How Do I Best Prepare for NICET Exams?

One of the most frequently asked questions we get here at NICET is, “When is your next class?” or “How do I find training?” Most of the time this really means, “How do I best prepare for NICET Exams?” NICET has many resources to help you. This overview of program descriptions, requirements, content outlines, references, practice tests, and recognized training providers will start you on the right path. Keep in mind any training that teaches best practice will help you prepare for NICET exams. NICET does not directly provide training to avoid any conflicts of interest and any implications of “teaching to the test”. 

Training and professional certification is vital to developing a qualified workforce. Good training teaches the knowledge and skills needed to perform well on the job. NICET certification confirms the candidate has the knowledge, skills and experience regardless of how it is attained. We recognize that training comes in many forms, companies and agencies have different resources, and individuals have different learning styles.  NICET does not prescribe any one specific training course, school or provider and allows customers to choose the training that works best for them.

The first step is to know the certification description and requirements for which program you are seeking. NICET offers more than a dozen specialty certifications and picking the appropriate certification for you, your employer and any requirements that may exist is essential. Each program has a description of the profile for the job function for which the certification is intended.

Content Outlines
For most people, taking and passing the NICET exams is their biggest concern, so here are the resources NICET provides for exam preparation. Within each program NICET provides Content Outlines for the exams. These outlines contain the material covered on the exam with percentages of questions for each section. Each section contains a footnote to the references used to develop the questions for that section. 

The examples below are from our Fire Alarm Systems program but all of the NICET programs follow a similar format.

Reference Materials
NICET also provides a list of references for each exam. The list includes the references that may be brought to the exam center and all the references that a candidate should be familiar with before taking the exam.

What is the Test Like?
Each program page lists the time allowed to complete the exam and the number of questions. Most of the questions are multiple choice or multiple select. Read each question and possible response carefully.

The exam will be administered on a computer at a proctored test center managed by a test administration company. Each test session begins with a tutorial allowing you to get used to the process. The time allotted for the tutorial is not part of the exam time. During the test, you will see one question at a time, but can move forward or backwards to view or review other questions. There may be a graphic or text box to be viewed by clicking a button. Correct answers will usually be selected by clicking the boxes next to the answers. In a few questions, you may be presented 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 your score at the conclusion of your test session.

Practice Tests
Many of our programs have online practice tests to help you get familiar with the content and the exam interface. While we do provide feedback at the end with percent correct in each section, performance on the practice test is not necessarily an accurate predictor of how you will perform on the certification exam. Read the descriptions carefully before purchasing.

Work History
NICET lists the experience requirements on the program pages of our website and in the application packages. It is important to understand the specific experience needed to meet the certification requirements. The experience you gain from being on the job will help you pass the exams.

Performance Measures
Each program at each level has a set of performance activities that someone in a supervisory capacity must verify you have performed competently to meet the certification requirements. Reading, understanding, and practicing these performance activities will help you on the exams.

Recognized Training Providers
NICET has agreements with industry associations, colleges, technical schools and training companies. The listing is intended to help you find training that works best for you. NICET does not review, monitor, or endorse training programs and materials. For more information visit-- https://www.nicet.org/partners/training-partner-listing/

NICET wants to give you the best opportunity for success. Use the resources NICET makes available, know your strengths and weaknesses, and have a plan to prepare.