AABC Test and Balance Engineer (TBE) study plan

Define dry-bulb, wet-bulb, dew point, humidity ratio, and enthalpy from memory, then sketch a psychrometric chart labeling each axis

Plot five air-state points on a psychrometric chart and compute sensible heat ratio and mixed-air condition for two of them

List the psychrometric processes (sensible heating/cooling, humidification, dehumidification, evaporative cooling) and match each to a coil or device type

Distinguish the instrument classes used in TAB work (anemometer types, manometers, hygrometers, tachometers) and state the measurement principle of each

Compute combined uncertainty for a differential-pressure airflow reading using instrument accuracy, resolution, and repeatability terms

Explain calibration traceability and identify which instruments require field verification versus factory calibration

Apply correction factors for air density, temperature, and barometric pressure to a velocity-pressure reading

Calculate a tolerance band for a measured airflow given the design value and instrument uncertainty

Describe the traverse method for duct airflow and state minimum traverse point spacing and reading counts

Compute average velocity pressure from a pitot-tube traverse and convert it to cfm using area and density correction

Explain the proportional balancing method and sequence it step by step for a supply system with terminal boxes

Identify acceptable balancing tolerances for supply, return, exhaust, and outside air under common industry practice

Diagnose three common airflow problems (duct leakage, damper authority, fan curve shift) and state the field test that confirms each

Read a pump curve and system curve together and identify the operating point, then predict the shift when a balance valve is throttled

Explain the difference between balancing valves, circuit setters, and pressure-independent control valves and when each is used

Compute flow from a differential-pressure measurement across a known valve or orifice using its Cv or manufacturer curve

Describe the proportional hydronic balancing procedure for a multi-zone loop and the role of a differential-pressure bypass

Convert between gpm, head, and brake horsepower and check a pump reading against its curve

Calculate building pressure differential from measured outside, return, and exhaust airflows and state whether the design intent is met

Explain the role of stairwell, elevator, and smoke-control pressurization and the verification tests used for each

Verify outside-air ventilation rates against design and describe how to confirm economizer and minimum-position damper operation

Identify exhaust-system verification steps including hood face velocity, capture velocity, and makeup air interaction

List the field measurements needed to document a building pressurization report

Trace a DDC control sequence for an air handler and identify the points a balancer must verify at each mode

Explain sensor types and calibration checks for temperature, pressure, and airflow transmitters used in control loops

Describe how to interface with a building automation system to trend points and confirm damper and valve positions

Diagnose control-related balancing failures such as hunting, minimum-position drift, and sensor offset, and state the corrective test

Assemble a complete TAB report outline covering instrument list, calibration records, design versus measured values, and deficiency log

Apply the reporting and procedural requirements of the relevant industry standards to a sample project and note gaps

Draft a deficiency and punch-list entry that states the observed condition, the standard reference, and the required corrective action

Outline a site safety plan covering electrical, fall, confined-space, and rotating-equipment hazards for a TAB visit

Complete a timed 60-question mixed-domain practice set and score each domain separately

Review every missed item and write the underlying principle plus the correct method for each

Re-derive the psychrometric and uncertainty formulas from memory without notes

State the ethical obligations around reporting accuracy, conflict of interest, and data integrity in a TAB engagement