NICET Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems (ITWBS) - Level 3
The Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems certification program is for engineering technicians engaged in the inspection and testing of existing water-based fire protection systems, including identifying and addressing emergency and pre-planned impairments. The candidates for NICET certification at Level III in Inspection & Testing of Water-Based 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 Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems (ITWBS) - Level 3 Exam with the books, tabs, and expert-led online course you need.
The Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems exam is delivered on a computer at Pearson Vue Testing Centers.
NICET has updated the ITWBS Level I and Level II exams as of June 2, 2025. The updated ITWBS Level III exam is available as of December 1, 2025.
Content Outline:
- Deluge and Preaction Systems (Questions related to these tasks make up 20-30% of the exam.)
- Perform ITM tasks on deluge systems.
- Perform ITM tasks on preaction systems.
- Foam Systems (Questions related to these tasks make up 5-15% of the exam.)
- Perform ITM tasks on foam systems.
- Water Mist and Water Spray Systems (Questions related to these tasks make up 4-14% of the exam.)
- Perform ITM tasks on water mist systems.
- Perform ITM tasks on water spray systems.
- Pressure-Reducing Valves (Questions related to these tasks make up 10-20% of the exam.)
- Perform ITM tasks on pressure-reducing valves.
- Internal Obstruction Investigation (Questions related to these tasks make up 15-25% of the exam.)
- Supervise and report obstruction investigations.
- Interpret Flow Test Results (Questions related to these tasks make up 12-22% of the exam.)
- Analyze five-year flow tests of standpipe systems and their components.
- Analyze five-year flow tests of private fire service mains.
- Analyze forward flow of backflow preventers.
- Analyze pump test results.
- 3.7 Automated Inspection and Testing (Questions related to these tasks make up 1-9% of the exam.)
- Analyze automated inspection and testing results.
- Verify automated testing equipment for listed use and purpose.
- Identify frequencies for automated inspection and testing.
Approved References:
- NFPA 11, 2021 Ed.
- NFPA 14, 2019 Ed.
- NFPA 25, 2023 Ed.
- NFPA 72, 2022 Ed.
- NFPA 291, 2022 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.
- NFPA 13 (2022): Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
For more information on ITWBS certification program, please refer to NICET.ORG
Exam Pros Package Options Available:
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Complete Book Set for the NICET Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems (ITWBS) - Level 3 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: "Pre-printed tabs" are only for the 2 approved references. If you purchase "New Books with Suggested Study + Pre-printed Tabs" the tabs are only for the Reference Books that are allowed in the examination center. Please call +1 (954) 908-7010 if you want to purchase suggested study books highlighted and tabbed. Highlighted and tabbed books ordered out of the state of Florida may take up to 5-7 business days to be shipped.
Page Updated 4/01/2026