The NEBB Professional 2024 - Quarter 3

At the time, I did not question why I should put myself through the process of taking (and eventually passing) multiple examinations or what the true value of this certification would be. All I saw was an opportunity to get better at my trade and gain credentials that validat ed my years of experience. Looking back on what be coming a Certified Professional has meant for me, and what it means to operate in that capacity for a NEBB TAB Certified Firm, I can more clearly see the value ex pected from and brought by the NEBB brand. I remem ber the first time I received a phone call from an engi neer with a question on a project that was not mine, and when I asked why he was calling me and not the TAB contractor assigned to the job, his response was, “You’re NEBB Certified, so I know that you know what you’re doing.” While that may well summarize one of the reasons why so many in the mechanical industry rely on NEBB firms, I can assure you there is more to it than just being a firm that “knows what they’re doing.” If you’ll permit me some of your time, I would like to explain more fully why you should choose to work with

a TAB firm that is specifically NEBB Certified. I will be gin with the most obvious benefits and work towards

those which may be less apparent. Technical Competence

Unless you have personally attempted to obtain NEBB TAB Certification, you may not be aware of the level of technical competence required to meet this pro fessional milestone. Becoming a Certified Firm begins with having at least one individual qualify as a NEBB TAB Certified Professional. This individual must meet educational and experience requirements to qualify to apply for certification. Once the application is ac cepted, the individual must pass three in-person ex ams-two of which test the candidate’s practical pro ficiency in air and hydronic balancing, and the third, a written exam to test their theoretical knowledge of mechanical systems, engineering fundamentals and NEBB’s own TAB Procedural Standards. These tests are not easy. I personally know multiple U.S. licensed Professional Engineers who have failed one or more of

The NEBB Professional | Quarter 3 | 2024

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