Thanks so much…I just passed layout 1 studying for 2…I own my own fire protection bizness (fire alarms, sprinkler) ; I fell in love with sprinkler late in life especially fire pumps; I’ve used firetechprod a lot (they know me by name…lol) and have passed so far on 1st time testing…I’m going to use auto SPRINK ; will want to get into more design but I don’t know too many companies I can work under to get my experience while running my bizness…love your videos and hope you do more on design topics…fyi calcs truly hurts my head 😅😅
That’s great news. Good luck in your business for sure. I’ve attempted to cover some specific topics but it can be difficult to find time to do a proper video. There is something new everyday and different people have different opinions. Sometimes I’m afraid to say something inaccurate and unleash the wrath of “real engineers” lol. If there is a question you can’t find on here or some of the fire blogs, ask me and I’ll do what I can. Are you familiar with phantom flow? That gets a lot of people.
Thank you. I'll review the quizes instead of the simulated exam at the end of the course. I also found it way to easy compared to the quizes. So I'll change my approach. Thank you very much
NICET TOOK THE ENTIRE 90 DAY WINDOW AND THEN ANOTHER 2 WEEKS after I emailed them asking what was happening. They said they were back logged.... Not to mention waiting for the hard copy certificate to get mailed...
Great to see someone taking the time to help others in our industry! I'd like to comment on your "Phantom Flow" situation. In the scenario you gave, you would still need to show compliance with (I'm referencing the 2016 Edition of NFPA 13) §11.2.3.3 and specifically, §11.2.3.3.5(3) to use the Room Design method for an Ex. Hazard occupancy. If the room in question didn't meet the requirements of §11.2.3.3.5, then (by default) you'd have to use the Density/Area method and would be required to comply with §23.4.4.2 because the minimum system demand must be met per §23.4.4.2.5. If I was the plan checker, this would have been my approach with you.
UA-cam put your comment in spam for some reason. I guessing the code references. lol. We meet the fire rating requirements to cover just the space. The DOR however has continued to push back. Its been a few weeks since our last response to them and have not heard back.
Passed my first test for level 3 layout May 2022 I did the dumb thing and procrastinated and am finally going through the hydraulics course. Firetech just began a new structure for their courses the beginning of ‘23. Not like PowerPoint anymore. I do like it, however, I’m finding loads of typos and mistakes in the course. Inadequate info to complete problems, and even typos in the equations. I’m keeping notes on everything I find to send to Firetech. There’s some kinks in the new structure of it, but I will still choose Firetech every time on my future courses. Send some prayers my way for focus when test day comes beginning of April.
Our rookie designer passed his level 1 last month. He used the new format to study and I was able to see a little bit of the layout. It was VERY different, and I did see a question or 2 that could have been phrased more clearly and the answer didn't make sense. He did attribute a big part of his passing to the test prep for areas that don't really apply to the job. Good luck.
Sure thing. Good luck. Im sure you know which areas you’re most concerned with, focus on those. Pump sizing was big for me. And don’t miss stupid questions like I did getting frazzled and forgetting how to determine roof slope and turn into a percent for calc area sizing. Also missed determining tank volume. When I went back thru the material and found the correct formula in my notes but just completely forgot it, I was floored.
That’s awesome! It’s always been my understanding that the pass rate on the first try is pretty low. Congratulations! Now comes the hard part… waiting 90+ days for NICET to make it official. lol
Got my level II approved finally by NICET and I am about to take my level III next week so i am definitely taking the firetech classes all week everyday. Kinda hate how they word things just to trick you like if someone in real life is going to do that to you when the book is clear on what you can and can’t do.
Congratulations. Get the tests done and out of the way as fast as you can. Wish I had done it years ago. Fresh off your other exam it should be much easier. Someone somewhere was having fun adding non sense to some of these questions. lol.
