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LEED Exam Outline: Format & Knowledge Domains

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design. By the name and acronym alone, it might be unclear as to what kind of knowledge individuals are expected to have to pass the LEED exam, but hopefully we can shed some light on this below with our LEED exam outline information.

Before you can even start thinking about the LEED exam, you first have to ask, “Can LEED help my career? If so, how?”

To answer that question, you have to have a basic understanding of what LEED represents, specifically the knowledge areas and skills that are expected of LEED professionals. Take a moment to review our New to LEED? Start Here! series for more information about LEED.

An Introduction to the LEED Exam

A high-level outline of LEED knowledge areas is available in the Candidate Handbook published by the U.S. Green Building Council (the creators of LEED). While this information is relatively helpful to people who are new to LEED, you’ll see that the “Knowledge Domains” in the handbook are formatted very much like bullet points. In other words, you have to obtain knowledge in 9 categories and then know what the 8-9 terms in each category mean. Unless you have work experience on LEED building projects, the categories and concepts will likely look like gibberish to you.

For this reason, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) developed a network of Education Partners. As a USGBC Education Partner, Everblue’s curriculum team gains exclusive access to the LEED exam specifications so that we can create LEED Exam Prep training programs that are helpful, informative, and accurate to the exam. Thus, candidates are not left to their own devices when studying for the LEED exam; they can follow along with tried-and-true curriculum that will teach them the concepts and explain the value and application of each LEED knowledge area.

The LEED exam outline can be found in each candidate handbook

Before we really get into the LEED Knowledge Domains, let’s briefly understand how the LEED exam is formatted.

Overview of LEED Exam Format

Each LEED exam contains 100 randomly generated multiple-choice questions. Because these questions are pulled from a pool of 1000+ questions, no two candidates will have the exact same exam. Candidates will have 2 hours to answer their unique 100-question exam.

According to the USGBC Candidate Handbook, the LEED credentialing exams assess a candidate’s abilities at three cognitive levels: Recall, Application, and Analysis.

Recall Questions: These questions assess a candidate’s ability to recall factual material, such as numerical thresholds and precedent-setting standards.
Application Questions: These questions provide the candidate with a novel problem or scenario that the candidate can solve using familiar principles or procedures.
Analysis Questions: These questions assess a candidate’s ability to break the problem down into its components to create a solution. The candidate must not only recognize the different elements of the problem but must also evaluate the relationship or interactions of these elements.

The exams are computer-based and administered by Prometric, a third-party test-proctoring company with testing centers in nearly every major city in the world. Because the exam is digital, candidates will know their score immediately after they submit their responses.

The exam has both scored and unscored questions. Unscored questions are used to gather performance data to inform whether the question should be scored on future exams.

LEED Knowledge Domains

The LEED Knowledge Domains outlined in the Candidate Handbook are the main criteria that make up our LEED exam outline and are meant to provide a general overview of the exam content areas. They are organized by LEED Credit Category.

Regardless of which LEED exam you are pursuing – LEED Green Associate or LEED AP – you will be tested on your knowledge of the LEED Credit Categories. The difference is how the questions are weighted by category and the extent to which you must possess knowledge and technical skills.

Below you’ll see the breakdown of the three most popular LEED exams:

Knowledge Domains
# of Questions on Exam per Category
	LEED GA	LEED AP BD+C	LEED AP O+M
LEED Process	16	8	12
Integrative Strategies	8	9
Location and Transportation	7	9	5
Sustainable Sites	7	9	9
Water Efficiency	9	9	13
Energy and Atmosphere	10	14	21
Materials and Resources	9	12	10
Indoor Environmental Quality	8	11	15
Project Surroundings & Public Outreach	11	4
*Unscored Questions*	15	15	15

On the LEED Green Associate exam, candidates are asked the most questions about the LEED Process. This makes sense, given that LEED Green Associate is the entry-level credential for LEED professionals. As a LEED Green Associate, it’s important to understand the process and how different design, construction, and operations activities interact.

On the LEED AP Building Design + Construction (BD+C) exam, candidates are asked the most questions about Energy and Atmosphere. Concepts like building orientation, passive design, and space usage are most crucial at the new construction phase. The next most important category for LEED AP BD+C credential holders is Materials and Resources, which again makes sense when you’re thinking about building and material reuse.

On the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (O+M) exam, candidates are asked the most questions about Energy and Atmosphere. Concepts like commissioning, demand response, renewable energy, energy metering, and benchmarking are directly applicable to the successful operations and maintenance of existing buildings. There are no questions on the LEED AP O+M exam on Integrative Strategies or Public Surroundings and Outreach, which is interesting since collaborative teamwork, interrelated systems, and codes are important to any building project.

