Sound & Vibration

What is Sound & Vibration Certification?

Sound and Vibration Certification is an important element in today's world. TABB certified technicians, TABB certified Sound and Vibration Engineers and TABB certified Sound and Vibration Contractors (Certified Professionals) practice their profession consistent with TABB's strict guidelines to provide the highest quality of workmanship.

Is there a need?

Complete knowledge of an HVAC system is essential for sound and vibration work. When the air handler comes on in a building, it should run smoothly and with little noise. However, some "kick in" with vibrations and a loud rolling noise. These noises and vibrations can occur when sound travels along ductwork from the air handler to mixing boxes in the ceiling. The sound and vibration professional is essential in creating a solution to this problem using techniques of measurement and analysis.

Sound and Vibration (S&V) professionals are the eyes and ears on a construction project. S/he is a vital member of the environmental technology test team.

How do I learn more?

NEMI often schedules Sound and Vibration classes. This course gives examples and analogies on what one might experience as a S&V professional. Participants learn what sound consists of—and the difference between sound and noise, such as, what is tone? time and frequency? Participants learn about them all during the course.

Certification is a statement that the TABB Certified Technician, Sound and Vibration Engineer or TABB Certified Sound and Vibration Contractor has met TABB's standards for Sound and Vibration.

TABB qualification of Technician is TABB's recognition that, by reason of the Technician's TABB-recognized certification, the Technician is able to test sound and vibration in environmental systems in accordance with TABB standards. Certification is for two years.

In summary, to qualify for the TABB Certified Sound & Vibration Engineer exam, the applicant must meet the following criteria: college/university degree with 4 years experience in HVAC installation or design OR 2 year degree in HVAC with at least 6 years experience in HVAC installation or design work OR holds TAB technician certification recognized by TABB with 8 years experience, with at least 4 years in TAB OR a minimum of 6 years field experience and 4 years HVAC experience, not including apprenticeship.

To qualify as a S&V contractor the qualifications include , signatory to a collective bargaining agreement that provides contributions to NEMIC, employs at least one TABB S&V engineer full time; employs at least one TABB certified technician full time; owns or leases specified equipment; owns and uses all required S&V manuals; approves and adopts TABB Customer Satisfaction Procedure; pays fees on time; furnishes references to TABB; provides history of S&V or HVAC work consistent with TABB Standards.