Fire Alarm Systems
The Fire Alarm Systems certification program was designed for engineering technicians working in the fire alarm industry who engage in a combination of the following fire alarm systems activities: system layout (plan preparation), system equipment selection, system installation, system acceptance testing, system troubleshooting, system servicing, and system technical sales. Technical areas covered include applicable codes and standards, types of detectors and signaling systems, supervision requirements, power requirements, building/space structure and occupancy considerations, and basic electricity and electronics.
The Fire Alarm Systems certification program consists of four levels – Levels I – IV. The Fire Alarm Systems Level I exam is available to be administered online with a remote proctor. Applicants are presented with the option to select online administration through OnVue during the scheduling step.
Successful candidates must pass an exam or exams, complete a work history description that documents and meets specific industry related experience, successfully perform key role-specific activities, and obtain a personal recommendation (Levels III and IV). Once earned, certification must be maintained through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and recertified every three years.
NICET now has two Fire Alarm Systems certifications
The Fire Alarm Systems certification is a robust credential, based on interrelated elements of system design, installation, maintenance, and inspection.
The Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems certification was developed for those inspectors who specialize in maintenance/periodic fire alarm inspections and who have little experience in other types of fire alarm systems work.
If you have successfully tested above Level I in Fire Alarm Systems and want or need certification in Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems, you may be closer than you think. Find out more about testing credit for ITFAS exams.
The Fire Alarm 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.
NICET has updated the Fire Alarm Systems exams on March 25, 2024. NFPA Codes & Standards (PDFs) will be available on-screen to candidates. Candidates may also bring physical copies of the books during testing (for specific information about what references are allowed, please check the corresponding reference lists for each level). New practice tests are also available.
Certification Requirements
Application Procedures
Performance Measures
Take a Practice Test
Listing of references allowed in testing centers and some books that might be useful in preparing for an exam.
Level I
Level II
Level III
Level IV
Title Page - Edit and print this page with the information about the reference, according to the standard.
Standard Model Programs
| Standard Model/CBT Application | |
| Level I | $230 |
| Level II | $310 |
| Level III | $365 |
| Level IV | $420 |
Rescheduling for all NICET tests 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. For more information on rescheduling, click here.
Rescheduling your NICET exam has never been easier, and in most cases, does not incur any additional fees. Additional fees may apply if rescheduling is attempted within 24 hours of the appointment time, the eligibility window expires, or there is less than 24 hours until the eligibility expires.
The best way to reschedule your exam is to login to your NICET account and click “Schedule" in the left side navigation, then “Schedule with Pearson VUE” for the exam you want to reschedule.
Click the exam name to view the appointment, then “Reschedule” on the right side of the screen.
Caution: Just like the original scheduling process, there are several screens, agreements, and confirmations. The process is not complete until you click the “Confirm Reschedule” button, see the notice “Your Appointment is Rescheduled”, and receive a confirmation email directly from Pearson Vue. Taking a screenshot of this process is not acceptable. Failure to complete the process and missing your appointment does incur a rescheduling fee.
You may also call Pearson VUE at 1-866-880-0048 to reschedule. However, significant wait times can occur.
Candidates who are testing using the online remote proctored (OnVue) option may reschedule their appointment date/time right up until their appointment without incurring additional fees. Just follow the same process as detailed above.
What is the Test Like?
The exam will be administered on a computer at a proctored test center managed by a test administration company. The content outline and reference list 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 backward 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. Answer options will usually be selected by clicking the boxes next to the answers. In a few questions, you may be presented with 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 an unofficial score report at the conclusion of your test session.
| Fire Alarm Systems Exams | |
| Level I Exam | 85 questions, 110 min. |
| Level II Exam | 110 questions, 155 min. |
| Level III Exam | 115 questions, 170 min. |
| Level IV Exam | 120 questions, 290 min.* |
To apply, click here.
NOTE:
You will be required to sign an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) to begin your exam. Failure to accept will result in a failed score and fees will be forfeited. The NDA that will be displayed is:
“You must accept the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) below in order to take this exam.
I understand that NICET tests and test questions are owned and copyrighted by NICET and affirm that I will not share the content of any NICET examination with any other person. I acknowledge that divulging the contents of this examination to others in any manner is expressly forbidden and may subject me to sanctions.”
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.
*This exam contains a 30-minute break. This time is NOT part of the allotted time to answer exam questions. You will be able to review questions from the first section before the break, but you will NOT have access to the first section questions after the break.
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 personal 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.