ITM Inspector Development Program
Enrollment Agreement
Congratulations! You recognize the importance of formalized training and have taken the first step to become part of the fire sprinkler industry’s first ITM Inspector Development Program. Hiring competent people worth investing in inspection, testing, and maintenance training is the right start. This Program will provide a path to a professional career in an industry that will diversify your business and boost your bottom line.
The success of your Student and this Inspector Development Program relies heavily upon three key parties over an approximate twenty-month period:
- Student, the New Inspector
- Employer/Supervisor
- American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA)
As such, each party should be fully aware of the commitment the Program requires to achieve successful completion.
STUDENT, THE NEW INSPECTOR
- Commit approximately 3 hours a week for 20 months to Program course studies: a blend of on-demand courses and live webinar delivery.
- More time may be required to complete Program prerequisites, such as OSHA 30 and lift certifications, if not already achieved.
- Schedule accordingly to attend each live webinar and the (2) in-person training sessions (Session 1 is Modules 2/3; Session 2 is Modules 6/7).
- With your Supervisor, begin the NICET certification process by visiting the NICET website and following the instructions for “Get Certified” > Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems.
- See Appendix A for additional NICET-related tasks.
- Keep pace with Program activities, including On-the-Job-Training (OJT) tasks led by your Supervisor, as the Program recommends.
- This aids your readiness for NICET examinations and is part of the work experience requirement to achieve NICET certification.
- Pursue studies to attain passing scores of 70+ on each assessment administered by AFSA.
- Achieve successful completion of the NICET Level I certification exam before beginning Module 6 of the Program.
- Ensure Program module prerequisites, as described in Appendix A, are met.
- Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor. You are the ‘face’ of your company!
EMPLOYER/SUPERVISOR
- Vet/Recruit the right candidates for this Program.
- Consider a probationary period and use of a promissory note (templates included in the Contractor/Manager Guide) before enrollment.
- Evaluate Appearance, Attitude, and Aptitude. Your candidate is a reflection of your company to your customers. Ensure the candidate’s attitude and appearance represent your company’s values. Consider integrating an aptitude test in the hiring process to measure verbal and written comprehension, general reasoning, and basic numerical operations. You may also consider testing mechanical knowledge.
- Together, with your Student, begin the NICET certification process by visiting the NICET website and following instructions for “Get Certified” > Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems.
- See Appendix A for additional NICET-related tasks.
- Designate an in-house supervisor/instructor to the Student to oversee Student’s ITM training for the length of the twenty-month Program (see Appendix B).
- Adhere to activities and related timeline about OJT tasks as the Program recommends.
- This involves documenting and verifying work experience 1) as described in AFSA’s OJT Checklist and 2) as required by NICET as part of your Student’s certification process.
- This ensures the Student keeps pace within the Program cycle and is aptly prepared as each new phase of this comprehensive Program begins.
- Ensure Student availability for Program course work, including all live webinar events, on-demand lessons, assessments, and travel accommodations for (2) in-person sessions (Session 1 is Modules 2/3; Session 2 is Modules 6/7).
- Ensure Program module prerequisites described in Appendix A are met, including student accessibility to the full NFPA standards library.
- Provide guidance, support, and feedback to the Student throughout this training endeavor. Your recordkeeping and evaluation of Student progress is critical to ensure successful completion (see Appendix B).
AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION
- Deliver a blended learning environment to include:
- 56 hours of on-demand courses.
- 22 hours of live, interactive web instruction.
- This provides a live, virtual classroom experience for the Student where questions are asked and answered, challenging areas are discussed, and a thorough review in preparation for assessments is conducted.
- 11 days* of live in-class lecture.
- *Total number of live in-person days subject to change based on training structure and NICET exam group schedule determined by Pearson VUE.
- 3+ days of hands-on field and lab testing and inspections;
- (1) NFPA 25, 2017 Ed. standard for Student training use.
