Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Appendix B - CXCP Candidate Handbook For SMT-Prometric
Appendix B - CXCP Candidate Handbook For SMT-Prometric
(Formerly known as NEBB’s Building Systems Commissioning Certified Professional – BSC CP)
CONTENTS
Purpose of the Candidate Handbook ....................................................................................................... 2
Commissioning Certified Professional: CxCP ............................................................................................ 2
Eligibility Criteria ..................................................................................................................................... 2
CxCP Application for Candidacy ............................................................................................................... 4
Studying for the Exam ............................................................................................................................. 4
Body of Knowledge (BoK) ........................................................................................................................ 4
Description of Exam............................................................................................................................... 14
NEBB’s Formula and Psychrometric charts............................................................................................. 14
Recommended Readings ....................................................................................................................... 17
Suggested Training ................................................................................................................................ 17
About NEBB’s Professional Testing Company ......................................................................................... 18
Exam Development ............................................................................................................................... 18
Exam Administration ............................................................................................................................. 18
Test Window ......................................................................................................................................... 18
Paying for Your Exam............................................................................................................................. 18
Scheduling Your Exam ........................................................................................................................... 19
Rescheduling, Canceling, and Missed Exams .......................................................................................... 20
What to Expect at the Testing Center or Seminar .................................................................................. 21
Inclement Weather and Adverse Events ................................................................................................ 21
Rules and Security ................................................................................................................................. 22
ADA Accommodations ........................................................................................................................... 22
Receiving Scores.................................................................................................................................... 23
Determining a Passing Score.................................................................................................................. 23
Failing Scores......................................................................................................................................... 23
Use of Multiple Exam Forms .................................................................................................................. 24
Use of Pre-testing Items ........................................................................................................................ 24
Grievances ............................................................................................................................................ 24
Test Disclosure ...................................................................................................................................... 25
Retakes ................................................................................................................................................. 25
Deadline for Completion of Personal Certification ................................................................................. 25
Achieving Certification and Requirements ............................................................................................. 25
Acceptable Use...................................................................................................................................... 26
About NEBB........................................................................................................................................... 26
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Prior to submitting the application for candidacy, applicants must have met the pre-requisite/eligibility
requirements listed in one of the following categories listed below.
☐ ☐ ☐
AND THE FOLLOWING AND THE FOLLOWING AND (PICK ONE OPTION BELOW)
☐ Option 1
Minimum six years of
management experience in
applicable discipline
Minimum four years of Holds NEBB certification in one
management experience in of the following:
applicable discipline TAB CP
Minimum two years of
Hold NEBB certification in one of RCx CP
management experience in
the following: CxCT
applicable discipline
TAB CP --------------------------------------------
RCx CP
CxCT ☐ Option 2
Minimum eight years of
management experience in
applicable discipline
Attend the NEBB CxCP Seminar
To find an alternative training course, candidates can look into the following options:
• NEBB offers in-person seminars. The seminar schedule can be found at www.nebb.org under
Upcoming Events.
• Chapters often host technician seminars that can be used for alternative training courses, but
not all chapters offer this option. Candidates can find the chapter directory on www.nebb.org.
Candidates may contact other chapters if their chapter doesn’t offer this option.
• ASHRAE offers eLearning courses (can be taken online): NEBB-ASHRAE eLearning Commissioning
Courses or NEBB-ASHRAE Ala Carte eLearning Courses.
Each content domain is categorized into sub-domains which delve further into specific knowledge, skills
and abilities (KSAs) and is “weighted” according to its relevance to the overall certification scheme.
Levels of Knowledge are added to each Content Domain under Knowledge/Skills/Abilities to assist the
candidate to understand the level of mastery required in each sub-domain. They are:
• Mastery: Without reference material, promptly and correctly apply subject knowledge and skills
to solve typical problems or address detailed issues in the subject.
• Working Knowledge: With proper reference material, promptly and correctly apply subject
knowledge and skills to solve typical problems or address detailed issues in the subject.
• Familiarity: Comprehend industry-specific terminology and general relationships among
activities or processes pertaining to the subject, without promptly and correctly applying
knowledge, skills to solve typical problems or address detailed issues in the subject, woven with
proper reference material.
