The Building Systems Commissioning Program provides for certification of firms and qualification of individuals that meet criteria established by NEBB.
Purpose of the Certification Program
The purpose of NEBB certification is to offer tangible proof of competent firms and certified professionals qualified in the proper methods and procedures for building systems commissioning.
The objective of systems commissioning is to ensure that the building systems and equipment are installed in accordance with contract documents, and that they operate as intended by the project design team. By setting rigid standards for certification, building owners will be assured that NEBB commissioned systems will be fully operational and will operate at designed efficiency.
Objectives
The following objectives were created for this purpose:
- To promote and advance industry standards and to establish procedures and specifications for the commissioning of building systems and related equipment.
- To set minimum education standards and other requirements for the qualification of personnel employed by firms who perform this work.
- To establish an educational program of instruction that will educate personnel in the proper methods and procedures for the commissioning of building systems and equipment.
- To certify as qualified to perform and administrate the commissioning of building systems, those firms who meet the requirements for certification as established by NEBB, who comply with the objectives of NEBB, and who employ personnel who have met the qualifications established by NEBB.
- To serve as a focal point for educational and technical materials pertinent to commissioning of building systems.
Building Systems Commissioning Certification Categories
When fully implemented the Building Systems Commissioning Program will include certification categories for several building systems such as electrical, fire protection and energy management systems.
Currently, the program provides certification and qualification in HVAC systems commissioning and plumbing. Firms that attain certification in HVAC systems commissioning may add additional categories of the discipline as they become available. Adding additional categories will require that the certified professional in the firm will have to pass additional examinations as well as meet additional requirements that may apply.
Building Systems Commissioning Certification Requirements for Firms
In order to become NEBB-certified in Building Systems Commissioning, a firm must:
- Have operated for a minimum period of 12 months continuously with full-time employees as an installing piping contractor; installing sheet metal contractor; installing mechanical contractor; testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB) contractor; or contractor engineering firm engaged in building systems commissioning (BSC) work.
- Enjoy a reputation for responsible performance. Letters of endorsement from building owners or awarding authorities in the firm’s area are required.
- Be a member in good standing of a local NEBB Chapter.
- Have access to the various TAB instruments which are required for NEBB certification in air and hydronic systems TAB (see section on Instruments for TAB Certification for details).
- Possess the current NEBB Procedural Standards for Testing, Adjusting and Balancing of Environmental Systems; possess the current NEBB Procedural Standards for Building Systems Commissioning; and submit the necessary information and test results on reporting forms in a format approved by NEBB.
- Designate in writing the Designated Certified Professional who will represent the firm and be responsible for the administration of Building Systems Commissioning.
Building Systems Commissioning Re-certification Requirements for Individuals
For the most current prerequisite, please email certification@nebb.org
Suspension
A firm’s certification shall automatically be suspended when the firm no longer meets all of the certification requirements listed above. The certification of a firm suspended will be automatically reinstated by NEBB at such time as it again meets the requirements for certification. The period of suspension will be no longer than one year at which time the firm will lose its certification automatically.
A certified firm must notify the local NEBB Chapter in writing within ten days of the temporary or permanent loss of the designated qualified certified professional. Replacement of certified professionals is not permissible without written approval of NEBB.
Loss of Certification
Certification may be terminated for failure of the firm to abide by the objectives and performance standards of NEBB. Termination of certification by NEBB requires vote of the Board of Directors of NEBB provided that by similar vote the Board shall first find that certification is prejudicial to the best interests of the Bureau and provided further that the certified firm in question shall have had opportunity upon written notice of at least fifteen (15) days to show cause why the certification should not be terminated.