I just failed my NICET III Hydraulics test after taking the Fire Tech course, and the area I struggled in the most was the "Calculate water supply with pumps". I'm not a part of any organization so I don't have many resources when it comes to simply asking someone. Can anyone here suggest any good resources that helped them? I'm currently reading "Layout, Details and Calculations of Fire Sprinkler Systems" (2nd Edition) by Kenneth Isman and I've ordered the new book that NICET will allow in the testing center when they release the new test summer of 2024 called "Fire Protection Hydraulics and Water Supply Analysis" (3rd Edition). Pat D. Brock. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Sorry to hear. I know how it feels to fail that first time. I never had any desire to go into anything more than the NFPA editions and the study course. Failing the test the first time helped me know what was required and the 2nd time through the fire tech course things made sense.
@@PromisKeeper Thanks for the suggestion, I'll run through the course again. On another note, my test was very different than the Fire Tech course material as you also mentioned in your video.
@Roy-zb4um right. Focus on the content that applies to your NICET test experience and less on passing the Firetech course quizzes. I was so disappointed when I noticed things in the test prep after failing that pertained to my test but because it was not a part of the course quizzes, I went right past it. I know the online course format has changed from the way mine was 2 years ago, but I assume if you contact them with your results they will still extend it for free. I truly never thought I had any business taking this test. My senior engineers would have conversations and talk numbers that I couldn’t keep up with. Algebra was a class I should not have passed in high school! But it turns out that was of little importance with the right prep. I still can’t do equations in my head like those guys did, but I know what they are talking about and I understand where the answer comes from and while I still feel unqualified, now I’m our chief designer and people tell me I do great work.
Thank you for all the Tips I’ve taken the Hydraulics Twice and failed both times, the biggest struggle and what I always score low is Pumps especially when it comes to pump sizing I can’t figure out how to do that any suggestions ? I’ve taken the test twice and each time I got different questions completely which threw me off I wanna start studying again to take my test in October, I’ve taken the fire tech course once but I didn’t really get the Fire pump section, I think it only had one or two examples on how to pump size which were different from the actual test questions, hope you can help !
I hear you. I remember sitting down just a few days before my 2nd test and going thru the pump section again knowing I wasn’t ready and suddenly it all clicked. And I felt like a complete idiot for overthinking it so much. I am not great at remembering specifics, but I only had a couple of basic questions on my 2nd exam that were related to pump sizing. If you have the other material down, and pumps is the only real struggle it should be easy to prep for the next go. Just curious, how long ago did you use firetechs course and when did you take the tests?
@@PromisKeeper last time I took fire tech was 2021 May and I took my tests in July and September, is there any way I could get you on a zoom call so you could explain pumps for me ? Be happy to compensate you for your time
I would love to be more help, I really don’t feel qualified to teach this stuff though. If you had the pump material to reference together, that might be something more feasible. I’ve always felt like I would never get this stuff, I’m willing to bet one good look at the pump module again and it will click.
I unfortunately did not pass both parts of the level 3 exam my first attempt. Got way in my head and was overthinking it. I am looking to re-take it in the next few months. I found I went through lots of friction loss problems that caused me to fill up my entire dry erase board, which then lead me to erase these problems, in order free up space to solve other formulas problems. I also found that many of the practice Fire Tech practice problems did not show up on the official Pearson NICET III exam. I am hoping to receive a much different exam just like you experienced. What would you say some major topics/areas from Fire Tech I should focus leading up to my second attempt. Btw, I am also a Christian, God bless you brother!
Good luck. Focus where you struggled. If you’ve already taken the test, just prep for the types of questions that tripped you up. The test is no longer fresh in my mind unfortunately. Pump sizing, Standpipes and Friction loss. I made a lot of use of my white board but I never filled it solving the problems.
Been designing for 20 years. Previously passed level 3 and was certified but let it run out. Figured you could just show continuing education points to get reinstated. Wrong. Have to take 2 tests lvl 3. General and hydraulics. Got fire tech study guides passed the first. Failed the hydraulics. What amazes me as very little applies to my past 20 years. Very frustrated with on screen calculator, the time restrictions, whiteboard and content. Passed simulated tests on fire tech but really didn’t help at all with the hydraulics lvl 3 test. Feel nicet is a way to collect more $ not certify people of real world use.