Candidates are encouraged to actively refer to the Body of Knowledge (BoK) as their guide when doing
self-study prior to sitting for the exam. The CxCP BoK is an essential reference document for
certification.
NEBB recommends using the BoK as a study outline in conjunction with the recommended source
material and references. It may be helpful to create an outline with study notes inserted into the outline
for streamlined studying.
Sub-
domain
Domain C: Commissioning Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (12%)
HVAC Systems
1 OPR & BOD Review Working knowledge of:
• Specific HVAC elements related to OPR / BOD
2 HVAC System Design Review Working knowledge of:
• Best Practices for design review of HVAC systems
3 HVAC System Submittal Review Working knowledge of:
• Equipment operability, maintainability and
functionality
4 HVAC System Installation Observation Working knowledge of:
• Proper HVAC equipment installation practices and
industry standards
5 HVAC Start-up Review Working knowledge of:
• Proper HVAC equipment start-up procedures and
industry standards
6 Technical Operations Working knowledge of:
• System operation requirements and operator
training
Sources: NEBB S110 - 2019 - Whole Building Technical Commissioning of New Construction, Section 8
Sub-
domain
Domain E: Commissioning of Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (46%)
Control Systems
1 Control System - OPR & BOD Working knowledge to:
• Review BOD for OPR compliance
• Verify sequence of operations meets owner's facility
requirements
2 Control System Design & Submittal Mastery knowledge of:
Review • What attributes are reviewed during a Control
System Design Review
• LAN layout, controller addresses, panel drawings,
I/O drawings and Sequence of Controls
• Verify control component submittal
3 Sequence of Controls Working knowledge to:
• Read Sequence of Controls and determine the
results and outcomes
• Chart the Sequence of Controls
• Facilitate a Sequence of Control Workshop
4 Control System Installation Verification Mastery knowledge of:
• How to inspect control systems for wiring, device
location
• Understand control panel layout, panel ID and wire
tags
5 Control System Testing Mastery knowledge to conduct:
• Point-to-Point testing
• Graphic verification
• Control System Testing
• System integration testing
Every effort has been made to ensure the information provided within this Body of Knowledge is
accurate and correct at the time of printing. The information in this BoK was designed to provide helpful
information on the subjects discussed. References are provided for informational purposes only and do
not constitute NEBB’s endorsement of any publications, websites or other sources. Users of this
document should be aware that the websites listed in this Body of Knowledge may be subject to change.
The CxCP Technical exam has 100 multiple choice questions and can take up to four hours to complete.
This is an open book exam. All questions are designed to test recall skills and your ability to apply
knowledge, interpret data, and solve problems. Exams are developed based on practice in the United
States and are offered only in English. Calculations and formulas are in the imperial standard and are not
available in metric.
This exam features split screen technology that allows you to view, scroll, and search through NEBB’s 12-
page Sequence of Operations and Formula/Psychometric Charts document. The exam will appear on the
left and the reference documents will appear on the right side of the computer screen. In the middle of
the screen is a red bar that allows you to scroll through the reference material.
TI-36X Solar
TI-40 College II
Albert2 (TX-840)
Albert5 (TX-895)
Fx1000
UBT FA-83W
RECOMMENDED READINGS
Candidates are encouraged to purchase and use the following reference material for at-home self-
studying in preparation for the exam. Publications can be purchased through Certelligence.
CxCP Candidates are encouraged to prepare for the CxCP exams by acquiring and doing at-home
study using the following source material. Many of these publications are available through NEBB’s
website, www.nebb.org, or can be purchased through your Certelligence account. Others can be
retrieved by using a search engine, such as Goggle.
• ANSI/NEBB Standard S110-2019 - Whole Building Technical Commissioning of New
Construction
• Design Phase Commissioning Handbook
• NEBB Procedural Standards for Testing, Adjusting & Balancing of Environmental Systems, 9th
Ed. 2019
• SMACNA Duct Standard, 4th Edition, 2017
• NEBB Environmental Systems Technology Textbook, 2nd Edition, October 2007
• ASHRAE Guideline 1.4, The Systems Manual for Facilities
• NEBB Operational Procedures- current edition (download from NEBB website)
• NEBB QAP Program
• NEBB Certification Board Code of Conduct Policy #120 (download from NEBB website)
• NEBB Certification Board Compliance Policy #121 (download from NEBB website)
SUGGESTED TRAINING
Those pursuing this specific certification may attend a specialized seminar on this discipline. The Cx
seminar is intended to augment the candidate’s ongoing study of the discipline which will help them
Candidates may also seek additional training through the NEBB-ASHRAE Ala Carte Online eLearning
modules which focus on commissioning that can augment the candidate’s ongoing self-study of the
discipline which will help them comprehend and assess the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for
this certification. For complete details visit https://nebb.org/individuals/continuing-education-credits/.