If you’re looking for greater detail on what’s covered on the LEED exam, you should enroll in a LEED course. Start today with Everblue’s LEED Green Associate Exam Prep where we’ll take a deep dive into each of the LEED Credit Categories and sub-topics. We’ll teach you everything you need to know to pass the LEED Green Associate exam on your first try – guaranteed!

Register now for LEED Green Associate Exam Prep

NC Energy Rating Index Option Now Available for Builders

Explanation of NC Energy Rating Index

The NC Energy Rating Index option means that homebuilders can work with a certified RESNET HERS Rater to evaluate the proposed energy use of a new home and use the resulting energy score (determined by the HERS Rater) to demonstrate that the home meets or exceeds minimum energy code requirements.

Previously, homebuilders were forced to choose between a prescriptive path or performance path as a way of complying with the state’s mandatory code requirements. This took a lot of time and knowledge of the building code requirements. Now, with the acceptance of the ERI pathway, builders can hire a certified RESNET HERS Rater to show reduced energy efficiency and improved cost-effectiveness of their housing stock. The third-party HERS Rater performs the home energy assessment and provides the ERI documentation to the local code official for approval, offering a quick and easy solution for the builder!

Who Benefits from the Energy Rating Index?

Not only are builders required to meet code requirements, but it’s advantageous for them to show prospective homeowners that their homes are energy-efficient; homeowners inherently desire savings, and they can save a lot of money by cutting energy use. Using the ERI performance path is one way to achieve this goal and has proven to be cost-effective. RESNET contracted with the Florida Solar Energy Center to conduct cost-effectiveness analyses of new homes configured to comply with the ERI performance path provisions compared to homes configured to comply with an older building code.

“The ERI provides an easy, expedited and cost-effective performance-based compliance path that further adds to the many benefits of HERS ratings,” said Ryan Miller, NCBPA‘s Executive Director. “Builders will save time and money, code officials will spend less time on the job, and consumers will benefit from the third-party energy efficiency verification process.”

The Energy Rating Index option became available on July 1, 2018 for new home permits ahead of the full transition to the new NC energy code on January 1, 2019. The new residential energy code will be in effect through 2024, with opportunities to make incremental changes during the term. Therefore, builders, contractors, homeowners, and state legislators will be taking special notice of home energy efficiency issues for at least the next 5 years.

There are several other interesting facts about the new North Carolina energy code:

This is the first time that the state code references the use of on-site renewable energy systems and takes their presence into account for evaluating a home’s overall energy use and efficiency.
NC has a strong energy efficiency “backstop,” which means that a home must meet minimum energy efficiency requirements in order to comply with the state code. In other words, a home may not meet code with solar PV or other renewable energy systems alone.

NC Climate Zones Chart with ERI Scores

NCBPA was one of several energy efficiency advocates to champion members of the Energy Ad Hoc Committee and the NC Building Code Council to include the ERI option in the new code. NCBPA seeks to make the ERI option a requirement after 2-3 successful years of use across the state.

According to NCBPA, North Carolina produces the fourth most HERS Ratings in the country, with more than 30% of new single and multifamily homes being rated annually.

In 2017, there were 15,545 homes HERS rated in North Carolina. The average HERS Index Scores of homes rated in the state (in 2017) was 67. As we saw in the above chart, the goal scores will be slightly lower because the lower the number, the more energy-efficient the home is.

US Map with HERS Scores

Earlier in 2018, NCBPA identified a 9.5% sale price premium for homes with HERS ratings and certifications for energy-efficient, green and high performance certifications. NCBPA’s Miller said that he expects HERS rating companies to increase hiring in 2019 to meet increased demand from builders looking to save time and money by using the ERI option.

If you think you might be interested in joining the residential energy efficiency industry, you can learn more about RESNET HERS Rater Certification on our New to RESNET? Start Here page. You can also call us at (800) 460-2575 to learn more about the occupation and the certification process.

NABCEP PV Technical Sales JTA Will Update in 2019

The NABCEP PV Technical Sales JTA, or Job Task Analysis, explains the tasks and knowledge areas that are expected of certified solar sales professionals. NABCEP recently reviewed the JTA and updated the information to reflect this fast-growing industry.

NABCEP JTA Solar Sales Handbook 2018

The previous version of the NABCEP Sales Certification JTA has been in effect since 2013, so you can only imagine how much has changed in the last five years.

