings Coalition approached NICET to develop and implement this program because NICET has a strong reputation within the life-safety industry for quality certification programs. This collaboration between NICET and the Safer Buildings Coalition is expected to quickly establish the value and credibility of proper training and certification with the goal of increasing competency across all industry stakeholders. According to Michael Clark, NICET’s Chief Operating Executive, “The Safer Buildings Coalition has established itself as the leading proponent for highly qualified individuals to design, install and maintain these critical life-safety systems. NICET is very happy to have the support of the Safer Buildings Coalition to develop and launch this very important new certification program.”
NICET will be initiating a Job Analysis in early 2020 to identify the scope and content of this new certification program. That Job Analysis will be followed quickly by an industry-wide survey to validate the proposed scope and content; and to establish the critical and important knowledge, skills and attitudes to be included within the certification examinations and other requirements. Preparations of the required test questions for each certification level will proceed by mid-2020; with launch of the Level I and Level II exams expected in late 2020. NICET and SBC have begun to recruit Subject Matter Experts from among industry stakeholders to assist with each stage of the program development process. Interested individuals are asked to contact Sara Clark at NICET (Sclark@nicet.org or 703-548-1518).
About Safer Buildings Coalition
The Safer Buildings Coalition (SBC) is the leading trade association advocating for improved indoor safety through the use of available technology. SBC is at the forefront advancing ideas, codes and standards to make buildings safer for Public Safety personnel and the public they serve. Our members include Industry, Public Safety, Wireless Carriers, Trade Associations, Building Operators and other End Users. SBC is an independent, 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization. For more information, please visit www.saferbuildings.org.