Yeah. The tests have never directly related to what I have to do day to day as a designer. Without the study guide, I don’t see someone ever really being prepared for the types of questions.
I could not find the formula for calcing the K factor of a valve in the firetech L3 Hyd study modules. Can you tell me if the following is what you are refering to? K = (EL * ff) / i.d. where: EL= Equivalent length of pipe (in m or ft) ff = Friction factor i.d. = Internal Diameter of the pipe (in m or ft, same as for EL) My exam os this Friday. Thank you!
You’re making it too complicated like I did in the moment of testing. The study guide touched on it once briefly in the old format. Can’t speak for the new course. Basically just know that you can assign a K factor to anything if you know the pressure and flow just like a sprinkler head. They could ask you to use that logic to assign a k factor to a device. If the flow and pressure are 100 gpm and 50 psi through a check valve, then what would the flow be at 75 psi? I was so frazzled during testing it should have been so obvious but the question confused me… like many of them are designed to do… I should have listened to the old saying, “when you don’t know what to do, do what you know.” I talked myself out of assigning a K factor the way I knew how just because the scenario was one I had never been presented with before.
@@PromisKeeper awesome, thanks for the quick reply. Got a 91% on the firetech simulated exam w/ 1:20mins remaining. Felt too easy. Thinking i’ll go back and redo all the sample quizzes in each module like you recommended in your video. Appreciate you taking the time to post this vid.
What other courses are available other than Firetech? I used Firetech for the GP level 3 test. Felt like the way Firetech writes their questions are not the way NICET writes thier questions
I used a Jensen Hughes study program years ago just for the CEU's. it was not something I would recommend. My first level 3 general plans exam, was very similar to the study material through Firetech. My first attempt at the Hydraulics was 100% NOT. That being said, the test really is a game of chance which questions and which topics you get. And NICET will not allow the study questions to be the same. Firetech's states pretty clearly that the goal is not to learn how to ace their test prep, it's to have a thorough understanding of the material. My 2nd attempt at hydraulics I was better prepared because I knew where I fell short so I studied harder. I also thought on my 2nd attempt the test questions were more along the lines of the Firetech material.
@@PromisKeeper thanks for the feedback. And thanks for posting your video on the general plans prep. That video gave me the direction and confidence I needed to pass it on my second attempt.
I am testing for level 3 later this month and am not familiar with your reference to horsepower reductions calculations for elevation and temperature. Do you have any references or study material that you can point me to? Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
The test is full of questions that do not pertain to what we do on a daily basis as system designers. The point of the video is to say, Firetech test prep is the way to go to prepare for your exam. Horsepower reduction is just one of the many topics they could ask you about that you may not know which NFPA code to look in 13, 14, 20, 22, 25... and then the correct chapter. Firetech's course makes sure you are familiar with the subjects and then challenges you to quickly navigate the books to find the correct information. I would not advise anyone take this test without a prep course. No matter how good a designer they may be. If you have a photographic memory and have read every code front to back, you may be ok. But that's definitely not me. lol
I’m having a very hard time studying for the hydraulics exam I don’t have much hope that I’ll even pass the exam since the practice tests don’t reflect the real one.
I am the last person that expected to get thru this. The practice test will tell you if you have even the slightest chance, but Firetech can’t give you the same test questions that would be on the actual NICET exam. Just like I can’t tell you what my questions were either. Many are similar in nature. It feels good to get thru the material and know you’ve retained enough to pass the course, but it’s also for credit hours… how mad would you be if you took this just to renew but failed and didn’t get your credits after spending the money? lol. This job is very much one that depends on you being self reliant. That being said, it’s on us to accept that there is no way to put every question on your real test in the practice test. And there is so much material all you can do is work harder than you think you can and do the hard part… study for questions you hope they don’t ask. It was tough. But I did it. Anyone can do it.