This is also important because the JTA serves as the basis for the NABCEP PV Technical Sales Certification exam. NABCEP recently announced the update to the JTA but will not implement the changes until April 2019.

So what will change?

The major differences between the 2018 JTA and the 2013 JTA are as follows:

2018 consolidates the Financial Costs, Incentives, Savings, and Returns into one section instead of 3
Therefore, percentages have increased in each of the testable categories
2018 consolidates “tasks” and “knowledge areas” in each category and considers them the same thing
2018 Site Analysis adds “visual inspection and site walkthrough” and “review site analysis with appropriate stakeholders to establish buy-in and consensus”
2018 Conceptual Design adds “potential sites for energy storage systems” and considers “roof obstructions” and “vent pipe or vent stack rerouting”
2018 replaced “geometry” and “computer skills” with “design software”
2018 Performance Analysis considers “environmental issues” and “monitoring systems”
2018 Financial category offers more tariff options: time-of-use, tiered-rate-structure, flat-rate, and value-of-solar (but less info about government tax credits, rebates, and exemptions)
2018 Financial category adds “job creation benefits, benefits from building sustainable communities, and marketing/PR benefits” to non-financial benefits

Arguably the two biggest changes refer to energy storage systems and tariff options, likely because both were less prevalent in 2013.

A more detailed breakdown of the 2018 vs. 2013 JTA categories is shown below:

NABCEP Solar Sales Exam Breakdown

This update comes on the heels of another NABCEP change regarding continuing education requirements. Although the two announcements are not related, it’s clear that NABCEP is keeping an eye on the industry, listening to the feedback they’re receiving, and acting quickly to maintain their position as the top organization for solar certification.

If you’re interested in joining the solar workforce and earning a NABCEP Certification, give us a call at (800) 460-2575. Everblue is an approved NABCEP Training Provider with IREC-Accredited curriculum. We will not only teach you the solar skills that you need to get a job, but we can also help you qualify for NABCEP Certification. Contact us today!

PA Energy Rating Index Option Now Available to Builders

The Pennsylvania residential energy code has been updated from the 2009 version to the 2015 version. The new state code represents at least a 28% efficiency improvement. This change brings Pennsylvania up to modern homebuilding standards, which now include blower door and duct leakage testing. Another change is the PA Energy Rating Index option.

Introduces PA Energy Rating Index for Code Compliance

Specifically, the state has opted to allow builders to meet the new code by using the PA Energy Rating Index (ERI). This option sets minimum thresholds for a home’s presumed energy consumption and is often met by the evaluation of a RESNET HERS Rater.

In other words, builders choosing the ERI option hire a certified RESNET HERS Rater to perform energy audit testing on a new home. The HERS Rater will ultimately give the home an energy efficiency score. The ERI option identifies which score is acceptable for meeting the building code. In addition, the ERI option requires that minimum envelope requirements and other mandatory measures are met.

The state of Pennsylvania modified the Energy Rating Index scores to reflect the 2018 version of the IECC. Pennsylvania score thresholds are as follows:

Pennsylvania Energy Rating Index thresholds

In 2017, there were 4,608 homes HERS rated in Pennsylvania. The average HERS Index Scores of homes rated in the state in 2017 was 60. This means that the state’s builders who have their homes HERS rated are meeting the Energy Rating Index option in the new state code.

Pennsylvania builders must meet the provisions of the new energy code on October 1, 2018.

Case Study: Philadelphia to Override State Code Requirement

Unfortunately to some, code rulings are not wholly determined at the federal or state level. Cities and municipalities can override their state’s decision and choose a more strict of the state code (they can’t go backward toward leniency). This recently happened in Pennsylvania.

While the state will adopt the 2015 IECC code, its largest city, Philadelphia, has opted to adopt the newer 2018 IECC standard. Philadelphia is one of the first jurisdictions to move to the latest code.

The new code includes several provisions that impact lighting, such as a requirement for windows and skylights to have automatic daylight-responsive controls and an automatic lighting shut-off provision that requires the use of occupancy sensors in 12 building space types.

This is just one instance of a city overriding its state decision, but it happens everywhere. Therefore, if you’re a builder or contractor looking to be compliant in your area, your best course of action is to contact your local building department, code official, or Authority Having Jurisdiction about exactly what the code requires in your location.

Overview of ERI Code Compliance Nationwide

There are now a total of fourteen states that have adopted the Energy Rating Index option as a compliance option to their state energy code. The states that have incorporated the Energy Rating Index into their energy code are:

States with Energy Rating Index option

Alabama
Florida
Hawaii
Illinois
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
Texas
Utah
Vermont

Get Involved!

