BPI HHE Webinar: Top 6 Drivers of Healthy Home Assessments

The Building Performance Institute recently hosted a webinar to address updates to the BPI Healthy Home Evaluator (BPI HHE) program. The webinar panel included:

  • Larry Zarker, Building Performance Institute (BPI)
  • Dr. Peter Ashley, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  • Wes Stewart, Green and Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI)
  • Matt Anderson, Building Performance Institute (BPI)
  • Jack Anderson, Healthy Housing Solutions

Dr. Peter Ashley began with reiterating the importance of healthy home issues and putting the development of the BPI HHE credential into context.

Healthy Home Statistics

It’s clear from the numbers that we must make healthy homes a priority. This can be achieved through better building codes, better enforcement of building codes, and – such as in this case – taking advantage of a network of building professionals who can perform home energy audits and healthy home assessments.

Government agencies have been working to create healthier and safer home environments for some time now.

BPI HHE supporting facts & timeline

Now let’s take a look at the biggest industry drivers for healthy home assessments…

Top 6 Reasons to Pursue Healthy Home Assessments

#1 – Expanded Career Opportunities

As Wes Stewart noted, the BPI HHE program is a great way to expand opportunities if you are:

  • a post-ARRA weatherization program
  • seeing shrinking funding
  • looking for more opportunities
  • a private-market home performance contractor

There is a strong need in several markets for this credential, including the public health arena, housing arena, and government levels. Instead of duplicating efforts and/or flooding the industry with competing contractors, the Green & Healthy Housing Initiative partnered with HUD to create an integrative approach. Thus, the BPI HHE Certification was born.

There are very few certifications for healthy homes, and BPI Healthy Home Evaluator is a first step toward cross-trained inspectors. These certified individuals will be able to perform energy audit assessments and lead risk assessments.

#2 – Qualify for Bids & Funding (Local Government)

The market is moving toward this comprehensive assessment approach due to procurement. It is becoming more common that contractors be cross-trained in order to apply for funding and bids for city, state, and county work.

#3 – HUD Priority Points for Health & Energy Integration (Federal)

At the federal level, HUD wants to encourage the integration of health and energy into housing. HUD wants cross-trained contractors who can service weatherization needs and health needs.

#4 – Non-energy Benefits of Energy Efficiency and Weatherization

The work of BPI-certified contractors has always contributed to the health and safety of our homes. BPI HHE is merely an extension of the work already being done. Some of these non-energy benefits include:

  • reducing injury risk
  • reducing carbon monoxide
  • improving indoor air quality
  • reducing asthma triggers and lead hazards
  • reducing medical triggers
  • lowering costs
  • increasing productivity
  • encouraging greater household income

As a result of these benefits, there is a lot of interest from Medicaid to look at how to pay for asthma trigger reduction. There’s no pool of contractors out there to serve that market specifically. Medicaid may very well pay for those healthy home assessments, such as in Michigan where the state got approved for $119 million of lead hazard reduction. We expect to see more of this with asthma reduction and healthy home assessments.

Within the hospital community, too – insurers and healthcare providers – there may be a need for contractors to fill a role.

#5 – “Pay for Success”

If not Medicaid, there is a lot of interest around the country in developing private market models where funding for asthma trigger interventions and healthy home interventions will be funded by the private market. There’s a return on investment for that that helps pay for the assessment intervention. Those are multi-million dollar projects, and there needs to be a market of certified contractors to fill that demand.

#6 – Aging Populations

As our population ages, there’s going to be a greater need to reduce home institutional care (that is, folks leaving their homes to live in facilities or medical rehab centers). This opens a great opportunity for BPI Healthy Home Evaluators to look for home risks or respiratory needs. The goal will be to look for those reasons why seniors don’t stay in their homes and age in place. From there, it’s very likely that a senior’s home could need weatherization services too.