EXAM DEVELOPMENT
The development of a valid exam begins with a clear and concise definition of the tasks, knowledge, and
skills needed for competent job performance known as a Job Analysis. Using interviews, surveys,
observation, and group discussions, NEBB works with subject matter experts (SMEs) in the field to
delineate critical job components. These job components then become the basis for questions on NEBB
exams.
Exam questions are written by certified individuals or those otherwise deemed as SMEs in the field.
SMEs are trained in item writing best practices. Through the exam development process, they are
assisted by NEBB’s exam development coordinator and psychometrician.
EXAM ADMINISTRATION
Exams are administered either by computer-based testing at a Prometric testing center, or by paper-
and-pencil following a NEBB-sponsored seminar. Candidates will be invoiced for their exam through
their Certelligence account. Payment for the exam must be received by NEBB before a candidate can
schedule an exam.
TEST WINDOW
When a candidate is initially approved for NEBB candidacy, a three-year candidacy period begins. All
exam requirements must be completed within the three-year candidacy period. Previously taken exams
completed outside the current candidacy period cannot be applied to the new period. For candidates
taking exams through a testing center, the admissions letter will detail the eligible testing period and
when the candidacy period ends. For questions about a candidate’s test window, email
certification@nebb.org.
• Once payment for the exam is received, the candidate will be pre-registered for the exam and
able to schedule. Exams are offered on-demand based on the availability of each testing center.
A list of all Prometric/IQT testing center locations can be found at this link:
http://www.isoqualitytesting.com/locations.aspx?cnid=73, or by calling IQT toll free at +866-
773-1114. International dialers can call 727-733-1110. Specific locations, dates and times for
available appointments will be available during the scheduling process.
• Complete instructions for scheduling are listed below. For technical assistance, please contact
IQT toll-free at +1-866-773-1114. International dialers can call 727-733-1110.
o Visit www.iqttesting.com.
o Select EXAM REGISTRATION.
o Log in using the username and password provided in the pre-registration email. Click the
“forgot password” link to receive your password via email.
o Select NEBB from the organization dropdown menu and the exam you’ve been
approved for. Click the NEXT button.
o Check that your contact information has been entered correctly and make changes as
needed. Any fields with a key symbol must be completed before you can proceed. Click
NEXT.
o Select a testing center, date and time, then click NEXT. Special notes:
The system is set up to show the five closest test centers to the zip code you
have on file, but you can change the country, zip code, state, or city, as well as
the date. Make your selection and click GO to change the search parameters.
If no exam times are available, select a later start date or try a different testing
center.
o You will be asked to confirm your selected appointment, and will see the date, time and
location you’ve chosen. Special notes:
Review the IQT exam agreement terms and check the box.
Note the statement that says, “This examination may not be rescheduled or
cancelled after….” Any changes to your appointment must be made before the
date given.
If the appointment is correct, click SUBMIT.
If the appointment is incorrect, click EDIT next to the Exam Time and make any
changes.
o You will receive an email confirming your appointment. This email MUST be brought to
the testing center because it includes the codes for the proctor to launch the exam. If
you do not have this email with you, you will be turned away from the exam, will be
considered a “no-show,” and will forfeit your testing fee.
• IMPORTANT! Be absolutely sure that your name and home address on the scheduling site match
that on your government-issued photo identification. You can make most changes yourself on the
scheduling screen. If you need assistance with changing your name or address, please email
certification@nebb.org.
• When you appear to take your exam, you must bring your ID and the scheduling email that you
receive after you complete the scheduling process. If you appear at the testing center and your
information does not match, you will be turned away from the testing center and forfeit your
testing fee.
