Exam - Professional - Small Capacity
Small Capacity Weighing Systems Class III
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 Small Capacity Weighing Systems Class III certification exam will draw on relevant portions of Handbook 44 and Handbook 112.
The exam tests knowledge, ability to interpret, and ability to apply the applicable elements of NIST Handbook 44 General Code, Scales Code, and Appendices A, B, C, and D as well as NIST EPO 1.
The exam is in a multiple-choice format and conducted as an open book exam.
Applicants may prepare for the exam by carefully reviewing the modules below and using them as a study guide. Materials from formal training classes are also a good resource. Applicants are encouraged to use NCWM’s Field Training Manual for Retail Computing scales as a study aid, review the applicable sections of NIST Handbook 44 and the NIST Examination Procedure Outlines. The handbook and EPOs can be found on the NIST website. Examinees should read an NTEP Certificate of Conformance to become familiar with the format and contents. NTEP CCs can be found on the NCWM website and more details about the NTEP program can be found on the NTEP Frequently Asked Questions page of the NCWM website. All these resources may be accessed at no cost.
Format and Duration:
The examination will be proctored either in-person or virtually. You can find details on proctoring on the NCWM website.
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 later. 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 in-person proctor will provide the examinee with the following items, except as specifically noted below:
- A clean copy of the current edition of NIST Handbook 44 and EPO 1. The examinee may choose to use the NCWM authorized pdf file containing the appropriate sections of the NIST documents required for this test. If examinees are using in-person proctoring, they may use the pdf search feature to navigate the documents. The search function is not available when using virtual proctoring.
- 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.
- You must take the examination alone and without assistance from any other individual.
Test instructions are provided online prior to starting the exam. Since the test is electronically graded, the answer must be marked correctly. The test questions are in a multiple-choice format and may include a graphic. You must choose the best answer from the four options by clicking the button before your selected answer. There is a short practice test to familiarize you with the exam environment and to ensure that you understand the basic rules for responses.
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 NTEP and Certificates of Conformance.
2. Module 4.3.1 Static Electronic Weighing Systems - General | 20 questions (45 minute time limit)
These questions test for knowledge and understanding of the basic technologies used in 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, and understanding and ability to conduct basic tests of scales and properly apply tolerances.
3. Module 4.3.5 Small Capacity Weighing Systems Class III | 15 questions (45 minute time limit)
These questions test for knowledge and understanding of the basic technologies used in small capacity scales, understanding of and ability to apply technical and user requirements from Handbook 44 Scales Code to small capacity scales, and understanding and ability to conduct prescribed tests of small capacity Class III scales 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, there will be a section at the end of the examination where you can offer comments. You may also 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.