NICET Receives 2022 Power of Associations Silver Award for In-Building Public Safety Communications Certification Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 22, 2022

Contact: NICET, Chip Hollis
Email: chollis@nicet.org
Telephone: 888-476-4238, ext. 107
Website: www.nicet.org

ALEXANDRIA, VA (December 22, 2022) The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) recently earned a Power of Associations Silver Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for its newest certification program.

The program, In-Building Public Safety Communications (IBPSC), was developed in cooperation with the Safer Buildings Coalition (SBC) to certify engineering technicians engaged in the detailing and layout, installation, and maintenance, and/or designing, of these systems (referred to in codes and standards as Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems, or ERCES).

ERCES were developed following the events in New York on September 11, 2001, to improve signal quality in buildings for the critically important need for communication and coordination between emergency responders. However, this technology needs qualified individuals to ensure systems operate as intended and the IBPSC program provides an objective, third-party skills and knowledge certification upon which stakeholders and the public may rely. Certified individuals will have the demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities; participate in continuing professional development to maintain their credential; and agree to abide by the NICET Code of Ethics to ensure ERCES are designed, installed, and maintained properly.

"Congratulations to NSPE/NICET for exemplifying the impact associations have on the industries and professions they represent, and on society at large,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “It’s always so incredibly satisfying to see associations going above and beyond their everyday mission to change the world. We’re very proud to spotlight this award-winning initiative.”

The process of creating the certification program involved Hundreds of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and practitioners, many of whom are SBC members, who volunteered time and expertise to define the practice, identify competencies, set certification requirements, select relevant reference material, write and review exam questions, and complete the passing score studies. The program has a progressive three-level Technician track and a one-level Design track. Candidates may pursue tracks independently or together to establish minimum qualifications for appropriate roles.

“We are so pleased to have partnered with NICET in developing this essential credentialing program that finally established true qualification for personnel involved in the design and installation of emergency responder communication enhancement systems,” said Safer Building Coalition’s Executive Director Chief Alan Perdue.

“Launching this new program is due to the efforts of dedicated industry practitioners, subject matter experts, SBC, other stakeholders, and NICET staff,” explained NICET Senior Director, Chip Hollis. “I am honored that NICET’s program received such a prestigious industry award and recognition, especially for a program providing a real solution to ensure communications coverage for emergency responders and ultimately protection of the public.”

To learn more about this certification program, including application information, exam content outlines, reference lists, certification requirements and other information on the development process, please visit In-Building Public Safety Communications (IBPSC).

About NICET
The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), a division of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), provides an independent and rigorous evaluation of knowledge and experience among individuals in the fields of engineering technology. Founded in 1961, NICET serves as a respected personnel certification authority in many technical fields; and has certified more than 155,000 technicians and technologists. For more information, please visit www.nicet.org.