I have a level 3 NICET in inspection and testing.. is level 3-4 design license worth the money?? What would a general salary in a place like Atlanta be for level 4
I work for a small business in a small town, my boss is a level 4 and salaried at 100k or better. He doesn’t even design anymore, but there is value in that signature and experience… There are some terrible designers out there that get paid very well because they passed the test and can sign the drawings. If you have the experience and time to meet NICET's requirements, your value will greatly increase to an employer with a level 3.
Just have to spend the time in the material that you struggle with the most. Pump sizing and basic friction loss. They understand that with only so much time and a white board, there isn’t much they can ask of you. That being said, some answers were right or wrong by the numbers to the right of the decimal place…. A = 7.55 B = 7.56 C = 7.57… There was no way to answer incorrectly as long as you have the very basic understanding of the problem. Make sure you get very comfortable using the formulas to determine available flow and pressure based off of your flow test without using the flow chart and a pencil. The various ways you can determine k factors. And determine velocities. You could have any number of questions on any number of topics. Trust me. I had no confidence in my self to pass this. The worst that could happen is you fail. Happens all the time. Then you go back better prepared.
What if you’re the only designer in the company and you’re not technically “under” another designer. Can you still obtain the Nicet 3? Im coming up on my fifth year in design, i took level 1 and 2, im getting ready for level 3 through firetech content but now you said I have to be under a designer. My closest option is my operations manager is Nicet 4 alarm. He said he could sign off.
I was in a unique situation few years ago where our level 3 quit and I stayed. I was ready to leave the company after awhile because I didn’t have anyone left that was qualified to sign off on my verification. My old chief engineer was with another company but was more than willing to vouch for me. NICET gives you a few examples. It helps that you’re already a level 2. Here is what Nicet says about it www.nicet.org/work-experience/
They definitely want someone qualified, NICET certified or an actual engineer, but it doesn’t say they have to be in the same sub field so maybe the fire alarm cert is enough. Knowing how to make NICET happy may be more daunting than the rest 😬
For personal recommendations I was told yesterday by the performance reviewer, that a fire marshal with some type of certificate/authority can write the letter of recommendation. Incase you know one by any chance that would do it.
I don’t really want too much of my personal information on this channel. To be honest, when the receptionist told me I had a phone call from someone who saw me online, that was concerning. Not to mention what my bosses think when a recognizable name in fire protection like Craynon calls looking for one of their designers. I would prefer to keep communication right here in the comments.
@@PromisKeeper I understand I could tell they were freakin, my goal was to help people in our industry by posting free courses on you tube. From what I see you have all the skills to better help those out there who need help. This morning I woke up as a 75 year old with issues, now I’m 75 and I have major issues. Just looking for a backup Regardless you do a fantastic job, keep up the good work
I appreciate the kind words, I have a few seasoned designers that I worked under I’ll always look to as the experts on this. I’ll never be where they are with some the knowledge they have from the drawing board and hand calc days, that’s why I encouraged the Firetech courses I used. Not ready to have people relying on me to much as a teacher, but I always like to help.
Thanks so much…I just passed layout 1 studying for 2…I own my own fire protection bizness (fire alarms, sprinkler) ; I fell in love with sprinkler late in life especially fire pumps; I’ve used firetechprod a lot (they know me by name…lol) and have passed so far on 1st time testing…I’m going to use auto SPRINK ; will want to get into more design but I don’t know too many companies I can work under to get my experience while running my bizness…love your videos and hope you do more on design topics…fyi calcs truly hurts my head 😅😅
That’s great news. Good luck in your business for sure. I’ve attempted to cover some specific topics but it can be difficult to find time to do a proper video. There is something new everyday and different people have different opinions. Sometimes I’m afraid to say something inaccurate and unleash the wrath of “real engineers” lol. If there is a question you can’t find on here or some of the fire blogs, ask me and I’ll do what I can. Are you familiar with phantom flow? That gets a lot of people.
