TABLE OF CONTENTS

CERTIFICATION HANDBOOK FOR VIBRATION ANALYST CATEGORIES I – IV

ABOUT THIS CERTIFICATION HANDBOOK 4

SCOPE 4

ABOUT THE VIBRATION INSTITUTE 5

MISSION 5

HISTORY 5

CERTIFICATION (SCHEME) COMMITTEE 5

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) 6

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND CERTIFYING BODY 6

ACCREDITATION 6

VIBRATION ANALYST CERTIFICATION PROGRAM 7

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND ORGANIZATION 7

BENEFITS 7

RECOGNITION 7

TERM OF CERTIFICATION AND RECERTIFICATION 7

CAPABILITIES OF CERTIFIED VIBRATION ANALYSTS 8

Category I Certiϐied Persons 8

Category II Certiϐied Vibration Analysts 8

Category III Certiϐied Vibration Analysts 8

Category IV Certiϐied Vibration Analysts 8

SURVEILLANCE 9

CHEATING AND FORGERY 9

RECOMMENDATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION 9

EDUCATION 9

TRAINING HOURS 9

ADDITIONAL TRAINING 10

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 EXPERIENCE 10

MATURE (“DIRECT”) ENTRY TO CATEGORY II & III 10

CERTIFICATION EXAMINATIONS 11

EXAMINATION DEVELOPMENT 12

DATES AND LOCATIONS 12

SCORING 12

RE-EXAMINATION 13

EXAM REVIEWS 13

COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS 13

WITHDRAWALS 14

SOURCES FOR SELF-STUDY AND REVIEW 15

CATEGORY I 15

CATEGORY II 15

CATEGORY III 15

CATEGORY IV 15

CERTIFIED VIBRATION ANALYST JOB RESPONSIBILITIES BY CATEGORY 16

BODY OF KNOWLEDGE 17

APPLICABLE ISO STANDARDS 26

CODE OF ETHICS 30

SAMPLE QUESTIONS 31

CATEGORY I SAMPLE QUESTIONS 31

CATEGORY II SAMPLE QUESTIONS 33

CATEGORY III SAMPLE QUESTIONS 35

CATEGORY IV SAMPLE QUESTIONS 38

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ABOUT THIS CERTIFICATION HANDBOOK

The Vibration Institute Certiϐication Handbook contains a description of the Vibration Institute’s certiϐication
program for Vibration Analyst.

The Vibration Institute Certiϐication Program for Vibration Analyst is an ANAB-Accredited Personnel
Certiϐication Program – Accreditation #0845. ANAB is the ANSI National Accreditation Board. The
accreditation by ANAB assures that the Institute’s certiϐication program is valid, reliable, impartial, and
provides fair and equal access to the certiϐication policies and procedures that assess the qualiϐications of
candidates on a standardized basis. The Certiϐication Handbook includes information on:
• Beneϐits
• Recognition
• Terms of certiϐication
• Body of knowledge for certiϐication
• Recommendations for education, and requirements for training and experience
• Examination requirements
• Sources for self-study and review
• Sample test questions

SCOPE

The Vibration Institute’s certiϐication program provides third-party conformity assessment of individuals to
determine their competence as a Vibration Analyst at a given category. If determined to have attained the
minimum requirements, the Vibration Institute, as an accredited third-party conformity assessment body,
issues a ϐive-year certiϐicate to the individual. There are four categories of certiϐication.

When a certiϐicate is issued, the Vibration Institute attests to the minimum qualiϐication of the certiϐied
Vibration Analyst as deϐined in ISO 18436-2 and this Handbook. The employer or self-employed individual
is responsible for the authorization to perform machinery condition monitoring and diagnostics and, as a
result, is responsible for the quality and validity of their work.

In order to assure continued competence, ISO standards require periodic recertiϐication either by re-
examination or renewal (i.e., providing evidence of continued work experience and ongoing qualifying
professional development). Currently, that period is ϐive years.

Thank you for considering the Vibration Institute’s, Vibration Analyst certiϐication program. We hope that you
will beneϐit both professionally and personally from the distinction of being certiϐied by the Vibration Institute.

Sincerely,

György Szász Nancy Denton

President Technical Director of Certiϐication
Vibration Institute Vibration Institute

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REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 4

ABOUT THE VIBRATION INSTITUTE

MISSION

The mission of the Vibration Institute is to disseminate practical information on evaluating machinery
behavior and condition without commercial interest. The Institute offers programs including education,
training, and certiϐication. Opportunities for exchanging technical knowledge, information, procedures, and
data are offered through meetings, formal training, publications, and networking.

HISTORY

The Vibration Institute evolved from an idea more than 50 years ago by the late Michael Blake of Lovejoy, Inc.
He believed strongly that an organization was needed that would allow individuals from any industry to
share information about measuring and analyzing vibration, even though vibration technology was not then
being widely used in predictive maintenance. In 1967 Blake organized, and Lovejoy sponsored, a small
symposium for exchanging information about the techniques then being used to measure vibration. In 1972
the late Pat Hennessy, President of Lovejoy, assumed the responsibility and expense of incorporating the
nonproϐit Vibration Foundation. The Foundation was reorganized in 1973 into the Vibration Institute.
Hennessy, Blake, Charlie Jackson, and Ron Eshleman were among the original Board of Directors given the
challenge of making something of the Institute and the “Blake Concept.” After 1973 the Institute evolved into
a service organization providing membership, training, and the opportunity to exchange concepts and ideas
about vibration measurement and analysis.