- Limited class size to maximize Student learning outcomes.
- Availability of experienced instructors via phone and email as needed to assist Students with challenging areas of study.
- A guided and methodical process for the new inspector trainee towards NICET Level I and NICET Level II certifications in water-based systems’ inspections and testing in twenty months.
- AFSA makes no implied or expressed warranty that studying these materials or passing the assessments will ensure the passage of the related NICET test elements or certification by NICET.
- Promote and encourage character-building traits: honesty, integrity, confidence, professionalism, neat appearance, organization, reliability, accountability, and credibility.
- Activities to strengthen communication skills, both written (for noting inspections and testing observations) and verbal (communicating with customers).
- Certificate of Completion stipulating CEUs earned upon successful completion of all (7) Program Modules.
CODES OF CONDUCT
[Also included in Student Guide]
The Student’s responsibilities for achieving a positive learning environment shall include the following:
- Complete each course within the Program in the allotted time.
- Prepare accordingly for each course, review, and assessment.
- Conduct yourself responsibly, in both the virtual and live classroom, among your peers.
- Do not misrepresent or permit misrepresentation of your professional qualifications, experience, or degree of responsibility for any work.
- Avoid conflicts of interest whenever possible.
Any of the following actions may result in immediate removal from the Program:
- Cheating: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in a Program course or activity.
- Fabrication: Falsifying any information provided during Program registration or NICET certification process.
- Violation of State or Federal Laws: Any violation of a federal, state, or local law.
- Dangerous Conduct: Any conduct that endangers the health or safety of another; this includes but is not limited to, physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, and coercion.
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Recognizing the comprehensive nature of this twenty-month Training Program and its paralleled timeline with the NICET certification process, it is important that the Employer and Student maintain the established pace of the Program curriculum.
AFSA Final Exam Retake Policy [Modules 1, 2, 4, 5, 6]:
1st failed attempt: Student and Supervisor are advised to review exam scores, and report missed questions via the Student’s Canvas account.
- Payment of $20 retake fee to attempt Module Exam a 2nd
- A 7-day waiting period is required before retaking.
2nd failed attempt: Student and Supervisor are advised to review exam scores, and report missed questions via the Student’s Canvas account. A report is also provided to the Instructor, and a conference call between the three parties is scheduled to address challenging areas.
- Payment of a $50 retake fee to attempt the Module Exam a third and final time.
- A 7-day waiting period is required before retaking.
3rd failed attempt: Student is withdrawn from the Program.
NICET Certification Exam Retake Policy [Modules 3, 7]:
Final exams for Modules 3 and 7 are NICET certification exams administered at a Pearson VUE Testing Center. See NICET’s Policy 20: Retesting of Failed Exams.
The student must show successful completion of the NICET Level I certification exam (administered at the conclusion of Module 3) before proceeding to Module 6. Failure to do so will result in withdrawal from the Program.
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY
Due to limited class size, please note the following refund stipulations:
- If canceling up to 30 days before the start of the selected Program cycle, a refund with $1,000 subtracted will be issued.
- If canceling up to 14 days before the start of the selected Program cycle, a refund with $2,000 subtracted will be issued.
- No refunds are issued within 14 days of the start of the selected Program cycle.
- See the Replacement/Transfer Policy below for additional options.
Execution of a promissory note between Employer and Student is strongly recommended to protect your company’s training investment.
REPLACEMENT/TRANSFER POLICY
If the Student does not successfully complete Module 1, the Employer is provided with two options:
- Replace Student with another Student in the next available Cycle for a fee of $1,000 or
- Transfer Student to the next available Cycle for a fee of $1,000. In this event, the Student will be required to begin again at Module 1, Lesson 1, and repeat all previous coursework with the new Cycle.
One Student replacement or transfer is permitted per enrollment/registration. Replacements and transfers are not permitted beyond Module 1 (approximately the first six months of the Program). A fee of $2,000 will be due for transfers from a sold-out Program before its launch.