No…I have not heard of phantom flow…I’m actually going to purchase NFPA 13 handbook to assist me… I believe it to be a good investment.
Thank you. I'll review the quizes instead of the simulated exam at the end of the course. I also found it way to easy compared to the quizes. So I'll change my approach. Thank you very much
NICET TOOK THE ENTIRE 90 DAY WINDOW AND THEN ANOTHER 2 WEEKS after I emailed them asking what was happening. They said they were back logged.... Not to mention waiting for the hard copy certificate to get mailed...
Thank you for sharing your experience really useful. I am going to take NICET II next week.
Good luck
How was the NICET II?
Great to see someone taking the time to help others in our industry! I'd like to comment on your "Phantom Flow" situation. In the scenario you gave, you would still need to show compliance with (I'm referencing the 2016 Edition of NFPA 13) §11.2.3.3 and specifically, §11.2.3.3.5(3) to use the Room Design method for an Ex. Hazard occupancy. If the room in question didn't meet the requirements of §11.2.3.3.5, then (by default) you'd have to use the Density/Area method and would be required to comply with §23.4.4.2 because the minimum system demand must be met per §23.4.4.2.5. If I was the plan checker, this would have been my approach with you.
UA-cam put your comment in spam for some reason. I guessing the code references. lol. We meet the fire rating requirements to cover just the space. The DOR however has continued to push back. Its been a few weeks since our last response to them and have not heard back.
Passed my first test for level 3 layout May 2022
I did the dumb thing and procrastinated and am finally going through the hydraulics course.
Firetech just began a new structure for their courses the beginning of ‘23. Not like PowerPoint anymore. I do like it, however, I’m finding loads of typos and mistakes in the course. Inadequate info to complete problems, and even typos in the equations. I’m keeping notes on everything I find to send to Firetech.
There’s some kinks in the new structure of it, but I will still choose Firetech every time on my future courses.
Send some prayers my way for focus when test day comes beginning of April.
Our rookie designer passed his level 1 last month. He used the new format to study and I was able to see a little bit of the layout. It was VERY different, and I did see a question or 2 that could have been phrased more clearly and the answer didn't make sense. He did attribute a big part of his passing to the test prep for areas that don't really apply to the job. Good luck.
@@PromisKeeper Thursday is test time. Pray for me.
Sure thing. Good luck. Im sure you know which areas you’re most concerned with, focus on those. Pump sizing was big for me. And don’t miss stupid questions like I did getting frazzled and forgetting how to determine roof slope and turn into a percent for calc area sizing. Also missed determining tank volume. When I went back thru the material and found the correct formula in my notes but just completely forgot it, I was floored.
@@PromisKeeper I passed !!! God came through big time on this one. I yelled so loud when I saw the results.
That’s awesome! It’s always been my understanding that the pass rate on the first try is pretty low. Congratulations! Now comes the hard part… waiting 90+ days for NICET to make it official. lol
Got my level II approved finally by NICET and I am about to take my level III next week so i am definitely taking the firetech classes all week everyday. Kinda hate how they word things just to trick you like if someone in real life is going to do that to you when the book is clear on what you can and can’t do.
Congratulations. Get the tests done and out of the way as fast as you can. Wish I had done it years ago. Fresh off your other exam it should be much easier. Someone somewhere was having fun adding non sense to some of these questions. lol.
I would say you have added value as a level 2 since you can stamp NFPA 13R systems. I was definitely more useful to my company after I got my level 2.
I just failed my NICET III Hydraulics test after taking the Fire Tech course, and the area I struggled in the most was the "Calculate water supply with pumps". I'm not a part of any organization so I don't have many resources when it comes to simply asking someone. Can anyone here suggest any good resources that helped them? I'm currently reading "Layout, Details and Calculations of Fire Sprinkler Systems" (2nd Edition) by Kenneth Isman and I've ordered the new book that NICET will allow in the testing center when they release the new test summer of 2024 called "Fire Protection Hydraulics and Water Supply Analysis" (3rd Edition). Pat D. Brock. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Sorry to hear. I know how it feels to fail that first time. I never had any desire to go into anything more than the NFPA editions and the study course. Failing the test the first time helped me know what was required and the 2nd time through the fire tech course things made sense.