In 1992 a Certiϐication Committee was formed by the Vibration Institute to consider a program for
certiϐication of individuals in machinery vibration. Committee members included practicing vibration
analysts active in a broad spectrum of disciplines – machine tool; pulp, paper, and printing; petrochemical;
power; and consulting. The motivations for the establishment of the certiϐication program were personal,
client and corporate acknowledgement, and recognition of levels of expertise. The consensus of the
Committee was that certiϐication would add credibility to the vibration profession. The Vibration Institute
committee developed a certiϐication Scheme with 3 levels of certiϐication. This Scheme became the basis for
the international Standard ISO 18436-2, which is, the de facto standard in the world today for vibration
analysts in condition monitoring. In January 2003 the Institute ofϐicially adopted ISO 18436-2 as the Body of
Knowledge for our certiϐication program and changed from offering three (3) levels of certiϐication to four (4)
categories.

CERTIFICATION (SCHEME) COMMITTEE

The Certiϐication Committee, also known as the Scheme Committee, is comprised of Vibration Institute
certiϐicate holders who represent industry, academic, and government interests. The Certiϐication Committee
member term is three years and is renewable based on interest, attendance, and participation in committee
work. The committee meets virtually and in-person throughout the year as needed and the members are
practicing vibration analysts and experienced technicians in machine condition monitoring and diagnostics.
Duties of committee members include participation in the ISO committee to update 18436 Standards, cut-
score studies, item (question) and examination development, item analysis, and certiϐication policy
development. The committee also has the responsibility of periodic evaluation of the certiϐication scheme
including expanding or reducing its scope.

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Members of the Certiϐication Committee are required to sign an agreement that ensures conϐidentiality,
ethics, and competency. They are also required to avoid situations where a conϐlict of interest may occur and
when outside commercial interests may pose a potential threat to impartiality. If you are interested and feel
you are qualiϐied to participate on the committee, contact the Vibration Institute.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)

The Vibration Institute complies with the following requirements of the ADA:

• The use of handicapped accessible facilities

• The removal of “readily achievable” physical barriers in meeting rooms.
• The provision of auxiliary aids and services to assure effective communication.
• The modiϐication of the Institute’s policies, practices, and procedures applicable to candidates to
enable disabled individuals to participate equally in the certiϐication program.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND CERTIFYING BODY

The Vibration Institute is an equal opportunity employer and assessor of candidates without discrimination
due to age, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity.

ACCREDITATION

The Vibration Institute Certiϐication Program for Vibration Analyst is an ANAB-Accredited Personnel
Certiϐication Program; thus, the Vibration Institute is a “third-party”, as deϐined in ISO/IEC 17000, for
conformity assessment of persons in the area of vibration condition monitoring and diagnostics. The
Vibration Institute’s Vibration Analyst Certiϐication Program is accredited to ISO/IEC 17024 by ANAB (ANSI
National Accreditation Board) and is in accordance with both ISO 18436-1 and ISO 18436-2.

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REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 6

VIBRATION ANALYST CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND ORGANIZATION

The Vibration Institute’s Certiϐication Scheme for Vibration Analyst was developed by, is maintained by, and
is governed by a committee representing various industries and is used worldwide. The Vibration Institute’s
Certiϐication Program follows ISO 18436, Condition monitoring and diagnostics of machines - Requirements
for qualiϐication and certiϐication of personnel – Part 1: Sector speciϐic requirements for certifying bodies and
the certiϐication process and Part 2: Vibration condition monitoring and diagnostics.

BENEFITS

The Vibration Institute’s Certiϐication Program is a focal point for acknowledging the capability and
motivation of individuals in the vibration ϐield. It provides professional recognition by clients, employers, and
colleagues and acknowledgment of proven capability in the category certiϐied.

RECOGNITION

Certiϐied individuals are listed annually, by certiϐication category, in Vibrations magazine and on the
Institute’s website at www.vi-institute.org. Certiϐicates, and photo identiϐication cards upon request, are
issued by the Institute at the time of certiϐication which contain relevant information about the category of
certiϐication of the individual. Additionally, ink stamps and embossers are also available to certiϐied
individuals. Please contact the Vibration Institute for more information.

TERM OF CERTIFICATION AND RECERTIFICATION

Certiϐication is valid for ϐive years. Recertiϐication is required every ϐive years by either reexamination or
renewal. Renewal requires providing the Vibration Institute written evidence of ongoing satisfactory
vibration related work experience and qualifying professional development. The Vibration Institute will
attempt to notify certiϐicants of their expiration date in advance so they can submit the required
recertiϐication application and avoid a lapse in their certiϐication. However, it is the certiϐicant’s responsibility
to recertify even if notiϐication by the Institute is not received (e.g., contact information has changed). If a
certiϐicant does not re-certify by their certiϐication expiration date, they are no longer certiϐied and cannot
claim to be certiϐied prior to recertiϐication.

If an individual passes a higher category exam during their 5-year certiϐication period, a new ϐive-year period
begins before recertiϐication/renewal is required.

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CAPABILITIES OF CERTIFIED VIBRATION ANALYSTS

CATEGORY I CERTIFIED PERSONS

...shall be capable of safely collecting routine route data using a data collector. They must know the basic
principles of mechanical vibration, including, units of measures used for condition monitoring of machinery.
They are to be capable of performing reliable pre-determined single channel vibration measurements,
comparing such measurements against pre-established alarms, identiϐication of errors in collected data,
reporting on visual observations on the condition of equipment, and transferring collected data to a
computer-based system.

CATEGORY II CERTIFIED VIBRATION ANALYSTS

...shall have all the knowledge and capability of a Category I Certiϐied Person. They shall be capable of deϐining
routine data collection activities including acquisition and analysis settings using basic signal analysis,
collecting extra test points when unusual conditions exist, performing single channel impact tests,
interpreting and evaluating test results in accordance with speciϐications and standards, diagnosing common
faults, and recommending basic corrective actions. The Analyst shall be aware of and capable of
recommending alternate condition monitoring technologies to verify issues raised as a result of routine
condition monitoring.

