NICET Water-Based Systems Layout (WBSL) - Level 2

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 II in Water-Based Systems Layout should have the knowledge, experience, and skills needed to work more independently than Level I technicians.

The Exam Pros Prep Package helps you to pass the NICET Water-Based Systems Layout (WBSL) - Level 2 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. 

Content Outline

All Water-Based System Layout exams have been updated and are currently available as of July 8, 2024.

Content Outline:

• Safety (Questions related to these tasks make up 1-7% of the exam.) 
  
  • Identify safety requirements.
    
• Contract Documents (Questions related to these tasks make up 1-9% of the exam.) 
  
  • Understand and apply project specifications.
  • Interpret project plans.
  • Coordinate with other trades.
  • Identify project scopes.
    
• Survey Existing Conditions (Questions related to these tasks make up 1-9% of the exam.) 
  
  • Identify conflicts between plans and existing conditions.
  • Identify occupancies and uses.
  • Obtain water supply information.
  • Field-verify existing systems and conditions.
• Codes and Standards (Questions related to these tasks make up 6-16% of the exam.) 
  • Select and apply applicable codes and standards.
  • Evaluate design options. 
    
• Basic Sprinkler System Layout (Questions related to these tasks make up 40-50% of the exam.)
  • Select system types (e.g., wet, dry, pre-action).
  • Select system configurations (e.g., tree, loop, grid).
  • Determine hazard classifications (e.g., non-storage).
  • Identify storage arrangements.
  • Identify storage commodity classifications (e.g., Class I, Class II).
  • Identify the impact of construction types on the selection and layout of sprinklers.
  • Determine the minimum locations and sizing of various types of pipe supports. (e.g., trapeze hangers, bracings, and restraints) 
  • Prepare material and fabrication stocklists.
    
• Basic Standpipe System Layout (Questions related to these tasks make up 4-14% of the exam.) 
  • Select type and class of standpipe systems.
  • Layout valves and hose connections.
• Basic Fire Pump System Layout (Questions related to these tasks make up 3-13% of the exam.)  
  • Configure fire pump layouts (e.g., basic valve and piping).
  • Establish pipe and valve sizes (e.g., suction or test header sizes). 
    
• Hydraulic Equations (Questions related to these tasks make up 7-17% of the exam.)
  • Obtain water supply.
  • Determine hydraulically remote areas.
  • Hand-calculate a branch line.
  • Hand-calculate manual standpipe systems. 
• Submittal and Approval Process (Questions related to these tasks make up 1-7% of the exam.)  
  
  • Compile initial and subsequent submittal packages (see the approval process through completion). 
    
• Project Management (Questions related to these tasks make up 1-8% of the exam.)  
  • Follow project schedules.
  • Prepare closeout documents.

Approved References:

1. NFPA 13, 2022 Ed.
2. NFPA 14, 2019 Ed.
3. NFPA 20, 2022 Ed.
4. 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. 

1. Construction Management Jumpstart (Third edition), Barbara J. Jackson, Sybex
2. International Building Code (IBC) (2021), International Code Council (ICC) 
3. NFPA 13D (2022): Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes
4. NFPA 13R (2022): Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies
5. NFPA 101 (2021): Life Safety Code
6. OSHA QuickCard: Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) Pictogram; U.S. Department of Labor (2016) 
7. OSHA Brief: Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets (BR-3514); U.S. Department of Labor
8. OSHA 29 CFR 1910: Occupational Safety and Health Standards 

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

Exam Pros Package Options Available:

• Complete Book Set for the NICET Water-Based Systems Layout (WBSL) - 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 1/6/2026