NICET In-Building Public Safety Communications (IB-PSC) - Design

This certification program is for engineering technicians engaged in the design and layout, and installation and maintenance, of in-building public safety communication systems. The candidates for NICET certification in the Design of In-Building Public Safety Communications should have the knowledge, experience, and advanced skills needed to work in the industry.

The Exam Pros Prep Package helps you to pass the NICET In-Building Public Safety Communications (IB-PSC) - Design Exam with the books, tabs, and expert-led online course you need. 

The In-Building Public Safety Communications exam is delivered on a computer at Pearson Vue Testing Centers. 

NICET has updated the In-Building Public Safety Communications (IB-PSC) exams on December 2nd, 2024.

Content Outline:

• Defining the Project Scope (Questions related to these tasks make up 15-25% of the exam.)
  • Review and interpret project specifications.
  • Review and interpret project drawings and site survey reports.
• Evaluating RF Signal Strength and Quality (Questions related to these tasks make up 25-35% of the exam.) 
  • Understand potential RF interference.
  • Consider all field observations in design.
  • Interpret RF signal strength and quality results.
• Designing the System (Questions related to these tasks make up 45-55% of the exam.)  
  • Entering parameters into system design applications.
  • Select system equipment.
  • Plan headend (e.g., equipment selection, cabling, etc.).
  • Determine system layout.
  • Create bill of materials (BOM).
  • Generate submittal packages.

Approved References:

1. NFPA 1225, 2022 Ed.
2. 47 CFR Part 90: Private Land Mobile Radio Services (also known as FCC Part 90)
3. Complete ERCES Handbook, 2023 Ed.
   
4. International Fire Code (IFC), 2018 Ed.
5. Indoor Radio Planning: A Practical Guide for 2G, 3G, and 4G, 3rd Ed.
   

*The test questions are based on the standard editions listed above; therefore, candidates are strongly urged to bring these editions to the exam. Note: Candidates may bring older or newer editions—instead of the editions listed above—at their own risk. Exam comments that are made based on other published edition years, will not be reviewed until the next maintenance cycle. Candidates are responsible for reviewing the content outline and bringing in allowable printed references that are applicable to what is being tested. Acceptable references may be copied in whole or part. 

Note: An NFPA Handbook will NOT be accepted as a substitute for any of the titles listed above. 

In addition to the references listed above, the following publications can provide some of the job knowledge required by an in-building public safety communications technician. While these books may help you prepare for the exam, they are NOT permitted in the test center. 

1. NPSTC Best Practices for In-Building Communications (2007) (white paper; appendices)
2. NTIA Technical Report TR-11-480: In-Building Radio Enhancement Systems for Public Safety (2011) 
3. NFPA 72 (2019): National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code 
   
4. International Building Code (2018); International Code Council (ICC) 
5. NFPA 70 (2020): National Electrical Code
   

For more information on IB-PSC certification program, please refer to NICET.ORG

Exam Pros Package Options Available:

• Complete Book Set for the NICET In-Building Public Safety Communications (IB-PSC) - Level 3 Exam
  
• Pre-printed Tabs to easily find important code sections during the exam
  
• Online Home Study Course – Learn at your own pace with full support. 
  • Over 500 practice questions organized by book. 
  • Practice Final Exams with questions, answers, page numbers, and solutions. 
  • How-to videos for taking the exam, using Pearson VUE systems, and study strategies.
    
  • Highlighting & tabbing instructions for your books.
    
• Direct Instructor Support via Phone, Text, WhatsApp, Zoom, Facetime, or Email
  

Note: If you purchase "New Books with Suggested Study + Pre-printed Tabs" the tabs are only for the Reference Books that are allowed in the examination center. Please call +1 (954) 908-7010 if you want to purchase your books highlighted and tabbed or purchase the tabs for suggested study materials. Highlighted and tabbed books ordered out of the state of Florida may take up to 5-7 business days to be shipped.

Page Updated 4/25/2026