Nebraska Approves ESA’s CFAT as NICET Alternative

Nebraska Becomes the Latest State to Recognize Certified Fire Alarm Technician 2 as an alternative to NICET 2.

As the demand for skilled professionals in the electronic security and life safety industry continues to grow, certifications play a crucial role in validating expertise and ensuring quality standards.  

While NICET’s (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) certifications have long been a benchmark for life safety professionals, ESA’s fire certifications are quickly gaining traction across the country as a viable alternative. 

Nebraska is the latest state to recognize ESA’s fire certifications, specifically ESA’s Certified Fire Alarm Technician (CFAT) Level 2 as an alternative to NICET Level 2 or a state exam for applying for a Fire Alarm Inspector License. This recognition is a testament to the quality and rigor of our training programs. Nebraska joins a list of states already recognizing ESA’s fire certifications as NICET alternatives, including Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas – City of Wichita/Sedgwick County, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Texas, Washington, and Cobb County, Georgia. This growing recognition across the country underscores the value and impact of our training. 

The CFAT program is meticulously designed to equip professionals with practical, real-world skills that they can immediately apply in their work.  

ESA certifications offer some pretty distinct advantages for electronic security and life safety professionals. 

Accessibility and Flexibility:

ESA programs are often more accessible, with flexible online training options that accommodate busy schedules. This flexibility makes it easier for professionals to obtain certification without significant disruption to their work routines. 

Cost-Effectiveness:

ESA certification programs are generally more affordable, reducing financial barriers for professionals seeking to advance their careers, whereas NICET programs can be more costly and time-intensive.   

But you don’t have to take my word for it. Our member companies with fire technicians out in the field are thrilled to have an alternative that over expedites turn-around times and offers convenient testing options.  

“One of the biggest challenges we have in the industry is finding enough qualified technicians to do the job,” says Mike Meredith, president of Security Equipment, Inc., “ESA is serving its members by offering high-quality training and certification that is on par with NICET but with faster turnaround times. The recognition of ESA’s CFAT certification as an alternative to NICET is great news for anyone who does life safety work in Nebraska!” 

In addition to CFAT, ESA’s National Training School offers a Certified Fire Alarm Designer (CFAD) Level 3 program, which serves as a NICET Level 3 alternative in several states, including Alaska, Iowa, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. Our courses are designed to help electronic security and life safety professionals advance in their careers in easily accessible and robust ways.  

ESA’s testing and certification process provides a one-stop shop for everything technicians need. Our advocacy team continues to lobby for licensing and approval across the nation, aiming to provide more professionals with the opportunity to benefit from our comprehensive training and certification programs. 

This recognition by Nebraska is a proud moment for all of us at ESA. It reaffirms our commitment to providing the highest quality education and training in the electronic security and life safety industry. We will continue to work tirelessly to expand our programs’ reach and impact, ensuring that our members have the tools and certifications they need to succeed. 

To learn more about ESA’s full suite of electronic security and fire certifications, OSHA courses, and 100+ CEU courses, visit www.courses.esaweb.org. 

Nebraska Approves ESA’s CFAT as NICET Alternative