The BPI Healthy Home Evaluator program builds on the knowledge possessed by BPI Building Analyst, HEP Energy Auditor, and HEP Quality Control Inspector professionals. If you want to become part of this industry, start with a BPI training course and one of these prerequisite certifications.

Keep checking back with us to follow our coverage of the BPI HHE program, including frequently asked questions and exploration of BPI HHE knowledge areas.

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NABCEP Exam Dates for Spring 2017 & How to Qualify

If you’re planning to sit for the NABCEP exam, your time is running out!

NABCEP, or the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, governs the certification process for solar energy professionals. The organization offers certification in the areas of solar photovoltaics (panels generating electricity) and solar thermal (heating). NABCEP is the leading organization for solar certification in the United States.

If you’re looking to learn more about solar energy, visit our Introduction to Solar series.

NABCEP Logo

The Catch: the NABCEP certification exams are only offered twice per year – once in the Fall and once in the Spring.

Candidates must review the NABCEP Certification Handbook to see whether they are eligible and/or how they can become eligible to sit for the various exams. The certification process is not one-size-fits-all. The eligibility requirements vary depending on a candidate’s education and work experience. The best way to determine how you qualify is by reading the NABCEP Certification Handbook.

Once you’ve determined that you qualify, you must meet a series of deadlines. These deadlines allow for optimum communication between the candidate and NABCEP so that both parties on the same page about where the candidate is in the NABCEP certification process.

Upcoming NABCEP Exam Deadlines: Spring 2017

Application Deadline: February 3, 2017

Exam Scheduling Deadline: March 10, 2017

Exam Date: April 22, 2017

Once again, it’s difficult to prescribe “next steps” since candidates for the NABCEP exams come from different educational and experiential backgrounds. But, if you feel confident that you can complete all the pre-requisites listed in the NABCEP Certification Handbook before the Feb. 3 deadline, we’re happy to assist you!

Our Solar PV Mastery Combo was designed to help candidates meet the educational requirements to sit for the NABCEP certification exams.

How our training fulfills these requirements (Section 3.5.2 in the NABCEP Certification Handbook):

  • Course topics align with NABCEP Job Task Analyses
  • Package offers the 58 hours of training needed
             – Of which, 40 hours are approved for “advanced” PV installation/design
             – Also includes OSHA 10 training
  • Curriculum is accredited by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)

With this training, candidates gain eligibility to sit for the beginner-level NABCEP PV Associate Exam. The PV Associate exam is an important stepping stone to the other NABCEP Certification exams, such as the PV Installation Professional exam and the PV Technical Sales exam.

solar training collage

If you’re ready to pursue a solar PV certification, get started now with our Solar PV Mastery Combo training in the locations listed below!

Please note: the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Exam Prep is a total of 84 hours and provides the most comprehensive overview of electricity, safety, solar design, and solar installation.

If you have any questions about the NABCEP eligibility requirements or the best path that you should take to qualify for the exams, please give us a call at (800) 460-2575 or open the live chat window on your screen.

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Advanced BPI Certifications: Looking Beyond BPI Building Analyst

The Building Performance Institute, or BPI, has been promoting the importance of home performance and energy efficiency since 1993. Part of the reason why BPI Certification (as a program) has seen so much success is because the knowledge appeals to professionals from a variety of backgrounds with a variety of motivations. Most people stay at the entry-level BPI Building Analyst level, but some proceed to the advanced BPI Certifications.

For more information about BPI Certification, visit our BPI Energy Auditor overview series.

Home inspectors, general contractors, HVAC technicians, remodelers, insulation contractors, weatherization contractors, and more have found value in the foundational designation – BPI Building Analyst.

BPI Building Analyst offers a fundamental skill set for home performance professionals.

This designation addresses topics such as:

  • energy & moisture transfer in a home
  • blower door & duct testing
  • combustion safety & carbon monoxide prevention
  • HVAC efficiency
  • mechanical ventilation
  • interior & exterior home inspections

BPI Training with Everblue gif

With the BPI Building Analyst Certification, professionals are able to look at the house as one functioning system instead of a series of interconnected parts. This knowledge can help identify the source of an energy problem and lead an energy auditor to an appropriate and effective solution that won’t create problems elsewhere in the home. With this streamlined mentality, one certified professional can be brought in to assess multiple areas in the home.

