I took the exam several years ago.  I am NICET IV in fire sprinkler layout and really only do fire sprinkler layout.  I did not find the CFPS to be a difficult exam.  It was open book.  If you read fast and know generally where to find information, you should be fine.

I found that the CFPS designation did not open any doors or lend any more credibility with any of the AHJs that I dealt with.  I did find that some in the insurance industry seemed to give some weight to the certification.  However, I did let it lapse.  I don't think that I will go for it again unless I see some projects that would require the CFPS designation.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC
www.mfpdesign.com
 

Thanks for that posting Travis. I had in mind to take the test because i Thought that it would have some decent leverage. It seems to be a waste of time and money unless you are a fire official or something like that. I will think about it.
Thanks

I wouldn't say that getting a certificate is a waste of time or money as you will gain some new knowledge as you study for it.  But, it didn't open any more doors than my NICET IV.  I think my next step will have to be to get the rest of the courses I need to finish an engineering degree and get my PE.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC
www.mfpdesign.com
 

I am sorry travis I did not meant to say that. I just feel that there is a little market for CFPS against NICET.
It is also a harder test than NICET and more expensive so it could be a waist of money if you know what I mean.
I am still considering the test dont get me wrong k.
Thanks for your support.

Gotcha.  I honestly did not find it harder than NICET.  I did not take a primer course.  I just got a copy of The Fire Protection Handbook for the edition referenced on the test I took.  I basically skimmed a few sections, then got very familiar with the Table of Contents and index.  I wanted to make sure I knew exactly what key words to look up for questions during the exam.  If you are a good test taker, I would not worry about passing the test at all.

It may carry more weight in the industrial settings and insurance settings, but my work is directed at fire sprinkler system layout and design.  So, the NICET certification seems to carry a lot more weight.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC
www.mfpdesign.com
 

Oh ok. It seems I should be able to pass the exam with no problem.
What do think about the changes NICET made to the testing criteria? I think is not fair for us that have being taking NICET testing for quite some time now.

I obtained my NICET IV about 7 years ago.  I have not taken a NICET exam since, so I am not familiar with all of the testing changes.  I heard there were a lot of changes due to people compromising the testing process.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC
www.mfpdesign.com
 

well one of the main changes is that you will no longer get credit for pass work elements. Now the testing criteria will be pass or failed based on the level you are taking. The unfair thing about this is that you no longer have to wait 2 years when you failed an element three times. That is what happened to me. Now you just take test as many times you want untill you pass. No limit required. Sucks

TravisMack

Did you see the exam as worth it material wise? Did any of it carry over into NICET exam knowledge?

(Sorry guys to veer of the side track discussion, its good info too. Thanks for the info on testing NJ1)

I actually got a better understanding of operations, site fire flow requirements and an overview of alarm systems while preparing for the exam.  But, none of those are really covered in the NICET Fire Sprinkler Layout exam.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC
www.mfpdesign.com