NICET Special Hazards Systems (SHS) - Level 3

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 III in Special Hazards Systems should have the knowledge, experience and skills needed to work in the industry. 

The Exam Pros Prep Package helps you to pass the NICET Special Hazards Systems (SHS) - Level 3 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 2-8% of the exam.) 
  
  • Conduct a low-pressure CO2 partial flow test. 
    
• Repair and Recharge (Questions related to these tasks make up 15-21% of the exam.) 
  
  • Replace control panel components.
  • Re-load the original programming configuration to a control panel after a repair.
  • Conduct a discharge investigation.
• Installation (Questions related to these tasks make up 16-22% of the exam.) 
  • Perform complex programming for multi-zone, multi-hazard, networked systems with directional valves, soak systems, or remote access over internet.
  • Perform foam proportion accuracy test.
  • Conduct clean agent discharge and concentration final acceptance tests.
• System Design and Configuration (Questions related to these tasks make up 69-75% of the exam.) 
  • Determine an appropriate system type and agent for the site’s hazard(s). 
  • Select and lay out detection devices.
  • Select and lay out power supply devices.
  • Select and lay out cables, conduit, and raceways.
  • Develop a programming matrix for a special hazards system.
  • Select and lay out discharge devices.
  • Select and lay out actuating/releasing devices.
  • Select and lay out agent storage equipment.
  • Layout and calculate air sampling systems.
  • Use software to calculate system flow for gaseous agents (including high-pressure CO2).
  • Use software to hydraulically calculate low-expansion foam water systems.
• Work Management (Questions related to these tasks make up 27-33% of the exam.) 
  
  • Procure materials for a special hazards system installation.
  • Prepare project documentation.
  • Plan acceptance testing and prepare associated documentation.
  • Evaluate final acceptance test results.
  • Develop, coordinate, and monitor a project schedule.
  • Prepare maintenance plans.
  • Conduct end-user training.
• Safety (Questions related to these tasks make up 2-8% of the exam.)
  • Prepare and implement project-specific safety plans based on site conditions.

Approved References:

1. NFPA 11, 2016 Ed.
2. NFPA 12, 2018 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. AIA Document A201: General Conditions of the Contracts for Construction (2017) American Institute of Architects (AIA) 
2. Construction Management JumpStart (3rd edition) Barbara J. Jackson, Ph.D., Wiley 
3. Networking for Dummies. (10th edition) Doug Lowe, John Wiley and Sons 
4. NFPA 16 (2019): Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems, National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA) 
5. NFPA 17 (2017): Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems, National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA) 
6. NFPA 17A (2017): Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems, National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA) 
7. NFPA 70 (2020): National Electric Code, National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA)
8. NFPA 76 (2020): Standard for Fire Protection of Telecommunication Facilities, National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA) 
9. OSHA 29 CFR 1910: General Industry, U.S. Department of Labor 
10. 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:

• Complete Book Set for the NICET Special Hazards Systems (SHS) - 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 "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