@@PromisKeeper Thanks for the suggestion, I'll run through the course again. On another note, my test was very different than the Fire Tech course material as you also mentioned in your video.
@Roy-zb4um right. Focus on the content that applies to your NICET test experience and less on passing the Firetech course quizzes. I was so disappointed when I noticed things in the test prep after failing that pertained to my test but because it was not a part of the course quizzes, I went right past it. I know the online course format has changed from the way mine was 2 years ago, but I assume if you contact them with your results they will still extend it for free. I truly never thought I had any business taking this test. My senior engineers would have conversations and talk numbers that I couldn’t keep up with. Algebra was a class I should not have passed in high school! But it turns out that was of little importance with the right prep. I still can’t do equations in my head like those guys did, but I know what they are talking about and I understand where the answer comes from and while I still feel unqualified, now I’m our chief designer and people tell me I do great work.
Thank you for all the Tips I’ve taken the Hydraulics Twice and failed both times, the biggest struggle and what I always score low is Pumps especially when it comes to pump sizing I can’t figure out how to do that any suggestions ? I’ve taken the test twice and each time I got different questions completely which threw me off I wanna start studying again to take my test in October, I’ve taken the fire tech course once but I didn’t really get the Fire pump section, I think it only had one or two examples on how to pump size which were different from the actual test questions, hope you can help !
Also figuring out pump sizes based on water demands is really tough for me to figure out
I hear you. I remember sitting down just a few days before my 2nd test and going thru the pump section again knowing I wasn’t ready and suddenly it all clicked. And I felt like a complete idiot for overthinking it so much. I am not great at remembering specifics, but I only had a couple of basic questions on my 2nd exam that were related to pump sizing. If you have the other material down, and pumps is the only real struggle it should be easy to prep for the next go. Just curious, how long ago did you use firetechs course and when did you take the tests?
@@PromisKeeper last time I took fire tech was 2021 May and I took my tests in July and September, is there any way I could get you on a zoom call so you could explain pumps for me ? Be happy to compensate you for your time
I would love to be more help, I really don’t feel qualified to teach this stuff though. If you had the pump material to reference together, that might be something more feasible. I’ve always felt like I would never get this stuff, I’m willing to bet one good look at the pump module again and it will click.
I unfortunately did not pass both parts of the level 3 exam my first attempt. Got way in my head and was overthinking it. I am looking to re-take it in the next few months. I found I went through lots of friction loss problems that caused me to fill up my entire dry erase board, which then lead me to erase these problems, in order free up space to solve other formulas problems. I also found that many of the practice Fire Tech practice problems did not show up on the official Pearson NICET III exam. I am hoping to receive a much different exam just like you experienced. What would you say some major topics/areas from Fire Tech I should focus leading up to my second attempt.
Btw, I am also a Christian, God bless you brother!
Good luck. Focus where you struggled. If you’ve already taken the test, just prep for the types of questions that tripped you up. The test is no longer fresh in my mind unfortunately. Pump sizing, Standpipes and Friction loss. I made a lot of use of my white board but I never filled it solving the problems.
Been designing for 20 years. Previously passed level 3 and was certified but let it run out. Figured you could just show continuing education points to get reinstated. Wrong. Have to take 2 tests lvl 3. General and hydraulics. Got fire tech study guides passed the first. Failed the hydraulics. What amazes me as very little applies to my past 20 years. Very frustrated with on screen calculator, the time restrictions, whiteboard and content. Passed simulated tests on fire tech but really didn’t help at all with the hydraulics lvl 3 test. Feel nicet is a way to collect more $ not certify people of real world use.
Yeah. The tests have never directly related to what I have to do day to day as a designer. Without the study guide, I don’t see someone ever really being prepared for the types of questions.