If you are a home performance contractor or home inspector looking to gain new business as a result of the Pennsylvania energy code change, consider becoming a certified RESNET HERS Rater. At Everblue, we train professionals just like you on home energy auditing standards, blower door and duct leakage testing, and HERS Rater Certification skills.

For more information about how RESNET HERS Raters play into energy code compliance, check out this 2-minute video:

If you’d like to learn more about earning the RESNT HERS Rater Certification, give us a call at (800) 460-2575 or visit our RESNET HERS Rater training page.

Update to NABCEP Recertification Requirements

NABCEP logo

Under the current NABCEP Recertification policy, credential holders are required to obtain 18 hours of continuing education and to demonstrate work experience on 3-6 solar projects over the course of 3 years.

NABCEP will increase the number of continuing education hours required and modify its expectation for work experience.

NABCEP Continuing Education Change

Continuing education requirements will increase to 30 hours for all certifications except PV Associate and PV Technical Sales.

The breakdown by certification is as follows:

NABCEP PV Associate

12 contact hours or passing score on the current NABCEP PV Associate exam

NABCEP PV Installation Professional

6 hours specific to National Electric Code
12 hours specific to PVIP Job Task Analysis
12 hours specific to renewable energy – of which, 2 hours must be building or fire codes

NABCEP PV Design Specialist

6 hours specific to National Electric Code
12 hours specific to PVDS Job Task Analysis
12 hours specific to renewable energy – of which, 2 hours must be building or fire codes

NABCEP PV Installer Specialist

6 hours specific to National Electric Code
12 hours specific to PVIS Job Task Analysis
12 hours specific to renewable energy – of which, 2 hours must be building or fire codes

NABCEP PV Commissioning & Maintenance Specialist

6 hours specific to National Electric Code
12 hours specific to PVCMS Job Task Analysis
12 hours specific to renewable energy – of which, 2 hours must be building or fire codes

NABCEP PV Technical Sales

12 hours specific to PVTS Job Task Analysis
6 hours PV Technical or Non-Technical

The change from 18 to 30 educational hours will lead to solar professionals with even greater knowledge, which is important given that the new industry involvement activities require a candidate to have a leadership role. In other words, NABCEP is making a statement that its solar energy certifications are directly meant for leaders in the solar industry who manage projects, guide employees, and push the solar industry forward.

NABCEP Work Experience Requirements

Prior to this announcement, NABCEP required its certified professionals to show proof that they worked on 3-6 solar PV systems during their three-year certification period. This requirement hasn’t changed too much; in fact, NABCEP has added more color and variety to their expectations. The increased number of ways to demonstrate work experience will account for a larger range of individuals who want NABCEP Certification.

Here’s what we mean. A re-certification candidate must meet one of the following minimum industry involvement requirements:

INSTALLER – Applicant had a decision-making role in the installation of at least three completed installs within the applicant’s three-year certification period
TRAINER – Teacher/instructor who teaches at least 120 hours of an advanced PV course or a Registered NABCEP PV Associate course within the applicant’s three-year certification period
TRAINER – Leadership role for at least one year in a business or organization that trains students, customers, or clientele to design, install, commission, maintain, inspect, or carry out other activities in the PV market within the applicant’s three-year certification period
MANAGER – Leadership role for at least one year in a business that designs, installs, sells, commissions, maintains, inspects, or finances PV systems, or manufactures solar industry equipment within the applicant’s three-year certification period
COMMITTEE OR BOARD MEMBER – Leadership role relating to PV within the renewable energy industry for at least 36 hours within the applicant’s three-year certification period

You can see how each of these activities is relevant to a different category of solar professional, but the common thread is that the applicant must maintain a leadership or decision-making role.

The expectation here is that individuals who earn a NABCEP Certification do so as a way of improving their career and climbing the ladder. You are adding a nationally-known, industry-respected credential to your skill set, and with that, you should be able to negotiate pay increases, promotions, and an overall increase in responsibility.

By adjusting the recertification requirements in this way, NABCEP is supporting the thought that a certified professional should and would have leadership experience at this point in his/her career. NABCEP Certification is not a step backward! If you’re looking to advance within your organization and take on more responsibility, earning a NABCEP credential is the route you should take. And NABCEP will keep you on that track with its new recertification policy.

NABCEP Recertification Policy Will Take Effect on January 1, 2019

Current and former NABCEP Board Certified Professionals will be able to choose to recertify under the current recertification requirements (18 hours of CEUs and experience requirements) OR the new recertification requirements (30 CEUs and industry involvement) for one year after January 1st, 2019.

