Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems
This certification program is for engineering technicians engaged in the performance, documentation, planning, and coordination of periodic inspection and testing of existing fire alarm systems and their components (does not include commissioning of new systems). General areas covered include inspection and testing procedures, periodicity, documentation, safety, and work management. Technical areas covered include types of fire alarm systems and their respective components, device and circuit specific test procedures for initiating devices, notification appliances, supervisory signal-initiating devices, primary and secondary power supplies, emergency communications equipment, interface with other systems, and on/off premises monitoring.
Successful candidates must pass an exam or exams, complete a work history description that documents and meets specific industry related experience, and successfully perform key role specific activities. Once earned, certification must be maintained through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and recertified every three years.
NICET now has two Fire Alarm Certifications
The Fire Alarm Systems certification is a robust credential, based on inter-related elements of system design, installation, maintenance, and inspection. It is anticipated that most AHJs who have accepted it as evidence of qualification to perform maintenance/periodic inspections of fire alarm systems will continue to do so.
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 Inspection and Testing of 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 will be updating the Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems exams to be available for testing on October 7th, 2024. The updated ITFAS exams will reference NFPA 72 (2022 edition) which will be available as an on-screen PDF during the test. Candidates will still be allowed to bring a physical copy of the allowed references with them during the test. More information is coming soon.
| Coming Soon on October 7, 2024 | ||
| Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems Exams | ||
| Level I Exam | 85 questions | Reference List Content Outline |
| Level II Exam | 80 questions | Reference List Content Outline |
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.
Title Page - Edit and print this page with the information about the reference, according to the standard
| Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems Application | |
| Level I | $230 |
| Level II | $310 |
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.
| Inspection & Testing of Fire Alarm Systems Exams | |
| Level I Exam | 84 questions, 110 min. |
| Level II Exam | 76 questions, 110 min. |
To apply, click here.
NOTE:
You will be required to sign an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) to begin your examination. 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.
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.