What are the minimum NIC values for Enclosed Office and Conference/Teleconference?

• A. Enclosed Office: 30; Conference/Teleconference: 50.
• B. Enclosed Office: 35 if sound masking present, 40 if no sound masking. Conference/Teleconference: 53 on walls adjoining private offices, or other conference/teleconference rooms.
• C. Enclosed Office: 50; Conference/Teleconference: 60.
• D. Enclosed Office: 25; Conference/Teleconference: 30.

Answer: (B)

Understanding how NIC works helps explain these numbers. NIC (Noise Isolation Class) measures how well a wall or partition blocks sound transmission between spaces, affecting acoustic privacy. The WELL standard ties these minimum values to how the space is used and whether sound masking is in place.

For an enclosed office, having a sound masking system present reduces the amount of audible distraction and improves perceived privacy, so a lower NIC is acceptable: 35. If there is no sound masking, you need stronger physical isolation, so the minimum NIC increases to 40.

For conference or teleconferencing spaces, walls that border private offices or other conference/teleconference rooms require higher isolation to prevent conversations from being overheard, hence a NIC of 53.

Thus, this combination—Enclosed Office: 35 with masking, 40 without; Conference/Teleconference: 53 on walls adjoining private offices or other conference spaces—fits WELL’s NIC requirements.