A method of and apparatus for enabling on-site calibration of an instrument, which measures vibration in a machine to assure that the instrument functions within instrument performance specifications, eliminates the need for shipping the instrument to a remote lab for calibration. In one embodiment a CD containing a database that includes the calibration procedure is provided for use with a laptop computer located on site with the instrument. The laptop is connected to the instrument and the procedure displayed on the laptop is followed to calibrate the instrument. Upon successful completion of the procedure, the laptop is connected to a printer which prints out a certificate of completion of calibration. In an alternative embodiment, the database and procedure are available on a remote computer, which is accessed via an internet connection that is password protected.