Q: Why would the NIA Thermal Insulation Inspector Certification™ Program help an insulation contractor?
A: The NIA Certified Thermal Insulation Inspector’s training can help identify potential conflicting specification information, which is beneficial from many aspects including project bidding strategies to contract administration. If you have certified inspectors on staff, they can be part of your existing QA/QC program or you can begin one. Inspectors can help minimize rework and identify rework required due to damage from others. These are just a few of the examples of where they add value. Plus, having in-house Certified Inspectors is a great marketing tool to differentiate your company from your competitors.
For more information, please visit: https://niaeducationcenter.org/courses/64240
Q: I understand there are 2 parts to the course. Would a 20+ year veteran of the mechanical insulation industry still be required to take part 1 or can they just take part 2?
A: To earn the NIA Certified Thermal Insulation Inspector designation, you must complete both parts of the course and pass each of the exams. Established course pre-qualifications must be met as well.
Both parts of the course are essential to achieving not only the certification but to truly understanding the purpose, benefits, and how-to guidelines of insulation inspection. The subject matter covered in part one is essential to the learning objectives in part 2.
We’ve already had many seasoned insulation industry veterans take this course and many have communicated with NIA or course instructors that they have learned something new!
Q: How does the course address instances where the specification document has conflicting instructions?
A: Part of a Certified Inspector’s responsibility is to identify the basis of inspection, which will potentially point out conflicting specification information. A request for information is generated to ask for clarification. This process will benefit everyone in the decision chain.
Q: What is NIA doing to promote the importance of insulation inspection and Certified Inspectors?
A: Educating facility owners, engineering firms, and independent inspection firms about the value of inspection is a major ongoing focus for NIA. This includes asking for inspection requirements to be included in specification and contract documents. That same effort applies to including the inspection process in industry and manufacturer guideline specifications.
Certified Inspectors are promoted on www.Insulation.org; through publications such as NIA’s Insulation Outlook and NIA’s members-only publication NIA News; social media; advertisements and articles in industry publications and websites; and presentations at targeted industry meetings, trade shows, and webinars. In addition, all Certified Inspectors are provided with marketing pieces that they can personalize to market their services to current and potential customers.
Q: What subjects does the program cover?
A: The program serves as a thorough introduction to mechanical insulation and includes a detailed course for the inspection process for mechanical insulation systems in new construction, retrofit, and/or maintenance applications. The program scope covers the inspection process from cryogenic to 1,200° F service temperatures. Click here to review a sample course agenda.
Q: Are all insulation and protective coverings products discussed in the course? Is the course product generic?
A: The class is product generic and there are samples of almost all insulation and protective covering types on display in the class.
Q: Is the total insulation system discussed?
A: Yes. Understanding the various components of any insulation system is important to the inspection process.
Q: What does an insulation inspector do?
A: The role and responsibility of an NIA Certified Thermal Insulation Inspector is to inspect, verify, document, and report all matters related to the mechanical insulation system. Much more detail is available in the course about the steps between determining the scope of work and issuing final reports.
Q: Can an insulation contractor inspect their own work?
A: Yes. The role of a NIA Certified Thermal Insulation Inspector is be independent regardless of who their employer may be.
Q: Is this program designed for only new construction or is maintenance included?
A: The program includes new construction and maintenance, also referred to as the assessment of previously installed insulation.
Q: Does the course cover industrial and commercial applications?
A: Yes. The application of mechanical insulation is covered for both the industrial and commercial industry segments.
Q: Is firestopping or fire protection included?
A: Firestopping is not, but passive fire protection is covered for many applications.
Q: Does the course include mockups?
A: No. Mock-ups are not included, but the use of insulation samples and multiple illustrations are utilized in class exercises.
Q: Is CUI addressed in the class?
A: The NIA Thermal Insulation Inspector Certification Program is not a corrosion under insulation (CUI) class; however, the course does teach what CUI is, how inspection can potentially reduce the number of occurrences of CUI, and how to identify and address other areas of concern.
Q: Are safety related topics addressed?
A: Yes. Safety is addressed in several areas of the course.