NCWM Frequently Asked Questions

NCWM is a non-profit professional organization that develops model technical standards for weights and measures laws, devices, and practices in the United States for voluntary implementation by the states.
➡️ Learn more: About NCWM

NCWM operates under a Board of Directors with four committees — including Specifications & Tolerances (S&T), Laws & Regulations (L&R), Professional Development (PDC), and National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP).

NCWM partners with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Office of Weights and Measures (NIST OWM) to publish and maintain official handbooks and to advance uniform standards across states.

Membership is open to anyone with an interest in fair and uniform weights and measures — regulators, industry representatives, manufacturers, and consumers.
➡️ Join or renew: Membership Information

Members receive discounted meeting registration, access to handbooks and publications, complimentary or discounted certification exams and NTEP fees, and eligibility to serve on committees. Membership also includes access to member directory. Planning and policy documents, newsletters, and networking opportunities are available to both members and non-members.

The National Type Evaluation Program ensures that weighing and measuring devices meet national standards before being used commercially. In most states, any commercially used measuring device must have a valid NTEP certificate.
➡️ Overview: About NTEP

You can search for certificates on the NTEP Certificate of Conformance Database Search.
➡️ Search here: NTEP Certificates

Publication 14 is a series of documents detailing the technical policies, test procedures, and administrative guidelines used during NTEP evaluations.

No, NTEP evaluates representative models of a device type. Manufacturers must maintain compliance across all models covered under a Certificate of Conformance.

Two major meetings — the Interim Meeting (January) and the Annual Meeting (July) — along with regional association meetings and NTEP technical sector meetings.
➡️ See schedule: Meetings

Yes. NCWM meetings are open to all registered parties, though voting privileges, committee assignments, and reduced registration fees are reserved for members. Registration fees are required to attend meetings.

Anyone may submit a proposal through NCWM’s official process using a Form 15. Proposals are reviewed by the NCWM Executive Director and forwarded to regional associations and the national committees for consideration.
➡️ See Standards Development

Specifications & Tolerances (S&T): Device standards, tolerances, and other technical requirements (Handbook 44)
Laws & Regulations (L&R): Uniform laws and regulations, price verification and packaged goods inspections and procedures, and NCWM Policy, Interpretations, and Guidelines (Handbooks 130 and 133)
Professional Development (PDC): Training and certification
Board of Directors: Governance, strategic planning, and oversight
National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP): Administration of NTEP (Publication 14)

Members in good standing may volunteer to serve on a standing committee, task group, or subcommittee. All appointments are subject to approval by the NCWM Chair.

There are four regional weights and measures associations. The Northeast Weights and Measures Association, the Central Weights and Measures Association, the Southern Weights and Measures Association, and the Western Weights and Measures Association. The associations are independent organizations organized much like NCWM; however, they operate under their own bylaws and policies. Generally, their purpose is to promote the use of uniform laws, regulations and procedures adopted by NCWM. They review proposals submitted to NCWM and submit comments for NCWM to consider during their deliberations. You can find out more about the organizations and their meetings on the NCWM website under the Meetings tab.

Handbooks 44, 130, and 133 are updated annually following NCWM’s Annual Meeting and are published by NIST in cooperation with NCWM.

Yes, many documents are publicly available, but members receive complimentary or discounted versions.

NCWM offers basic competency, professional certification, and registered service agent exams in areas like Scales, Retail Motor-Fuel Dispensing (RMFD), Package Checking, and Method of Sale. These exams were created to provide an objective measure of the skills and knowledge of regulatory officials and service agents.
➡️ See exams: Basic Competency, Professional Certification , RSA Exam

Visit the Proctoring page for requirements, scheduling options, and exam setup instructions.
➡️ See Exam Proctoring: Exams

Awards are presented each year for Outstanding Contributions, Distinguished Service, Lifetime Achievement and Inspector of the Year. Anyone may nominate an individual for any of these four special honors. These honors are presented at the Annual NCWM Meeting.
➡️ See honorees: Awards