If a NICET Special Hazards Systems (SHS) certification is part of your career plan, we want to make sure you’re aware of an important upcoming change.
NICET has shared that all Special Hazards Systems exams (Levels I–IV) are being updated, with the new versions expected to become available sometime in Fall 2026. While an exact launch date hasn’t been announced yet, this update is designed to better reflect today’s industry practices, job responsibilities, and current codes and standards.
What’s Changing?
Here’s what NICET has shared so far:
- The updates will apply to every SHS certification level, from Level I through Level IV.
- The revised exams will incorporate newer NFPA codes and standards, helping ensure your certification aligns with current expectations in the field.
- NICET has indicated that NFPA references will be available on screen as searchable PDFs during testing, with candidates also permitted to bring approved physical references as outlined in the official reference lists.
- Exams will continue to be delivered via computer-based testing at Pearson VUE testing centers.
- The Level I exam is changing from 83 questions to 91 questions.
What This Means for You
Whether you’re already NICET-certified and preparing to move up, or getting ready to pursue Special Hazards certification for the first time, now is a great moment to pause and plan. Knowing that exam updates are coming can help you decide when to test, how to prepare, and which code editions to focus on as you study.
| For Testing Until Fall 2026 | For Testing After Fall 2026 |
Level I
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Level I
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Level II
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Level II
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Level III
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Level III
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Level IV
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Level IV
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Our Recommendation:
If a Special Hazards certification is on your horizon, Fire Tech Productions recommends you start preparing now. Keep an eye on NICET’s Special Hazards Systems program page, pay attention to our messages about this topic, review current requirements, and stay connected for future updates so you’re ready when the new exams are released.
If you already started your exam prep with the current standards, plan to test on your next level before Fall 2026 (date to be announced by NICET). Fire Tech Resources for the exams on or before Fall 2026 include :
- Special Hazards Systems Level I
- Special Hazards Systems Level I Course Package (Includes: Special Hazards Systems Level I Online Course + Tabbed NFPA 12 2018, NFPA 70 2020, NFPA 72 2019 )
- Special Hazards Systems Level II
- Special Hazards Systems Level II Course Package (Includes: Special Hazards Systems Level II Online Course + Tabbed NFPA 12 2018, NFPA 25 2020, NFPA 72 2019)
- Special Hazards Systems Level I Book Set
- Special Hazards Systems Level II Book Set
- Special Hazards Systems Complete Reference Text Book Set
