NICET Lvl 3 Water Based Gen Plans Study tips

Question

NICET Lvl 3 Water Based Gen Plans Study tips

JonB1521 (Mechanical)

(OP)

7 Mar 18 18:26

Hi all, I guess I should start out with saying I first took both the Gen. Plans and Hydraulics portion of Level 3 in the same day last year. Yeah, big mistake!!! I didn't have much help when it came to studying for this and figured since levels 1 and 2 weren't that hard, I thought I could pass them both in the first try. Anyways, so I took a step back, waited a year and used the Firetech level 3 general plans online study material. Two weeks ago, I took the test and failed again. I thought I was prepared, felt confident, passed the end tests from firetech with 86% both times. Took the test and I didn't pass. So, my question is has anyone taken the individual Continuing Education Courses like the Fundamentals of Standpipe Systems NFPA 14, etc....? I'm wondering if the individual courses provide more information and more sample questions than the study material for the Water Based NICET General Plans? Hopefully this makes sense... what I'm wondering is that are the individual courses more in-depth than the water based NICET study material. Thanks for any help or info on this. Definitely been tough keeping my head up after this last failed attempt.

DennisR4 (Mechanical) · Answer 1 · 2018-03-07 19:35:50

JonB1521 Level 3 is a tough one. I too took FIretech's course's, and when I went for my iniital General Plans test, thought I was untouchable. And failed it miserably. I then buckled down with the Firetech material, passed the Hydraulics test first try, and then retook the General Plans portion, and passed. They really like to word the questions trickily. And it doesn't help that you don't know what you missed. There really isn't a lot out there to get you ready, but I feel the Firetech stuff was exactly what I needed to prepare me for it. They do cover everything, perhaps a bit too much. Do you know or remember any questions that you weren't sure of the answer?

Also, don't let failing get you down. Read through some of the other threads about this topic. Level 3 seems to be the one everyone stumbles on, and with persistence, you can/will pass. Lots of guys in this forum, myself included, have failed at one point or another. Use it to motivate you to kick ass next time!

JonB1521 (Mechanical) · Answer 2 · 2018-03-08 14:52:31

DennisR4, Yeah I thought the questions on the test were very challenging and worded in way that confused me. I walked out of there ready to give up because this was my 2nd try, however, after a bit of cooling down and a nice vacation, I am going to start studying again and retake it in 90 days. However, this time I'm looking at other things I can do to help myself with this test. I don't really remember the questions that I struggled on. I honestly felt like I passed when I finished the test. However, I do remember not having much time left with about 10 questions to go so I know I spent too much time on a question than I should have. Did you use the Firetech Continuing Education (individual modules) or just FireTech's NICET Level 3 General Plans Prep module? I feel like trying the individual modules in hopes that they are a bit more specific and may possibly help me get a better understanding in certain areas. Anyways, thanks for the reply! I know I'll pass at some point and no matter what I'm gaining valuable experience and knowledge in my career.

DennisR4 (Mechanical) · Answer 3 · 2018-03-08 16:19:17

JonB1521 I used the prep module, for the General Plans, and hydraulics, not the CE modules. If there is anything you need help with, let us know!

GlorifiedPlumber1984 (Mechanical) · Answer 4 · 2018-03-16 15:33:14

I'm taking my level 3 gen plans in June......I'm fairly nervous about it, and the level 3 calculations test in July. I know its sad to say, but my area of concern would be chapters 12-20 in NFPA 13. We don't do much if any storage related work at my company, and although I've got 14 years in the industry, my forte is 13D/R and 14. I've got the first chapters down for 13, and the level 1 and 2 were not difficult, but I'm afraid level 3 will make me go into detail on the storage related questions, which im not familiar with.

JonB1521 (Mechanical) · Answer 5 · 2018-03-16 15:42:39

Well, after taking the Gen Plans section last month, I can tell you that the storage chapters are definitely something that should be focused on. The questions are really tricky compared to the questions in the NICET Prep module that Firetech gives after each section. After looking at my results from NICET, I also struggled with evaluating existing systems. I can't remember the test questions for that specific section so I can't really be very helpful with that. From what I've heard and seen from others, it is a very tough test and many people struggle to pass it the first time. I'm going to retake it in a few months and get back to the grind studying. Good luck and if you have questions, definitely used the board here to ask.

TravisMack (Mechanical) · Answer 6 · 2018-03-16 16:28:12

Quote:
I know its sad to say, but my area of concern would be chapters 12-20 in NFPA 13.

If you are an AFSA member, I did a webinar for them on Racking and building heights. I believe it may still be accessible. That may be of some benefit to help you organize the chapters for what you may need.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC
www.mfpdesign.com
"Follow" us at https://www.facebook.com/pages/MFP-Design-LLC/9221...

GlorifiedPlumber1984 (Mechanical) · Answer 7 · 2018-03-16 16:45:54

Thanks all, JonB1521 if I come across anything that may help I'll let you know as well. Going to study storage like no other before the test!

DennisR4 (Mechanical) · Answer 8 · 2018-03-20 18:41:38

Yes, the storage chapters are a HUGE part of both the General Plans, and the Hydraulics tests. At least they were on the tests I just took.

bmlxd40 (Mechanical) · Answer 9 · 2018-03-23 00:29:30

Well, I am hitting the books nights and weekends right now. I am scheduled to take my General Plans test on April 30.

bmlxd40 (Mechanical) · Answer 10 · 2018-03-23 00:31:35

Has anyone taken the practice test for Level 3, and did you feel like it was a valid representation of the actual test questions?

JonB1521 (Mechanical) · Answer 11 · 2018-04-03 19:23:52

Well, I've decided to sign up for retaking the General Plans portion for Level 3 in August. Hopefully this time goes much better than the last time.
bmlxd40: I have not taken the practice test for Level 3. So I'm not sure if they are a valid representation of the actual test questions. If you have, let me know because I know first hand that these test questions are tricky and I know I wasted too much time reading the questions. It would be a benefit to have questions like that to practice beforehand.

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NICET Lvl 3 Water Based Gen Plans Study tips