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NCSCB Inc.
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National Cable Splicing Certification

NCSCB Inc. Mission Statement:

The NCSCB Inc. has been founded to support, and work with, the cable splicing and related cable installation industries, professional, and stakeholders to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners.

The NCSCB Inc. is a not for profit organization devoted to the development and administration of a Personnel Certification program for Medium Voltage cable splicers. The NCSCB Inc. was created in 2004 with representatives from utilities, contractors, manufacturers, organizations, Cable Splicers and others who are interested in affirming the KSA's (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) of workers who splice and terminate medium voltage electrical power cables.

Currently the certification consists of a written examination (See associated fees below) that focuses on common core knowledge of Medium Voltage cable, accessories and safety related topics. A performance or practical examination (See associated fees below) is also administered that requires the candidate to demonstrate core knowledge, skills and abilities common for medium voltage cable splicers working with shielded electrical power cables.

We presently offer three categories of splicing certifications:

Manufactured kits (splices and terminations)
Hand-applied taping
Coming Soon: PILC (splices and terminations)

NOTE: The NCSCB Inc. has been established for certification purposes only and therefore does not offer any preparatory training. However; a list of suggested training documents can be accessed by clicking on the "Additional Information" tab at the top of this page.

Why Certification?

Many experts agree that the vast majority of Medium Voltage cable and accessory related failures are due to poor workmanship. A properly administered certification program can help assure utilities, contractors, customers and the public that properly trained and equipped personnel will be handling and terminating the cables and components that make up a well engineered medium voltage distribution system. Certified personnel splicing and terminating medium voltage cables can also help to reduce SAIFI (System Average Interruption Frequency Index) used by most utilities as an indicator of system interruptions.

Frequently Asked Question:

1. What is Certification in Medium Voltage Cable Splicing?

The NCSCB Inc. has developed a comprehensive program that allows an individual to demonstrate his or her knowledge, skills, and abilities in splicing and terminating shielded electrical power cable. By the passing of both a written and a performance (practical) exam, competency of splicing will be recognized by the issuance of a certification card in the specialties that were examined.

2. Why offer certification in Medium Voltage Cable Splicing?

Much has been written on the competency and the workmanship of individuals performing medium voltage cable splicing work. Industry supported programs that are developed and administered on a National basis, will go far in establishing levels of competency that meets the needs of industry and the public for safe and reliable delivery of electrical power. Certification will enable us to formally recognize those individuals that have successfully demonstrated an understanding of the knowledge, skills, and abilities of cable splicing.

3. Who Should Obtain Certification?

All individuals that splice or terminate medium voltage solid dielectric shielded power cables through 35kV. Certifications in PILC and higher voltage cables will be available soon.

The intended candidate for the NCSCB Inc. electrical power cable examinations works primarily as a construction/industrial or specialty electrician/lineman for an electrical utility or an electrical contractor (EC) engaged in network systems, underground distribution construction and maintenance, or commercial/industrial installations.

4. Prerequisites to Certification

At least two (2) years work in the medium voltage shielded power cable industry. This can be, but not limited to, employment by an electric utility, contractor, engineering, or others in the industry.

The certification is good for a period of seven (7) years from the date of issuance, provided the Splicer maintains his or her NCSCB Inc. membership in good standing.

5. What is the Written Exam Process?

A core knowledge written examination will be given to applicants, typically in a group setting. Each examination will have approximately 100 questions and will follow a multiple-choice format.

6. What is the process for the Performance Exam?

There will be three (3) performance (practical hands-on) examinations offered. An individual can be certified in any category or in all three splicing categories. The categories consist of manufactured kits (splices and terminations), hand-applied taping, PILC splicing and terminating. The applicant, while being observed by examiners, will splice and/or terminate shielded electrical power cable according to a standardized testing process.

7. Who developed the exams?

The examination has been developed by shielded power cable technical experts directly under the supervision of the American Institutes for Research (AIR) in Washington, D.C. There was national representation on the test development committees. In addition, care was taken to have a mix of utility, contractor, and manufacturer technical experts present in all test development meetings.

8. How does the candidate prepare for the exams?

The NCSCB Inc. is developing all examinations for a candidate with a minimum of two years related electrical shielded power cable splicing experience. A comprehensive set of applicant materials will be issued explaining the knowledge subject areas that comprise the written examination, a bibliography of sources used in developing examination questions, a specialized glossary, and sample questions. The individual must be familiar with the various types of splices, terminations, and manufactured kits that are used in the industry.

For more information click on the "Prepare" tab at the top of this page.

9. What is the cost of certification?

Membership dues: $100.00 per year. Prorated from time of examination. Due January 1st. each year.

Certification Fees:

The fees for the certification are as follows:
    Written exam:                              $295.00    Note: Payment must accompany the application before examination can be                                                                                    scheduled. (Click on the "Applications" tab to download the application)

    Practical (hands-on) exam:      $595.00. These fees include all cables, tools (personal hand tools excluded) and cable
                                                                            accessories such as Separable connectors (elbows), splices, and
                                                                            terminations used during the examination.

Please note that these prices are subject to change without notice!