FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Authorized Inspector FAQ Library, your go-to resource for clear, reliable answers about the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), ASME Joint Reviews, and the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC).

Our goal is to simplify complex code requirements and help manufacturers, inspectors, and repair organizations stay compliant and inspection-ready.
Whether you’re preparing for certification, reviewing design requirements, or managing in-service equipment, this library provides straightforward explanations backed by ASME and NBIC best practices.

ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) FAQ

What is the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC)?

Enforcement is carried out by jurisdictions, insurance companies, or Authorized Inspection Agencies that adopt ASME standards into their regulations.

ASME publishes a new edition every two years, typically in July of odd-numbered years, with interim Code Cases and Interpretations released as needed.

Certification demonstrates that a manufacturer’s quality system, design, and fabrication comply with ASME standards, allowing them to apply an official Code Symbol Stamp.

The correct section depends on the type of equipment and service:

Section I – Power Boilers
Section IV – Heating Boilers
Section VIII – Pressure Vessels (Divisions 1, 2, and 3)
Section X – Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels
Section XII – Transport Tanks
If you’re unsure, consult your Authorized Inspector or an experienced ASME professional.

It depends on the jurisdiction. Most states require ASME-stamped vessels for commercial or industrial service, but small or private systems may be exempt.

The 'U' stamp applies to pressure vessels (Section VIII-1), 'S' to power boilers (Section I), and 'R'—issued by the National Board—covers repairs and alterations to pressure-retaining items.

The ASME Code provides minimum safety standards, but local jurisdictions may impose additional requirements, such as registration, periodic inspections, or operator licensing. Compliance with ASME alone does not guarantee acceptance in every jurisdiction—you must also meet state or provincial laws.

ASME Section VIII requires that every pressure vessel be designed to safely contain its intended pressure at a specific temperature. Design must consider internal/external pressure, material strength, corrosion allowance, joint efficiency, and loadings such as wind, seismic, or nozzle loads. Calculations must be performed in accordance with Code formulas or validated by analysis.

Design pressure is the maximum pressure that the vessel can safely withstand at its design temperature. It’s typically set slightly higher than the vessel’s normal operating pressure (often by 10–15%) to provide a safety margin. The ASME Code provides formulas for calculating allowable stress and required thickness based on the material and geometry.

ASME Joint Review FAQ

A Joint Review is a formal audit conducted by ASME and your Authorized Inspection Agency (AIA) to assess your company’s quality control system and ability to fabricate pressure-retaining items in compliance with the ASME Code.

It is required to obtain or renew an ASME Certificate of Authorization and Code Symbol Stamp. The review ensures your company meets the administrative and technical requirements of the ASME Code.

The review team typically includes an ASME Team Leader, a representative from your Authorized Inspection Agency (AIA), and your assigned Authorized Inspector (AI).

A Joint Review is required every three years to maintain your Certificate of Authorization and demonstrate continued compliance with ASME requirements.

Your written Quality Control Manual, implementation of procedures, personnel qualifications, documentation, inspection processes, and demonstration of Code-compliant fabrication are all reviewed.

ASME will issue or renew your Certificate of Authorization, and you’ll be approved to apply the corresponding Code Symbol Stamp to qualifying pressure-retaining items.

Yes. Failure to demonstrate Code compliance, incomplete documentation, or deficiencies in quality system implementation may result in a failed review and withholding of certification.

Most reviews take 1 to 2 days, depending on the size of the organization, number of stamps applied for, and complexity of the demonstration item.

No. Each physical location seeking ASME certification must undergo a separate Joint Review and hold its own Certificate of Authorization.

The review team will issue Findings. You may be required to submit a Corrective Action Plan within a specified time to address the issues before a certificate is issued or renewed.

NBIC (National Board Inspection Code) FAQ

The NBIC, or National Board Inspection Code, is a set of rules and guidelines for the inspection, repair, alteration, and re-rating of pressure-retaining items after they are placed into service.

The NBIC is published by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors and is updated every two years with input from industry experts, jurisdictions, and inspectors.

The NBIC provides a standardized framework for ensuring the continued safety of boilers and pressure vessels after fabrication, covering inspections, repairs, and alterations.

Yes — in most U.S. jurisdictions, NBIC compliance is legally required for repairs and alterations to ASME-stamped pressure-retaining items.

Part 1 – Installation
Part 2 – In-Service Inspection
Part 3 – Repairs and Alterations
Part 4 – Pressure Relief Devices

It applies to boilers, pressure vessels, and piping systems that were built to ASME Code and are currently in service, including those registered with the National Board.

ASME governs new construction. NBIC governs equipment after it is placed in service, including inspection, repair, and alteration procedures.

NBIC requirements are enforced by jurisdictions, such as state or provincial boiler boards, which adopt the Code into law.

The NBIC is primarily used in the United States and Canada, but it may be accepted in other regions if adopted by the local authority or specified by contract.

No. To perform Code-compliant repairs or alterations, a company must hold a valid R Certificate of Authorization and be inspected by a National Board-Commissioned Inspector.