NICET Special Hazards Systems (SHS) - Level 2

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 II 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 2 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 22-28% of the exam.) 
  
  • Verify integrity of detection and control system circuits.
    
  • Conduct a smoke detector sensitivity test. 
    
  • Test notification devices for audibility. 
    
  • Install firmware upgrades on system devices. 
    
  • Arm and disarm systems. 
    
  • Visually inspect foam systems for damage or conditions that could limit proper functioning. 
    
  • Check storage tank liquid level and collect foam concentrate sample for lab analysis. 
  • Conduct a room integrity test. 
    
  • Perform a sequence-of-operations test.
    
  • Verify whether container’s agent quantify and/or pressure is within the allowable range. 
    
  • Test a system’s emergency standby battery power supply. 
• Repair and Recharge (Questions related to these tasks make up 10-16% of the exam.) 
  
  • Troubleshoot electrical circuitry.
    
  • Conduct testing (e.g., leak, hydrostatic, visual requalification) of cylinders and hoses. 
    
  • Recharge clean agent cylinders. 
    
  • Recharge foam system tanks. 
    
  • Conduct foam bladder integrity tests. 
    
  • Replace damaged electrical system components (e.g., smoke detectors, batteries, notification appliances, optical flame detectors). 
• Installation (Questions related to these tasks make up 32-38% of the exam.) 
  
  • Terminate wiring at panels and devices.
  • Test the integrity of installed wire for ground faults and adequate insulation.
  • Install piping for a special hazards system.
  • Address field devices (e.g., smoke detectors, relays, monitor modules, control modules, initiating devices, notification devices).
  • Program detection devices for sensitivity.
  • Set flame detector viewing angles according to system plans and site conditions.
  • Actuate and verify operation of electrical detection and control devices during pretesting and commissioning.
  • Actuate and verify operation of mechanical devices during pretesting and commissioning.
  • Install foam system control valves and proportioning equipment.
  • Conduct pipe-puff and pressure tests.
  • Verify air transport times and suction pressures of an air-aspirating high-sensitivity smoke detection system.
  • Perform a sequence-of operations test at commissioning.
  • Perform a final acceptance test (other than concentration) for an AHJ.
  • Install wiring for a special hazard system.
  • Confirm installation of room integrity products (e.g., door sweeps, door closers, weather stripping, fire bags, firestopping).
• System Design and Configuration (Questions related to these tasks make up 11-17% of the exam.) 
  
  • Determine wiring and protection requirements for fire protection circuits.
  • Conduct a site survey.
  • Determine spacing and placement requirements for a site’s fire protection system components.  
  • Select and lay out piping and restraints. 
    
• Work Management (Questions related to these tasks make up 2-8% of the exam.) 
  • Prepare requests for information.
  • Compile submittal documents.
  • Obtain permits.
  • Coordinate system installation work with other trades on-site.
  • Prepare for work tasks.
  • Prepare project close-out documentation.  
    
• Safety (Questions related to these tasks make up 5-11% of the exam.) 
  • Recognize dangers associated with specific special hazard system types. 
    
  • Practice special safety precautions for CO2 discharge testing and inert agent discharge testing. 

Approved References:

1. NFPA 12, 2018 Ed.
2. NFPA 25, 2020 Ed.
3. NFPA 72, 2019 Ed.
4. 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. 

1. CFR Title 49 (2017): Transportation, U.S. Federal Government, GPO 
2. Construction Management JumpStart. (3rd edition) Barbara J. Jackson, Ph.D., Wiley 
3. FSSA Pipe Design Handbook for Use with Special Hazards Fire Suppression Systems: PDH-03 (3rd edition), Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA) 
4. NFPA 1 (2018): Fire Code, National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA) 
5. NFPA 11 (2016): Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam, National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA) 
6. NFPA 16 (2019): Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Spray Systems, National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA) 
7. NFPA 17 (2017): Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems, National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA) 
8. NFPA 17A (2017): Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems, National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA) 
9. NFPA 70 (2020): National Electric Code, National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA) 
10. NFPA 750 (2019): Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems, National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA) 
11. NFPA 2010 (2020): Standard for Fixed Aerosol Fire-Extinguishing Systems, National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA)

For more information on SHS certification program, please refer to NICET.ORG

Exam Pros Package Options Available:

• Complete Book Set for the NICET Special Hazards Systems (SHS) - Level 2 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 "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 5/7/2026