The Training Department has seen a record number of students attend instructor-led training and sit for examinations in the past year.
The demand for commission and endorsement training continues to grow globally. To address this demand, we have added class dates and increased the number of students in many classes for the 2025 schedule.
For example, next year we plan to welcome approximately 200 students in Authorized Inspector Commission (AI) classes, 200 in Repair Inspector (R) classes, and 100 in Authorized Nuclear Inspector (N) classes – the three courses in the highest demand now and expected to be in 2025.
We will continue to offer our ASME-based courses in both in-person and virtual formats; however, all Inservice Inspector Commission (IS) classes will be delivered in person only. The feedback we have received from both students and employers has been overwhelmingly in favor of the in-person format for this training, which was the driving force behind this schedule change moving into 2025.
Students attending class on campus can look forward to the introduction of a personalized approach as we begin to use laptops for some sessions, and they will be loaned to students for use during these sessions. We are excited to have this new instructional opportunity for our students.
The online catalog of self-paced courses continues to grow with nearly 100 titles now available – most fulfilling the continuing education requirements for renewing commissions and endorsements. Recently released topics include Understanding Flues and Vents, Testing and Maintaining Gas-Fired Boiler Controls, and Inspection of Historical Boilers, all geared toward the IS Commissioned Inspector.
Pressure Testing for Repair and Alteration Integrity was also just released for the renewal of the R Endorsement. Although most of our online courses are geared toward credential renewal, anyone with an interest is encouraged to enroll!
Prometric continues as our partner in examination administration and has been instrumental in providing students attending virtual classes with a path to sitting for the associated exam. With over 1,000 exams administered worldwide in the past year, on-demand administration continues to be a welcomed resource for our ever-growing number of international students. The registration request to take an exam at a Prometric location can be found under the NBBI Business Center’s Education Center at nbbi.org.
Due to the growing demand for both instructor-led and online training, the Training Department has recognized an increasing need to expand its staff.
Anyone who holds or has previously held an IS or AI commission is eligible to educate future generations of pressure equipment inspectors. Supervisor and/or nuclear experience is a plus but not required. A full job description can be viewed on the NBBI website under Career Opportunities at the bottom of the home screen.