I am new to this industry – do you have a recommended training/certification/work path for me to follow?
Congratulations on choosing to become involved with energy and green! There is a lot to learn and even those of us who have been working in this field for over three decades are still learning new things every single day. The recommended path below will help you gain expertise one step at a time.
RESNET Certified Field Inspector – this class will provide training on energy usage in a home, creating scaled sketches, gathering energy usage data in the field, proper use of infiltration and duct leakage testing equipment and understanding of basic residential construction techniques and materials. There is a two-hour, 50 question test taken and a minimum 80% score must be achieved. A Field Inspector works under a Certified HERS Rater who is responsible to complete the Field Inspector’s certification by overseeing their performance in the field while they gather data for three Home Energy Ratings.
BPI Building Analyst – this class will add training on potential health and safety issues, proper use of carbon monoxide and combustible gas testing equipment and interpreting results, understanding and interpreting BPI Standards and writing work orders. To complete certification, a two-hour, 100 question test is taken and a minimum 70% score must be achieved. A field test must be taken to demonstrate equipment proficiency and appropriate use and interpretation of BPI Standards.
RESNET Certified HERS Rater – this class will add training on heat load calculations, reading and working with building plans, proper use of certified software, climate zones, advanced construction techniques, thermal bypass and insulation installation inspections and reporting. Two ratings are performed during the training class. A two-hour, 50 question test is taken and a minimum 80% score must be achieved. Certified HERS Raters must belong to a RESNET QA Provider’s network and three additional probationary ratings must also be satisfactorily performed for the QA Designee to complete their certification.
Where you go from here is up to you. There are advanced HERS Rater training and certification classes available, you may choose to become a Green Rater, to qualify to certify homes for national green programs, to include infrared inspections in your offerings, etc. There are also advanced BPI designations focusing on building envelope, multi-family, HVAC systems and more.