"R" Stamp Certificate of Authorization Program

The National Board offers the Certificate of Authorization and “R” symbol stamp for the repair and/or alteration of boilers, pressure vessels, and other pressure-retaining items. Requirements are included in the 2007 edition of the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC), Part 3, Section 1.

Prerequisites
Organizations seeking a National Board “R” Certificate of Authorization must complete NB-12, Application for the National Board “R” Certificate of Authorization and:

1. Have and maintain an inspection agreement with an authorized inspection agency;
2. Have a written quality system that complies with the requirements of the current edition of the NBIC and includes the expected scope of activities;
3. Have the current edition of all three parts of the NBIC*; and
4. Have available a copy of the code of construction appropriate to the intended scope of work.

*Organizations have the option of using either a printed version or an electronic version, including a subscription from a National Board licensed reseller, to fulfill this requirement.

Prior to issuance of a National Board “R” Certificate of Authorization, the organization and its facilities are subject to a review of its quality system (referred to as a Joint Review).

First-Time Applicants
The holder of an ASME Code Symbol Stamp whose facilities were reviewed (with the exception of “V”, “UV”, “HV”, “NV”, and “H” [cast iron]), may obtain National Board authorization without a review of its facilities, provided the organization has a Quality System to cover the scope of repairs or alterations to be made, and the application for the "R" Certificate of Authorization is submitted within 12 months from the issuance of the ASME Certificate of Authorization. The “R” Certificate of Authorization will be issued to expire concurrent with the ASME Certificate of Authorization. Subsequent certificates will be renewed upon a successful review and implementation of the quality system.

Estimated Fees

1. Certification Fees
   The fee for the “R” Certificate of Authorization (three-year period) is $600 USD.

2. Review Fees
   Reviews may be done by the member jurisdiction or by the National Board, depending upon jurisdictional requirements. Contact the National Board Accreditation Department to determine who will perform the joint review of your facility. Reviews performed by the jurisdiction may require fees, which are determined by the member jurisdiction. Click on Members to contact your jurisdiction. If the National Board performs the review, an advance deposit is required.
   
   
   • North America – $3,000 U.S.
   • Outside of North America – Contact Us for estimated cost and payment methods.

   After completion of the review and actual cost has been determined, the applicant will be provided with a statement with the amount due or a refund amount.

   Applicants who change or cancel their review will be charged a cancellation fee of $255 USD.

3. Changes
   Organizations holding an “R” Certificate of Authorization and changing their ownership, name, location, and/or scopes must submit a revised application along with a copy of their quality control manual cover sheet, statement of authority page, and an inspector signature indicating acceptance of the manual/changes or a written acceptance by the inspector.

   The appropriate jurisdiction will be notified, and that jurisdiction may require a review of the facilities and quality control manual.

4. Summary of Cost

   Certificate Fee	$600 USD
   Loan of “R” Symbol Stamp (one-time charge)	$60 USD
   Estimated Review Fees/Expenses	$3,000 USD
   Total Estimated Cost (for new applicants)	$3,660 USD

If there are questions on the certification program, please Contact Us or email/fax the Accreditation Department.