The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) is an organization that was establishe in 1961 to create a recognized certification for engineering technicians and technologist within the United States. In 1981 an NCHRP Research Study requested by the AASHTO SCOC prompted the National Society for Professional Engineers to merge two certification bodies; the Institute for the Certification of Engineering Technicians (ICET) and the Engineering Technologist Certification Institute; in order to create a nonprofit that provides a nationally recognized and accepted procedure for recognition of qualified engineering technicians and technologists.