Have you thought about making a discord for this?
I could not find the formula for calcing the K factor of a valve in the firetech L3 Hyd study modules. Can you tell me if the following is what you are refering to?
K = (EL * ff) / i.d.
where:
EL= Equivalent length of pipe (in m or ft)
ff = Friction factor
i.d. = Internal Diameter of the pipe (in m or ft, same as for EL)
My exam os this Friday. Thank you!
You’re making it too complicated like I did in the moment of testing. The study guide touched on it once briefly in the old format. Can’t speak for the new course. Basically just know that you can assign a K factor to anything if you know the pressure and flow just like a sprinkler head. They could ask you to use that logic to assign a k factor to a device. If the flow and pressure are 100 gpm and 50 psi through a check valve, then what would the flow be at 75 psi? I was so frazzled during testing it should have been so obvious but the question confused me… like many of them are designed to do… I should have listened to the old saying, “when you don’t know what to do, do what you know.” I talked myself out of assigning a K factor the way I knew how just because the scenario was one I had never been presented with before.
Good luck!
@@PromisKeeper awesome, thanks for the quick reply. Got a 91% on the firetech simulated exam w/ 1:20mins remaining. Felt too easy. Thinking i’ll go back and redo all the sample quizzes in each module like you recommended in your video. Appreciate you taking the time to post this vid.
Exactly. Practice exam makes sure you got your moneys worth for credit hours. Feels good to pass but for me it was a false sense of confidence. lol
@@PromisKeeper I passed the HYD III test today. Wanted to thank you again for sharing your thoughts on this subject.
Hebrew 13:16 NLT
What other courses are available other than Firetech? I used Firetech for the GP level 3 test. Felt like the way Firetech writes their questions are not the way NICET writes thier questions
I used a Jensen Hughes study program years ago just for the CEU's. it was not something I would recommend. My first level 3 general plans exam, was very similar to the study material through Firetech. My first attempt at the Hydraulics was 100% NOT. That being said, the test really is a game of chance which questions and which topics you get. And NICET will not allow the study questions to be the same. Firetech's states pretty clearly that the goal is not to learn how to ace their test prep, it's to have a thorough understanding of the material. My 2nd attempt at hydraulics I was better prepared because I knew where I fell short so I studied harder. I also thought on my 2nd attempt the test questions were more along the lines of the Firetech material.
@@PromisKeeper thanks for the feedback. And thanks for posting your video on the general plans prep. That video gave me the direction and confidence I needed to pass it on my second attempt.
I failed the hydraulics about a week ago and need some help studying for the second attempt? Is there any other course other than fire techs?
I am testing for level 3 later this month and am not familiar with your reference to horsepower reductions calculations for elevation and temperature. Do you have any references or study material that you can point me to? Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
The test is full of questions that do not pertain to what we do on a daily basis as system designers. The point of the video is to say, Firetech test prep is the way to go to prepare for your exam. Horsepower reduction is just one of the many topics they could ask you about that you may not know which NFPA code to look in 13, 14, 20, 22, 25... and then the correct chapter. Firetech's course makes sure you are familiar with the subjects and then challenges you to quickly navigate the books to find the correct information. I would not advise anyone take this test without a prep course. No matter how good a designer they may be. If you have a photographic memory and have read every code front to back, you may be ok. But that's definitely not me. lol
I’m having a very hard time studying for the hydraulics exam I don’t have much hope that I’ll even pass the exam since the practice tests don’t reflect the real one.
I am the last person that expected to get thru this. The practice test will tell you if you have even the slightest chance, but Firetech can’t give you the same test questions that would be on the actual NICET exam. Just like I can’t tell you what my questions were either. Many are similar in nature. It feels good to get thru the material and know you’ve retained enough to pass the course, but it’s also for credit hours… how mad would you be if you took this just to renew but failed and didn’t get your credits after spending the money? lol. This job is very much one that depends on you being self reliant. That being said, it’s on us to accept that there is no way to put every question on your real test in the practice test. And there is so much material all you can do is work harder than you think you can and do the hard part… study for questions you hope they don’t ask. It was tough. But I did it. Anyone can do it.