CATEGORY III CERTIFIED VIBRATION ANALYSTS

...shall have all the knowledge and skills of a Category II Vibration Analyst and be able to provide technical
knowledge and instruction to lower-level analysts. A Category III Vibration Analyst shall have an in-depth
knowledge of the principles and techniques machinery vibration analysis including single channel spectra,
time waveforms, orbits, basic operating deϐlection shapes, and acceleration enveloping. They shall be
qualiϐied to design, direct, and manage routine condition monitoring programs, to conduct non-routine fault
analyses, and to understand and direct alternative condition monitoring technologies to investigate and
verify issues not resolved by vibration analysis. The Analyst shall be able to direct machinery corrective
actions including rotor balancing and to recommend restrictions in machine operation.

CATEGORY IV CERTIFIED VIBRATION ANALYSTS

...shall have all the knowledge and skills of a Category III Vibration Analyst and in-depth knowledge, skills,
and experience in the diagnosis and correction of machine faults using basic mechanical vibration theory,
signal analysis, multi-channel spectral analysis, rotor and gas pulsation dynamics, and isolation, damping, and
vibration control techniques. They shall be able to apply parameter identiϐication techniques to determine
natural frequencies, mode shapes, damping, and operating deϐlection shapes; apply the basic principles of
rotor-bearing dynamics, to conduct two-plane balancing; to recommend machine mounting corrective actions
including design modiϐications, resilient mounting, and foundation re-design; and to interpret published
codes and standards.

A table showing the basic subject and topics required for each category of certiϐication is included in this
Handbook starting on page 18. For more on the Body of Knowledge, see ISO 18436-2:2014. Note: This
Standard is a copyright of ISO and thus must be purchased from them.

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SURVEILLANCE

The Vibration Institute randomly conducts surveillance of exams and proctors to ensure that proper
procedures have been followed. The Institute also conducts surveillance when a potential issue is suspected.

CHEATING AND FORGERY

The Vibration Institute will not tolerate cheating of any kind, forgery of certiϐicates or violations of the Code
of Ethics www.vi-institute.org/code-of-ethics/ (or see page 31 of this Handbook). Anyone caught cheating,
evolved in collusion, engaged in forgery of certiϐicates, or violating the Code of Ethics will have will have their
exam disqualiϐied, certiϐication revoked, and must wait a minimum of 48 months before reapplying.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION

It is important that candidates have a combination of education, training, and experience so that they
understand the principles and procedures of machinery vibration monitoring and diagnostics.
Recommendations and requirements covered in ISO 18436-2 are brieϐly reviewed below.

EDUCATION

There is no formal education requirement for sitting for any certiϐication exam per ISO 18436-2, however,
candidates are expected to be able to manipulate simple algebraic equations, use a basic scientiϐic calculator,
and be computer literate. It is recommended that candidates for Category I and Category II have at least a
high school education, and candidates for Category III and Category IV have a 2-year degree in mechanical
engineering technology, however, having a 4-year engineering degree is extremely helpful at achieving
Category IV certiϐication.

TRAINING HOURS

To be eligible to sit for (take) a certiϐication examination applicants shall provide documentary evidence of
the successful completion of formal training (provided by a training body that conforms to the requirements
of ISO 18436-3), which has been based on the Body of Knowledge for each category https://www.vi-
institute.org/vibration-institute-body-of-knowledge/ (or see page 18 of this Handbook). Training should take
the form of formal lectures, demonstrations, trainer-speciϐied practical exercises, and/or distance-controlled
self-study (e.g., correspondence or online courses).

ISO 18436-3 “Requirements for training bodies and the training process”, states that for each technology,
[the training] “shall be documented in detail or training examinations shall be taken from approved trainers”
to qualify as training hours. Additionally, ISO 18436-3 requires that candidates take a closed book training
examination. Formula sheets may be permitted. Upon completion, the trainer must provide a score and a
written summary of the results. While candidates can take any training, that training should be ISO 18436-3
compliant.

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REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 9

 Per ISO 18436-2, in order to be eligible for assessment (certiϐication exam) “candidates shall provide
documentary evidence of successful completion of formal training”. It is required that hours of training time
meet the minimums in Table 1 below:

Table 1 – Minimum Required Training Hours

Category I Category II Category III Category IV

30 hours Category I + Category II + Category III +

38 hours 38 hours 64 hours

Suggested information sources are listed in the Sources for Self-Study and Review on page 16 in this Handbook.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

ISO 18432-2 recommends but does not require additional training on machine knowledge. It recommends
machinery and component training (or equivalent on the job training) of at least half the duration of the
required training. This is important training that should be considered seriously by the candidate. The
Vibration Institute does include exam questions related to machinery knowledge.

EXPERIENCE

To be eligible to sit for an exam, candidates shall provide evidence of experience in the ϐield of machinery
vibration condition monitoring and diagnostics. For category IV candidates, validation may be provided by
another category IV practitioner or their company manager. The minimum required experience can be found
in Table 2 below:

Table 2 – Minimum Required Experience in Months

Category I Category II Category III Category IV

6 18 (12*) 36 60

MATURE (“DIRECT”) ENTRY TO CATEGORY II & III

*Mature Entry to Category II: A certiϐication candidate may skip the Vibration Institute Category I
examination, certiϐication, and formal training requirements for Category I, and apply directly for Category II

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REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 10

certiϐication if they meet any one of the following criteria. Candidates must still meet the 38-hour training
requirement for Category II and one of the following criteria:

• Have a 4-year degree from a college or university plus 12 months experience

• Have a 2-year technical degree from a college or university plus 12 months experience
• Have 3 or more years of work experience in vibration analysis

Mature Entry to Category III: A certiϐication candidate may skip the Vibration Institute Category II
examination, certiϐication, and formal training requirements for Category II, and apply directly for Category
III certiϐication if they meet any one of the following criteria. Candidates must still meet the 38-hour training
requirement for Category III and one of the following criteria:

• Have a 4-year degree from a college or university plus 5 years’ experience

• Have a 2-year technical degree from a college or university plus 6 years’ experience
• Have 7 or more years of work experience in vibration analysis

CERTIFICATION EXAMINATIONS

Candidates are required to answer a number of multiple-choice questions based on the job descriptions in
Section 4, the subject and topics in Annex A, and machinery knowledge as described in Section 5.3.2 of ISO
18436-2 as deemed necessary by the Institute’s Certification Committee. The topics are summarized for each
category in the Body of Knowledge stated on page 18 in this Handbook, however, it is not a substitute for ISO
18436-2, which is available from ISO. Exam items (questions) are of a practical nature and cover the concepts,
principles, and applications necessary to conduct machinery vibration measurements. Mathematical
calculations are required, as is a capability to interpret tables, plots, and charts as given in the sample
questions beginning on page 32 in this Handbook.

