NEBB Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Certified Technician (CT) study plan

NEBB Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Certified Technician (CT) · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Air Systems Testing, Adjusting and Balancing & Test Instruments and Measurement Techniques

Map the standard air-side TAB sequence (fan rotation, static profile, terminal airflow, diversity) and write it out from memory without notes
Compute duct velocity, velocity pressure, and CFM from VP readings for 10 practice duct traverses using a pitot tube
Identify and label the parts of a pitot tube, inclined manometer, and rotating-vane anemometer, and state the application limits of each
Correct at least 8 barometric-pressure and temperature readings for altitude and density using the standard correction formulas

A one-page air-side TAB sequence flowchart plus a 10-row traverse calculation worksheet with density-corrected CFM values

Week 2

Diagnose five fan-curve scenarios (system effect, backward-curved vs. forward-curved, wrong rotation) and select the corrective action for each
Calculate fan Laws 1, 2, and 3 predictions for speed and RPM changes on three practice fan systems
Explain how opposed-blade versus parallel-blade dampers affect airflow and select the correct damper type for four given applications
Perform a proportional balancing exercise on a 6-terminal branch, ordering the terminals and documenting the adjustment order

A completed 6-terminal proportional balancing worksheet showing initial readings, adjustment order, and final readings within 10% of design

Week 3

Trace a hydronic loop from pump discharge through coils, balance valves, and return, and label each component's TAB function
Compute pump head, flow, and brake horsepower from a given pump curve for at least five operating points
Differentiate two-way, three-way, and pressure-independent control valves and predict the flow effect of each in three circuit sketches
Calculate coil water-side temperature difference and GPM from a given load, and verify against a design schedule

A labeled hydronic loop schematic with a 5-row pump operating-point table showing flow, head, and BHP calculations

Week 4

Read and record differential pressure across a balancing valve and convert it to GPM using a manufacturer valve-coefficient chart for 10 practice points
Compare ultrasonic, venturi, orifice, and pitot-based hydronic flow measurement methods and state the accuracy trade-offs of each
Set up a differential pressure gauge and a differential pressure transmitter in a practice rig and record three repeat readings to verify repeatability
Describe the procedure for verifying instrument calibration and state the maximum allowable drift for each measurement type used

A 10-point valve-flow conversion log with computed GPM, plus a written calibration-check checklist for each instrument used

Week 5

Outline the NEBB procedural steps for a complete air-system TAB project, from pre-bid review through final report
Distinguish design intent documents, specifications, and submittals, and identify what each controls in a TAB scope
List the required contents of a final TAB report and match each section to the field data that feeds it
Draft a deficiency log entry for three typical field conditions (low airflow, high static, short belt life) using proper TAB terminology

A report-table-of-contents skeleton populated with the field data sources for each section, plus three written deficiency log entries

Week 6

Complete a full set of air and water test report forms for a mock 10-terminal, 3-loop project using plausible field data
Identify the specification requirements that would trigger a re-test or a formal non-conformance report
Order the pre-functional checklist, functional performance test, and final balancing steps into the correct sequence for a combined air and water project
Verify that a completed report form is internally consistent (design versus actual, diversity, tolerances) for at least eight checks

A completed mock air-and-water TAB report package covering 10 terminals and 3 hydronic loops with an internal consistency check sheet

Week 7

Identify the required PPE and lockout/tagout steps before working on a fan or pump, and write the safe-start procedure for each
Explain coordination requirements with mechanical, electrical, controls, and commissioning trades for five typical schedule conflicts
Recognize the safety hazards of working near energized equipment, rotating shafts, and pressurized hydronic systems, and state the control for each
Describe the correct handling, storage, and calibration protection procedures for test instruments on a jobsite

A one-page jobsite safety and coordination checklist covering PPE, LOTO, and trade-interface steps for a typical TAB site visit

Week 8

Complete two full-length timed practice exams and score each domain separately to identify remaining weak areas
Re-work every missed question from both practice exams and write a corrected answer with the supporting principle
Re-derive from memory the air and water formulas (CFM from VP, GPM from ΔP, fan laws, pump laws) without reference
Review the weakest two domains and redo one focused drill for each

A scored practice-exam summary with per-domain percentages, a list of corrected missed items, and a one-page formula sheet written from memory

Week 2: Complete a 6-terminal proportional air balance on paper, with final readings within 10% of design and a written adjustment order

Week 4: Score at least 75% on a self-made 25-question quiz covering Domains 1, 2, 3, and 5, and correctly convert 10 valve ΔP readings to GPM

Week 6: Produce a complete mock air-and-water TAB report package that passes an internal consistency check on at least 8 criteria

Week 8: Score at least 80% overall on both timed practice exams, with no single domain below 70%