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Level III tabbing guide for your printed code books

Your printed references are your only lookup tools on exam day, so how you tab them decides how fast you answer. NICET allows the books bound or in a three-ring binder, with highlighting and self-adhesive tabs that are permanently attached; handwritten notes, loose pages and repositionable tabs are not allowed. These are the sections worth a tab for Level III, chapter by chapter.

How to tab: one color per book, one tab per chapter on the side edge, and a second row on the top edge for the tables you use most. Label tabs with the section number and a keyword, e.g. “17.15 Pull stations”.

NFPA 72 (2022)

SectionWhyChapter
NFPA 72 §1.5Equivalency: technical documentation to the AHJ, AHJ approvalL3 Shop Dwgs
NFPA 72 §7.2.1Minimum required documentation, including mounting heights and sound pressure levelsL3 Shop Dwgs
NFPA 72 §7.3Design documents: pathway class and survivability designationsL3 Shop Dwgs
NFPA 72 §7.4.4–7.4.5General information, date of issue and revisions; floor plan contentsL3 Shop Dwgs
NFPA 72 §7.4.6–7.4.8Riser diagram, control unit diagram, and typical wiring contentsL3 Shop Dwgs
NFPA 72 §7.4.9–7.4.10Sequence of operation and required calculationsL3 Shop Dwgs
NFPA 72 §10.3Equipment listed for the purpose and compatible with the control unitL3 Shop Dwgs
NFPA 72 §10.4.4–10.4.7Control unit heights; smoke detection at control equipment; abandoned equipmentL3 Shop Dwgs
NFPA 72 §10.5Personnel qualifications, including system designersL3 Shop Dwgs
NFPA 72 §10.6.7.2Secondary power: 24 h + 5 min (15 min voice); 1.25 correction factorL3 Shop Dwgs
NFPA 72 §10.17Notification appliance circuits and supervised control circuitsL3 Shop Dwgs
NFPA 72 §12.3 and §12.4Pathway classes and survivability levelsL3 Shop Dwgs
NFPA 72 Table 17.6.3.5.1Heat detector spacing reduction by ceiling heightL3 Shop Dwgs
NFPA 72 §17.7.4.2.3–17.7.4.2.4Smoke detector spacing, 0.7S, and beams; §17.7.4.6 for air samplingL3 Shop Dwgs
NFPA 72 §18.4.4.1 and §18.4.6Public-mode and sleeping-area audibility (Annex D covers intelligibility)L3 Shop Dwgs
NFPA 72 Table 18.5.5.7.1(a)/(b)Room spacing candela; §18.5.5.6–18.5.5.10 for obstructions, corridors, sleepingL3 Shop Dwgs
NFPA 72 §21.3–21.4, §21.8, §23.8.5.1.3Elevator recall and shutdown, hoistway devices, HVLS fan interlock, dedicated-function systemsL3 Shop Dwgs
NFPA 72 §7.5.2Installing contractor's written statement: installed per approved plans, tested per manufacturer and NFPAL3 Install
NFPA 72 §7.5.3Documents delivered to the owner at final acceptanceL3 Install
NFPA 72 §7.5.4Owner's manual contents (narrative, matrix, operator instructions, service directory, data sheets)L3 Install
NFPA 72 §7.5.5Record (as-built) drawings and sequence as programmedL3 Install
NFPA 72 §7.5.6Record of completion: who completes it, revisions, lost original, electronic filingL3 Install
NFPA 72 §7.5.7Site-specific software: passcode, programming password, on-site copy memory typeL3 Install
NFPA 72 §7.5.8Verification: functions per plans, documents archived, corrections confirmed in writingL3 Install
NFPA 72 §7.7.1-7.7.2Record availability and archiving; SYSTEM RECORD DOCUMENTS cabinet; nothing stored in the control unitL3 Install
NFPA 72 §10.4.4Control unit display and control mounting heights (6 ft maximum, 15 in. minimum)L3 Install
NFPA 72 §10.5.2-10.5.3Installers qualified or supervised; testers qualifiedL3 Install
NFPA 72 §10.21Impairments: notify owner, AHJ decides mitigation, report outages over 8 hoursL3 Install
NFPA 72 §12.3.8Class A outgoing and return conductors routed separately; limited exceptionsL3 Install
NFPA 72 §14.2.4Notify signal recipients and occupants before and after testingL3 Install
NFPA 72 §14.2.10Written test plan and documentation of resultsL3 Install
NFPA 72 §14.4.1-14.4.2Initial acceptance (AHJ notified) and reacceptance rulesL3 Install
NFPA 72 Table 14.4.3.2Initial acceptance column: power, trouble, interfaces, notification, emergency controlL3 Install
NFPA 72 §14.6.1Permanent records kept by the owner for the life of the systemL3 Install
