The NJATC on behalf of the IBEW and in cooperation with the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) is presently administering a certification exam for a Journeyman Wireman to demonstrate his or her proficiency in the field of instrumentation. This program is one method for a Journeyman Wireman to assess his or her skills in the field of Instrumentation.
The testing and evaluation process, monitored by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), provides a formal, independent assessment of the knowledge and skills of Journeyman Wiremen.
These certification exams can be locally hosted by JATCs. Successful candidates have been posted to the NJATC's website and are listed with EPRI for use by prospective employers and utilities requiring preemployment knowledge assessment in the field of instrumentation.
IBEW-UA Instrumentation Calibration Certification - An Overview
Individuals wishing to participate in the IBEW-UA Instrumentation Calibration Certification Program must take both a Written Test (Part A) and a Practical Test (Part B) to meet the minimum requirements for this certifications. To be eligible to participate in this testing and evaluation process, individuals have 2 possible methods of prequalification.
The first method requires that individuals must have attended and completed an approved IBEW or UA instrumentation class. Programs that have existing instrumentation training programs other than that offered by the NJATC can have their curriculum reviewed by the NJATC to determine whether or not it meets the minimum requirements as set forth in this partnership between the IBEW and the UA.
The second prequalification method requires that the individual document five (5) years of instrumentation "Calibration" experience. All documentation must be submitted to the local sponsoring organization prior to the test session for review and approval.
Part A - The Written Test
Once prequalified, those seeking certification must sit for a written test. This test is comprised of 200 multiple-choice questions covering the various aspects of instrumentation, electrical and mechanical theory, and instrument calibration. This is a closed-book test; any resources required for completing the test will be supplied by the test proctor. A 4-hour time period is allowed for completion of this test. There is no grandfathering; all applicants that are requesting to certify are required to take this test. This test can be hosted at any electrical training ALLIANCE approved location and is open to both members of the IBEW and UA. The test is proctored by an independent professional testing service acting as a representative of the electrical training ALLIANCE. This independent proctoring process provides a level of independence between the IBEW and UA sponsors relative to the testing process.
Part B - The Practical Test
Once an individual has successfully completed the Written Test, he or she is eligible to take the Part B - Practical Test. This Practical Test is a hands-on proficiency test. Participants will be required to perform various calibrations on an assortment of different instruments using the test and calibration equipment provided.
This portion of the certification process is performed on a one-on-one basis by a IBEW-UA Certified Test Administrator. The Test Administrator will be observing and validating the process that the individual uses to ensure that the procedures are performed according to recognized industry standards. The Part B Exam is presently being administered at approximately ten locations scattered across the United States.
Any local JATC can become a certified test facility. JATCs and/or related parties interested in becoming a IBEW-UA Certified Part B Test Facility should contact the NJATC for details. A Manual of Guidelines in PDF format detailing the testing process is available for review. Download Manual of Guidelines
Part B - Test Format
This Part B Test contains two types of evaluation processes: Discussion (D) and Performance (P). Discussion steps are administered to the test participant simply by asking the test participant a question or series of questions. The goal of these Discussion questions is to evaluate the participants overall knowledge of various aspects of the field of instrument calibration.
The Performance portion of the Part B test is comprised of a series of calibrations. In this section of the Part B Test, the Test Administrator will instruct the test participant to perform a series of calibrations over a variety of instruments using the necessary tools and equipment as provided.
The various discussion questions, as well as the performance questions are all scripted so that individual test participants are all evaluated using a specific set of evaluation criteria covering the field of instrumentation calibration. By using a scripted test process, all test participants are evaluated using the exact same processes while evaluating the exact same topics.
The Part B Test is a pass/fail test. The calibration equipment and instrumentation listed below are provided for use by the test facility. You will be expected to select the appropriate test equipment from the test equipment provided when performing a calibration on the transmitters and field equipment during the exam. This exam is strictly an evaluation of calibration process and does not cover/evaluate the mounting or installation of the devices.
Calibration Equipment
- Transmation PneuCal IV - Process Calibrator
- Fluke 700P06 - Pressure Module
- Transcat 23232E - DC Power Supply
- Fluke 744 or 754 - Process Calibrator
- Fluke 87 - Digital Multimeter
- Altek 334A - Milliamp Calibrator
- Altek 820 - Tech Check Calibrator
- Rosemount 275, 375, or 475 - Highway Addressable Remote Transmission (HART) Communicator
- Transmation 6215P - Pressure Pump Kit
Transmitters And Field Devices
- Rosemount 1151 - Differential Pressure Transmitter (Smart and Analog)
- Rosemount CD2A52A1A - Pressure Transmitter
- Rosemount 846 - Current to Pressure (I/P) Transducer
- Rosemount 3144P - Temperature Transmitter
- ASCO HB20A214 or HB26A214 - Pressure Switch
How Can I Prepare?
