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NB-380, Inservice Inspector Training Program


NB-380

In order to qualify for an Inservice Inspector Commission (IS), NB-263, RCI-1, Rules for Commissioned Inspectors requires Inservice Inspector candidates to have a minimum of five (5) credit points based upon the combination of education and experience (as detailed in RCI-1, Table 1). However, RCI-1, 1-1.3 allows for the completion of the National Board Inservice Inspector Training Program in lieu of the five (5) credit points as traditionally required. This alternative training program is described in the National Board publication, NB-380, National Board Inservice Inspector Training Program. It combines task-based “on-the-job” style training with online and classroom courses. NB-380 candidates are also required to participate in a minimum of 300 inspections under the instruction of a National Board Commissioned Inspector.

See also Frequently Asked Questions below.


NB-380-1 Workbook

Developed by a team of Inservice Inspector Supervisors and Jurisdictional Chiefs, this task-based training workbook is designed to help jurisdictions and Authorized Inspection Agencies develop inspector candidates who do not meet the five-point education and experience requirements found in NB-263, RCI-1, Rules for Commissioned Inspectors. Completion of the workbook is intended to meet the alternative requirements found in NB-380, National Board Inservice Inspector Training Program. Consisting of seven modules, the workbook will guide inspector candidates as they acquire and demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of boiler and pressure vessel inspection. Topics and tasks covered within the workbook are based on NB-380 and NB-331-I, National Board Body of Knowledge of Inservice Inspectors.

The workbook contains three types of tasks:

  • Knowledge Checks: Inspector candidates are to verbally demonstrate satisfactory knowledge and understanding of a specific topic to a commissioned inspector.
  • Practical Applications: Inspector candidates will demonstrate their understanding of inspection methods in the field under the supervision of a commissioned inspector.
  • Module Assessments: Inspector candidates are tested by a Chief Inspector or Inservice Inspector Supervisor to ensure they are retaining the subject matter for each module.

Inspection Log

An inspection log is provided alongside the NB-380-1 Workbook. The inspection log is to be used to document the inspector candidate’s participation in 300 boiler and/or pressure vessel inspections, as required by NB-380. Alternative inspection logs may be used, though the information contained in the provided inspection log should be considered the minimum standard for alternatives. Alternative inspection logs are subject to the acceptance of the National Board prior to implementation in accordance with Part 1 of NB-263, RCI-1, Rules for Commissioned Inspectors.


Other Requirements

Successful completion of the workbook and inspection log are only one step in the commissioning process under NB-380. Inspector candidates will also need to successfully complete the National Board Classroom Inservice Inspector Commission Course (IS) and the following National Board Online Training Courses: National Board Inspection Code, Part 1, Installation; National Board Inspection Code, Part 2, Inspection; and Rules for Commissioned Inspectors. Inspector candidates will also need to successfully pass the Inservice Inspector Commission Exam.


Recommended Reference Material

The following is a list of some materials which contain industry terms and fundamental concepts the Inspector Candidate will need to understand to complete this module:


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Click on the PLUS sign (+) next to the question number to open/close each individual FAQ and reply.

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  1.
Who qualifies for enrollment in the NB-380 training program?

1.1. Candidates must meet the requirements of NB-263, RCI-1, Rules for Commissioned Inspectors.

  2.
Are there recognized training programs and providers available that meet the NB-380 requirements?

2.1. There are no officially recognized training programs. The candidate’s employer may utilize outside resources for classroom training that must be verified by an NBBI Commissioned Inspector.

  3.
Who is qualified to provide training under the NB-380 program?

3.1. Training can be provided by any qualified source (subject to the acceptance and verification of the Chief Inspector/Inservice Inspector Supervisor). The candidate shall demonstrate knowledge checks and practical applications to an NBBI Commissioned Inservice Inspector.

  4.
How many inspections need to be completed for the OJT?

4.1. Completion of 300 inspections under instruction is required.

  5.
How many OJT hours must be achieved by the candidate?

5.1. There is no specific requirement for hours of OJT to be completed.

  6.
Must the OJT encompass all equipment and inspection types when practicable and when additional training shall not be provided?

6.1. OJT should encompass all equipment and inspection types when practicable and when additional training shall not be provided.

  7.
If my jurisdiction does not regulate certain types of equipment (i.e. unfired pressure vessels), is training still required on those components?

7.1. Yes.

  8.
Is there a standard that the candidate can follow throughout their training?

8.1. See the page section above, Recommended Reference Material, for a list of referenced codes and standards.

  9.
How should the training and inspections be documented?

9.1. Training should be documented in the workbook. Inspection activity should be documented in the inspection log.

  10.
Are knowledge checks and practical applications required to be completed during the training phase?

10.1. Yes.

  11.
Who is permitted to verify or sign off on knowledge checks and practical applications?

11.1. An NBBI Commissioned Inspector.

  12.
Who is permitted to verify module reviews?

12.1. The Chief Inspector or Inspector Supervisor.

  13.
Who is permitted to verify or sign off on the overall completion and adequacy of the training?

13.1. The Chief Inspector or Inspector Supervisor.

  14.
Are candidates required to register with NBBI prior to using the NB-380 Workbook program?

14.1. There is currently no registration process to utilize the program. However, mandatory training courses referenced in the workbook will require registration through the NBBI Training Department.

  15.
The NB-263, RCI-1, Rules for Commissioned Inspectors, requires inspector candidates to have a minimum of five (5) credit points based upon the combination of education and experience (as detailed in RCI-1, Table 1). Does this apply to those enrolled in the NB-380 training program?

15.1. Completion of the NB-380 program is accepted in lieu of meeting the requirements detailed in RCI-1, Table 1, for the five (5) points.

  16.
If no, can any credit points less than five (5) be recognized, or must the entire NB-380 training program be completed?

16.1. The entire NB-380 training program must be completed to be accepted in lieu of the five (5) points required by RCI-1. Partial credit is not granted, though candidates may participate in the program regardless of the number of credit points already obtained.

  17.
Once all training has been completed and verified, does the National Board review and accept the training and provide credit toward the National Board Inservice Commission (IS)?

17.1. Yes.

  18.
Must the NB-380 Inservice Inspector Training Program be complete and verified before the candidate can participate in the National Board Inservice Inspector Commission Course (IS) and exam?

18.1. No.

  19.
Can this program be used towards the National Board Authorized Inspector Commission (AI) or Repair Inspector Endorsement (R)?

19.1. No.

  20.
If my jurisdiction has additional training requirements over and above what the NB-380 program provides, may the program be substituted or supplemented so that the additional training is provided for as well?

20.1. Training may not be substituted, but additional training may be supplemented for jurisdictional specific training.

  21.
Can the candidate attend a National Board Commission prep course provided by an organization other than the National Board Inservice Inspector Commission Course (IS)?

21.1. No.


Please email credentials@nationalboard.org should you have any questions.