Starting on January 1st, 2020, all current and former NABCEP Board Certified Professionals will need to meet the new recertification requirements in order to recertify.

Are you not yet NABCEP Certified? Start your journey with an Everblue solar training course. We can help you earn any of the following credentials:

For more information about NABCEP Certification, give us a call at (800) 460-2575.

NJ Home Energy Rebates Extended by the Clean Energy Program

The New Jersey Clean Energy Program has been offering energy efficiency rebates to home builders for at least the last 3 years. We’re excited to see that the NJ home energy rebates have been extended for another year. This is certainly good news for NJ builders and homeowners alike.

Through this program, residential rebates are available for:

Gas or oil furnaces
Gas or oil boilers
Gas water heaters
Central air conditioners
Ductless mini-split systems
Heat pumps
Refrigerator/freezer recycling
Clothes washers
Clothes dryers
Refrigerators

We’re most excited by the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program, which rewards homeowners for making energy efficiency upgrades in their home.

Home Performance with Energy Star logo

Homeowners may benefit from receiving up to $4,000 and 0% interest financing (up to $10,000) or 4.99% interest financing (up to $15,000) toward the updates. A Building Performance Institute (BPI) GoldStar contractor will visit the home and identify sources of wasted energy. At the end, the BPI-certified professional will provide a detailed analysis with a recommended action plan.

NJ Clean Energy has also announced two new pilot programs that would supplement the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program.

(1) Direct Install Pilot – A contractor can install up to nine energy- and/or water-saving items at no cost to the homeowner.

(2) Air Seal and Insulate – A contractor can install air sealing and insulation (in addition to a new ENERGY STAR-qualified bathroom fan) at no cost to the homeowner.

Why the NJ Home Energy Rebates are Important

Other than the fact that homeowners are being incentivized and rewarded to upgrade their homes, the NJ Clean Energy program is offering employment opportunities for home energy contractors throughout the state.

When governments support (and encourage) these types of programs, they naturally create job opportunities for relevant stakeholders. Since homeowners will want increased comfort, lower energy bills, and monetary incentives, they will hire qualified professionals to do the work.

So if you work in New Jersey in a home performance trade and you’re wondering how to leverage your skills, learn more about the NJ Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program. After you earn your BPI Certification, you can be listed on the NJ Clean Energy website as a participating contractor. This is a great way to advertise your skills and establish credibility for new clients. Jump in and take your business to the next level!

LEED AP Credentials: What It Really Means to be a LEED AP

By earning your LEED AP credentials, you can showcase your knowledge, experience, and credibility in the green building industry.

LEED AP stands for LEED Accredited Professional. Though this sounds like a great starting point, there’s actually a MANDATORY level beneath it called LEED Green Associate. Earn your LEED credential now!

All people interested in LEED – regardless of education, occupation, or experience – must first start at the LEED Green Associate level. After you pass the LEED Green Associate exam, you can then decide whether you want to pursue the LEED AP credentials.

But there’s one more catch: Multiple LEED AP credentials exist! Which one should you get?

In this post, I’ll give you a little bit more of the backstory on why you must earn LEED Green Associate before LEED AP. I’ll also give you more information on which LEED AP credentials might be best for you.

A Quick History on LEED Credentials

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) created the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards in the year 2000 as a way to differentiate high-performance green buildings from the traditional building stock. Each building that satisfied the LEED requirements would not only become more energy-efficient, durable, and safe but would also go on to earn a “LEED Certification” label for marketability purposes.

A year later, the USGBC launched the LEED credentialing exams for individuals. Because “LEED Certification” was already a designation for buildings, the USGBC created a label called “LEED Accreditation” for people. Thus, when someone passed the LEED credentialing exam, they would become a LEED AP, or LEED Accredited Professional. The LEED AP designation aimed to showcase construction professionals who were knowledgeable on green building topics and LEED strategies.

In 2009, USGBC changed its LEED credentialing process. It became apparent that some individuals needed a basic understanding of LEED, while others needed to understand the intricacies and documentation behind LEED building practices. The USGBC aimed to accommodate the various levels of knowledge by offering a tiered hierarchy of titles. They introduced LEED Green Associate as the entry-level designation and LEED AP Specialty for advanced building professionals.

LEED Credentials

As you can see, instead of simply taking the LEED AP exam, all professionals now must pursue the LEED Green Associate accreditation as a mandatory first step before pursuing the *new* LEED AP Specialty designation. You’ll also notice that the original LEED AP credential has been retired. (LEED Fellow is a super advanced designation for LEED AP Specialty professionals with years of work experience, who have been nominated for their contributions to the green building industry by fellow LEED AP credential holders.)

