NICET Special Hazards Systems (SHS) - Level 4
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 IV 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 4 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:
- System Design and Configuration (Questions related to these tasks make up 42-48% of the exam.)
- Communicate with an NFPA committee regarding standards.
- Design a complex foam system.
- Implement protection of a dust control system and/or equipment.
- Design a low-pressure CO2 system.
- Coordinate and implement the application of explosion prevention systems (other than dust control equipment).
- Develop installation specifications, taking into account manufacturer’s instructions and any site-specific requirements.
- Work Management (Questions related to these tasks make up 40-46% of the exam.)
- Accommodate LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) requirements.
- Present performance-based design alternatives to Engineers/AHJs.
- Educate AHJs and insurance authorities about special hazards work.
- Conduct cost and benefits research to determine the feasibility of using new agents and other products.
- Negotiate and review project contracts.
- Develop a project budget.
- Monitor project cost-control.
- Safety (Questions related to these tasks make up 4-11% of the exam.)
- Manage compliance with OSHA and insurance carrier (Bureau of Workers’ Compensation) safety requirements.
Approved References:
- NFPA 11, 2016 Ed.
- NFPA 12, 2018 Ed.
- NFPA 16, 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.
- AIA Document A201: General Conditions of the Contracts for Construction (2017) American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- Construction Management JumpStart (3rd edition) Barbara J. Jackson, Ph.D., Wiley
- Cost Estimating (1982) Rodney D. Stewart, John Wiley & Sons
- LEED Rating System, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
- NFPA 70 (2020): National Electric Code, National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA)
- OSHA 29 CFR 1904: Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, U.S. Department of Labor
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910: General Industry, U.S. Department of Labor
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 4 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