Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
The NIST Office of Weights and Measures (OWM) Fundamentals of Metrology seminar is an intensive course that introduces participants to measurement systems, units, good laboratory practices, data integrity, measurement uncertainty, and Quality Management Systems. Additional topics include overall Laboratory Management, proficiency testing, calibration certificate generation and software verification and validation. Topics are contextualized using a variety of measurement disciplines, laboratory measurements and case studies so that the participants will be able to apply the concepts to any measurement discipline.
This class covers the following procedures from NISTIR 6969:
- GLP 1, Quality Assurance of the Measurement Process;
- GLP 9, Rounding Expanded Uncertainties and Calibration Values;
- GMP 11, Assignment and Adjustment of Calibration Intervals for Laboratory Standards;
- GMP 13, Ensuring Traceability;
- SOP 1, Preparation of Calibration Certificates;
- SOP 29, Assignment of Uncertainty; and
- SOP 30, Process Measurement Assurance Program.
Class Information
Learning Objectives
At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:
- IDENTIFY and USE reference materials to ensure good quality, accurate, traceable measurement results;
- EXPLAIN highlights and key concepts of each topic (noted on the Table of Contents and the detailed learning objectives) to each other and to your managers and show how these topics fit into a management system using ISO/IEC 17025 as the basis;
- Have and know how to IMPLEMENT several simple tools, job aids, and references to use and improve your laboratory operations.
Audience
This training seminar is open to industry and government metrologists.
Minimum Requirements
Successful completion requires that participants fully participate in all classroom and laboratory exercises, turn in or present accurate work assignments, and be present for the entire course. There will also be a Final Exam on the last day of the class. The Final Exam will contribute 70 percent of the grade; other class and laboratory exercises will be 30 percent of the grade. A passing grade on both portions is required to obtain a training certificate that indicates “successful completion” (e.g., getting a 100 percent on the final will not guarantee successful completion). Successful completion qualifies the participant to participate in the Mass, Volume, and Length seminars offered by NIST OWM, though those may have additional prerequisites.
*Homework note: Students generally report taking two hours for homework each night. Completing the pre-work reading can minimize homework time. Pre-work reading time should be recorded on the Reading Outlines.
Registration Fee
The registration fee for this seminar is $3,100. Confirmed participants will be sent payment instructions. This fee does not cover travel, lodging, or meal expenses. Payment deadline is 30 calendar days before the class. Registration fees for State weights and measures regulatory officials and metrologists are funded by NIST OWM.
Technology Requirements
Registered participants must bring a laptop or tablet PC to the seminar. Participants must have access to Microsoft Word and Excel (version 2010 or newer are acceptable) and be able to open and use template Excel workbooks that will be provided on USB media or available via a secure SharePoint folder. 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 SharePoint folder.
Instructor
Toby Herman
Email: tobias.herman [at] nist.gov (tobias[dot]herman[at]nist[dot]gov)
Pre-Event
Post-Event
Sponsors
NIST Office of Weights and Measures
Lodging Information
Security Instructions
All visitors must be preregistered and present photo identification and vehicle registration information upon arrival. 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.
Photo I.D. Requirements for Citizens
- Effective May 7, 2025, agencies can only accept a state-issued driver’s license or identification card from states that are compliant with or have an exemption for the REAL ID Act. See the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) site to confirm if your ID is compliant.
- NIST currently accepts other forms of federally issued identification in lieu of a state-issued driver's license, including an original passport, passport card, DOD Common Access Card (CAC), Veteran ID, Federal Agency HSPD-12 IDs, Military Dependent ID, Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), and TSA Trusted Traveler ID.
Foreign Nationals
- Lawful Permanent Resident visitors must present their Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) upon arrival. Non-Permanent Resident visitors must present a valid passport (original only) upon arrival.
- All forms of ID must be original. No photocopies are permitted.