NB-380, Inservice Inspector Training Program
In order to qualify for an Inservice Inspector Commission (IS), NB-263, RCI-1, Rules for Commissioned Inspectors requires Inservice Inspector candidates to have a minimum of five (5) credit points based upon the combination of education and experience (as detailed in RCI-1, Table 1). However, RCI-1, 1-1.3 allows for the completion of the National Board Inservice Inspector Training Program in lieu of the five (5) credit points as traditionally required. This alternative training program is described in the National Board publication, NB-380, National Board Inservice Inspector Training Program. It combines task-based “on-the-job” style training with online and classroom courses. NB-380 candidates are also required to participate in a minimum of 300 inspections under the instruction of a National Board Commissioned Inspector.
See also Frequently Asked Questions below.
Developed by a team of Inservice Inspector Supervisors and Jurisdictional Chiefs, this task-based training workbook is designed to help jurisdictions and Authorized Inspection Agencies develop inspector candidates who do not meet the five-point education and experience requirements found in NB-263, RCI-1, Rules for Commissioned Inspectors. Completion of the workbook is intended to meet the alternative requirements found in NB-380, National Board Inservice Inspector Training Program. Consisting of seven modules, the workbook will guide inspector candidates as they acquire and demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of boiler and pressure vessel inspection. Topics and tasks covered within the workbook are based on NB-380 and NB-331-I, National Board Body of Knowledge of Inservice Inspectors.
The workbook contains three types of tasks:
- Knowledge Checks: Inspector candidates are to verbally demonstrate satisfactory knowledge and understanding of a specific topic to a commissioned inspector.
- Practical Applications: Inspector candidates will demonstrate their understanding of inspection methods in the field under the supervision of a commissioned inspector.
- Module Assessments: Inspector candidates are tested by a Chief Inspector or Inservice Inspector Supervisor to ensure they are retaining the subject matter for each module.
An inspection log is provided alongside the NB-380-1 Workbook. The inspection log is to be used to document the inspector candidate’s participation in 300 boiler and/or pressure vessel inspections, as required by NB-380. Alternative inspection logs may be used, though the information contained in the provided inspection log should be considered the minimum standard for alternatives. Alternative inspection logs are subject to the acceptance of the National Board prior to implementation in accordance with Part 1 of NB-263, RCI-1, Rules for Commissioned Inspectors.
Successful completion of the workbook and inspection log are only one step in the commissioning process under NB-380. Inspector candidates will also need to successfully complete the National Board Classroom Inservice Inspector Commission Course (IS) and the following National Board Online Training Courses: National Board Inspection Code, Part 1, Installation; National Board Inspection Code, Part 2, Inspection; and Rules for Commissioned Inspectors. Inspector candidates will also need to successfully pass the Inservice Inspector Commission Exam.
The following is a list of some materials which contain industry terms and fundamental concepts the Inspector Candidate will need to understand to complete this module:
- ASME BPVC Section V, Nondestructive Examination
- ASME BPVC Section VI, Recommended Rules for the Care and Operation of Heating Boilers
- ASME BPVC Section VII, Recommended Guidelines for the Care of Power Boilers
- ASTM C64-72(1977) Standard Specification for Refractories for Incinerators and Boilers
- ASTM D396-21, Standard Specification for Fuel Oils
- Boiler & Pressure Vessel Manufacturers’ Technical Publications
- Use your search engine to search for an Equipment Manufacturer.
- Engineering Guidelines - FM Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets
- High Pressure Boilers, Steingress, Walker
- Insulation: Rockwool Learnings and Documentation
- Low Pressure Boilers, Steingress, Walker
- National Board Inspection Code (NBIC)
- National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA)
- NFPA 85, Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code
- Pan Global Website
- Steam Plant Operation, Woodruff, Lammers, 8th Edition
- U.S. Navy, NAPERS 10788-B, Principles of Naval Engineering (PNE)
- U.S. Navy, NAVEDTRA 10535-H, Boiler Technician
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2.1. There are no officially recognized training programs. The candidate’s employer may utilize outside resources for classroom training that must be verified by an NBBI Commissioned Inspector.
3.1. Training can be provided by any qualified source (subject to the acceptance and verification of the Chief Inspector/Inservice Inspector Supervisor). The candidate shall demonstrate knowledge checks and practical applications to an NBBI Commissioned Inservice Inspector.
4.1. Completion of 300 inspections under instruction is required.
5.1. There is no specific requirement for hours of OJT to be completed.
6.1. OJT should encompass all equipment and inspection types when practicable and when additional training shall not be provided.
8.1. See the page section above, Recommended Reference Material, for a list of referenced codes and standards.
9.1. Training should be documented in the workbook. Inspection activity should be documented in the inspection log.
11.1. An NBBI Commissioned Inspector.
12.1. The Chief Inspector or Inspector Supervisor.
13.1. The Chief Inspector or Inspector Supervisor.
14.1. There is currently no registration process to utilize the program. However, mandatory training courses referenced in the workbook will require registration through the NBBI Training Department.
15.1. Completion of the NB-380 program is accepted in lieu of meeting the requirements detailed in RCI-1, Table 1, for the five (5) points.
16.1. The entire NB-380 training program must be completed to be accepted in lieu of the five (5) points required by RCI-1. Partial credit is not granted, though candidates may participate in the program regardless of the number of credit points already obtained.
20.1. Training may not be substituted, but additional training may be supplemented for jurisdictional specific training.
Please email credentials@nationalboard.org should you have any questions.