NICET Special Hazards Systems (SHS) - Level 1
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. The candidates for NICET certification at Level I in Special Hazards Systems should have the knowledge, experience and basic skills needed to work in the industry.
The Exam Pros Prep Package helps you to pass the NICET Special Hazards Systems (SHS) - Level 1 Exam with the books, tabs, and expert-led online course you need.
The Special Hazards Systems exam is delivered on a computer at Pearson Vue Testing Centers.
Content Outline:
- Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (Questions related to these tasks make up 43-49% of the exam.)
- Identify system type and components.
- Check the locations of an existing system’s detection, control, and mechanical components for changes.
- Visually inspect a site’s construction features for changes.
- Activate alarm initiating devices of a special hazard system.
- Determine whether container’s agent quantify and/or pressure is within the documented range.
- Insect cylinders and their discharge hoses for corrosion, physical damage, and hydrotest status.
- Visually inspect piping and hangers for physical damage.
- Repair and Recharge (Questions related to these tasks make up 6-12% of the exam.)
- Replace damaged wires.
- Replace damaged mechanical system components.
- Installation (Questions related to these tasks make up 22-28% of the exam.)
- Obtain installation information from shop drawings.
- Install raceways and conduit.
- Install piping for a special hazards system.
- Install air sampling piping.
- Mount special hazards system components.
- System Design and Configuration (Questions related to these tasks make up 11-17% of the exam.)
- Derive installation information from architectural and engineering plans and specifications.
- Identify basic electrical units and components.
- Identify the purposes of standards, codes, specifications, and manufacturer-specific listings and what professions and/or roles are involved in establishing and enforcing their use.
- Safety (Questions related to these tasks make up 11-17% of the exam.)
- Practice personal safety on the job site.
Approved References:
- NFPA 12, 2018 Ed.
- NFPA 70, 2020 Ed.
- NFPA 72, 2019 Ed.
- NFPA 2001, 2018 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 inspection and testing technician. While these books may help you prepare for the exam, they are NOT permitted in the test center.
- CGA C-6 (2019): Standards for Visual Inspection of Steel Compressed Gas Cylinders, Compressed Gas Association (CGA)
- FSSA Pipe Design Handbook for Use with Special Hazards Fire Suppression Systems: PDH-03 (3rd edition), Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA)
- NFPA 1 (2018): Fire Code, National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA)
- NFPA 16 (2019): Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Spray Systems, National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA)
- NFPA 58 (2020): Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA)
- NFPA 170 (2018): Standard for Fire Safety and Emergency Symbols, National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA)
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910: General Industry, U.S. Department of Labor
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926: Safety and Health Regulations for Construction, U.S. Department of Labor
- Ugly’s Electrical References. (2020) George V. Hart and Sammie Hart, Jones & Bartlett Learning
For more information on SHS certification program, please refer to NICET.ORG
Exam Pros Package Options Available:
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Complete Book Set for the NICET Special Hazards Systems (SHS) - Level 1 Exam
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Pre-printed Tabs to easily find important code sections during the exam
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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.
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Direct Instructor Support via Phone, Text, WhatsApp, Zoom, Facetime, or Email
Note: If you purchase "Highlighted and Tabbed Books" only the Reference Books that are allowed in the examination center are shipped as highlighted and tabbed. Please call +1 (954) 908-7010 if you want to purchase the suggested study materials highlighted. Highlighted and tabbed books ordered out of the state of Florida may take up to 5-7 business days to be shipped.
Page Updated 1/5/2026