How Pre-2009 LEED AP is Different from LEED AP Specialty

Prior to 2009, the only designation available was LEED AP, which illustrated a high-level understanding of LEED in general. In a sense, this level was actually replaced by LEED Green Associate. As more buildings started to incorporate LEED principles, a gap was created in the marketplace for advanced green building experts who regularly worked on LEED projects. Not only did they not want to be lumped in with the entry-level professionals, but they craved more technical knowledge to do their jobs better.

The LEED AP Specialty certification is different from the original LEED AP designation in that a LEED AP Specialty demonstrates proficiency in a specific track of LEED building projects (such as new construction or existing buildings), whereas the original LEED AP title highlighted an individual’s overall understanding of LEED.

There are five LEED AP Specialty designations available:

LEED AP Building Design + Construction (BD+C)
LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (O+M)
LEED AP Interior Design + Construction (ID+C)
LEED AP Homes
LEED AP Neighborhood Development (ND)

So when it comes to the LEED credentialing process, all candidates are required to first earn the LEED Green Associate accreditation as a means of demonstrating the basic understanding of LEED. From there, an individual can choose to remain a LEED Green Associate (if it’s appropriate for their job and career goals) OR they can upgrade to become a LEED AP with a Specialty in a building category related to their occupation.

We’re going to talk about the two most popular LEED AP credentials right now, which are LEED AP BD+C and LEED AP O+M.

Build it Right (From the Start) with LEED AP BD+C

Often known as LEED for New Construction, the LEED AP Building Design + Construction specialty provides a framework for building a holistic green building.

When designing and constructing a new building, project teams have a choice: to join the movement of global leaders producing innovative buildings from the ground up…or to maintain the status quo. Those who want to create healthy, resource-efficient, cost-effective buildings would choose to specialize in LEED Building Design + Construction.

Who It’s For

Suits professionals with expertise in the design and construction phases of green buildings, serving the commercial, residential, education, and healthcare sectors
Intended for the core team members participating on the new construction or major renovation of a commercial, institutional, or industrial building project
Individuals who hold this credential are often architects, engineers, developers, or consultants who want to lead their teams to greater success in delivering sustainable solutions

LEED BD+C Project Types graphic

Because the LEED AP BD+C qualifies professionals to work on a wide range of building types, it offers a solid foundation of green building knowledge and project flexibility.

Improve Existing Buildings with LEED AP O+M

There are many existing buildings around the world that are inefficient and resource-depleting. A specialist in LEED Operations + Maintenance can turn an existing building around with informed choices and unique strategies.

According to the USGBC, it can take up to 80 years to make up for the environmental impacts of demolishing an existing building and constructing a new one, even if the resulting building is extremely energy efficient. It makes more sense to retrofit an existing building and bring it up to today’s standards.

Who It’s For

Distinguishes professionals implementing sustainable practices, improving performance, heightening efficiency, and reducing environmental impact in existing buildings through enhanced operations and maintenance
Intended for cross-disciplinary teams participating on the renovation or retrofit of an existing building
Individuals who hold this credential are often property managers, facility managers, building engineers, HVAC technicians, commissioning agents, pest control contractors, janitorial staff, or sustainability consultants who want to lead their teams to greater success in delivering sustainable solutions

LEED O+M Project Types graphic

With so many existing buildings available to upgrade, there is so much promise for LEED AP O+M credential holders.

Which LEED AP is Best for Me?

By this point, you should have an idea of which LEED AP credential is best suited to your current role and/or the work that you’d like to do. It’s okay if you’re not yet sure about which LEED AP credential you want – remember that you have to earn your LEED Green Associate accreditation first!

During your LEED Green Associate exam preparation, you will gain exposure to all of the LEED categories and strategies, which will better inform you on which LEED AP credential is appropriate for you.

You may also be wondering, is it possible to earn multiple LEED AP credentials? Yes. Depending on the work that you do, and especially if you are a sustainability consultant with a wide range of clients, it may be a good idea to earn more than one LEED AP credential. This way, you can demonstrate proficiency on multiple types of building projects and use your specialized knowledge to make smarter choices along the way.

I hope this post has offered a helpful explanation to what it means to be a LEED AP. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (800) 460-2575 or to enroll in our LEED Green Associate exam prep training. We’ll teach you everything you need to know to be successful with a career in LEED! Get started today!