NFPA 72 §17.7.2 and §17.15Detectors during construction; manual box operable part 42 to 48 in.L3 Install
NFPA 72 Table 14.4.3.2, item 15Conductor tests: stray voltage, isolation, loop resistance (initial only); circuit integrityL3 Install
NFPA 72 §14.2.3Owner responsibility; delegation by lease or agreement; ITM by others under a written contractL3 ITM
NFPA 72 §14.2.5Record of completion and Chapter 7 information provided to service personnel on requestL3 ITM
NFPA 72 §14.2.4Notification before testing and when testing is completeL3 ITM
NFPA 72 §14.2.6Releasing service: qualified testers, occupant notification, securing the suppression systemL3 ITM
NFPA 72 §14.2.10Test plan: scope, documented with the testing recordL3 ITM
NFPA 72 §14.4.4 and §14.3.1Frequency rule: the AHJ's schedule or the table frequency, whichever is more frequentL3 ITM
NFPA 72 Table 14.3.1Visual inspection frequencies by componentL3 ITM
NFPA 72 Table 14.4.3.2Test frequencies and methods (items 4, 8, 9, 17, 18, 24)L3 ITM
NFPA 72 §14.4.2Reacceptance testing: added or deleted devices, control unit hardware, software changesL3 ITM
NFPA 72 §14.4.4Testing frequency: 18-month limit for inaccessible devices (14.4.4.1), sensitivity (14.4.4.3), interfaced equipment (14.4.4.4)L3 ITM
NFPA 72 §10.5.3Qualified personnel for inspection, testing, and serviceL3 ITM
NFPA 72 Section 10.21Impairments: owner notice, AHJ report after 8 hours, mitigation, notice when the impairment ends, 1-year recordL3 ITM
NFPA 72 §23.8.2.11Remote access for testing, diagnostics, and software updatesL3 ITM
NFPA 72 §26.6.2.3Remote programming of transmitting technologiesL3 ITM
NFPA 72 §14.6Records: permanent (14.6.1), ITM (14.6.2), supervising station (14.6.3)L3 ITM
NFPA 72 §7.5.6 and §7.5.7Record of completion (revisions, lost originals, electronic filing) and site-specific software documentationL3 ITM
NFPA 72 §7.6.6, §7.7, §7.8.2ITM record, record availability and archiving, documentation cabinet, and forms (g) through (l)L3 ITM
NFPA 72 Figure A.14.6.1.1Typical input/output matrix (sequence of operation)L3 ITM
NFPA 72 §10.21Impairments: notify owner, service provider reports to AHJ after 8 h, mitigation where AHJ requires, notice at end, 1-year recordL3 Impair
NFPA 72 §10.21.4Service provider reports to the AHJ any system out of service more than 8 hoursL3 Impair
NFPA 72 §3.3 (Impairment)Definition: planned or emergency, system, component, or function inoperable; Annex gives examplesL3 Impair
NFPA 72 §3.3 (Deficiency)Definition: condition that interferes with intended service or reliabilityL3 Impair
NFPA 72 §3.3 (Observation)Suggested correction or improvement that is neither impairment nor deficiency; Annex examplesL3 Impair
NFPA 72 §14.2.2.2Testing creates an impairment only if no manual means or compensatory measure existsL3 Impair
NFPA 72 §14.2.2.3Deficiencies shall be corrected; written notice within 24 h if not corrected; recall noticeL3 Impair
NFPA 72 §14.2.2.4Observations may be communicated; owner need not actL3 Impair
NFPA 72 §14.4.2Reacceptance testing after repair, replacement, or modificationL3 Impair
NFPA 72 Annex A.14.4.2Like-for-like replacement: no 10% sample of unaffected devices; fuse exampleL3 Impair
NFPA 72 §14.4.2.6Remote software changes need a qualified person on site to verify testingL3 Impair
NFPA 72 §7.5.7Site-specific software: owner gets a copy, passcode, and programming access or instructionsL3 Impair
NFPA 72 §10.22Unwanted alarms: find and correct the causeL3 Impair
NFPA 72 §10.3Equipment listed for its purpose and compatible with the control unitL3 Impair
NFPA 72 §10.4.7Abandoned fire alarm equipment: remove it; mark it not in service until removedL3 Impair
NFPA 72 §10.6.10.1Secondary-power batteries: listed or component recognized by a testing laboratoryL3 Impair
NFPA 72 §1.4Retroactivity: existing installations exempt unless the AHJ finds a distinct hazard; Ch. 14 applies to existing systemsL3 Impair
NFPA 72 §1.5Equivalency: documentation to the AHJ, approval for the intended purposeL3 Impair
NFPA 72-2022 §10.5.2Installation personnel qualified or supervised by qualified personsL3 Mgmt
NFPA 72-2022 §7.5.6 / §7.7Record of completion; records and their storageL3 Mgmt

