If You Are Working on Your NICET Certification, This Blog’s for You!
The Northwest Region of the National Fire Sprinkler Association presented a webinar to help members get better acquainted with certification options available through NICET and ASSE, as well as NFSA training resources and regional opportunities. In this blog post, I will review the information presented by Chip Hollis, Senior Director of Customer Success at NICET. He discussed the COVID-19 related accommodations to its processes.
Mr. Hollis recommended all candidates consult the webpage for the latest testing information. Testing centers re-opened May 1 with limited capacity and requirements such as face masks. All exam windows are extended to Dec. 31, 2020, (typically a three-month window) with a possible extension depending on COVID-19 restrictions. There are also some options for remote proctoring. All rescheduling fees are waived.
Some COVID-19 related changes have been made to recertification and continuing professional development. If you have become unemployed due to COVID-19, you may still claim active practitioner points. Additional education points may be claimed now and may be accumulated up to six months beyond your expiration date in consideration of the cancellation/delay of training you were expecting to take.
Mr. Hollis also clarified the role of NICET as a third-party certification body, explaining that content is developed through a consensus-based process. He encouraged anyone in the industry that is interested in participating to contact NICET.
Mr. Hollis reviewed the steps in the process for each level of certification, and for the three-year recertification. Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems is its newest program. NICET testing is no more than one cycle behind the primary NFPA standard.
Regarding training, he pointed out that NICET does not provide training in order to preserve the integrity of the testing process. All industry-related training that teaches the practices of the industry would be helpful towards gaining the knowledge needed for certification. NFSA is a NICET-recognized training provider.
In October of 2019, NICET launched a new customer portal. Be sure to watch a “how to” video on the NICET website under the recertification area. The new portal allows for a streamlined documentation and scheduling process.
Mr. Hollis may be contacted via email at chollis@nicet.org or phone at 888-476-4238 ext. 107. For more information, the NICET website is www.nicet.org.