NEC Codebook Allowed in Your NABCEP Exam Session

When it comes to certification exams, oftentimes standards organizations limit exam candidates from bringing any outside materials to their testing appointment. Fortunately for solar professionals, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) actually does allow its applicants to bring their personal copies of the NEC Codebook (that is, the National Electric Code) to their PV Installation Professional computer-based exam.

2017 NEC Codebook image For reference, the PV Installation Professional exam covers a wide range of solar installation topics that are mandated through the NABCEP Solar Installation Job Task Analysis. In other words, candidates are tested on their knowledge of the NABCEP standards. These standards often reference outside resources, such as the National Electric Code. It can seem pretty overwhelming to learn all of the NABCEP guidelines as well as the code requirements, so thankfully, NABCEP allows candidates to have their NEC codebook with them during the exam.

If you’re fairly new to the solar certification process, please visit our page on Qualifying for the NABCEP Certification to get a better idea of what training and work experience requirements are needed. If you’re familiar with the NABCEP Certification Handbook and eligibility requirements, keep reading for more information about using the NEC Codebook during your NABCEP exam.

How will NABCEP prevent cheating?

Proctors at Scantron (formerly called Castle Worldwide), where the NABCEP Certification exams are administered, will inspect NEC codebooks being brought into the testing environment to ensure that they follow NABCEP’s new NEC Codebook Requirements.

Which version of the NEC Codebook do I need?

Interestingly, codebooks from any year may be used. However, it’s important to note that the 2018 PV Installation Professional exam is based on the 2017 NEC. If you’re going to bring a codebook with you, you should bring the 2017 NEC codebook for best results!

Does this mean that I need to buy the NEC Codebook?

Actually, no. If you own a copy of the NEC, then you are able to bring it with you to your testing session. However, if you do not own a copy of the NEC, NABCEP and Scantron will provide a PDF version of the 2017 NEC Codebook to you!

What happens if I am taking the paper-and-pencil format of the PVIP exam?

Anyone taking the PV Installation Professional (PVIP) exam will still have to 2017 NEC Codebook provided to them during the exam, so they will not be able to bring their own copy.

We think it’s really great news that NABCEP not only lets you bring your personal copy of the NEC Codebook to your exam but that they also provide candidates with a PDF version if an applicant doesn’t already own one. Either way, NABCEP is ensuring that its exam applicants have the supplemental information they need, and that is respectable.

Don’t be fooled, however, into thinking that all the answers to the exam will be in the NEC codebook! Having this resource doesn’t excuse you from meeting the education requirements or learning the NABCEP standards. After all, NABCEP and NEC are separate entities, so NABCEP’s standards will not be in the NEC codebook.

If you’re ready to begin satisfying the NABCEP Training Requirements, start with Everblue’s NABCEP PV Installation Professional program, which can be taken 100% online or partially in person. Give us a call at (800) 460-2575 if you have any other questions about NABCEP Certification eligibility or training needs!

BPI Certified Professionals: What Do They Offer That I Don’t?

If you work in the home performance industry as an insulation contractor, weatherization professional, or HVAC technician, you’ve probably come across the BPI acronym at one point or another – either in job descriptions, meeting colleagues, or as a requirement for a utility rebate program. In fact, you’re probably competing for work with BPI Certified Professionals.

logo for BPI certified professionals The Building Performance Institute (BPI) is the standard-body, or leading authority, organization for home performance certification. BPI offers several home energy auditor designations. Home energy professionals pursue BPI Certification to better their understanding of home energy efficiency and the “house-as-a-system” but also use their professional designation to stand out from competitors and establish trust with customers.

For more information about BPI Certification in general, visit our New to BPI? Start Here overview series.

Whether you are new to BPI or have some familiarity with the certification program, there remains to be an unavoidable question among homeowners (i.e., a BPI professional’s primary client!).

Homeowners don’t know what BPI is.

And it’s not their job to know that. All a homeowner cares about is that their energy bills are reasonable, that they feel comfortable inside their home, and that they are hiring a credible professional to perform the work for which they are being paid.

As a BPI-certified professional, it’s YOUR job to convey why your certification matters and what benefit it offers your customer.

Oftentimes, this description can be relayed through an elevator pitch, which is a quick way to easily explain yourself/your services to prospective clients. BPI was kind enough to supply a sample elevator pitch for its BPI-certified professionals to use.

Here’s how to describe your services as a BPI-certified professional.

When you first a customer, and they ask, “What exactly do you do?” you can start with this introduction:

“You know how you see a specialist doctor for complex health issues? Well, I’m a specialist for your home’s issues.”

