Transition to computer-based testing for NICET exams complete

March 16, 2012
NTC vice president explains differences between the new and old exams

The National Training Center this week announced that the transition to computer-based testing (CBT) for NICET Fire Alarm exams is now complete.

In a statement, NTC Vice President Bryan McLane said that one of the biggest differences between taking the CBT NICET exam and the old written test is a lack of work elements.

"Work elements are specific areas of fire alarm knowledge that NICET tested candidates on," McLane explained. "Certification at different levels required a certain number of work elements from different areas, and specific work elements for higher certification. The new exam is now a single exam that is pass/fail for the entire exam. Level of certification has a separate exam that must be passed in order to earn that level of certification."

Though the new exam may be more difficult for some, McLane said that the NTC will still tailor its training to ensure success for test-takers.

"We at NTC have extensively reviewed the differences between the new and old NICET exam and have shaped our training to address how one can best prepare and succeed on the new CBT NICET exam. For those that are familiar with NTC training, they can be assured that our training is still applications based, progressive and fast paced, yet incorporates more studying and test taking strategies," he said. Additionally, we go over the NICET application process, as this too has changed and has left many people in a quandary. Studying is a large part of being properly prepared for the exam, but knowing how to study is the difference between passing and failing."