CAT II - Basic Machinery Vibration (BMV) 

BMV prepares attendees to perform basic vibration analysis on industrial machinery using single-channel measurements, with or without trigger signals, according to established and recognized procedures. It covers basics of sensors, database and data collector setup, data collection, signal processing, fault analysis, and basics of single plane balancing. It is partial preparation for the Vibration Analyst Category II Certification Exam. The workshops and demonstrations scheduled throughout the training course are used to illustrate theory and applications. All registered attendees in the Basic Machinery Vibrations training course will receive:

• Course Training Manual
• Printed Copy of Course PowerPoints
• Workbook with examples, vibration related questions requiring a solution and 18436-2 Annex A from the Body of Knowledge
• Calculator
• Ruler
• Electronic Certificate of Course Completion

The BMV training is a five day course. It will run Monday through Thursday 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. daily. With the final day, Friday running from 8:00 A.M. - 3:00pm. Subject to change.

optional CAT II exam Saturday 8:00AM-11:00AM

BMV Course Content Includes An introduction and background to Basic Vibration; Sensors, Instrumentation, Measurements, Conversion of Measurements, Analysis Techniques, Balancing, Machine Condition and Evaluation.

There is a workshop supporting each chapter. The student will test their knowledge and understanding of the material presented for that chapter by completing the workshops during the time allowed in class. The instructor will then review the workshop with the class. The student’s time and understanding of the work shop materials will aid them in their preparation for the certification exam.

Training and Workshops Include:

1. Basic Machinery Vibrations; units, properties, measurements, motions, time, excitation, critical speeds, frequency and amplitude.
2. Data Acquisition; selecting a measure, transducers, frequency spans, data displays, and calibration.
3. Data Processing; instruments, sampling, aliasing, windows, dynamic range, averaging, analyzer set-up, and filters.
4. Fault Diagnostics; techniques, operating speed, rolling element bearings, gearboxes, motors, pumps, fans and compressors.
5. Condition Evaluation; shaft vibration, bearing vibration, casing vibration, historical data base, charts and graphs.
6. Machine Testing; equipment, site inspection, acceptance testing, baseline development, transient testing, presentation of data and reports.
7. Periodic Monitoring; listing assets, categorizing priorities, route selections, measurement points, frequency of data collection, reporting of results.
8. Single Plane Balancing; type of unbalance, balancing equipment, pre-balancing checks, measurements, trial weights, vector method and balancing solution.

It is recommended that attendees review the Body of Knowledge found in ISO 18436-2 Annex A, prior to the course.

Instructor: Keith Chesser

Location: 

Doubletree by Hilton North Charleston Convention Center
5264 International Blvd.
North Charleston, SC 29418

Room Block Available: 

To book a room with the room block rate of $149/night call the hotel directly at 843-576-0300 and reference Group Name
Vibration Institute Training Event or group code XYZ. Front Desk Agents are able to assist with
reservations 24 hours a day for your convenience.

Reservations must be made by Friday, February 13, 2026.

Course Agenda:

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Friday 8:00 A.M - 3:00 P.M

Optional Cat I exam - Saturday, 8:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

Registration Fee:

Member: $2,425

Non-Member: $2,525

Includes Course Materials, Lunch, and Afternoon Break

To join as a member, and receive a discount, and a year of benefits, click HERE

If you would like materials shipped to you in advance of the course, there will be a non-refundable expedited materials fee of $100 and 50% deductible on the course registration fee if canceling the course after receiving materials in advance.

Cancellation Fees: The cancellation of and transfer to a training course and certification exam will be honored, provided that written notification is received by the Institute office via e-mail or mail no later than ten (10) business days before the first day of the scheduled course.

Our cancellation fees are as follows:

Transfer to another training course (and certification exam, if applicable): $0

Cancellation without transfer to another course (and certification exam, if applicable) 10 or more days before first date of course: 10% of course (and exam, if applicable) cost.

Cancellation less than 10 days of first date of course (and certification exam, if applicable): $500 20% of course (and exam, if applicable) cost.

Absentees for the course will not receive a refund.  This cancellation policy supersedes all prior published information.  We appreciate that this is an important investment for you and your company and would like to accommodate your needs the best we can. If you have a concern, please call our office at 1-630-654-2254

Optional Certification Exam: A Vibration Analyst Category I Certification Exam will need to be scheduled outside of this training agenda. Typically, the Vibration Analyst Category I Certification Exam is scheduled for 2 hours on Saturday morning following the training course. (Course and Exam schedule are always subject to change based on scheduling or unforeseen circumstances.)  Please be sure you have completed the Exam Application in advance of your exam. You may find the exam application at: https://www.vi-institute.org/vibration-analysts-certification-forms/

Optional Certification Exam to be administered the day AFTER the course:

Vibration Analyst Category I: $360

Vibration Analyst Category II: $410

Vibration Analyst Category III: $460

Vibration Analyst Category IV: $510

Balancing Field Specialist Exam: $360

Photography and Video Policy: 

By participating in the Vibration Institute events, we (VI) reserve the right to use any photograph/video taken for any of our in-person events or marketing platforms. This is not limited to but includes: promotional materials, website, social media, etc.