Table 3 – Exam Details by Category

Number of Questions on Exam Time Allowed to Complete Exam

Category I 63 2 hours

Category II 105 3 hours

Category III 105 4 hours

Category IV 63 5 hours

All Institute examinations contain questions for beta testing that do not count toward the examination score.
These extra questions (one per 20 examination questions) are present on all certiϐication examinations and
are not labeled as beta items.

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REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 11

RE-EXAMINATION

A candidate who fails to obtain the passing grade for certiϐication may retake the examination for that
category. The requirements for retaking a certiϐication examination are:
• Fail the ϐirst examination attempt - wait a minimum of 30 days before re-examination.
• Fail the second examination attempt (initial re-examination) - wait a minimum of 30 days before
re-examination (minimum wait of 90 days is recommended).
• Fail the third examination attempt (second re-examination) - wait a minimum of 12 months before next
examination attempt.
• Fail the fourth or subsequent examination attempt (third or subsequent re-examination) - wait a minimum
of 12 months and take a relevant vibration class with at least 24 class hours (three days) before reapplying
to take a certiϐication examination at the same category.
Candidates who have their certiϐication revoked for reasons of unethical behavior as described in part in the
CHEATING and FORGERY section of this Handbook, must wait a minimum of 48 months before reapplying,
per ISO 18436-1. In severe cases of repeated cheating and forgery, the candidate may be banned from taking
another certiϐication exam permanently.

Candidates who want to retest are strongly encouraged to contact the Vibration Institute and request an
Exam Review if they have not already done so.

EXAM REVIEWS

Individuals who fail a certiϐication examination may ϐill out a “Request for Examination Review” found on the
Vibration Institute website and request a written review of their examination within ϐive years of the test
date. The applicant will be provided with a study guide relative to their performance on the examination that
indicates the subject and topic areas requiring additional study. Please note that absolute scores cannot be
provided.

COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS

Any examinee, candidate, certiϐicant or individual may ϐile a complaint or appeal in accordance with Vibration
Institute certiϐication procedure “Complaints and Appeals” (CP011). A complaint may involve the Institute’s
certiϐication program or a certiϐied individual. Appeals may involve decisions on disqualiϐication,
certiϐication, or recertiϐication.

Persons denied certiϐication or disqualiϐied for reasons of expiration, failure of examination, cheating, or
other such reasons, may make written appeal using “Complaint or Appeal Form” (CF021) found on the
Vibration Institute website under the certiϐication section. Complaints and appeals will be reviewed
conϐidentially and impartially. The reviewing authority reviews all available evidence and comes to a
judgment in a fair and impartial manner.

• Appeals of failing an exam are reviewed by the Appeals Committee.

• Appeals for recertiϐication by points denial are reviewed by the Technical Director of Certiϐication.
• Appeals on exam items (questions) and/or supplied equations (suspected errors by the
examinee) are reviewed by the Appeals Committee.
• Appeals on disqualiϐication are reviewed by the Executive Director and Technical Director of Certiϐication.
• Procedural complaints are reviewed by the Executive Director and Technical Director of Certiϐication.
• Complaints regarding proctors or staff are reviewed by the Executive Director and Technical
Director of Certiϐication.
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REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 13

Any complaint or appeal ruling made by the Executive Director, Technical Director of Certiϐication, or Appeals
Committee can be appealed to the Vibration Institute Board of Directors in writing (email, letter, or fax). The
Board of Directors will provide a decision to grant or deny the appeal based on the facts. Any decision made
by the Vibration Institute Board of Directors is ϐinal.

Response to any complaint or appeal will be made within 90 of receipt of the “Complaint or Appeal Form”
(CF021).

If the complaint is about a Vibration Institute certiϐied individual, the certiϐied individual will be notiϐied by
the Vibration Institute of the complaint lodged against them and given an opportunity to respond to the
allegation.

If you have any questions about the Vibration Institute’s Complaint and Appeals process, please contact the
Vibration Institute’s Executive Director or Technical Director of Certiϐication.

WITHDRAWALS

Certiϐied individuals may resign their status by letter or by not completing the recertiϐication process.

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REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 14

CERTIFIED VIBRATION ANALYST JOB RESPONSIBILITIES BY CATEGORY

The work of Category I Vibration Analysts is completed under supervision. They follow deϐined procedures to
complete various simple single-channel vibration condition monitoring tasks. They know fundamental
vibration principles and units of measurement; they obtain reliable, repeatable data by following established
routes, upload the data, and recognize data errors. While collecting data, Cat I analysts observe monitored
equipment, match overall vibration values to limits, and report concerns. They do NOT select sensors, pick
testing methods, or draw conclusions about test results.

Successful Category II Vibration Analysts build upon Category I expectations. They are able to collect
phase-triggered data; can set up instrumentation for straightforward signal analysis; conduct impact-based
natural frequency tests; draw conclusions from routine testing; diagnose and prescribe corrections for common
faults; do single-plane balancing, and guide Category I analysts.

Similarly, Category III Vibration Analysts meet all requirements for Categories I and II, plus have the knowledge
and skills necessary for more advanced vibration monitoring. These analysts develop and complete
non-standard diagnostic testing; select portable and permanent monitoring systems; design monitoring
programs and procedures; diagnose faults based on a variety of testing methods (orbits, waveforms, ODS,
enveloping, spectra, transfer functions, etc.); can do basic two-plane balancing of rigid rotors; and specify and
conduct testing via other monitoring technologies. Cat III analysts have sufϐicient knowledge to make decisions
regarding machine operation and to guide Cat I and II analysts.