NFPA 70 / NEC (2020)

SectionWhyChapter
NFPA 70 §760.24, 760.25, 760.41(B), 300.11Cable support, abandoned cable, dedicated branch circuit without GFCI or AFCIL3 Shop Dwgs
NFPA 70 §300.21, §760.3(A), §760.25, §760.30, §760.136Firestopping, abandoned cable, circuit identification, separation of power-limited circuitsL3 Install
AIA A201-2017 §9.7 / Art. 14Stop work after 7 additional days' notice; termination rights (30 consecutive days; 7 days)L3 Mgmt

IBC (2021)

SectionWhyChapter
IBC §107.3.4.1 and §107.4Deferred submittals; amended construction documentsL3 Shop Dwgs
IBC §907.1.2Fire alarm shop drawings: prepared per NFPA 72, approved before installationL3 Shop Dwgs
IBC §102.1, §102.4, §102.6, §104.11Most restrictive governs; IBC over a referenced standard; existing structures; alternativesL3 Life Safety
IBC Ch. 35Referenced standards and their editions (NFPA 72)L3 Life Safety
IBC Table 1004.5Occupant load factors (business 150 gross, mercantile 60 gross)L3 Life Safety
IBC §1005.3Capacity factors: 0.3/0.2 in., or 0.2/0.15 in. with sprinklers and EVACSL3 Life Safety
IBC §403.5.3High-rise stair doors: unlock from the fire command center; stair communication every fifth floorL3 Life Safety
IBC §903.4Sprinkler supervision, monitoring, signals, and alarms (20-sprinkler exception)L3 Life Safety
IBC §907.2, §907.3, §907.6.6Where systems are required; fire safety function detectors; monitoringL3 Life Safety
IBC §907.5.2.2Emergency voice/alarm communication: high-rise, Group A at 1,000 or more, other listed conditionsL3 Life Safety
IBC §714Penetrations of fire-resistance-rated assembliesL3 Life Safety
IBC §107.3.4.1, §107.4Deferred submittals and amended construction documentsL3 Install
IBC §110.1, §111, §907.7Inspections, certificate of occupancy (temporary: §111.3), fire alarm acceptance testsL3 Install
IBC §901.6Required fire protection systems are maintained in an operable condition at all timesL3 Impair
IBC-2021 §107.4 / §110 / §111 / §115Amended documents resubmitted; inspections; certificate of occupancy; stop work orderL3 Mgmt

NFPA 101 (2021)

