National Board Inspection Code (NBIC)

First published in 1946, the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC) is an internationally recognized standard that governs and maintains rules for the installation, inspection, repair, and alteration of inservice pressure equipment. The NBIC is adopted into law by most US and Canadian jurisdictions. It is the basis for NBBI’s four accreditation programs (R, VR, NR, and T/O) and is utilized by more than 5,200 repair organizations in over 60 countries. The NBIC is recognized as a national standard by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

The NBIC is organized into four (4) Parts to coincide with specific post-construction activities involving pressure-retaining items.

• Part 1, Installation – This Part provides requirements and guidance to ensure all types of pressure-retaining items are installed and function properly. Installation includes meeting specific safety criteria for construction, materials, design, supports, safety devices, operation, testing, and maintenance.


• Part 2, Inspection – This Part provides information and guidance needed to perform and document inspections for all types of pressure-retaining items. This Part includes information on personnel safety, non-destructive examination, tests, failure mechanisms, types of pressure equipment, fitness for service, risk-based assessments, and performance-based standards.


• Part 3, Repairs and Alterations – This Part provides information and guidance to perform, verify, and document acceptable repairs or alterations to pressure-retaining items regardless of code of construction. Alternative methods for examination, testing, heat treatment, etc., are provided when the original code of construction requirements cannot be met. Specific acceptable and proven repair methods are also provided.


• Part 4, Pressure Relief Devices – This Part provides information and guidance to perform, verify, and document the installation, inspection, and repair of Pressure Relief Devices, including a supplemental section that contains specialized information, such as pressure margins, recommended repair practices, and test stand design details.

The NBIC is developed and maintained by a consensus committee, the NBIC Main Committee, composed of industry experts. The NBIC Main Committee updates the NBIC every other year. The updates are presented on the National Board’s website for public review in August of the year prior to the Edition date. The NBIC is published as a new edition in July of odd numbered years (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023).

The links below provide additional information.

The NBIC Committee Information includes a description of the NBIC committee structure, committee members, meeting schedules, minutes, and agendas.

The NBIC Publication Information describes announcements about documents for public review. It also contains errata and interpretations for several NBIC Editions.

The NBIC Committee Log-In is restricted to members of the NBIC Main Committee, subcommittees, and subgroups. It was developed for the recording of letter ballots, allowing committee members to vote on items electronically.