There are a number of motivations or factors driving individuals to earn a BPI Certification. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular reasons why professionals earn the BPI Building Analyst Certification and what they hope to gain from it.

Personal Motivations

  • Become a Business Owner – are you done working for “the man”? You can’t deny the lure of being your own boss, so you acquire all the necessary knowledge and certifications to start your own energy auditing business.
  • Transition to a Growing Career – perhaps you work in an industry that is fading in popularity and you’re looking to get out and gain the skills to be successful. As a job-changer, you see the growth of the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries as an opportunity to start over and become part of a thriving industry. With newly acquired building science knowledge and technical skills, you can begin working as a home energy auditor.

Business Motivations

  • Gain New Business – let’s say that your primary business is HVAC installation and repair. There is a strong correlation between home energy problems and HVAC problems. Use energy auditing as a foot-in-the-door service to gain new clients. You charge a nominal fee (if at all) for the energy audit, which will lead you to legitimate recommendations for retrofit work. After building rapport with the homeowner and addressing any conflict of interest issues, you can continue your business relationship by offering needed HVAC services.
  • Enhance Credibility – the consumer may not understand what BPI Certification is, but the certification and seal that you earn reveals its value when you find and solve issues in the home with confidence and ease. When you leave a homeowner feeling comfortable and satisfied, you’ll benefit from word-of-mouth referrals and a positive reputation in your community. As a business owner, you feel challenged to stand out and differentiate your organization from the competition. Add some gusto to your marketing – BPI has a multitude of resources for its GoldStar Contractors (ie, Building Analyst credential holders).

In addition to meeting these goals, BPI Building Analyst is a gateway to more technical positions and advanced BPI Certifications.

HEP Certification

You may have heard that the U.S. Department of Energy identified its own criteria for home energy auditors. In doing so, DOE created the Home Energy Professionals program, or HEP, to help contractors demonstrate that they exemplify all the skills noted by DOE.

Like BPI, the HEP program is comprised of various designations.

  • HEP Energy Auditor
  • HEP Retrofit Installer
  • HEP Crew Leader
  • HEP Quality Control Inspector

Interestingly, the four HEP certifications require candidates to fulfill several prerequisites before being eligible. So while you would think that the HEP Energy Auditor Certification exists at the same entry-level position as BPI Building Analyst, it doesn’t. You can’t simply study the standard and take the HEP exam. One of the qualifying criteria for the HEP Energy Auditor Certification is, in fact, the BPI Building Analyst Certification!

advanced BPI certifications meme

For more information, see our post on HEP Certification Eligibility.

BPI Healthy Home Evaluator Certification

Being praised as “the next big thing,” BPI Healthy Home Evaluator Certification also has eligibility requirements. A candidate must have an active BPI Building Analyst Certification, HEP Energy Auditor Certification, or HEP Quality Control Inspector Certification.

Why is BPI HHE considered the next big thing?

Some might say that BPI has done such a great job of tackling the energy efficiency problems in our homes that now we must shift focus to the next stage of home performance issues. That next step is addressing occupant health and safety.

The BPI Healthy Home Evaluator designation builds on the foundation of BPI Building Analyst competencies by incorporating healthy home environmental risk assessments on top of the traditional energy auditing environment. Having demonstrated proficiency in solving energy-related issues, a BPI HHE professional can look beyond the traditional energy audit and also identify areas in the home that may be causing health problems such as asthma and allergies.

Healthy homes are part of Medicaid and Medicare. Although preventative services must be diagnosed by a licensed physician, the BPI Healthy Home program offers a step for homeowners to identify possible problem areas in their homes. With this extra level of knowledge being available to homeowners at an earlier phase in the process, we’re all one step closer to mitigating health problems. For this reason, states are talking about recommending and reimbursing healthy home evaluations. If/when this happens, there will be a surge in demand for qualified professionals.

