Becoming NICET certified is more than just passing a test. It also involves meeting and properly documenting experience and performance benchmarks. Understanding the process and submitting the proper forms is essential to assure timely review of your application and receiving notice of the certification decision.
While the certification requirements—testing, experience, and performance—basically remain the same, NICET’s Standard Model/CBT programs and Work Element programs use different application forms. Below is a snapshot of the required Experience forms required for each format:
|
Standard Model/CBT Format |
Work Element Format |
|
Experience Application, Part I: Work History |
NICET Technician Application, Part II: Work History |
|
Experience Application, Part II: Verifier Data |
NICET Technician Application, Part III: Performance Verification |
|
Experience Application, Part III: Performance Verification (Performance Measures) |
NICET Technician Application, Part IV: Work Element Selection & Verification |
|
Experience Application, Part IV: Personal Recommendation (required at Level III and IV) |
NICET Technician Application, Part V: Personal Recommendation (required at Level III and IV) |
|
Major Project Write-Up (required at Level IV) |
Major Project Write-Up (required at Level IV) |
Work Experience Evaluation Timeline
NICET strives to review all Experience Applications within 90 days of the applicant meeting the exam requirement. The actual time varies based on the volume of applications received by NICET.
Upon completing the review, NICET will either issue certification or a Conditional Decision Letter (CDL). A CDL is issued if an application is missing information (i.e., missing documents, improper verification, vague work experience write-up, etc.) or the documented experience does not meet the established requirements. The CDL explains what is missing, needs clarification or the additional experience needed. No further action is taken by NICET until the applicant responds to the CDL.
CDL responses are typically reviewed within 60 days of receipt. The actual time varies based on the volume of CDL responses received by NICET.
To avoid delays in receiving certification, make sure to:
· submit all the proper paperwork;
· provide complete and detailed work history documents that clearly break out all of your work experience by subfield/technical discipline;
· clearly indicate that the verifiers/recommender is in a position to verify performance measures/work elements; and
· be consistent from one document to the next and include an explanation of any time gaps.
A Defendable Decision
The proper documentation of accumulated experience along with sound secure exams is essential to the integrity of NICET certification. When NICET is asked to explain how the decision is reached for issuing a certification we must be able to provide clear consistent evidence that the established criteria for certification was met.
On a daily basis, NICET receives questions about the certification process. NICET offers answers to the work experience frequently asked questions at http://www.nicet.org/about-us/frequently-asked-questions/work-experience/. If you do not see the question and answer that matches yours, contact us at 888-476-4238 or tech@nicet.org.