NONRENEWAL OF AFSA MEMBERSHIP
NOTICE TO BUYER
- Do not sign this agreement before you have read it or if it contains any blank spaces.
- This agreement is a legally binding instrument only when the agreement is accepted, signed, and dated by both parties. Read the complete agreement before signing.
- You are entitled to an exact copy of this agreement.
- This agreement and the ITM Inspector Development Program curriculum constitute the agreement between you, the Buyer, and AFSA.
- AFSA makes no implied or expressed warranty that participation in the ITM Inspector Development Program will ensure the passage of related NICET test elements or certification by NICET.
- AFSA reserves the right to terminate a student’s enrollment for unsatisfactory progress, nonpayment of tuition, or failure to abide by established codes of conduct.
STUDENT, THE NEW INSPECTOR
- Commit approximately 3 hours a week for 20 months to Program course studies: a blend of on-demand courses and live webinar delivery.
- More time may be required to complete Program prerequisites, such as OSHA 30 and lift certifications, if not already achieved.
- Schedule accordingly to attend each live webinar and the (2) in-person training sessions (Session 1 is Modules 2/3; Session 2 is Modules 6/7).
- With your Supervisor, begin the NICET certification process by visiting the NICET website and following the instructions for “Get Certified” > Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems.
- See Appendix A for additional NICET-related tasks.
- Keep pace with Program activities, including On-the-Job-Training (OJT) tasks led by your Supervisor, as the Program recommends.
- This aids your readiness for NICET examinations and is part of the work experience requirement to achieve NICET certification.
- Pursue studies to attain passing scores of 70+ on each assessment administered by AFSA.
- Achieve successful completion of the NICET Level I certification exam before beginning Module 6 of the Program.
- Ensure Program module prerequisites, as described in Appendix A, are met.
- Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor. You are the ‘face’ of your company!
EMPLOYER/SUPERVISOR
- Vet/Recruit the right candidates for this Program.
- Consider a probationary period and use of a promissory note (templates included in the Contractor/Manager Guide) before enrollment.
- Evaluate Appearance, Attitude, and Aptitude. Your candidate is a reflection of your company to your customers. Ensure the candidate’s attitude and appearance represent your company’s values. Consider integrating an aptitude test in the hiring process to measure verbal and written comprehension, general reasoning, and basic numerical operations. You may also consider testing mechanical knowledge.
- Together, with your Student, begin the NICET certification process by visiting the NICET website and following instructions for “Get Certified” > Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems.
- See Appendix A for additional NICET-related tasks.
- Designate an in-house supervisor/instructor to the Student to oversee Student’s ITM training for the length of the twenty-month Program (see Appendix B).
- Adhere to activities and related timeline about OJT tasks as the Program recommends.
- This involves documenting and verifying work experience 1) as described in AFSA’s OJT Checklist and 2) as required by NICET as part of your Student’s certification process.
- This ensures the Student keeps pace within the Program cycle and is aptly prepared as each new phase of this comprehensive Program begins.
- Ensure Student availability for Program course work, including all live webinar events, on-demand lessons, assessments, and travel accommodations for (2) in-person sessions (Session 1 is Modules 2/3; Session 2 is Modules 6/7).
- Ensure Program module prerequisites described in Appendix A are met, including student accessibility to the full NFPA standards library.
- Provide guidance, support, and feedback to the Student throughout this training endeavor. Your recordkeeping and evaluation of Student progress is critical to ensure successful completion (see Appendix B).
AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION
- Deliver a blended learning environment to include:
- 56 hours of on-demand courses.
- 22 hours of live, interactive web instruction.
- This provides a live, virtual classroom experience for the Student where questions are asked and answered, challenging areas are discussed, and a thorough review in preparation for assessments is conducted.
- 11 days* of live in-class lecture.