First BPI Building Analyst, then Advanced BPI Certifications

It’s like a flow chart – and it all starts with BPI Building Analyst Certification. Depending on your occupation and goals, you can choose to branch out into advanced BPI Certifications however you’d like. If you have questions about your future in the home performance industry and want to know how BPI Certification can benefit you, give us a call at (800) 460-2575.

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Who Hires HERS Raters? Builders. And Here’s What They Want.

If you’ve been researching RESNET HERS Rater Certification, you’ve probably wondered, “Who hires HERS Raters?” Typically, we see Raters working with home builders to meet energy code requirements and to ensure that the most energy-efficient home is being built.

Understanding builder expectations can improve communications between builders and HERS Raters, making it easier for both groups to work together and advance the common goal of “greener” homes. When builders need help delivering the energy-efficient, comfortable, and environmentally conscious homes customers and codes demand, they turn to HERS Raters.

For more information about what HERS Raters are, visit our RESNET HERS Rater overview series.

To deliver value to builders, HERS Raters must understand what builders want from them. In the first half of 2016, the Insulation Institute conducted two rounds of qualitative research to better understand how builders and HERS Raters interact.

What Builders Want from HERS Raters guide

This included a focus group of 10 builders, followed by a series of one-on-one interviews with 10 other builders. The residential builders involved in the research included a broad mix of regions, type, and number of homes built per year. What they all had in common was significant experience working with HERS Raters, ranging from two to ten years. Also, all but one of them still work with Raters.

What Residential Builders Think of HERS Raters

The Insulation Institute broke the responses down into three categories:

  • Why Builders Use HERS Raters
  • What Builders Expect from HERS Raters
  • How Raters Can Exceed Builders’ Expectations

Why Builders Use HERS Raters

When asked why they use HERS Raters, the responses showed that builders find significant value in using Raters.

  • A HERS Score can help validate that a home was built properly and will achieve a certain level of performance.
  • Many builders view a good HERS Score as a way to promote themselves as credible builders. Getting a HERS rating score is an external proof point that the builder does good work.
  • Builders use HERS Scores to meet the qualification requirements for certain certifications and rebate or incentive programs.
  • HERS Scores help builders compete in competitive markets and give them an edge over the existing housing stock.
  • HERS Ratings provide marketing value to builders targeting homebuyers who are interested in “green” or sustainable homes.

What Builders Expect from HERS Raters

When asked to describe HERS Raters, builders’ responses showed their respect for Raters and also indicated what they value most from them.

  • HERS Raters must be building science experts. Builders expect to rely on the Rater’s knowledge and expertise to validate the work that has been completed.
  • HERS Raters must advise, not just critique. If Raters point out issues but don’t offer constructive alternatives, they risk losing customers.
  • Builders take pride in building quality homes, and the HERS Rater provides the “evidence” that the builder has built a home that performs better than others.
  • HERS Raters should not make brand recommendations when working with builders; it causes suspicion that the Rater is trying to push a specific product and thus compromises the Rater’s credibility.

How HERS Raters Can Exceed Builders’ Expectations

Builders believe that there are many things Raters can do to differentiate themselves.

