SHS Level IV Validation Survey (2025)

1. Introduction

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) appreciates your interest in the Special Hazards Systems (SHS) program. This job analysis survey is designed to confirm the major tasks done by Level IV SHS Technicians working in many settings, which were identified by a diverse panel of experts. The job analysis process is used by NICET to provide a solid foundation for its certification programs.

Exam Purpose:
NICET's SHS certification is used by the industry to qualify engineering technicians influencing hiring, retention, promotion and contracting decisions, and promoting work practices that comply with NICET’s Code of Ethics (https://www.nicet.org/about-us/code-of-ethics/).

Specific jurisdictions (both local and national) and contracts require specific NICET certifications (sub-fields and levels) to ensure the qualifications of the workforce on their sites. Each exam level will test the competency of the SHS engineering technician based upon their field experience in the industry. The exams are progressive and build on competencies of the previous levels.

The Special Hazards Systems certification program is designed for engineering technicians engaged in the design and layout and/or installation and maintenance related to special hazards suppression systems. Technical areas covered include knowledge of physical science and mathematics, elements of electricity and electronics, fire suppression agents, fire protection devices, hydraulic flow of various agents, systems installation, servicing and maintenance, applicable codes, and insurance authority standards, and contract interpretation and preparation.

Definition of SHS Level IV Technician:
The candidates for NICET certification at Level IV in Special Hazards Systems should have the knowledge, experience and skills needed to work in the industry. They design systems involving unique applications of agents/devices, including detection and control, and/or explosion prevention. They troubleshoot complex* systems, manage multiple project teams, and negotiate contracts.

(*Complex systems may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: suppression systems, networked control units, emergency control interfaces, high expansion foams, medium expansion foams, very early warning smoke detection systems, low pressure CO₂, selector valve controlled systems, explosion prevention, and explosion venting, water mist, foam pump system, hybrid (water and inert as) fire-extinguishing systems, preaction and deluge systems.)

Please complete the survey by the end of the day, Tuesday, 9 September. Please only take this survey one time. Your input will be used to validate the work of the expert panel and to update NICET's understanding of this specialty area. Also, the survey results will be used to prioritize the content of the certification examination.

Thank you for being part of this important endeavor. Your survey responses will be analyzed by NICET, and individual responses will not be identified.

If you have questions about this survey or NICET's Fire Protection certification programs, please contact:

Pallavi Raviprakash
Certification Program Development Manager
email: praviprakash@nicet.org
Phone: (888) 476-4238, ext. 119

Sincerely,

Charles “Chip” Hollis, Jr.
Vice President, Credentials