Category IV Vibration Analysts fulϐill all Category I, II, and III job expectations, and can determine machinery
monitoring approaches. Cat IV analysts have extensive vibration capabilities, spanning topics from advanced
multi-channel measurement interpretation to structural design, rotor dynamics applications to complex
two-plane balancing, and evaluation of relevant codes and standards.

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REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 16

BODY OFKNOWLEDGE
BODY OF KNOWLEDGE(reference: ISO 18436-2, Annex A)

CATEGORY
SUBJECT & TOPIC
I II III IV

1. Vibration Principles

Basic motion X X X

Period, frequency X X X

Amplitude (Peak, peal-to-peak, RMS) X X X

Parameters (Displacement, velocity, acceleration) X X X

Units, unit conversions X X X

Time and frequency domains X X X

Vectors, modulation X X

Phase X X X

Natural frequency, resonance, critical speeds X X X X

Force, response, damping, stiffness X X

Instabilities, non-linear systems X

2. Data Acquisition

Instrumentation X X X X

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REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 17

BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

CATEGORY
SUBJECT & TOPIC
I II III IV

Dynamic range, signal to noise ratio X X

Transducers X X X

Sensor mounting, mounted natural frequency X X X

Fmax acquisition time X X

Proximity sensor conventions X X

Triggering X X

Test planning X X X

Test procedures X X X X

Data formats X X

Computer database upload/download X

Recognition of poor data X X X

3. Signal Processing

RMS/peak detection X

Analogue/digital conversion X

Analogue recording and digital sampling X X X

FFT computation X X

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REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 18

BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

CATEGORY
SUBJECT & TOPIC
I II III IV

FFT applicaƟon X X

Time windows (Uniform, Hanning, flat-top) X X

Filters (Low pass, high pass, band pass, tracking) X X X

AnƟ-aliasing X X X

Bandwidth, resoluƟon X X X

Noise reducƟon X X X

Averaging (Linear, synchronous Ɵme, exponenƟal) X X X

Dynamic range X X X

Signal to noise raƟo X

Spectral maps X X

4. CondiƟon Monitoring

Computer database set-up and maintenance X

Equipment evaluaƟon and prioriƟzaƟon X

Monitoring program design X X X

Alarm set-up (Narrowband, envelope) X

Baseline assessments, trending X X

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REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 19

BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

CATEGORY
SUBJECT & TOPIC
I II III IV

Route planning X X

Alternate technologies (e.g. oil analysis, wear debris

analysis, infrared thermography, motor current analysis, X X
acousƟc emission)

Fault condiƟon recogniƟon X X

5. Fault Analysis

Spectrum analysis harmonics and sidebands X X X

Time waveform analysis X X X

Phase analysis X X X

Transient analysis X X

Orbital analysis X X

ShaŌ center-line analysis X X X

Enveloping X X X

Mass unbalance X X

Misalignment X X

Mechanical looseness X X

Rubs, instabiliƟes X X

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REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 20

BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

CATEGORY
SUBJECT & TOPIC
I II III IV

Bearing defects (Rolling element, journal) X X

Electric motor defects X X X

Flow induced vibration, aerodynamics and liquids X X

Gearbox analysis X X

Resonance and critical speeds X X X

Turbomachinery X X

General fault recognition X

6. Corrective Action

Shaft alignment X X

Field balancing X X X

Replacement of machine parts X

Flow control X X

Isolation and damping X X

Resonance control X X

Basic maintenance action X X X

7. Equipment Knowledge

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in any form without the express written consent of the Vibration Institute.

REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 21

BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

CATEGORY
SUBJECT & TOPIC
I II III IV

Electric motors, generators and drives X X X

Pumps, fans X X X

Steam turbines, gas turbines X X

Compressors X X X

Reciprocating machinery X X

Rolling mills, paper machines, other process equipment X X X

Machine tools X X X

Structures, piping X X X

Gearboxes X X X

Rolling element bearings X X

Journal bearings X X

Gearing X X

Couplings, belts X X

8. Acceptance Testing

Test procedure X X

Specifications and standards X X

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in any form without the express written consent of the Vibration Institute.

REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 22

BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

CATEGORY
SUBJECT & TOPIC
I II III IV

Reporting X X

9. Equipment Testing and Diagnostics

Impact testing X X X

Forced response testing X X X

Transient analysis X X

Transfer functions X X

Damping evaluation X

Cross channel phase X X

Operating deflection shapes X X

Modal analysis X X

Torsional vibration X

10. Reference Standards

ISO X X X

IEC X X X

Relevant national standards X X X

11. Reporting and Documentation

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in any form without the express written consent of the Vibration Institute.

REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 23

BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

CATEGORY
SUBJECT & TOPIC
I II III IV

CondiƟon monitoring reports X X

VibraƟon diagnosƟc reports X X X

12. Fault Severity DeterminaƟon:

Spectrum analysis X X X

Time waveform analysis, orbit analysis X X X

Levels: overall, narrowband, component X X

Severity charts: graphs and formula X X X

13. Rotor/Bearing Dynamics:

Rotor characterisƟcs X

Bearing characterisƟcs X

Rotor balancing X

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in any form without the express written consent of the Vibration Institute.

REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 24

APPLICABLE ISO STANDARDS
CATEGORY
ISO REFERENCE
I II III IV

ISO 10816-3, Mechanical vibraƟon – EvaluaƟon of machine

vibraƟon by measurements on non-rotaƟng parts – Part 3:
Industrial machines with nominal power above 15kW and X X X
nominal speeds between 120 r/min and 15000 r/min when
measured in situ

ISO 10816-4, Mechanical vibraƟon – EvaluaƟon of machine

vibraƟon by measurements on non-rotaƟng parts – Part 4: X X X
Gas turbine sets with fluid-film bearings

ISO 10816-5, Mechanical vibraƟon – EvaluaƟon of machine

vibraƟon by measurements on non-rotaƟng parts – Part 5:
X X X
Machine sets in hydraulic power generaƟng and pumping
plants

ISO 10816-6, Mechanical vibraƟon – EvaluaƟon of machine

vibraƟon by measurements on non-rotaƟng parts – Part 6: X X X
ReciprocaƟng machines with power raƟngs above 100 kW

ISO 10816-7, Mechanical vibraƟon – EvaluaƟon of machine

vibraƟon by measurements on non-rotaƟng parts – Part 7:
X X X
Rotordynamic pumps for industrial applicaƟons, including
measurements on rotaƟng shaŌs

ISO 10817-1, RotaƟng shaŌ vibraƟon measuring systems –

X X
Part 1: RelaƟve and absolute sensing of radial vibraƟon

ISO 11342, Mechanical vibraƟon – Methods and criteria for

X
the mechanical balancing of flexible rotors

ISO 13372, CondiƟon monitoring and diagnosƟcs of

X X X X
machines – Vocabulary

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in any form without the express written consent of the Vibration Institute.

REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 27

APPLICABLE ISO STANDARDS
CATEGORY
ISO REFERENCE
I II III IV

ISO 13373-1, CondiƟon monitoring and diagnosƟcs of

machines
X X X X
– VibraƟon condiƟon monitoring – Part 1: General
procedures

ISO 13373-2, CondiƟon monitoring and diagnosƟcs of

machines
X X X
– VibraƟon condiƟon monitoring – Part 2: Processing,
analysis and presentaƟon of vibraƟon data

ISO 13374-1, CondiƟon monitoring and diagnosƟcs of

machines
X X X
– Data processing, communicaƟon and presentaƟon – Part
1: General guidelines

ISO 13379-1. CondiƟon monitoring and diagnosƟcs of

machines
X X
– Data interpretaƟon and diagnosƟcs techniques – Part 1:
General guidelines

ISO 13381-1, CondiƟon monitoring and diagnosƟcs of

machines
X X X
– PrognosƟcs – Part 1: General guidelines

ISO 14694, Industrial Fans – SpecificaƟons for balance

X X X X
quality and vibraƟon levels

ISO 14695, Industrial fans – Method of measurement of fan

X X
vibraƟon

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in any form without the express written consent of the Vibration Institute.

REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 28

APPLICABLE ISO STANDARDS
CATEGORY
CATEGORY
ISOISOREFERENCE
REFERENCE

I II III IV

ISO 17359, CondiƟon monitoring and diagnosƟcs of

X X X X
machines – General guidelines

ISO 18431-1, Mechanical vibraƟon and shock – Signal

X X X
processing – Part 1: General introducƟon

ISO 18431-2, Mechanical vibraƟon and shock – Signal

processing – Part 2: Time domain windows for Fourier X X X
Transform analysis

ISO 18436-1, CondiƟon monitoring and diagnosƟcs of

machines

– Requirement for qualificaƟon and assessment of X

personnel – Part 1: Requirements for assessment bodies
and the assessment process

ISO 18436-3, CondiƟon monitoring and diagnosƟcs of

machines

– Requirement for qualificaƟon and assessment of X

personnel – Part 3: Requirements for training bodies and
the training process

ISO 19499, Mechanical vibraƟon – Balancing – Guidance on

X
the use and applicaƟon of balancing standards

ISO 21940-13, Mechanical vibraƟon – Rotor balancing – Part

13: Criteria and safeguards for the in-situ balancing of X
medium and large rotors

ISO 21940-14, Mechanical vibraƟon – Rotor balancing – Part

X X
14: Procedures for assessing balance errors

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in any form without the express written consent of the Vibration Institute.

REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 29

CODE OF ETHICS

Individuals certiϐied according to the Vibration Institute’s Vibration Analyst scheme must recognize the
precepts of personal integrity and professional competence as international principles.

Accordingly, certiϐied individuals shall:

I. perform their professional duties with proper regard for the physical environment and the safety,
health and well-being of the public;

II. undertake only those vibration tasks for which they are competent by virtue of their training and
experience, and where warranted, engage or advise the engagement of such analysts as are required to
enable them to properly complete assignments;

III. conduct themselves in a responsible manner and utilize fair and equitable business practices in dealing
with colleagues, clients and associates;

IV. protect to the fullest extent possible, consistent with the well-being of the public, any information given
them in conϐidence by an employer, colleague or member of the public;

V. refrain from making unjustiϐied statement or from performing unethical acts which would discredit the
certiϐication program based on this scheme;

VI. indicate to the employer or client any adverse consequences which may result from an over-ruling of
the technical judgment by a non-technical authority;

VII. avoid conϐlicts of interest with any employer or client, and if any such conϐlicts should arise in the
performance of work inform the affected persons promptly of the circumstances;

VIII. strive to maintain their proϐiciency by updating the technical knowledge as required to properly
perform condition monitoring and diagnostics measurement and analysis techniques;

IX. refrain from misuse of the Institute’s logo and certiϐication status;

X. inform the Vibration Institute, without delay, of matters that can affect the capability of the certiϐied
person to continue to fulϐill the certiϐication requirements. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of your
certiϐicate.

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in any form without the express written consent of the Vibration Institute.

REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 30

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

IMPORTANT- You must bring pens, #2 pencils (HB lead), and a basic scientiϐic calculator to the
examination. For more details, visit the Vibration Institute Certiϐication Examination Process page at
https://www.vi-institute.org/vibration-institute-examination-process/ or contact the Vibration
Institute.

CATEGORY I SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. What are the units of vibration velocity?

a. mils
b. g’s
c. inches per second
d. Inches

2. The period of vibration is typically measured in

a. days.
b. minutes.
c. milliseconds.
d. nanoseconds.

