1. "Success through Excellence“
Automatic Fire Alarm Association
2007 Annual Meeting April 18-20, 2007
"Success through Excellence“
The Broadmoor Colorado Springs, CO
2007 Annual Meeting April 18-20, 2007 "Success through Excellence"
The Broadmoor Colorado Springs, CO

2. NICET Update NICET – Past, Present & Future
Fire Alarm Systems Program Update
AFAA-NICET Partnership
Discussion

3. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
A semi-autonomous division of the National Society of Professional Engineers
Established in 1961
A not-for-profit certification body
Policy direction from eight-person Board

4. NICET Mission
Provide an independent evaluation of technical knowledge and experience, through certification, among those working in the fields of engineering technology
Define and support career paths for engineering technicians, engineering technologists and related disciplines
Ensure recognition and continued professional development of certified individuals

5. Technician Programs Two types of certification offered:
Four levels of certification available:
Job-Task Competency Programs
General Knowledge Programs
Entry Level to Senior Level

6. General Knowledge Programs
Architectural/Building Construction
Civil Engineering Technology
Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology
Electrical Testing
Electrical Power
Industrial Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology

7. Job-Task Competency Programs
Transportation
Construction Materials Testing
Fire Protection
Geotechnical
Industrial Instrumentation
Security Systems
Underground Utilities Construction
Land Management & Water Control
Building Construction
Low Voltage Communication Systems

8. Certification Requirements
Written Examination
Relevant Work Experience
Verification of Competencies
Professional Recommendation
Hands-On Performance Test
(as applicable)

9. Engineering Technologists
Certification awarded at two levels:
Multitude of certification categories
ASSOCIATE TECHNOLOGIST
BS degree in engineering technology from TAC/ABET accredited program
CERTIFIED TECHNOLOGIST
AT plus five years relevant work experience and two professional endorsements
Have certified over 1100 engineering technologists since 1977

10. Recertification
Continuing Professional Development required every three years
90 CPD points:
- Relevant Work Experience
- Continuing Education
- Professional Activities
- Certification Activities
- Recertification Exam
Active, Retired, Inactive, Expired Status
Currently have about 25,000 active certificants; with a recertification rate of over 70%

11. 45 Years of Proven Performance
Maintain complete financial independence
$4.0 million annual budget
29 staff
38 certification programs currently available
140 testing centers nationwide
13,000 exams administered annually
38,000 active certificates
120,000 technicians/technologists certified to date

12. Current Objectives
Increase use of technology (web access, , web conferencing) =
Improve communications with technicians
Increase marketing to employers
Gain greater acceptance by AHJs
Reduce program development expenses & increase committee productivity

13. The Future NICET Customer Centric: On-Line Access & E-Commerce
Computer-Based Testing
Annual Program Updates
Standardized Testing Model

14. Fire Alarm Systems Update
What’s Been Completed?
Updated Program Scope
New Job Task Analysis
Industry Validation Survey
Test Specifications

15. Fire Alarm Systems Update
What’s Next?
Item (Question) Writing
Test Construction
Pilot Testing
Score Setting

16. AFAA-NICET Partnership
Industry support is essential for NICET to continue offering any certification program
Volunteer travel & participation expenses are the single largest development cost
Additional Industry funding demonstrates commitment for NICET to match
Current proposal “formalizes” 19-year relationship between AFAA & NICET

17. Benefits to NICET
Fire Alarm Systems program updated and maintained to satisfy current industry needs
Credible national training resources available to compliment NICET certification
NICET alerted to pending state/local regulation and/or legislation for certificants
Increased awareness of NICET certification within fire protection & engineering communities

18. Benefits to AFAA No More Excuses!
NICET commitment to keep Fire Alarm Systems program updated
Better tests – more accurately determine competency of technicians
Increased testing capability
Faster results

19. DISCUSSION ?

20. THANK YOU
Michael Clark, Chief Operating Executive NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR CERTIFICATION IN ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES 1420 King Street • Alexandria, VA •