  • Back the builder’s approach – Sometimes homeowners question a builder’s choices; supporting a builder with the homeowner reinforces his credibility and can help him ensure his customers are satisfied.
  • Inform and advise: don’t just test and report – Builders appreciate when Raters explain how and why a building received a specific score. Raters deliver the most value when acting as trusted advisors and consultants.
  • Provide marketing assistance – When builders see value in HERS Scores and HERS Raters, most expressed a desire to extract more value for the score from homebuyers. With this in mind, builders suggested a few ways Raters could add value, including educating Realtors, educating homebuyers and even educating builders’ sales teams on how to better sell “greener” homes. One example shared was a Rater who educated Realtors before a series of open houses to make sure they could talk up the efficiency of the homes. The builder who shared this story indicated it was a successful approach.
  • Help make lower HERS Scores mean more dollars – While there is a desire for general marketing assistance, the “holy grail” for builders is to extract incremental value as they proceed further and further down the HERS rating system toward net zero. Helping them crack the code on this would make a Rater invaluable.
  • Make building science understandable for homeowners – Builders want to see scores, efficiency metrics, and the other outcomes associated with “green” homes translated into value propositions that can be understood by the average homebuyer. Raters who do this will differentiate themselves. In many ways, this is an enabling component of the previous bullet on marketing assistance.
  • Share your ideas – Builders indicated that they want Raters to offer ideas early on, not just accept their approach. This shows that builders consider Raters to be experts. The builders voiced the opinion that part of why they pay an expert is to get good ideas.
  • Train the trades – Builders were split on whether this part of a Rater’s job was a given or added value that a Rater could offer. Given the split, it would be helpful to set expectations on proper subcontractor training in advance with builders.
  • Save builders money – If Raters can offer different ways to deliver comparable performance outcomes (e.g., similar scores) for less money, builders want to be told about them. Examples of this would be valuable in a Rater’s marketing materials.
  • Provide a quick turnaround for scores – Builders felt that it took too long to get scores. Besides creating anxiety over results, score delay can impact work schedules should remediation be necessary.

Overall, builders think that as energy codes become more stringent, the need for HERS Raters will increase. HERS Raters can help builders better understand how to achieve target results and meet code requirements. Builders will be forced to change their practices to meet more stringent code requirements and will turn to the expertise and experience of HERS Raters.

If you’ve been thinking about becoming a HERS Rater, call us at (800) 460-2575, and we can assist you with all of your HERS Rater training and certification needs.

Download this important research from the Insulation Institute. You will receive an email with a link to a printable or downloadable PDF document.

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LEED Certification Requirements & Standards

What do you mean by “LEED Certification Requirements”?

If you’re working on a LEED building project, then you probably know that there are 100+ green building strategies that you can implement into your project and earn a LEED Certification.

If you’re brand new to LEED but want to learn more, you’re probably looking for LEED Accreditation…not LEED Certification. Here at Everblue, we can help you get LEED Accredited.

LEED Logo With Buildings

LEED Certification applies to buildings.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards apply to new and existing buildings, homes, and communities. When a structure is designed, built, and operated in a sustainable way that aligns with the LEED standards, it is eligible to earn a LEED Certification label.

LEED Certification aims to reduce energy consumption, conserve water, improve indoor air quality, lower operating costs, and more.

LEED Accreditation applies to people.

An individual interested in LEED green buildings usually studies the LEED standards in preparation for an accreditation exam. Upon passing the exam, the individual earns a LEED designation, such as LEED Green Associate.

Understanding the LEED Certification Requirements

Part of the reason why individuals seek LEED Accreditation is because the knowledge helps them to understand the LEED certification requirements. This knowledge is crucial because there’s no one path for earning a LEED Certification label.

That’s right – LEED Certification is not necessarily a cookie-cutter model for buildings.

The LEED standards are comprised of categories:

  • Integrative Process
  • Location & Transportation
  • Sustainable Sites
  • Water Efficiency
  • Energy & Atmosphere
  • Materials & Resources
  • Indoor Environmental Quality

Within these categories, there are specific strategies or goals, called credits. Each credit is worth a number of points. If you’ve heard about the four levels of LEED Certification – Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum – this is what those levels are referring to. Each level corresponds with a point range.

In order to earn a LEED Certification label, project teams must develop a plan at the outset to determine which level of LEED Certification they want to achieve and which credits will make the most difference for their project. They can pick and choose from the credit options, so long as they demonstrate proficiency in fulfilling that credit’s requirements.

