NICET Fire Alarm Systems
Experience, exams, fees and recertification
Everything you need to plan NICET FAS or ITFAS certification, from NICET's own program pages and candidate handbook (checked 2026-11-09). Fees and rules change, so confirm on nicet.org before you apply.
Fire Alarm Systems (FAS) by level
| Level | Experience | Exams to pass | Questions / minutes | Application fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | At least 6 months | Level I | 85 / 110 | $235 |
| Level II | At least 2 years, including 12 months of fire alarm work | Levels I and II | 110 / 155 | $325 |
| Level III | At least 5 years, including 45 months of FAS Level III work | Levels I to III | 115 / 170 | $380 |
| Level IV | At least 10 years, including 105 months, and 2 years overseeing project management | Levels I to IV | 120 / 290 | $435 |
Every level also needs verified work-performance measures. Related experience can count for up to 12, 15 and 15 months at Levels II, III and IV. Fees are for computer-based testing, effective August 1, 2026.
Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems (ITFAS)
| Level | Questions / minutes | Application fee |
|---|---|---|
| Level I | 85 / 110 | $235 |
| Level II | 80 / 110 | $325 |
ITFAS covers periodic inspection and testing of existing systems, not commissioning new ones. Experience rules are on NICET's ITFAS page.
Exam day, scores and recertification
- Delivery: Pearson VUE test centers; FAS Level I can also be taken online (OnVUE).
- A basic and a scientific calculator are built into the exam; personal calculators are not allowed.
- Pass or fail at the end of the session. NICET does not publish a percentage pass score.
- Validity: 3 years. Recertification takes 90 CPD points in each 3-year period.
- Rescheduling: Free more than 24 hours before the exam; within 24 hours it costs half the testing fee.
- Code editions: current exams use NFPA 72 (2022). NICET plans to move to the 2025 edition around mid-2027 (date to be announced).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is NICET fire alarm certification valid?
NICET certification is valid for 3 years. Recertifying takes 90 continuing professional development points over the 3-year period.
Is there a percentage passing score on the NICET fire alarm exam?
No percentage passing score is published. Candidates see pass or fail at the end of the session, and failing candidates get a score report by domain.
How many questions are on the FAS Level I exam?
The FAS Level I exam has 85 questions in 110 minutes and is based on the 2022 edition of NFPA 72, the 2020 edition of NFPA 70 and Ugly's Electrical References (2020).
Practise for it
- Fire Alarm study hub: choose your credential and level
- Fire alarm lab: battery, voltage drop, coverage, audibility, pathways
- Battery calculator
- Free 10-question practice test
VoltExam is not affiliated with NICET. Practice results do not predict an official result.