There are presently two courses available from the NJATC to help individuals prepare for this certification process. The NJATC Instrumentation – Module 1, Fundamentals of Instrumentation, and Module 2, Fundamentals of Control, are are both excellent courses to successfully prepare for the examination process.
In the Module 1 Course, topics such as Definitions, Instrument Process Applications, Symbols and Identifiers that are specific to the instrument world, Standard and "Smart" Calibration, Flow, Level, Pressure and Temperature Properties, Pneumatic Properties, Valve and Valve Positioner Operation and Maintenance, Instrument Maintenance, and Pneumatic Tubing and Documentation are all covered in detail. The Module 1 course includes classroom theory as well as providing the skills needed to perform hands on calibrations. The Module 1 course through the NJATC, when coupled with the knowledge and skills attained through the IBEW/NECA Inside Apprenticeship Program, will provide sufficient training for individuals attempting to certify as Level 1 Technicians.
| Instrumentation Level 1- Fundamentals Of Instrumentation... And More Train-The-Trainer |
|---|
| This is a hands-on course which provides training in the skills required to install and calibrate instruments used for process control applications. This is a basic course which emphasizes those skills relating to specific instruments used to measure pressure, temperature, flow or level: and identified as the basic understanding required by anyone working in this rapidly changing industry. A trainer is available for hands-on training which makes this course the best available for electrical workers wanting to develop instrumentation skills. |
| Journey-Level WorkerTechnical Instrumentation Training |
|---|
| Instrumentation for Journeymen; A detailed course that provides the full range of learning objectives through classroom study and lab exercises such that a Journeyman is prepared to work in the field of instrumentation. The course also provides detailed instruction into the requirements for the IBEW/UA Instrument Certification Exams, Part A and Part B. A social networking site will be available to those students completing this course. This site will assist those wishing to obtain a final review of their knowledge before taking the EPRI Part A exam. |
At the present time, testing is being performed on an "as needed/as requested" basis. JATCs wishing to schedule a Part A Certification Test should contact Ruth Peaco*ck at 301-715-2300 for information or download a Test Host Request Form. Once a JATC requests to be a host, the NJATC will contact the UA to provide notice to the UA of the Test offering. Presently there is no charge for the exam, but a testing proctor will be needed. The NJATC will arrange for a proctor to "oversee" the exam process to maintain validity. Please note, test sites are made available to both IBEW and UA members alike.
Scheduling a Part B Certification Test at your JATC requires additional coordination between the local JATC and the individuals scheduling to take the Part B Test. Remember, the test is performed on a one-on-one basis with the Test Administrator and the hands-on equipment kit must arrive at your JATC prior to the test dates.
A minimum of thirty (30) days advanced notice is required to schedule either examination at your facility. This time buffer gives the NJATC time to announce the test to all surrounding IBEW and UA programs.
- PART A (WRITTEN)
- PART B (PERFORMANCE)
Date: Time: Contact Name: Phone: Sponsor:
, -
Date: Time: Contact Name: Phone: Sponsor:
, -
Renewal Information
For renewal information, please see your specific examination or send an email. For individual renewals, use: Individual STE Renewal. For training facility renewals, use: Training Facility Renewals.
The NJATC on behalf of the IBEW and in cooperation with the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) is administering a certification exam for a Journey-Level Worker Wireman to demonstrate his or her proficiency in the field of instrumentation. This program is one method for a Journey-Level WorkerWireman to assess his or her skills in this field.
The testing and evaluation process, monitored by the Electrical Power Research Institute (EPRI), provides a formal, independent assessment of the knowledge and skills of Journey-Level WorkerWiremen.
These certification exams can be locally hosted by JATCs or AJATCs. Successful candidates have been posted to the NJATC's website and are listed with EPRI for use by prospective employers and utilities requiring pre-employment knowledge assessment in the field of instrumentation.
If you feel there is a discrepency or error in these records, please contact STErenewal@electricaltrainingalliance.org
NOTE: If your expiration date shows an asterisk (*) please refer to the INSTRUMENTATION CERTIFICATION (I/C) 0401 IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE
Successful Candidates
| Candidate Name | City | State | Test Type | Expiration Date |
|---|
Download Manual of Guidelines
Download Theory Exam Resource Guide
Download Test Host Form