At the end of the day, documentation will show which credits were chosen and how the team met the corresponding requirements. The Green Business Certification Institute, or GBCI, will determine whether the team’s efforts were sufficient and will therefore award certification.

To get a better understanding of the LEED Certification requirements, see the LEED Credit Library on USGBC’s website.

Understanding the Eligibility Requirements for LEED Accreditation

From an individual’s standpoint, the process for earning a LEED credential is as follows:

  • Take a LEED Training Course
  • Pay USGBC for your LEED exam
  • Schedule your exam appointment with Prometric

Please note that the LEED credentials are valid for two-year periods. LEED Green Associate credential holders must acquire 15 hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain their credential. LEED APs with a specialty must acquire 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain their credential. In addition to continuing education hours, individuals must also pay a biennial renewal fee to the USGBC.

For more information about LEED Certification requirements or LEED Accreditation, please call us at (800) 460-2575.

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LEED AP Online: Do Your LEED Exam Prep All Online

A growing trend in the last 10 years across all education sectors is the ability to participate in online learning. You commonly see this with colleges and universities offering online MBA programs, but this trend also applies to LEED AP online training like the kind that Everblue offers.

The LEED AP online only training is popular for both newcomers to LEED and those with experience.

If you’re just getting started with LEED, visit our What is LEED? overview series.

LEED AP online training image

Online training is popular for several reasons:

  • Stop and start when convenient – fits with busy work schedules
  • Allows access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Portable – wherever Internet is present
  • Re-watchability – return to difficult concepts as needed

For Newcomers

With LEED AP online only training, you can take your time with course content.

Everblue’s online learning platform provides 180 days of access. Participants receive unique login credentials to this portal and can log in immediately after registration to get started.

The on-demand webinar features audio and visual content that crosses learning styles and caters to all participants. The program also includes a series of review quizzes, practice questions, and study materials.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of LEED AP online only training is the ability to pause, rewind, and restart modules when necessary.

** Please note – if you are truly new to LEED, you should consider enrolling in the 
LEED Green Associate Exam Prep course before the LEED AP training. 

For Those with LEED Experience

Someone working toward their LEED AP likely has previous exposure to LEED concepts and documentation.

For those with experience, a LEED AP online only course offers the flexibility to fast forward or skip through modules. Apply yourself where you need to! Draw on your experience with LEED projects to know where your strengths and weaknesses are.

In reality, you’re probably working toward your LEED AP because you need to meet a requirement or bring value to a particular project. Given your deadline or expected timeframe, the LEED AP online only training gives you the ability to fit in some learning around your busy work schedule. Whether you participate from the office, from home, or from your tablet on the bus, online learning is often more convenient than taking time away from work to attend a live class.

Taking the LEED Exam: Online and In Person

There is a caveat to earning a LEED credential all online. The LEED exams are technically administered by computer. Candidates will know their score immediately upon completion. However, all candidates must appear in person to be proctored at a secure Prometric testing center.

So although you have to carve out 2-4 hours of your day to attend your exam appointment, the rest of your LEED training and preparation can be done online.

For more information about LEED AP online only training, please call us at (800) 460-2575.

Register now for LEED Green Associate Exam Prep
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Getting a LEED AP Certification

From Monday to Friday, Everblue has representatives available to live chat with website visitors and answer questions about the programs that we offer. We commonly hear that individuals want to pursue a LEED AP Certification.

This should not be a strange or noteworthy inquiry, since Everblue does, in fact, offer LEED AP Exam Prep. The strange part is that many who desire this credential don’t realize that there is a prerequisite: LEED Green Associate.

If you’re just getting started with LEED, visit our New to LEED? Start Here! series.

What is LEED AP Certification?

Let’s take a quick look back to the early days of LEED. When the LEED professional accreditation program launched, there was only one LEED designation: LEED AP.

LEED AP definition image

The LEED accreditation program grew and thrived – partly due to its straightforward nature and also because of the admiration and respect given to the exclusive group of green building professionals with LEED knowledge.