If they want to hear more, then you can into the ~28 second elevator pitch:

“I am a building specialist certified by the Building Performance Institute. I assess and solve problems that affect the comfort, health, and safety of your home. First, I will listen to the concerns you have with your home. Then, I will look for the causes of the problems. I’ll complete an energy audit/[other service] and do diagnostic tests using various tools I have. I will then provide you with a prioritized action plan for my findings. These recommended improvements should help resolve your home’s issues.”

What’s great about this elevator pitch is…

That it conveys your services using non-technical language. This enables the homeowner to get a clear idea of what you do, why you do it, how you do it, and how it will benefit them. Isn’t that great? A simple and concise way of advertising yourself without causing a homeowner’s eyes to glaze over in confusion.

This elevator pitch is free to use for all BPI-certified professionals!

If you’re not yet BPI certified, start by taking an Everblue BPI Training course. We offer online and live training packages – complete with certification exams. We also provide bundling options so you can work toward three BPI Certifications in the same week! It’s the fastest way to get BPI Certified, and then you can use BPI’s elevator pitch to market your newfound skills!

For more information about BPI Certification, give us a call at (800) 460-2575.

NABCEP Certification Exams Offered Continuously Throughout the Year

Over the last 10 years, the solar workforce has grown tremendously. With such growth, industry organizations such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) have been forced to change and evolve alongside the industry. By updating the process for NABCEP Certification exams, more candidates can participate in the solar workforce as a certified professional.

NABCEP (which is known for its solar certification program) has gone through several iterations of its exam qualification and testing process in the last eight months. Each version has been a positive change, enabling solar professionals to get certified quicker and easier than before.

The big news now is that candidates can apply for and take their NABCEP Certification exam at any time during the year – a process that could take as little as one month!

If you are fairly new to the solar certification process, please visit our helpful guide to Qualifying for NABCEP Certification to get a better idea of what training and work experience requirements are needed. If you’re familiar with the NABCEP Certification Handbook and eligibility requirements, keep reading for a better understanding of how NABCEP’s testing processes have changed.

NABCEP Certification Exams Process

Put simply, to qualify for a NABCEP Certification exam, a candidate will need to:

Participate in approved training
Demonstrate work experience
Submit an application showing that the first 2 requirements have been met
Schedule the exam appointment

There used to be confusion, however, on completing the last two requirements. Here’s why…

NABCEP Calendar

For a long time, NABCEP promoted a testing calendar with very specific dates on it. All candidates had to follow the calendar and meet each deadline to sit for their NABCEP Certification exam. In addition, the NABCEP Certification exams were only offered twice per year, with the following sets of dates clustered once in the Fall and once in the Spring.

Date 1 = application submittal deadline
Date 2 = deadline for securing your testing appointment
Date 3 = the testing date

It seems rather straightforward, but unfortunately, only offering the exam twice per year caused a lot of stress and panic on the side of aspiring solar professionals. In a growing industry, where marketability and competitive advantage makes all the difference, it was a lot to ask for solar installers and business owners to wait for one of the two exam dates. Folks had to put their business goals on hold until the testing date came – which, in some cases, could be 3-4 months!

NABCEP Testing Windows

In 2017, NABCEP reduced some of the scheduling concerns by changing the mindset from a rigid calendar of specific dates to “test windows.”

With this option, candidates were able to submit their eligibility application, schedule their testing appointment, and sit for the exam within a specific range of time. Greater flexibility, yes, but perhaps not flexible enough.

Rolling Applications for NABCEP Certification Exams

In early May 2018, NABCEP announced that it was doing away with the testing window concept for the advanced PV Installation Professional (PVIP) Certification Exam. The computer-based exam will now be available continuously throughout the year, which is great news for solar professionals who want to get certified as quickly as possible!

NABCEP will review and accept exam applications on a rolling basis. The only caveat is that candidates have two years from the date their application is accepted to take the PVIP exam. Given that drawn-out scheduling periods were a problem in the past, I imagine this won’t be a problem. In most cases, a candidate’s application will be reviewed within one week, so someone interested in earning the NABCEP PVIP Certification will be able to start and finish the testing process in less than one month! (Granted, this time frame does not include the training and work experience time. We’re talking from application submittal to testing date.)

Note: Should a candidate prefer to take the paper-and-pencil version of the PVIP exam, he/she still can. However, the paper-and-pencil format will only be available twice per year.

We’re really happy that NABCEP is granting more flexibility to its solar certification applicants. The changes that make certification more feasible will lead to more professionals getting certified and more consumer trust toward solar.

It’s important for us all to be patient with these changes and appreciate that these organizations are attempting to keep up. So hats off to you, NABCEP!