I am currently trying to put together a study outline for the NICET Level IV exam for Water-Based Systems Layout.
Does anyone have any advice or experience with studying for this exam? Also any advice or feedback concerning the major project write-up? Posted anonymously for discussion. Discuss This | Submit a Question | Subscribe
17 Comments
Bruce Seiler
4/29/2019 10:49:36 am
I have not found a great study guide for this test. There is so much information contained on the test that multiple sources are required to gain enough information in the different areas. Many of the scenarios are only learned through project experience. Understanding the entirety of hydraulic calculations and the effects of changes on the system is key, but that goes without saying as that is a major aspect of sprinkler design. The best study material would be to review drawings and calculations from another technician as much of the material comes from that point of view. The Project Management and Estimating items are pretty straight forward if you under stand job cost, labor projections, scheduling, contracts and similar. As for the major project write-up, you'll want to include as many different systems as possible to show you have experience with more than just a standard wet system. If one project doesn't involve multiple systems, multiple projects should be utilized. Detail is the key for this write-up.
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Dennis Randolph
4/29/2019 11:12:41 am
I have been curious about this myself. I recently took the level III tests, and used the Firetech course to brush up. It was spectacular! However there is not a course offered for level IV. If you develop something, let us know! I am sure more than a few of us would pay for such a service!
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Mike
4/29/2019 11:22:03 am
Dennis, did you find this course to be responsible for passing? Would you have passed without it? I have already passed Level I and Level III Hydraulics. Just wondering if I should buy the course.
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Dennis Randolph
4/29/2019 01:20:25 pm
If you already passed Level III hydraulics, you should be able to pass Level III General Plans.
Mike
4/29/2019 11:20:18 am
I've already taken Level IV and failed by a few questions - 455 pts. and needed 500. Very obscure questions. My advice would be to take it and gamble on it and expect to take it twice.
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Johnathan A
4/29/2019 11:40:47 am
I took it and failed it, by probably 1 or 2 questions. I dont really know how knowing the number of voting members in NFPA affect how good of a WBS Engineer I am but it is what it is.
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Dennis Randolph
4/29/2019 01:21:10 pm
Was that really one of the questions? If so, that is crazy!!!
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PETE
4/29/2019 01:00:57 pm
The only people I know who have attained level IV got it before there was a testing requirement. This is a left-field answer but, get the CFPS certification instead. What does Level IV get you ?? A pat on the back? I say this as a guy who got a Level III cert and became a PE 6 months later. I'm not particularly happy with the way NICET does business. I'm not convinced that their methods even accurately test for competency. So, why empower them with more business?
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Dennis Randolph
4/29/2019 01:26:00 pm
Correct me if I am wrong, but you need a college degree to become a P.E. correct?
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PETE
4/29/2019 03:04:05 pm
Thanks for the reply Dennis. To answer your question about the degree: it depends on the state. I was advocating for the NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist.
RJ
4/30/2019 10:21:04 am
NICET is only for the money. No one there can answer any questions, they will have someone get back with you.....Maybe.... All their tests do is show that someone can look up answers in the code books in the time frame allowed. Not what someone actually knows. If you can do that, you pass. If not, please try again and don't forget to send us your check as we really need it!
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PETE
4/30/2019 11:00:26 am
RJ. I am of a similar mindset, although I am trying to be careful not to form an opinion based on suppositions. I have a few problems.
Dennis Randolph
4/29/2019 03:17:09 pm
I had considered taking the CFPS test in the past, but have not done it yet. I did however take the newer CWBSP (certified water based systems professional) test, and passed it. It was pretty well in line with the Level III test.
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Carlo
5/7/2019 06:12:42 pm
I am considering pursuing an Fire protection degree from Eastern Kentucky university is it worth it over getting nicet certified?
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PETE
5/7/2019 06:36:00 pm
I find engineering work more rewarding than design work, persoanally. If you want to set up shop as a sprinkler contractor I would get the degree and the PE.
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Joe Meyer
7/8/2019 05:05:20 pm
Hi Carlo - I think many people would say that the PE designation can be a major career boost in a handful of ways. For one, your employment opportunities very quickly broaden into a handful of different applications and industries, plus the responsibility can grow as well (in a good way).
Max
11/10/2019 10:52:14 am
I took the new CBT for level IV water-based 9 November 2019 and felt it was a fair and tough exam. The content outline was accurate. They will ask questions that only people with 10+ years experience will know. I think there is just under 4 minutes for each question and the challenge for me was to stay focused through 4.5 hours of testing. The questions were dense and required understanding of the intent and context of the requirement.
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