Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems
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. Repair activities are not included or covered under this program. 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.
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 (Level III). Once earned, certification must be maintained through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and recertified every three years.
Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems comprises three levels of certification:
- Level I is designed for technicians who perform limited job tasks under direct supervision.
- Level II is for technicians who perform routine inspection and testing tasks under general daily supervision.
- Level III is for technicians who can work independently to perform complete system inspection and testing jobs, and who may supervise the work of other I & T technicians.
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.
NICET is updating the Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems (ITWBS) exams, which will be available for testing in Spring 2025. The updated ITWBS exams will be based off the 2023 edition of NFPA 25. This standard, as well as other NFPA standards used to update the exams, will be available as on-screen PDFs during the test. Candidates will still be allowed to bring physical copies of the allowed references with them during the test. More information coming soon.
| Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems Update Spring 2025 | |
| Level I Exam | Content Outline Reference List |
| Level II Exam | Coming Soon |
| Level III Exam | Coming Soon |
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.
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.
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:
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.