NICET FAS-IV cheat sheet

NICET FAS-IV is a computer-based, scenario-based exam: multiple-choice items plus a written "scenario" section graded against a published scoring rubric; both parts must pass.

NFPA 72 edition adopted by the AHJ governs the design; the edition in effect at plan submittal (not at building permit or at installation) is the usual benchmark - confirm locally.

Supervising station categories in NFPA 72: proprietary, central station, remote supervising station, and auxiliary - each with distinct signal-handling and retransmission duties.

Initiating device circuits are Class A (survivable, return path) or Class B (non-survivable); notification appliance circuits follow the same A/B survivability logic for open/short faults.

Pathway performance designations (NFPA 72 Ch. 12): Class A, B, C, D, E, N, X - Class X adds supervision of the communication path for integrity, not just connectivity.

Detector spacing: spot-type smoke detectors on smooth ceilings use the 30 ft (9.1 m) spacing rule with 21 ft (6.4 m) wall offset for the listed 30 ft spacing; reduce per ceiling height and beam pockets.

Audibility: public mode 15 dBA above ambient or 75 dBA at 10 ft, whichever is greater; sleeping areas require 75 dBA at the pillow with low-frequency (520 Hz) signaling where required.

Inspection/testing/maintenance intervals come from NFPA 72 Ch. 14 tables: monthly, quarterly, semiannual, annual, and 5-year/10-year reacceptance items - cite the table, not memory.

Interface supervision: every monitored circuit and every relay/supervised output must be supervised per the applicable chapter; unsupervised interfaces require documented justification and AHJ acceptance.

NICET FAS-IV is a computer-based, scenario-based exam: multiple-choice items plus a written "scenario" section graded against a published scoring rubric; both parts must pass.

NFPA 72 edition adopted by the AHJ governs the design; the edition in effect at plan submittal (not at building permit or at installation) is the usual benchmark - confirm locally.

Supervising station categories in NFPA 72: proprietary, central station, remote supervising station, and auxiliary - each with distinct signal-handling and retransmission duties.

Initiating device circuits are Class A (survivable, return path) or Class B (non-survivable); notification appliance circuits follow the same A/B survivability logic for open/short faults.

Pathway performance designations (NFPA 72 Ch. 12): Class A, B, C, D, E, N, X - Class X adds supervision of the communication path for integrity, not just connectivity.

Detector spacing: spot-type smoke detectors on smooth ceilings use the 30 ft (9.1 m) spacing rule with 21 ft (6.4 m) wall offset for the listed 30 ft spacing; reduce per ceiling height and beam pockets.

Audibility: public mode 15 dBA above ambient or 75 dBA at 10 ft, whichever is greater; sleeping areas require 75 dBA at the pillow with low-frequency (520 Hz) signaling where required.

Inspection/testing/maintenance intervals come from NFPA 72 Ch. 14 tables: monthly, quarterly, semiannual, annual, and 5-year/10-year reacceptance items - cite the table, not memory.

Interface supervision: every monitored circuit and every relay/supervised output must be supervised per the applicable chapter; unsupervised interfaces require documented justification and AHJ acceptance.