Testing, Adjusting and Balancing
Allowing HVAC systems to meet or exceed the performance levels of their design specifications, Testing, Adjusting and Balancing helps provide environmentally efficient buildings.
Using specialized instruments, this methodical regulation of the system is intended to evaluate equipment and system performance, and proper adjustment of the balancing devices when necessary.
It provides building owners and tenants with optimal environmental performance, while minimizing costs through efficiency.
Why Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Certification?
Building owners and tenants are concerned that the environmental performance of buildings must be optimal while the operating cost should be minimal.
These goals can only be accomplished when a building’s HVAC and hydronic systems are properly balanced. Three major steps used to achieve the proper operation of the HVAC and hydronic systems and a desirable climate are testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB).
The purpose of NEBB’s TAB certification program is to offer tangible proof of competent firms and professionals qualified in the proper methods and procedures for testing building systems for optimum performance.
The objectives of NEBB’s TAB certification program are:
- To establish industry standards, procedures, and specifications for environmental systems TAB.
- To set minimum educational standards and other requirements for the qualification of certified professionals who perform this work.
- To establish educational programs for training certified professionals in the proper methods and procedures for environmental systems TAB.
- To certify as qualified for the performance and supervision of environmental systems TAB, those firms who meet the requirements for certification as established by NEBB, who agree to comply with the objectives of NEBB, and who employ certified professionals who have met the NEBB Certification Board requirements for certification.
- To serve as a clearinghouse for educational and technical materials pertinent to TAB work.
NEBB’s Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing program provides certification of firms and individuals that meet the criteria established by NEBB.
View TAB Practical Exam Sites
For the convenience of applicants, NEBB offers various TAB practical exam sites at NEBB chapter locations nationwide. Click below to view the full list.
Testing, Adjusting and Balancing
Certification Requirements for Firms
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; or contractor engaged in TAB work.
- Enjoy a reputation for integrity and responsible performance. Six letters of endorsement, five from consulting engineers, architects or building owners and the sixth may be from a contracting firm. All should reflect related work that the applicant firm has completed. Firms who are already NEBB Certified in another discipline will not need these letters.
- Be affiliated and in good standing with a local NEBB Chapter.
- Possess the required TAB instruments as outlined in the NEBB TAB Procedural Standard. The local NEBB Chapter must visually confirm compliance.
- Confirm in writing that it will conform to the NEBB guidelines for the calibration and maintenance of the required TAB instruments.
- Possess the current NEBB Procedural Standards for Testing, Adjusting and Balancing of Environmental Systems.
- Designate in writing the Designated Certified Professional who will represent the firm and be responsible for the supervision of TAB work.
NEBB TAB Certified Professionals:
- Develop and plan the work
- Handle report preparation
- Recommend corrective action
- Set overall safety plan
- Maintain instruments and calibration program
- Have experience with control strategies, sequence of operation, control systems, equipment, and software
- Review, check, sign, and stamp final tab report
