NIA’s Understanding Mechanical Insulation

NIA's Understanding Mechanical Insulation (formerly called Introduction to Mechanical Insulation, and Part 1 of the Thermal Insulation Inspector Certification™ Program) is available as a stand-alone 2-day course for those who have some experience in the insulation industry to make them more knowledgeable about mechanical insulation, the industry, and its products.

This intermediate level course includes a review of the insulation industry market segments; the need and importance of inspection; the purpose of mechanical insulation systems and why that is important to the inspection process; primary insulation materials and protective coverings; the importance of Safety Data Sheets; and codes, standards, regulations, and guidelines, and how they are intertwined. This course is excellent training for new employees to educate them about the mechanical insulation industry and products.

Upcoming Course: 

December Virtual Course
Registration Deadline: November 14, 2024
Register online or through the PDF registration form

• NIA's Understanding Mechanical Insulation - December 4-5, 2024

February In-Person Course
Registration Deadline: February 6, 2025
Register online or through the PDF registration form

• NIA's Understanding Mechanical Insulation - February 25-26, 2025

June Virtual Course
Registration Deadline: May 15, 2025
Register online or through the PDF registration form

• NIA's Understanding Mechanical Insulation - June 4-5, 2025

December Virtual Course
Registration Deadline: November 12, 2025
Register online or through the PDF registration form

• NIA's Understanding Mechanical Insulation - December 3-4 , 2025

If a registration form is received after the deadline date an expedited shipping/administrative fee of $50 will be added automatically to the course registration fee. 

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Pre-qualifications for the Program

NIA’s Understanding Mechanical Insulation is developed for individuals who have good communication skills as well as the following:

• A comprehensive knowledge of the online NIA's Mechanical Insulation Basics (formerly known as “Mechanical Insulation Education and Awareness Campaign E-Learning Modules”)and successfully completed the five online modules, resulting in an initial understanding of the principles and fundamentals of insulation and insulation systems, types of insulation products, mechanical insulation science and technology, maintenance, and more (a copy of your certificate needs to be sent to events@insulation.org by the registration deadline of the specific course)
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in commercial and/or industrial construction, process, and maintenance industry, inspection, or related fields
• Good communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment; and
• The ability to recognize potential basic safety concerns during facility visits and insulation system inspections.

Click here to read about NIA's Cancellation Policy and Course Guidelines.

Course Schedule and Materials

The course runs from approximately 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. CT, which includes a lunch break and several breaks throughout the day.

Click here to read about NIA's Cancellation Policy and Course Guidelines.

Click here for a sample course agenda.

Students will receive the following materials shipped to their preferred address: a professionally printed full-color course manual. Additional shipping charges will occur for students who live outside of the United States.

Students who pass the exam will also receive a completion letter.

Exam Details

• NIA’s Understanding Mechanical Insulation exam is taken on the second day of the course.
• The exam has 50 questions and will cover information that was discussed in each section.
• Students must score 70% or higher on the exam to earn their completion certificate.
• Students who do not score at least 70% on each exam will be notified by NIA about how to retake the exam after the class. Retake exams can be taken at a Prov testing center, and more information will be provided by NIA.

Computer Requirements for the Virtual Course and Online Exam

A computer (Mac, PC, or Chromebook) with a recent operating system (less than 3–4 years old) that has either Chrome or Firefox installed and a consistent Internet connection capable of uploading files larger than 3 Mbps. A web camera and microphone required for course participation and the exam, but this is standard on most laptops. Click here to review the exam manual.

 If for some reason a student is not able to complete the online exam, the student will be allowed to take the exam at the Prov Testing Site (visit https://tinyurl.com/y7objh2g for locations) of their choice within 3 months after the course. NIA encourages students to take the online exam.

Benefits of Virtual Training

• Cost Savings—Save on large travel expenses such as airfare and hotels, while still receiving the same high-quality instruction and content.
• Increased Productivity—No travel time is required, which allows for less time out of the office and minimizes disruptions to operations and family life.
• Convenience—Train from anywhere! Whether you take the course from your office or home, choose the environment where you learn best.

Professional Instructors

Based in Denver, Colorado, with more than 40 years of industry experience, Garry Caudill spent over 20 years with Johns Manville, serving in a wide variety of capacities within JM’s insulation businesses from sales management to product, marketing, and channel management. Prior to his recent retirement, Garry was the Product Management Leader for JM’s Industrial Insulation business. Previously, Garry worked for Thermal Ceramics for 22 years.

Scott Sinclair is the National Specification Manager, Industrial Insulation at Johns Manville (JM). From June 2019 through March 2020, he was Regional Technical Manager for the Eastern and Midwest United States and Eastern Canada. Before joining JM, he was the National Sales Manager for Scott Manufacturing, an insulation fabricator for the OEM HVAC and appliance markets. Previously, he was the North America Sales and Technical Manager for ULVA Insulation Systems. Scott represents JM’s Industrial Insulation group on various AMPP, API, NIA, and ASTM committees. He is a NIA Certified Thermal Insulation Inspector and Insulation Energy Appraiser, and also is an instructor for both of these NIA certification-level classes.

Based in Appleton, Wisconsin, Erica Schneider is a NIA Certified Thermal Insulation Inspector™ for Mechanical Insulation Consulting Group, a subsidiary of Bartelt Insulation Supply, Inc. In her current position, she specializes in anhydrous ammonia insulation systems and has more than 20 years of experience in the industrial insulation industry—from being indentured as an apprentice to becoming a Project Manager, Certified Inspector, and Energy Appraiser.