• Candidates will be required to pay a small rescheduling or cancelation fee directly to IQT before
they are able to reschedule or cancel an exam. Acceptable forms of payment are Visa, Master
Card, or American Express.
• Exams must be cancelled or rescheduled 5 days or more PRIOR to the scheduled examination
date. The deadline is given when scheduling and is also listed within the candidate admission
letter. Candidates are unable to reschedule to cancel an exam less than 5 days PRIOR to their
scheduled exam. Exceptions are made only for the following reasons: jury duty, death in the
immediate family within 14 calendar days prior to the exam date, illness or medical
complication within 14 calendar days prior to the exam date OR the scheduled exam date, and
military deployment. If one of these situations prevents a candidate from testing, they must
contact NEBB at certification@nebb.org and provide sufficient documentation of the event that
has occurred. Documentation must be submitted within 14 calendar days of the missed exam.
There will be no additional fee incurred under these circumstances.
• If candidates fail to show up for an exam, do not have the proper identification or their
candidate admissions letter, they will not be permitted to sit for their exam. They will be
considered a “no show,” exam fees will be forfeited, and they will be required to re-register and
pay all fees to NEBB prior to scheduling another exam.
• Complete instructions for rescheduling or canceling are listed below. For technical assistance,
please contact IQT toll-free at +1-866-773-1114. International dialers can call 727-733-1110.
o Visit www.iqttesting.com.
o Select “EXAM REGISTRATION.”
o Log in using the username and password provided in the pre-registration email. Click the
“forgot password” link to receive your password via email.
o Select “NEBB” from the organization dropdown menu and click the “NEXT” button.
o To reschedule an exam, click “EDIT.” This will cancel the current exam date and prompt
the candidate to immediately select a new date.
o To cancel an exam, click “CANCEL.” Once the exam is canceled, the candidate can log on
to www.iqttesting.com at a later date to select a new exam date. Note that the
designated timeframe to take the exam will remain the same.
• Contact certification@nebb.org at least one week prior to exam day to cancel or reschedule the
exam.
• For information on what to expect at a Prometric/IQT testing center, view the video at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0UEaKn3W70.
• On the day of testing, candidates MUST bring a valid, government-issued photo ID and their
candidate admission letter. The admission letter includes the codes to launch the examination,
so it is essential that this document be brought to the testing center. If a candidate appears to
test without the admission letter, the candidate will be turned away from the exam, will be
considered a “no show,” and will forfeit their testing fee. Candidates are strongly encouraged to
read the candidate admissions letter in its entirety to be aware of all testing policies and
procedures.
• No phones, computers, tablets, or electronic devices may be brought into the testing center.
• Computer-based examinations begin with a brief tutorial and end with a brief survey. Extra time
is allotted to complete the tutorial and survey. A demonstration of the computer-based exam
format can be found at
https://www.iqttesting.com/Default.aspx?Function=SampleExam&Exam=8.
• On the day of testing, candidates should arrive at least 15 minutes before the exam begins, and
must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. Late arrivals may be turned away without
taking the exam.
• Refer to the section Description of Exam for specific information on materials that can be
brought into the exam.
• Exams are proctored and given in paper-and-pencil format.
• For open book exams—which is all exams EXCEPT the TAB CP and TAB CT exams—candidates
are allowed to bring laptops and tablets with reference materials pre-loaded. No internet access
will be provided. Cell phones are not allowed during the exam.
• Prometric/IQT takes a proactive approach when monitoring inclement weather as well as other
adverse events, such as COVID-19 closures for safety. For instance, they watch the progress of
storms and keep in constant contact with their testing centers. If a testing center closes, they
will make their best effort to inform candidates. However, it is recommended that candidates
contact IQT directly at +1-866-866-1114 to confirm their testing center is still open on the day of
their exam. International dialers can call 727-733-1110.
• Safety first! If a candidate is unable to make a testing appointment due to inclement weather,
email certification@nebb.org for instructions.
All exam content is strictly confidential. Candidates may only communicate about the exam using
appropriate forms provided within the exam delivery system. Candidates will be able to comment on
individual questions and may be asked for feedback following the exam through a brief survey.
Only authorized materials (listed on the admissions letter or in the exam instructions) may be taken into
the exam room.