- *Total number of live in-person days subject to change based on training structure and NICET exam group schedule determined by Pearson VUE.
- 3+ days of hands-on field and lab testing and inspections;
- (1) NFPA 25, 2017 Ed. standard for Student training use.
- Limited class size to maximize Student learning outcomes.
- Availability of experienced instructors via phone and email as needed to assist Students with challenging areas of study.
- A guided and methodical process for the new inspector trainee towards NICET Level I and NICET Level II certifications in water-based systems’ inspections and testing in twenty months.
- AFSA makes no implied or expressed warranty that studying these materials or passing the assessments will ensure the passage of the related NICET test elements or certification by NICET.
- Promote and encourage character-building traits: honesty, integrity, confidence, professionalism, neat appearance, organization, reliability, accountability, and credibility.
- Activities to strengthen communication skills, both written (for noting inspections and testing observations) and verbal (communicating with customers).
- Certificate of Completion stipulating CEUs earned upon successful completion of all (7) Program Modules.
CODES OF CONDUCT
[Also included in Student Guide]
The Student’s responsibilities for achieving a positive learning environment shall include the following:
- Complete each course within the Program in the allotted time.
- Prepare accordingly for each course, review, and assessment.
- Conduct yourself responsibly, in both the virtual and live classroom, among your peers.
- Do not misrepresent or permit misrepresentation of your professional qualifications, experience, or degree of responsibility for any work.
- Avoid conflicts of interest whenever possible.
Any of the following actions may result in immediate removal from the Program:
- Cheating: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in a Program course or activity.
- Fabrication: Falsifying any information provided during Program registration or NICET certification process.
- Violation of State or Federal Laws: Any violation of a federal, state, or local law.
- Dangerous Conduct: Any conduct that endangers the health or safety of another; this includes but is not limited to, physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, and coercion.
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
- Payment of $20 retake fee to attempt Module Exam a 2nd
- A 7-day waiting period is required before retaking.
- Payment of a $50 retake fee to attempt the Module Exam a third and final time.
- A 7-day waiting period is required before retaking.
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY
Due to limited class size, please note the following refund stipulations:
- If canceling up to 30 days before the start of the selected Program cycle, a refund with $1,000 subtracted will be issued.
- If canceling up to 14 days before the start of the selected Program cycle, a refund with $2,000 subtracted will be issued.
- No refunds are issued within 14 days of the start of the selected Program cycle.
- See the Replacement/Transfer Policy below for additional options.
Execution of a promissory note between Employer and Student is strongly recommended to protect your company’s training investment.
REPLACEMENT/TRANSFER POLICY
If the Student does not successfully complete Module 1, the Employer is provided with two options:
- Replace Student with another Student in the next available Cycle for a fee of $1,000 or
- Transfer Student to the next available Cycle for a fee of $1,000. In this event, the Student will be required to begin again at Module 1, Lesson 1, and repeat all previous coursework with the new Cycle.
One Student replacement or transfer is permitted per enrollment/registration. Replacements and transfers are not permitted beyond Module 1 (approximately the first six months of the Program). A fee of $2,000 will be due for transfers from a sold-out Program before its launch.
NONRENEWAL OF AFSA MEMBERSHIP
NOTICE TO BUYER
- Do not sign this agreement before you have read it or if it contains any blank spaces.
- This agreement is a legally binding instrument only when the agreement is accepted, signed, and dated by both parties. Read the complete agreement before signing.
- You are entitled to an exact copy of this agreement.
- This agreement and the ITM Inspector Development Program curriculum constitute the agreement between you, the Buyer, and AFSA.
- AFSA makes no implied or expressed warranty that participation in the ITM Inspector Development Program will ensure the passage of related NICET test elements or certification by NICET.
- AFSA reserves the right to terminate a student’s enrollment for unsatisfactory progress, nonpayment of tuition, or failure to abide by established codes of conduct.
