This article is from the Fall 2025 BULLETIN.

The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI) has introduced a digital credentialing system as part of our ongoing efforts to streamline operations and enhance security.

This digital process has been partially implemented, allowing commissioned inspectors to access their digital wallet pass (DWP) on their NBBI Business Center accounts by installing the digital NBBI credential on their mobile devices. Below is a summary of the new process, responsibilities, and necessary actions:

NOTE: This is a yearly timeline. If one of the dates falls on the weekend, the notifications will be sent the preceding Friday or the following Monday.

• New Credential Issuing Process
  • Digital wallet pass: Inspectors will access their digital NBBI credential through a DWP downloaded to their mobile devices by logging into their NBBI Business Center account and selecting the “View/Edit My Profile” tab.
  • Existing credentials: Accessing NBBI Commission credentials on the DWP will show your current commissions/endorsements, which expire on December 31, 2025.
• Physical Card Issuance
  • 2026 renewal cycle: Beginning with the 2026 renewal cycle, commissioned inspectors will receive a physical card for the last time. The new physical card layout looks as follows:
    

    An example of the NBBI commission card.

  • The expiration date will be shown after scanning the QR code on the back of the card.
  • Upon scanning the QR code, a list of credentials held by the inspector and their expiration dates will be displayed.
• Post-2026 Renewal Cycle
  • Physical cards will only be issued to new commissioned inspectors.
  • Only digital credentials will be provided for renewals and endorsements.
  • Subsequent commission and endorsement credentials will be updated through the DWP.
  • After December 31, 2025, any 2026 renewal, reinstatement, or change of employment will also be issued a physical card. After December 31, 2026, all renewals and reinstatements shall be issued as determined by NBBI.
• Commission Renewal Timeline
  • September 15: Commissioned inspectors will receive an initial email notification to prepare for the renewal cycle and to remind inspectors to complete the required continuing education.
  • October 1: A second email will mark the official start of the renewal period.
  • December 31: The commission renewal window will close.

• Company Administrator Responsibilities
  • Maintain and inform inspectors regarding the required completion of the continuing education requirements before the credential renewal period expiration date.
  • Manage the issuance, renewal, and termination of inspector credentials through the NBBI Business Center.
  • Ensure unexpired commission and endorsement cards are invalidated upon termination of employment.
  • Promptly remove terminated employees from your company directory in the NBBI Business Center to invalidate credentials.
  • Communicate with your credentialed employees and ensure they receive and understand the instructions for accessing and installing the DWP.
• Company Administrator Continuing Processes
  • Company administrators will continue to receive electronic credentials and invoices via email.
  • All roles, access, and procedures in the NBBI Business Center remain unchanged.
  • Existing quality procedures within your organization should not be impacted.
• Benefits and Advantages of the New Digital System
  • Enhanced security: QR code scanning allows real-time credential verification directly through NBBI.
  • Mobile convenience: Fully compatible with Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.
  • Controlled access: Only credentialed inspectors can store their DWP in their secure Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.
  • On-site verification: ASME or NBBI Team Leaders can verify inspector credentials while on-site, ensuring compliance and authenticity.
  • Automatic deactivation: Credentials are automatically deactivated upon employee termination, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
  • No mail delays: Digital delivery eliminates waiting times associated with physical mail.
  • Audit trail: Scanning the QR code will validate the credential history.
  • Automated updates: The company administrator submits all eligible commission renewals, and once processed, a confirmation email is delivered to the inspectors. The email confirms the system has automatically updated inspectors' credentials. The inspectors must access their NBBI Business Center account to refresh their DWP.
  • Real-time commission updates: New commissions or endorsements issued outside the regular renewal cycle can be updated through the NBBI Business Center. Inspectors must access their DWP to update their digital NBBI credential in their cellphone wallets accordingly.

For questions, contact the Commissions and Credentials Department at credentials@nbbi.org.