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The 5-day OWM Volume Metrology Seminar is designed to enable metrologists to apply fundamental measurement concepts to volume calibrations. A large percentage of time is spent on hands-on measurements, applying procedures and equations discussed in the classroom. The seminar focuses on the comprehension and application of the procedures, the equations, calculations involved, and the operation of the laboratory equipment, review of publications, standards, specifications, and tolerances relevant to the measurements. Training covers volume calibration procedures published in NISTIR 7383 as well as supplemental procedures from NISTIR 6969. Specific volume transfer procedures include SOP 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, and 31. SOP 14 is a gravimetric volume procedure and builds on the mass procedures SOP 2 and SOP 4 (thus the prerequisite for the Mass Metrology Seminar). This course is suitable for the calibration of volumetric standards for NIST HB 105-2, HB 105-3, HB 105-4, and concepts related to HB 105-7. The entire seminar incorporates statistical analysis, process measurement control methods, uncertainty analyses, traceability assessments, and generation of ISO/IEC 17025 compliant calibration certificates for all measurements made during the seminar and builds on the concepts covered in the Fundamentals of Metrology and Mass seminars.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this seminar, using Standard Operating Procedures 2, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21, 29, 30, and 31 and Good Measurement Practices 3, 11, and 13, participants will be able to:
- Accurately CALIBRATE volumetric glassware, field standard test measures and provers, LPG provers;
- EVALUATE compliance of volumetric standards to NIST Handbook 105-2 and other documentary standards;
- IMPLEMENT measurement assurance practices to monitor the measurement standards and processes;
- CALCULATE and REPORT correct measurement results and uncertainties; and
- PREPARE calibration certificates for volumetric calibrations that are ISO/IEC 17025 compliant.
Materials & Supplies
Several notebooks and files (spreadsheets and documents) are provided.
Prerequisites
Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Metrology Seminar AND the Mass Metrology Seminar are required. The Volume Metrology seminar is built on the concepts learned during the Fundamentals of Metrology Seminar, applying units, measurement uncertainty, measurement assurance, traceability, and Quality Management System concepts, as well as the buoyancy concepts and precision mass calibrations that are required for successful completion of gravimetric volume calibrations.
Pre-Work
Reading and Excel preparation guidance will be provided by the instructors prior to the seminar.
Pre-Work Deadline
Monday, September 15, 2025
Post-Work
None.
Minimum Requirements
To receive a Certificate for this course, successful completion requires participants to attend 100 percent of the course, actively participate (e.g., take notes, engage in discussions, ask questions), complete all classroom, homework*, and application exercise assignments, submit assigned calibration certificates, and receive at least 70 percent on the final written exam. A written final exam will contribute 50 percent of the grade and the class and laboratory exercises will be 50 percent of the grade. A passing grade (70 percent minimum) on all components of the course is required to obtain a training certificate that indicates “successful completion”.
*Homework note: students generally report taking one to two hours for homework each night.
Audience
State weights and measures officials and industry metrologists.
Registration Fee
The current registration fee for this seminar is $3,100 and confirmed participants will be sent payment instructions. This fee does not cover travel, lodging, or meal expenses. Registration fees for State metrologists are funded by NIST OWM.
Instructors
Micheal Hicks and Jose Torres
Email: micheal.hicks [at] nist.gov (micheal[dot]hicks[at]nist[dot]gov)
Technology Requirements
You will need to bring a 10-digit scientific calculator to use during this seminar. Participants MUST be familiar with the use of the hand-held scientific calculator. Additionally, use of a laptop or tablet PC is essential to success in the seminar. Participants must have access to Microsoft Excel (versions 2010 to present are acceptable) and be able to open and use template Excel workbooks that will be provided on USB media. You must also be able to save/store files to USB media devices to facilitate printing. Participants must be able to save/store files to USB media devices to facilitate printing and turning in homework assignments; if not able to use USB media, participants must be able to connect their laptop to a printing device by cable or Bluetooth and be able to upload files to a secure Google Drive.
You will need a government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport or driver's license) when you check into the Visitors Center at the entrance of NIST and if bringing a vehicle onto the NIST campus, a vehicle registration card.
PLEASE NOTE: Effective July 21, 2014, under the REAL ID Act of 2005 (https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-frequently-asked-questions), agencies, including NIST, can only accept a state-issued driver's license or identification card for access to federal facilities if issued by states that are REAL ID compliant or have an extension. NIST currently accepts other forms of federally issued identification in lieu of a state-issued driver's license, such as a valid passport, passport card, DOD's Common Access Card (CAC), Veterans ID, Federal Agency HSPD-12 IDs, Military Dependents ID, Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), and TSA Trusted Traveler ID. See Visitor Information for the latest information.
NOTE: Visitors are allowed only 10 days of visits per a 12 month period as a Visitor status. If you have already visited NIST Gaithersburg campus one or more days in the preceding 12 months before the start of this training class, please contact the sponsor who can then provide instructions and forms to update your status for a pass to help you access NIST Gaithersburg for all 5 days of this class.