NICET Water-Based Systems Layout (WBSL) - Level 3 General Plans Preparation
The Water-Based Systems Layout certification program is for engineering technicians engaged in the layout and detailing of water-based systems that must meet code and statutory requirements. The candidates for NICET certification at Level III in Water-Based Systems Layout should have the knowledge, experience, and skills needed to work independently with codes, standards, plans, and specifications to produce complete submittals for all types of water-based systems.
The Exam Pros Prep Package helps you to pass the NICET Water-Based Systems Layout (WBSL) - Level 3 General Plans Preparation Exam with the books, tabs, and expert-led online course you need.
The Water-Based Systems Layout exam is delivered on a computer at Pearson Vue Testing Centers.
All Water-Based System Layout exams have been updated and are currently available as of July 8, 2024.
Content Outline:
- Contract Documents (Questions related to these tasks make up 1-8% of the exam.)
- Apply project specifications.
- Explore value engineering options.
- Develop design-build project criteria.
- Survey Existing Conditions (Questions related to these tasks make up 1-10% of the exam.)
- Evaluate existing systems.
- Codes and Standards (Questions related to these tasks make up 7-17% of the exam.)
- Determine design criteria.
- Implement water-based system designs.
- Sprinkler System Layout (Questions related to these tasks make up 42-52% of the exam.)
- Layout complex systems.
- Address mixed occupancy protections.
- Determine applicability of pipe schedule systems.
- Evaluate storage occupancies.
- Address impacts of building features on water-based systems.
- Perform seismic calculations.
- Optimize system layouts.
- Complex Standpipe System Layout (Questions related to these tasks make up 6-16% of the exam.)
- Determine flow and pressure requirements.
- Fire Pump Unit Layout (Questions related to these tasks make up 9-19% of the exam.)
- Layout fire pumps and all appurtenances.
- Water Storage Tanks (Questions related to these tasks make up 1-9% of the exam.)
- Select and layout water storage tank.
- Project Management (Questions related to these tasks make up 1-9% of the exam.)
- Manage contract modifications.
- Prepare project schedules.
- Manage approval processes.
Approved References:
- NFPA 13, 2022 Ed.
- NFPA 14, 2019 Ed.
- NFPA 20, 2022 Ed.
- NFPA 22, 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 a water-based systems layout technician. While these books may help you prepare for the exam, they are NOT permitted in the test center.
- Construction Management Jumpstart (Third edition), Barbara J. Jackson, Sybex
- A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) (6th Edition). (2017), Project Management Institute (PMI)
- International Building Code (IBC) (2021), International Code Council (ICC)
- NFPA 13R (2016): Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies
- Fire Protection Hydraulics and Water Supply Analysis (3rd Edition). (2012), Pat D. Brock, Oklahoma State University
For more information on WBSL certification program, please refer to NICET.ORG
Exam Pros Package Options Available:
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Complete Book Set for the NICET Water-Based Systems Layout (WBSL) - Level 3 General Plans Preparation 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 1/6/2026