CNG Fuel System Inspector Certification Program Launched by NGVi
Natural Gas Vehicle Institute (NGVi), a U.S. provider of technical consulting and training on natural
gas vehicles and fueling technologies, has launched a brand new CNG Fuel System Inspector
Certification program late June. The program kicks off with the first certification exam September
16, 2016 in Denver, Colorado and the certification period is five years.
Designed according to the requirements for professional certification programs prescribed by the US
National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), NGVi’s CNG Fuel System Inspector Certification
provides an independent assessment to ensure technicians possess the knowledge, skills and specific
competencies required to conduct CNG fuel system inspections according to all federal codes and
standards, as well as industry best practices.
CNG fuel system inspections are one of the main factors affecting NGV fleet and dealership safety in
the US where regular inspections of all CNG cylinders are required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard (FMVSS) 304, says NGVi. In addition, NGV industry best practices recommend inspection of
the entire fuel system. These inspections must be performed by qualified CNG fuel system
inspectors, and in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and Compressed Gas
Association (CGA) pamphlet C-6.4.
“We are excited to offer CNG Fuel System Inspector Certification to NGV technicians,” said Leo
Thomason, Executive Director of NGVi. “While there is no national requirement that CNG Fuel
System Inspectors be certified, certification offers that extra layer of assurance and risk mitigation in
the operation and maintenance of any CNG-powered vehicles,” he added.
Qualified CNG Fuel System Inspectors must be able to thoroughly inspect all components of CNG
fuel systems, correctly document their findings, assess any damage, and determine the proper steps
necessary to ensure that fuel system safety is maintained. They also must be familiar with and able
to effectively use a variety of inspection documents, including applicable codes, standards,
regulations, specific manufacturer guidelines, as well as industry best practices.
“Our rigorous certification program was carefully designed and specifically developed to assess the
knowledge and skills these technicians must apply during an actual inspection. Our certification
exam was created based on a detailed job study of tasks required to be performed by CNG Fuel
System Inspectors,” said Thomason.
NGVi’s CNG Fuel System Inspector program was developed and will be administered independently
from its training programs, and there is no training prerequisite for technicians who seek
certification.
To ensure quality, uniformity and impartiality, the certification program is overseen by an
independent Advisory Board comprised of CNG cylinder, fuel system and vehicle manufacturers, as
well as end users. The Advisory Board includes representatives from Hexagon Lincoln, Worthington
Industries, Agility Fuel Systems, Penske Truck Leasing, Waste Management, UPS, and Volvo.
As well as being offered at various locations throughout the country, the certification exam will also
be offered via an online, electronically-proctored exam that can be scheduled individually and taken
at a time convenient to the participant.
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