The fire sprinkler industry has a new option for ensuring that those performing inspection, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems have appropriate knowledge and experience.

The Academy Certification Exams (ACE)  was developed to verify an adequate level of knowledge and experience to perform the inspection, testing, and maintenance of these systems in accordance with NFPA 25.

The ACE program of validating knowledge and experience in fire sprinkler system inspection, testing, and maintenance got its start in 2008. Its originator, the Academy of Fire Sprinkler Technology based in Champaign, IL, began by identifying a uniquely qualified group of stakeholders to help develop a high-quality testing and certification program. The goal was simple: produce a program that could verify that those charged with inspecting and testing water-based fire suppression systems met the high standards expected by states and jurisdictions throughout the country.

The test and validation process was approved by the State of Florida shortly thereafter. In the years that have passed, Academy Certification Exams (ACE) has certified thousands of fire sprinkler inspection and testing personnel. The process has been praised by test-takers, company owners, authorities having jurisdiction, and others.

ACE is a NICET equivalent in the states of Florida and Georgia and is accepted by NASA contractors.