SectionWhyChapter
NFPA 101 §6.1.14Multiple occupancies: mixed (most restrictive applies) and separatedL3 Life Safety
NFPA 101 Table 7.3.1.2Occupant load factors (business 100 gross, mercantile street floor 30 gross)L3 Life Safety
NFPA 101 §7.3.3Capacity factors: 0.3 in. stairs, 0.2 in. other componentsL3 Life Safety
NFPA 101 §7.2.1.6.1Delayed-egress locks: release on detection, sprinkler, and power lossL3 Life Safety
NFPA 101 §8.3Fire barriers and their penetrationsL3 Life Safety
NFPA 101 §9.6.1–9.6.2NFPA 70/72; 4 hours in 24 out of service means AHJ notice and fire watch; initiation, one manual box, §9.6.2.10 smoke alarmsL3 Life Safety
NFPA 101 §9.6.3 to §9.6.5Occupant notification, emergency forces notification, fire safety functionsL3 Life Safety
NFPA 101 §9.7.2Supervision of sprinkler systems (supervisory signals)L3 Life Safety
NFPA 101 §11.8High-rise buildings (Ch. 11, Special Structures and High-Rise Buildings)L3 Life Safety
NFPA 101 §x.3.4Detection, alarm, and communications in each occupancy chapter (12.3.4, 14.3.4, 18.3.4, 28.3.4, 30.3.4, 38.3.4, 40.3.4)L3 Life Safety
NFPA 101 Ch. 43Building rehabilitation: repair, renovation, change of use, additionL3 Life Safety
NFPA 101-2021 §9.6.1Required fire alarm out of service more than 4 hours in 24L3 ITM
NFPA 101 §9.6.1Fire alarm general: out of service more than 4 h in 24 h means AHJ notice plus fire watch or evacuation; annex: out of service = significant part of the system (verify in your book)L3 Impair

Study-only references (not allowed in the test center)

SectionWhyChapter
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.32(f)Competent person: identifies hazards AND has authority to correct them (study reference)L3 Mgmt
OSHA 1926.20(b)(2) / 1926.21(b)(2)Regular inspections by competent persons; employer instructs workers in recognizing unsafe conditionsL3 Mgmt
OSHA 1926.501(b)(1) / 1926.503(b)Fall protection at 6 ft; training certification record (name, date, trainer or employer signature)L3 Mgmt
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 (via 1926.59)Hazard communication: SDS accessible, labels, training at initial assignment and for new hazardsL3 Mgmt
OSHA 29 CFR 1904.7 / .29(b)(3) / .32 / .33Recordable criteria; enter cases within 7 calendar days; 300A posted Feb. 1 to Apr. 30; records kept 5 yearsL3 Mgmt
OSHA 29 CFR 1904.39Report death within 8 h; hospitalization, amputation, loss of an eye within 24 hL3 Mgmt
OSHA CPL 02-00-124 / 29 CFR 1926.16Multi-employer citation policy; a subcontractor assumes responsibility for its part of the workL3 Mgmt
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.333(b)(2) / 1926.417Lockout/tagout of electrical equipment: Subpart S in existing facilities, 1926.417 in constructionL3 Mgmt
AIA A201-2017 §7.2 to §7.4Change Order, Construction Change Directive, minor changeL3 Mgmt
AIA A201-2017 §3.7.4 / §15.1.3.1Concealed conditions 14 days; claims 21 daysL3 Mgmt
AIA A201-2017 §9.3.2 / §9.8Stored materials need Owner approval and title protection; Substantial CompletionL3 Mgmt
AIA A201-2017 §12.2.2.1 / §12.2.5One-year correction period; it is not a limit on the Contractor's other obligationsL3 Mgmt
NASCLA Guide (13th ed.)Scheduling, estimating, contract types, bonds, liens, insurance (study reference)L3 Mgmt
OSHA 3824ADDIE, needs assessment, two-thirds activity-based, class of about 25, three evaluation types (study reference)L3 Mgmt
NICET Code of EthicsPublic safety, competence, honesty, conflicts of interest, confidentiality (nicet.org)L3 Mgmt
NICET Policy 30Recertification: 90 CPD points in a three-year periodL3 Mgmt

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