Exam - Professional - Precision Scale

Precision Scales

The NCWM Professional Certification Program provides assurance that an individual has a working knowledge of the U.S. standards for weights and measures as adopted by the NCWM.  Certification is available to any individual, whether from the public or private sector whose profession requires thorough understanding of the national weights and measures standards.  The Precision Scales certification exam will draw on relevant portions of Handbook 44 and Handbook 112.

Format and Duration:

  • Handbook 44 is available here.

The examination will be proctored.  An approved proctor must be physically present at the testing location to log in with the applicant.

The examination consists of three timed sections and will include a total of 50 questions as described below.  All three sections of the exam must be completed in one session and you may not log off and return to the exam at a later time.  Each section must be completed before moving to the next section of the exam.  Once a section has been completed, you may not return to a previously submitted section.

Applicants will be required to perform calculations as part of the exam.  You may bring a calculator into the exam with which you are familiar, or use one provided by the proctor.  Calculators with memory functions are acceptable, but programmable calculators are prohibited.  If you use the calculator provided by the proctor, it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with its operation before beginning the exam.

The exam is OPEN BOOK.  The proctor will provide you with the following items for this exam, except as specifically noted below:

  • A clean copy of the current edition of Handbook 44 and a clean copy of NIST EPO 5.  If hard copies are not provided, you will be permitted to access the NCWM authorized pdf file containing the pertinent sections of Handbook 44 and NIST EPO 5 for this exam.

  • Scrap paper for notes and calculations.

  • All materials provided by the proctor must be returned to the proctor upon completing the exam.  All scrap paper written on by the candidate will be shredded.

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Precision Scale

Precision Scale

Member $0.00
Non-Member $120.00


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The examination is to be taken alone, without assistance from any other individual.

Exam instructions are provided online prior to starting the exam.  Since the test is electronically graded, the answer must be marked or typed correctly.  The exam questions will be either multiple choice, short answer or compliance/citation format.  For multiple-choice questions, you will be asked to pick the best answer from four options by clicking the button before your selected answer.  For short answer questions, you must enter the specific answer, typed correctly.  For compliance/citation questions, you will be given information describing a situation and asked to assess compliance.  Answer “yes” if the situation complies based on the information provided, otherwise provide the specific legal citation if the device does not comply.  The form of the citation will typically be something like S.X.X. for a specification, T.X.X. for a tolerance, or UR.X.X. for a user requirement.  There is a short practice exam to familiarize you with the exam environment and ensure that these basic rules for responses are understood.

Subject of Examination:


1.  Module 4.2 Introduction to Device Control  |  15 questions (30 minute time limit)
These questions test for knowledge, understanding, and ability to apply the basic requirements applicable to all weighing and measuring devices. This may include questions on the selection, care and use of standards, the legal basis of Handbook 44, the organization of that handbook, understanding of Fundamental Considerations, knowledge of systems of measurement units, understanding and application of General Code requirements, and understanding of the NTEP program and Certificates of Conformance.

2.  Module 4.3.1 Static Electronic Weighing Systems - General  |  20 questions (50 minute time limit)
These questions test for knowledge and understanding of the basic technologies used in static weighing scales generally, understanding of classification of scales, ability to operate scales and interpret indications, understanding of and ability to apply technical and user requirements from Handbook 44, Scales Code to precision scales, and understanding and ability to conduct basic tests of precision scales and properly apply tolerances.

3.  Module 4.3.4 Precision Weighing Systems Class I and II  |  15 questions (50 minute time limit)
These questions test for knowledge and understanding of the technologies used in precision scales, understanding of and ability to apply technical and user requirements to Class I, II and III scales, including counting functions.  The questions also test for understanding and ability to conduct tests and properly apply tolerances.

Passing Score and Grading:

  • 70% (35 or more correct answers)
  • Following the completion of the examination or upon reaching the time limit for the third section, you will receive a total score for the exam and a pass/fail statement for each section.  To protect the integrity of the test questions, NCWM will not advise you of the specific questions you answered incorrectly.  The Professional Development Committee will be reviewing incorrect answers in periodic reviews and will adjust scores in select cases if a question is judged invalid.  NCWM will notify you if your score is affected.
  • If you wish to challenge any of the questions, you may contact the NCWM Professional Development Committee through NCWM via email to info@ncwm.com or call (402) 434-4880.
  • A certification issued under this program is valid for five (5) years.