The Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems certification program is for engineering technicians engaged in the inspection and testing of existing water-based fire protection systems, including identifying and addressing emergency and pre-planned impairments. Areas covered include inspection, testing, documentation, safety, and work management. Technical areas covered include types of water-based systems and their components; types of damage and deficiencies that can impact system operation; basic building features; system inspection and testing frequencies, requirements, and procedures; use of appropriate tools and test equipment; working safely with minimal impact on surroundings; applicable codes and standards, primarily NFPA 25; impairment procedures; and reporting of findings.
Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems comprises three levels of certification.
Certification requirements for each Level build on those of lower Levels: Certification at Levels II or III does not require prior certification at the lower level, but it does require that the certification requirements of the lower levels have been met.
The Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems exam is delivered on a computer at Pearson Vue Testing Centers. Computer-based testing (CBT) allows NICET to extend several benefits to our customers: more flexible exam dates and appointment times; immediate scheduling and confirmation; and quicker exam scoring. For more information about taking the Standard Model exam, please click here.
Application Package (apply for testing and certification)
Individual Sections of the Application
Certification Requirements Chart
Application Procedures
Performance Measures
Rescheduling Form
Take a Practice Test
Listing of references allowed in testing centers and some books that might be useful in preparing for an exam.
| Standard Model/CBT Application | |
| Level I | $230 |
| Level II | $300 |
| Level III | $355 |
| Level IV | $410 |
Rescheduling more than 24 hours before your exam date is complimentary in the same testing window. Please contact PearsonVUE.
Within 24 hours, after your scheduled date or for a new testing window there is an additional fee equal to one half of the original testing fee.
The exam will be administered on a computer at a proctored test center managed by a test administration company. These exams are normally closed book; any exception to this policy will be stated in the test information for that program. The content outline for the program will serve as the guide to what will be covered on the test.
Each test session begins with a tutorial allowing you to get used to the process. During the test, you will see one question at a time, but can move forward or backwards to view or review other questions. Some questions include a graphic or document to be viewed by clicking on the exhibit button. Exhibits may be in color. 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.
To apply, click here.
| Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems | |
| Level I Exam | 115 questions, 125 min. |
| Level II Exam | 168 questions, 185 min. |
| Level III Exam | 145 questions, 155 min. |
NOTE: Your appointment time will be 10 minutes longer to cover an introductory tutorial section before your exam begins. Any unused time will NOT extend the time allotted for answering exam questions.
Calculators
A calculator is built into the exam. Please see the CBT Calculator Preview for information about the onscreen calculator. Candidates may not bring any additional calculators into the testing room.
Applicants with a disability as defined in Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act who may be placed at a disadvantage when taking a NICET certification examination may request a testing accommodation by contacting test@nicet.org prior to scheduling testing. Each request will be evaluated individually and every effort will be made to offer reasonable accommodations to qualifying applicants. There will be no additional charges to qualifying applicants for these accommodations. NICET will contact the applicant to arrange a mutually suitable accommodation.