Fire Alarm Systems
FIRE ALARM INSPECTING AND TESTING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Fire Alarm Inspecting and Testing Certification program was implemented in January of 2007.
The program consists of three levels of certification:
- The first level is called the Basic Fire Alarm Technician and is required for those individuals who are new to the fire alarm industry. An employer will have 90 days after hiring a new employee, to prepare the individual to take the Basic Fire Alarm Technician examination. The individual is required to pass this open-book exam with a minimum score of 70 percent and will be required to complete a Manipulative Skills Task Book. The task book is required to be completed and returned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office within 60 days of issue. Upon completing the task book, passing the test and payment of applicable fees, a certification card will be issued. A person holding the Basic Fire Alarm Technician Certification must have direct supervision of his/her work by an individual who holds a higher level of certification.
- The second level of certification is the Fire Alarm Technician. This level of certification is directed to those individuals who are experienced in the inspecting and testing of fire alarm systems in buildings up to four stories. To obtain this certification, an individual must complete the requirements for the Basic Fire Alarm Technician, including the task book, and pass the Fire Alarm Technician examination with a minimum score of 70 percent.
- The third level of certification is the Master Fire Alarm Technician. This level of certification is directed to those individuals who are experienced in the inspecting and testing of fire alarm systems in high-rise buildings and buildings equipped with smoke evacuation or smoke control systems. This level of certification requires the applicant to meet all of the requirements of the Basic Fire Alarm Technician, the Fire Alarm Technician and pass the Master Fire Alarm Technician exam with a minimum score of 70 percent.
NOTES ABOUT THE EXAM:
All of the examinations are open-book with the majority of information to be found in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, 2019 edition.
The Fire Alarm Technician Examination will also have some information found in the Utah State Fire Marshal’s Administrative Rules, R710-4, and R710-11. found on our Web under Laws and Rules.
The Master Fire Alarm Technician Examination will have some information to be found in Chapter Nine of the International Fire Code. A copy of the International Fire Code will be available for reference in our office at the time of the exam.
Please review the Certification Examination Requirements found on our website prior to taking the exams.
The three levels of certification are intended to coincide with the NICET levels of certification for Fire Alarm Systems. If an applicant can display a current NICET Fire Alarm Certificate for level I, the applicant is not required to take the Basic Fire Alarm Technician Test.
The NICET Level II Certification is equivalent to the Fire Alarm Technician and a NICET Level III or IV is equivalent to the Master
Fire Alarm Technician. The certification fee is still required so that a State-issued certification card can be issued.
Fire Alarm Systems are required to be “tagged,” indicating that the annual inspection has been completed. Details on tag requirements can be found in the R710-11 rule and are available on our website.
Proof of public liability insurance from the certificate holder or employing concern shall also be provided to the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Additional information can be found in the R710-11 rule, again, available for review on our website.