Then, in 2009, the U.S. Green Building Council changed its LEED credentialing process. This change introduced a tiered credentialing process. From that point on, LEED AP Certification was no longer the only option. In fact, LEED AP Certification had a completely different meaning.

The new LEED credentials are as follows:

  • Tier 1: LEED Green Associate
  • Tier 2: LEED AP with Specialty
  • Tier 3: LEED Fellow

LEED Green Associate – this is a required first step for all LEED prospects. This designation highlights an individual’s basic understanding of green building principles and terminology.

LEED AP with Specialty – after passing the LEED Green Associate exam, a candidate can choose to upgrade to a LEED AP status with a specialty area. There are 5 specialties available: Building Design + Construction, Operations + Maintenance, Interior Design + Construction, Neighborhood Development, and Homes.

LEED Fellow – LEED APs are eligible for this honor after having demonstrated significant technical knowledge and an exemplary level of leadership and advocacy. A LEED Fellow candidate must be nominated by an accomplished LEED AP peer. Due to the rigorous eligibility requirements, LEED Fellow is not a common designation.

So…what is LEED AP Certification now?

When the USGBC changed its LEED credentialing process, they gave existing LEED APs two options:

  • Opt into the new system
  • Remain a “LEED AP” for life

The ability to opt into the new system has since expired. Any “LEED AP” wanting to upgrade their status must now start from the beginning, at the LEED Green Associate level.

LEED AP Credentialing Process image

While this might sound unfair, please remember that 5+ years may have gone by since the LEED AP passed his/her exam. The reality is, the green building industry is changing and evolving so rapidly that knowledge from 5+ years ago simply is not enough to compete in today’s world. It is to a LEED AP’s benefit that he/she start fresh and learn the new material.

On the other hand, a LEED AP could sit back and continue advertising his or her knowledge as a LEED AP. Again, this is not to be confused with LEED AP Specialty. There used to be a tangible benefit to being a LEED AP; one could earn a point in the Innovation category on a LEED project simply for having the credential. Because LEED AP Certification is technically outdated, the USGBC does not reward these individuals with that free point anymore.

An intangible benefit of remaining a LEED AP is the soft marketability that the acronym adds behind your name. It is soft because it can be viewed one of two ways – an informed employer may be disappointed to see an outdated credential OR an un-informed employer may be impressed to see a credential pertaining to LEED. It’s a little bit of a gamble.

So the real question is: what do YOU mean when you say that you want to earn a LEED AP Certification?

There are only two possible answers to this question.

  • I want a LEED credential. I want to become a LEED Green Associate.
  • I want a LEED AP Specialty credential because a project/job I want requires it, and I want to be as qualified as possible. I know I have to pass the LEED Green Associate exam first, but my ultimate goal is to pass the LEED AP Specialty exam.

For more information about LEED AP Certification or recommendations on how to get started, please call us at (800) 460-2575.

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Blower Door Testing as a BPI Energy Auditor or RESNET HERS Rater

More and more professionals in the home performance industry – HVAC, insulation, general contractors – are being asked to expand their skill sets and offer blower door testing. Why is this?

If you already know whether a BPI or RESNET certification fits your needs, give us a call at (800) 460-2575 and we’ll talk you through training options in your area.

If you’re still trying to see how you can meet this demand, keep reading!

Building Codes

As the benefits of energy-efficient housing become more clear, legislators are pushing for building codes that contain stricter requirements on building materials and techniques.

Blower door testing is a requirement in the 2012 and 2015 versions of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). In several cases, the code indicates that a certified professional must perform the blower door test.

What is Blower Door Testing?

A blower door is a large fan that an energy auditor will position in the opening of a home’s main exterior door. The blower door fan is connected to a red tarp that acts as a faux door, blocking out any incoming or outgoing air.

blower door image

A certified home energy auditor adjusts the settings on the blower door and manipulates conditions within the home to calculate estimated air leakage into and outside of the house. The blower door test enables an energy auditing professional to determine how leaky a home is and to identify the areas in the home that are causing the air loss.