APPENDIX A
Module Prerequisites Timeline
Failure to meet prerequisites precludes
advancement to the next Program module.
BEFORE THE PROGRAM LAUNCH:
Complete the following prerequisites before the start of Module 1.
- Registration and payment of ITM Inspector Development Program.
- Submit Level I Test Application with payment to NICET:
- Forward NICET scheduling authorization, along with the Student’s NICET-issued ID number, to AFSA for Student files.
- Disregard the test window that NICET assigns during this process. AFSA will later adjust this test window for the Program’s group testing (see your program schedule for dates).
DO NOT SCHEDULE NICET EXAM. Simply purchase the Level I exam and, upon completion, forward the scheduling authorization (sent to the applicant by NICET) to AFSA. AFSA will schedule the exam on your behalf as a class.
- Procurement of NFPA’s Water-Based Fire Protection Systems Handbook, 2017 Ed.
- Access to full NFPA standards library as reference material for Program completion. Essential standards include, but are not limited to, NFPA 13, NFPA 14, NFPA 20, NFPA 70E, and NFPA 291.
- NFPA 25, 2017 Ed. will be provided by AFSA to the Student approximately one month before the Program launch.
- Headset with microphone compatible with your student’s computer to be used during each live webinar event.
BY THREE MONTHS IN:
Complete the following prerequisite before Midterm Exam M1L4-6.
- OJT Checklist (verified and signed by Student and Supervisor)
BY SIX MONTHS IN:
Complete the following prerequisites before the start of Module 2.
- Successful completion of Module 1.
- Lift certification.
- OSHA 30-hour Construction Training Certificate.
- Final installment payment for ITM Inspector Development Program tuition, if applicable.
Complete the following prerequisites before the start of Module 3.
- Completion of Modules 1 and 2.
- Completion of NICET I Exam.
- See NICET’s Policy 20: Retesting of Failed Exams
BY SEVEN MONTHS IN:
Complete the following prerequisites before the start of Module 4.
- Successful completion of Modules 1-3.
- Provide to AFSA (1) copy* of Student’s completed NICET Level I Experience Application showing 6+ months of related experience.
- Include Part II: Verifier Data.
- Include Part III: Performance Verification.
- *Original and complete NICET application should be sent directly to NICET for certification. AFSA is asking only for a copy of the Experience Application portion of this package.
BY TEN MONTHS IN:
Complete the following prerequisites before the start of Module 5.
- Successful completion of Modules 1-4.
- Submit Level II Test Application with payment to NICET:
- Forward NICET scheduling authorization to AFSA for Student files.
- Disregard the test window that NICET assigns during this process. AFSA will later adjust this test window for the Program’s group testing (see your program schedule for dates).
DO NOT SCHEDULE NICET EXAM. Simply purchase the Level II exam and, upon completion, forward the scheduling authorization (sent to applicant by NICET) to AFSA. AFSA will schedule the exam on your behalf as a class.
BY TWELVE MONTHS IN:
Complete the following prerequisite before the Midterm Exam for M5L1-4.
- OJT Checklist Update (verified and signed by Student and Supervisor)
BY TWENTY MONTHS IN:
Complete the following prerequisite before the Midterm Exam for M5L1-4.
- Successful completion of Modules 1-5.
- Passing score of NICET Level I certification exam.
- OJT Checklist Update (verified and signed by Student and Supervisor)
Complete the following prerequisites before the start of Module 7.
- Successful completion of Modules 1-6.
Post-Program Activities
BY TWENTY-FOUR MONTHS:
Complete the following prerequisite before the Midterm Exam for M5L1-4.
- Submit to NICET the final Level II Experience Application showing an additional 18+ months of related experience (the first 6 months are documented in the NICET Level I Experience Application, a Module 4 prerequisite).
- Include Part II: Verifier Data.
- Include Part III: Performance Verification.
Level II Certified
- Notify AFSA once NICET Level II certification is achieved.