Certification FAQS

Yes, If you meet the minimum requirements.

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• Category I - 30 hours
• Category II - 38 hours (68 Cumulative)
• Category III - 38 hours (106 Cumulative)
• Category IV - 64 hours (170 Cumulative) (Total training hours for two seminars, Analysis III and Advanced Vibration Analysis)

The total number of hours can be a combination of formal training, demonstrations, trainer-specified practical exercises, and controlled self-study. Training hours for attending a vibration analysis ISO compliant seminar prior to the exam date may be included. 

Yes, if you submit documentation of your current ISO compliant certification, you may pursue the next higher ISO Category with TABofC.

As per the ISO 18436-2 standard, Category I certification is not a prerequisite for Category II. However, certification for Category III or Category IV requires previous certification at the lower category. You must have Category II certification to be eligible for Category III; and Category III certification to be eligible for Category IV.

You would need to pass the Category IV exam and meet the minimum requirements of training hours, vibration work experience, and have a valid ISO Category III certification (see link below). The questions in this 5-hour Certification examination cover material from both the Analysis III and Advanced seminars. A notable portion of the Category IV questions will come from topics taught only in Analysis III, so attendance at both classes is strongly recommended.

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Candidates passing the exam but not having the required amount of training hours, vibration work experience and/or lower category certification, if applicable, will be classified as “Provisional Candidates" and issued a TAC certificate.

It will be the responsibility of these candidates to notify TABofC in writing when they meet all of the criteria required for the ISO category. At that time, such candidates will be issued full ISO compliant certification at the pursued category.

No, the Vibration Analysis division of ASNT is no longer active. All future certifications sponsored by Technical Associates but not pursuing ISO certification will be issued a TAC certificate.

One copy of your certificate will be provided to you upon successful completion of your Certification exam. Additional copies are available to you at a cost of $10. Contact Jenni Rabasa at jrabasa@technicalassociates.net for additional questions.

No, TABofC has never charged yearly fees for the ISO vibration analyst certification. However, there is a renewal fee every 5 years.

TAC certification does not expire while the ISO compliant certification is valid for a period of 5 years as per the ISO 18436-2 standard. TABofC can then renew ISO compliant certification for qualified individuals for subsequent 5-year periods if an analyst meets certain criteria as per the ISO 18436-2 standard.

There will be a $200 fee to renew ISO compliant certification. You must also submit verifiable documentation of your continued activity in the vibration analysis field and documentation of continuing education in vibration technology.

The individual is ultimately responsible for his renewal so please take note of the expiration date shown on your certificate. However, TABofC will attempt to notify you prior to your certification expiration date. Thus, it is very important that you keep us continually updated on any changes to your contact information (mailing address, email address, phone number, etc.). You can easily update your contact information by clicking on this link: Update Your Contact Information

You must apply for recertification. If you allow your ISO compliant certification to lapse, you may be required to recertify at a lower category depending on the length of the elapsed period. Please contact TABofC for recertification options and procedures.

No, Open Book Testing will no longer be available for Vibration Analyst Certification as of January 1, 2014. Only Closed Book Testing, as required by TAC and ISO, will be offered at Technical Associates seminars. However, Balancing seminar testing will remain open book format.

Yes, ISO 18436-1 requires that retesting take place no sooner than 30 days after the previous exam. A candidate who fails three consecutive attempts shall be excluded from reassessment for 12 months.

Once you register with our Training Coordinator, you can retest on Friday morning at any of our public seminar sites. A private testing session can also be arranged at the Technical Associates office in Charlotte, NC.

A proctor (invigilator) must be present to oversee your examination.

Beginning January 1, 2015, the passing grade for all ISO compliant Certification exams is 70% as specified by the ISO 18436-2 Standard.