@@PromisKeeper what topics should I study for the most? How should I structure my studying so that I can pass on the first attempt?
Firetech firetech firetech, I’ve passed 4 exams using it when I otherwise definitely would not of. It’s so worth it.
How long should I take to prepare for the hydraulics exam?
I have a level 3 NICET in inspection and testing.. is level 3-4 design license worth the money?? What would a general salary in a place like Atlanta be for level 4
I work for a small business in a small town, my boss is a level 4 and salaried at 100k or better. He doesn’t even design anymore, but there is value in that signature and experience… There are some terrible designers out there that get paid very well because they passed the test and can sign the drawings. If you have the experience and time to meet NICET's requirements, your value will greatly increase to an employer with a level 3.
Is there anything I can do to pass the hydraulics on the first attempt? How long should I take to prepare for the nicet 3 hydraulics?
Just have to spend the time in the material that you struggle with the most. Pump sizing and basic friction loss. They understand that with only so much time and a white board, there isn’t much they can ask of you. That being said, some answers were right or wrong by the numbers to the right of the decimal place…. A = 7.55 B = 7.56 C = 7.57… There was no way to answer incorrectly as long as you have the very basic understanding of the problem. Make sure you get very comfortable using the formulas to determine available flow and pressure based off of your flow test without using the flow chart and a pencil. The various ways you can determine k factors. And determine velocities. You could have any number of questions on any number of topics. Trust me. I had no confidence in my self to pass this. The worst that could happen is you fail. Happens all the time. Then you go back better prepared.
What if you’re the only designer in the company and you’re not technically “under” another designer. Can you still obtain the Nicet 3?
Im coming up on my fifth year in design, i took level 1 and 2, im getting ready for level 3 through firetech content but now you said I have to be under a designer.
My closest option is my operations manager is Nicet 4 alarm. He said he could sign off.
I was in a unique situation few years ago where our level 3 quit and I stayed. I was ready to leave the company after awhile because I didn’t have anyone left that was qualified to sign off on my verification. My old chief engineer was with another company but was more than willing to vouch for me. NICET gives you a few examples. It helps that you’re already a level 2. Here is what Nicet says about it www.nicet.org/work-experience/
They definitely want someone qualified, NICET certified or an actual engineer, but it doesn’t say they have to be in the same sub field so maybe the fire alarm cert is enough. Knowing how to make NICET happy may be more daunting than the rest 😬
One of our senior salesmen did my performance verification and my office manager who has a NICET 4 in sprinkler design filled out my recommendation.
For personal recommendations I was told yesterday by the performance reviewer, that a fire marshal with some type of certificate/authority can write the letter of recommendation. Incase you know one by any chance that would do it.
Hi craynon again what is your name?
I don’t really want too much of my personal information on this channel. To be honest, when the receptionist told me I had a phone call from someone who saw me online, that was concerning. Not to mention what my bosses think when a recognizable name in fire protection like Craynon calls looking for one of their designers. I would prefer to keep communication right here in the comments.
@@PromisKeeper I understand I could tell they were freakin, my goal was to help people in our industry by posting free courses on you tube.
From what I see you have all the skills to better help those out there who need help. This morning I woke up as a 75 year old with issues, now I’m 75 and I have major issues. Just looking for a backup
Regardless you do a fantastic job, keep up the good work
I appreciate the kind words, I have a few seasoned designers that I worked under I’ll always look to as the experts on this. I’ll never be where they are with some the knowledge they have from the drawing board and hand calc days, that’s why I encouraged the Firetech courses I used. Not ready to have people relying on me to much as a teacher, but I always like to help.
What degree did you graduate college with?
I did not go to college.
@@PromisKeeper just curious, how did you get into this trade? I’m thinking of getting into this myself.
I knew a few guys who were designers here. When the boss said they needed to bring in some rookies they thought of me.