No questions concerning the content of the exam may be asked during the exam period. The candidate
should listen carefully to the directions given by the proctor and read the exam directions carefully.
ADA ACCOMMODATIONS
Individuals with disabilities and/or religious obligations that require modifications in test administration
may request specific procedure changes, in writing, to NEBB at least 30 days PRIOR to an exam. With
the written request, the candidate must provide official documentation of the accommodation
requested. Submitted documentation must follow ADA guidelines in that psychological or psychiatric
evaluations must have been conducted within the last three years. All medical/physical conditions
require documentation of the treating physician’s exam conducted within the previous three months.
Candidates may contact NEBB at certification@nebb.org for the accommodations form to submit to
their doctor.
RECEIVING SCORES
Following the exam, candidates are provided with official score letters that report whether the
candidate passed or failed. For candidates who fail exams, the percentages of items answered correctly
in each content domain is provided (when available). For candidates who pass exams, NEBB considers a
pass a pass and does not disclose the details of the exam.
At a testing center:
• After completing an exam, the proctor will provide the candidate with preliminary scores. IQT’s
exam system checks the scores overnight, and final results will usually be emailed to the
candidate during the next working day. Contact NEBB at certification@nebb.org if final results
are not received.
FAILING SCORES
Candidates who do not pass their exam are usually provided with percentages of correctly answered
items in each content domain to better focus future studying efforts. For security reasons, candidates
will not be provided with the total number of questions answered correctly or given a copy of the exam
to review.
GRIEVANCES
All exam scores are final. Exam scores cannot be appealed or overturned.
Candidates who believe an unusual event or condition related to the administration of their exam
caused a significant adverse effect on their performance during their exam may submit a grievance
regarding the administration to NEBB for investigation. Note: The grievance process is ONLY for issues
that are a result of problems caused by the testing company, testing center, or proctor. If a candidate is
ill on the day of the exam, they should not appear to test. See the section on Canceling, Rescheduling or
Missed Exams for information on rescheduling without penalty.
Grievances must be submitted to NEBB within 14 calendar days of the exam. Grievance statements
must be submitted in writing by email to certification@nebb.org. Information to include in the grievance
statement should include but is not limited to:
• Title of exam
• Exam date
• Name and location of testing center
• Name of proctor on duty (if known)
• Detailed explanation of the situation
• Impact the situation had on exam performance
TEST DISCLOSURE
Candidates should be aware that NEBB security and item banking procedures do not permit candidates
access to exam questions, answer keys, or other secure materials related to the exam. Candidates that
have questions or comments about a specific item should click the Comment on this Question button
during a computerized exam, or comment on the provided sheet when testing after a seminar or at
NEBB’s annual meeting. Candidate comments will be reviewed by NEBB, but candidates will not be
contacted regarding their comments.
RETAKES
Candidates interested in retaking an exam must wait a minimum of 90 days after their exam. To
schedule a retake and clarify the mandatory waiting period, candidates may contact NEBB at
certification@nebb.org. The mandatory waiting period cannot be waived under any circumstances.
Candidates are allowed a maximum of 10 exam attempts during their three-year candidacy period.
Candidates who fall into this category should contact NEBB at certification@nebb.org for more
information.
After receiving notification of achieving certification, the credential granted may be used only if the
individual’s certification remains valid and in good standing. Certificants must comply with all
recertification requirements to maintain use of the credential. The use and/or display of the certification
acronyms or designation names, except as permitted by the policy, is prohibited. Individuals who fail to
maintain certification/recertify or whose certification is suspended or revoked must immediately
ACCEPTABLE USE
Certificants who have earned the CxCP certification may identify themselves as: NEBB Commissioning
Certified Professional” or “CxCP.” The name and acronym listed above may only be used in connection
with a certified individual and not with a firm, facility, department, or other group.
ABOUT NEBB
Established in 1971, NEBB is the premier international certification association for firms that deliver
high-performance building systems. With over 3,000 certified professionals and technicians, NEBB
Certified Firms provide:
Quality and integrity are the foundation of NEBB’s work. NEBB’s credentials use the latest research on
evidence-based practice, and they are updated regularly to stay relevant to changes in the field. Exams
are subjected to an extensive process of peer review, written by subject matter experts, and supported
by current references.