3. A vibration transducer used to evaluate pump faults and condition should be mounted

a. anywhere.
b. on the ϐloor.
c. close to the machine bearings.
d. on the piping.

4. In vibration work the Fast Fourier Transform is used to

a. obtain the amount of vibration at machine frequencies.

b. transform machine vibration into heat.
c. generate a vibration waveform.
d. ϐilter out unwanted noise from the data.

5. Baseline vibration measurements are made to

a. evaluate the life of equipment.

b. generate new design information.
c. provide a basis for future comparisons of data.
d. evaluate instruments used for monitoring.

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in any form without the express written consent of the Vibration Institute.

REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 31

 6. A gearbox can be used in a machine train to

a. increase vibration surveillance.

b. lower vibration levels.
c. reduce heat.
d. allow driven and driver to operate at different speeds.

7. A 60 Hz two-pole induction motor operates

a. at 3,600 RPM under load.

b. at a speed less than its magnetic frequency.
c. with no slip.
d. at 7,200 RPM.

8. The principal function of acceptance testing is to obtain

a. equipment that meets a speciϐication.

b. baseline data.
c. a fault analysis.
d. a condition evaluation.

9. The vibration level on a fan increased from 0.1 inch per second to 1.0 inch per second over the
period of a month. What is the possible cause of the increase in vibration?

a. loss of a blade
b. small rolling element bearing defect
c. change in the weather
d. change in operational conditions

10. Operation of a machine at its critical speed

a. may cause decreased vibration levels.

b. may not change the vibration levels.
c. may increase vibration levels.
d. will increase its efϐiciency.

ANSWERS TO SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR CATEGORY I:

1. c, 2. c, 3. c, 4. a, 5. c, 6. d, 7. b, 8. a, 9. a, 10. c

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in any form without the express written consent of the Vibration Institute.

REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 32

CATEGORY II SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. What is the fundamental frequency of the waveform shown

in Figure 1?

a. 5.3 Hz
b. 11.59 Hz
c. 22.8 Hz
d. 60 CPM

2. What measure has been shown to be most effective for

evaluation of general machine condition from bearing cap
measurements?

a. displacement
b. acceleration
c. mils
d. velocity FIGURE 1

3. What is the most basic display that can be used to directly determine the phase relationship
between the vibrations measured at two locations on a machine?

a. amplitude vs. frequency

b. polar plot
c. Bodé plot
d. time waveform

4. What is the peak amplitude of the waveform shown in Figure 1?

a. 0.23 IPS
b. 0.70 IPS
c. 0.12 g’s
d. 0.35 IPS

5. The data shown in Figure 2 were taken off the inboard bearing of a
two-pole motor in the horizontal direction. The spectrum of the
axial vibration contains a component at 3,580 CPM equal to 0.2
in./sec. What is the most likely fault?

a. mass unbalance
b. misalignment
c. air-gap variation
d. looseness

6. The frequency span used for fault analysis on an FFT analyzer is

concerned with

a. dynamic range.
b. phase distortion.
c. resolution. FIGURE 2
d. amplitude.

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in any form without the express written consent of the Vibration Institute.

REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 33

 7. Vibration from rotor mass unbalance appears in the spectrum at a frequency of

a. three times operating speed.

b. four and one half times operating speed.
c. one times operating speed.
d. one half times operating speed.

8. Calculate the gear-mesh frequency for a gear set with 28 pinion teeth and 99 gear teeth. The
pinion operates at 1,776 RPM.

a. 500 Hz
b. 30,000 CPM
c. 49,728 CPM
d. 175,824 CPM

9. An accelerometer was used to measure 2 g’s peak at 565 Hz. What was the peak vibration
velocity?

a. 0.2 mil
b. 2 mils
c. 0.02 inch/second
d. 0.22 inch/second

10. The ϐirst alarm or alert is set on a data collector to initiate

a. a fault analysis.
b. a time-to-failure calculation.
c. a reduction in the alarm setting.
d. machine shutdown.

ANSWERS TO SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR CATEGORY II:

1. b, 2. d, 3. d, 4 d, 5. b, 6. c, 7. c, 8. c, 9. d, 10. a

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in any form without the express written consent of the Vibration Institute.

REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 34

CATEGORY III SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. The data shown in Figure 3 were acquired from a vertical pump

bearing in the horizontal direction with an accelerometer
integrated to velocity 1,000 mv/in./sec.
- What is the peak
vibration in in./sec?

a. 0.110
b. 0.398
c. 0.578
d. 1.0

2. Spectrum analysis of a motor-driven gearbox with sleeve bearings,

an input speed of 3,585 RPM, and a pinion containing 73 teeth
would require which of the following transducer mounting
techniques?

a. handheld
b. magnet
c. wax FIGURE 3
d. stud

3. A 1,785 RPM-200 HP motor drives a hammer mill through a ϐluid coupling at 1,720 RPM. If a
maximum number of 800 lines of resolution are available on an FFT spectrum analyzer and a
Hanning window is used, what is the maximum frequency span that will permit resolution of
the operating speed components of the motor and hammer mill?

a. 300,000 CPM
b. 120,000 CPM
c. 60,000 CPM
d. 17,333 CPM

4. A polar plot typically contains data from a permanently-mounted proximity probe. What
information is obtained from the polar plot on start-up?

a. bearing stiffness
b. critical speeds
c. rotor mass
d. oil viscosity

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in any form without the express written consent of the Vibration Institute.

REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 35

5. A 400 pound rotor is being balanced in place at 1,775 RPM. The initial vibration reading
measured with a non-contacting displacement transducer was 3 mils at 155º. The rotor
showed a critical speed at 1,250 RPM on coast down. What should be the size and location of
the trial weight if it is mounted at a radius of 10 inches?

a. 0.72 oz - 335º
b. 0.72 oz - 155º
c. 0.50 oz - 155º
d. 0.35 oz - 245º

6. The vibration data shown in Figure 4 were

taken from the pedestal of an 18-inch
diameter guide roll with a surface speed of
2,473 ft/min. The roll is supported on
rolling element bearings with the
following defect frequencies: BPFO, 5.24 x
RPM; BPFI 7.57 x RPM; BSF, 2.41 x RPM;
FTF, 0.4 x RPM. What is the vibration
source?

a. pedestal looseness
b. mass unbalance
FIGURE 4
c. bearings defect(s) on outer race
d. bearing defect(s) on inner race

7. What is the likely cause of the excessive vibration measured on the vertical pump from Figure
3? An impact test showed a structural natural frequency at 39.5 Hz.

a. mass unbalance
b. resonance
c. misalignment
d. cavitation

8. Vibration measured on a two-pole motor in the horizontal direction shows 0.1 IPS and 0.02
IPS at 1x and 2x operating speed respectively. At. 7,200 CPM the motor has a component of
0.25 IPS in the same spectrum. What is the major source of the excessive vibration?

a. mass unbalance
b. misalignment
c. looseness
d. casing distortion

9. A spectrum containing data from a single-reduction gearbox includes vibration activity at

gear speed (0.05 IPS at 59.5 Hz) and gear mesh frequencies (0.5 IPS at 5,950.0 Hz). What is the
dynamic range of the analyzer required if the data are to be shown in an acceleration
spectrum?

a. 6 dB
b. 12 dB
c. 40 dB
d. 60 dB

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in any form without the express written consent of the Vibration Institute.

REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 36

 10. A blower operating at 1,785 RPM has a large component of vibration (0.35 in./sec) at
operating speed. An impact test shows a structural natural frequency of the support frame at
1,800 CPM. What would be the best corrective action to reduce the blower vibration?

a. balance the blower

b. stiffen the support frame
c. reduce the stiffness of the support frame
d. align the blower to the motor

ANSWERS TO SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR CATEGORY III:

1. d, 2. d, 3. d, 4. b, 5. b, 6. d, 7. b, 8. d, 9. d, 10. b

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in any form without the express written consent of the Vibration Institute.

REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 37

CATEGORY IV SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. If you are using a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter with a full-scale range of ± 5 volts, what is
the minimum peak amplitude of a sine wave that can be detected?

a. 9.76 mv
b. 4.88 mv
c. 2.44 mv
d. 1.44 mv

2. Determine the damped natural frequency and

percentage of critical damping from the impact test
data shown in Figure 5.

a. 46 Hz, 50%
b. 30.8 Hz, 50%
c. 30.8 Hz, 48%
d. 30.8 Hz, 11%
FIGURE 5
3. The original vibration of a counter clockwise rotating
fan was 7.0 mils @40°. After a four (4) oz. trial weight was attached at 60° the vibration
reading was 5 mils @ 120°. What is the balance sensitivity and phase lag of the high spot to the
heavy spot?

a. 1.0 oz./mil @ 180°

b. 0.5 oz./mil @ 120°
c. 0.25 oz./mil @ 60°
d. 0.5 oz./mil @ 300°

4. A 1,000 pound 4-pole induction motor is to be mounted on four isolators to minimize

vibration transmitted to its foundation. Which isolator would be preferred in the installation?

a. rubber mount, c/cc = 0.3, kh = 25,000 lb/in., kv = 30,000 lb/in.

b. leaf spring, c/cc = 0.025, kh = 50,000 lb/in., kv = 100,000 lb/in.
c. spring mount, c/cc = 0.01, kh = 1,800 lb/in., kv = 2,500 lb/in.
d. neoprene mount, c/cc = 0.02, kh = 500 lb/in., kv = 250 lb/in.

5. All rotor-bearing instability mechanisms have in common

a. low damping in the axial plane of the rotor.

b. a destabilizing tangential force normal to the rotor radial vibration.
c. a stiffness that exceeds the force in the rotor radial direction.
d. an eigenvalue that is always imaginary.

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REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 38

 6. A center-mounted fan that operates at 1,185 RPM is supported on rolling element bearings
with a stiffness of 50,000 lb/in each. The impeller, which weighs 1,000 pounds, is supported
on a four-inch diameter shaft with a center-to-center bearing span of 100 inches. What
vibration amplitude can be expected if the fan is balanced to 3.2 in.-oz? (Neglect shaft weight
& damping; E= 30E06 lb/in²)

a. 0.65 mil - peak to peak

b. 1.2 mils - peak to peak
c. 2.1 mils - peak to peak
d. 0.02 IPS

7. When an impact test is performed, a force window is used to

a. amplify the level of the force pulse.

b. zero out noise after the force pulse.
c. make the response decay within the restraints of the sample window.
d. broaden the frequency range of the pulse.

8. An important test was conducted on a machine frame made with bolted joints using an
instrumented hammer and an accelerometer. If the accelerometer signal is single integrated,
what possible spectral display can be obtained?

a. mobility
b. accelerance
c. apparent mass
d. dynamic stiffness

9. A rotor-bearing system that has split critical speeds, half critical speeds, and zones of
instability must have

a. couple unbalance.
b. non-symmetric rotor stiffness.
c. non-symmetric bearing stiffness.
d. bi-linear rotor damping.

10. A 3200 line, 800 Hz spectrum display includes the following peak components-- 0.5 gs
@100Hz, 2 gs @200 Hz, 3.5 gs @ 250 Hz, and 0.5 gs @ 500 Hz. What is the digital rms value of
the signal in gs?

a. 6.5
b. 5.25
c. 4.09
d. 2.89

ANSWERS TO SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR CATEGORY IV:

1. c, 2. d, 3. b, 4. c, 5. b, 6. a, 7. b, 8. a, 9. b,10. d.

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REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 39

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Naperville, IL 60563

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F: 630.654.2271

[email protected]

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REVISION 11: January 3, 2024 PAGE 40