In cooperation with the Safer Buildings Coalition, NICET is developing a new engineering technician certification program for In-Building Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (IB-ERCES). In early 2020, a group of industry SMEs, practitioners and NICET staff completed the IB-ERCES program’s practice analysis. The practice analysis process is used by NICET to provide a solid foundation for establishing the content of its certification programs. The new program will generally follow NICET’s internationally recognized “Career Track” to include a progressive set of requirements for each level from entry to senior.
NICET is seeking individuals with experience in IB-ERCES to complete the surveys. This an excellent opportunity for you and qualified others to help NICET lay the foundation for this program.
As the development of this program progresses, NICET will provide updated information on the program’s page of our website:
Along with the practice analysis, the group created the following three high-level descriptions for IB-ERCES technicians focusing on inspection, testing, and maintenance; followed by a single high-level description for IB-ERCES technicians focusing on design—
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance
Level I: The candidates for NICET certification at Level I in "In-Building Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems" (IB-ERCES) apply knowledge, experience, and basic skills needed to work in the industry. Under direct supervision of a qualified technician, they apply fundamental radio frequency knowledge to install passive and active equipment per system design and manufacturer specifications. Level I technicians have at least 6 months of experience in IB-ERCES.
Level II: The candidates for NICET certification at Level II in "In-Building Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems" (IB-ERCES) apply knowledge, experience, and intermediate skills needed to work in the industry. Under limited supervision, they utilize radio frequency principles and equipment to conduct initial surveys, install, commission and maintain IB-ERCES. They are responsible for ensuring system evaluation, quality, acceptance, and complete documentation. Level II technicians have at least 2 years of experience in IB-ERCES.
Level III: The candidates for NICET certification at Level III in "In-Building Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems" (IB-ERCES) apply knowledge, experience, and advanced skills required to work in the industry. Working independently, they utilize radio frequency principles and equipment to interpret and evaluate surveys, layout and manage IB-ERCES systems. They are responsible for ensuring system evaluation, quality, acceptance, and complete documentation. Level III technicians have at least 5 years of experience in IB-ERCES.
Design: The candidates for NICET certification in the Design of "In-Building Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems" apply knowledge, experience, and advanced skills needed to work in the industry. Working independently, they apply drafting skills and radio frequency theory to prepare plans for IB-ERCES using project specifications, documents and site survey data and design tools. Design technicians have at least 2 years of experience in the design of IB-ERCES.
The Level I to III certifications are combined in a single survey. The Design certification is in a separate survey. Each level will take about 20 minutes to complete.
Below is the link to the Level I to III survey followed by the Design survey link. We ask that you start with the Level I to III survey working to the highest level most appropriate to your industry experience and then move to the Design survey if you have industry experience with design.
Level I-III (inspection, testing, and maintenance)
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IB-ERCES-Levels
Design
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IB-ERCES-Design
We ask that you complete these surveys by July 6 to have your input counted. Your survey responses will be analyzed by NICET’s testing partner. Individual responses will not be identified.
Please contact Sara B. Clark, Manager, Certification Program Development for additional information.