The IECC building code recommends blower door testing because it is a fast way to diagnose energy efficiency problems in the home. Air leakage is a problem for homeowners because it leads to higher energy bills and thermal discomfort.

Blower Door Testing Certification

The two most common energy auditor certifications for blower door testing are:

  • BPI Infiltration & Duct Leakage (IDL)
  • RESNET HERS Rater

BPI Infiltration & Duct Leakage

The BPI IDL Certification focuses primarily on the skills associated with setting up a blower door and performing the test.

Some consider IDL to be an entry-level designation because its sole focus on blower door testing as a physical skill set doesn’t prepare someone for all the skills to be a whole-house energy auditor. Unlike the BPI Building Analyst Certification, which encourages the “house-as-a-system” approach for evaluating energy efficiency, BPI IDL Certification really only looks at blower door testing.

For this reason, many professionals bundle BPI Building Analyst and BPI IDL Certification in order to bring additional value to their clients – performing blower door testing AND comprehensive home energy audits.

To earn BPI IDL Certification…

  • Pass a field exam

To earn BPI Building Analyst Certification…

  • Pass a written exam
  • Pass a field exam

RESNET HERS Rater Certification

The RESNET HERS Rater Certification, on the other hand, covers a wide range of energy auditor skills, including blower door testing and home energy audits. Because HERS Rater Certification spans the whole gamut of home performance skills, the process for getting certified can be pretty overwhelming when you first look at it.

* Note that Everblue’s HERS Rater Training program includes everything you need to get certified, making it a convenient one-stop-shop experience.

How to become a HERS Rater…

Step 1:  Complete HERS Rater training & 2 supervised ratings
Step 2:  Pass the National Rater Core Exam
Step 3:  Pass the RESNET Practical Simulation Exam
Step 4:  Pass the National Rater Combustion Safety Simulation Exam
Step 5:  Sign a contract with a RESNET Quality Assurance Provider
Step 6:  Complete 3 probationary ratings

Which Blower Door Testing Certification Do I Need?

Unfortunately, this is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Each state has the ability to accept a different version of the IECC code. Furthermore, each state can make modifications to the IECC code as it meets that state’s specific needs (see state map of code adoption here). And finally, the IECC code itself does not explicitly name BPI or RESNET – both standards teach blower door testing, so potentially, either can be accepted.

This answer is up to your local code official, or Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Your local code official will be the one validating any permits and ensuring code compliance, so it is in your best interest to align your skills and certifications with this person’s preference.

It has been said that code officials look favorably on those with a HERS Rater Certification because much of the code compliance documentation already gets factored into a HERS Rater’s home assessment. Working with a HERS Rater is easier for code inspectors because much of the responsibility lies on the Rater to correctly complete the necessary paperwork. Not to mention, the 2015 IECC literally has a HERS compliance path.

Nevertheless, there are regions in the U.S. where the BPI IDL Certification has been deemed sufficient.

Whichever certification you seek, Everblue can provide the blower door training and exams you need. After you’ve spoken with your local code official and have an answer to which certification will qualify you for this new business, call us at (800) 460-2575, and we’ll set you up with training.

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Learn more about Everblue's RESNET HERS Rater Training
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NABCEP PV Exam Requirements

Professionals interested in earning a solar PV designation from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) have several options for testing. In other words, there are multiple NABCEP PV exams. We’ll help you determine which is right for you and how you can become eligible to take it.

If you’d like to have a career in solar energy, start with our Introduction to Solar series. Then you can work toward these nationally recognized solar certification exams.

NABCEP Entry Level Program*

This program is designed for individuals who want to get into the solar field. Passing this exam demonstrates one’s basic understanding of the application, design, installation, and operation of solar PV systems.

*As of 2016, NABCEP is rebranding this exam to be called the NABCEP PV Associate.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Completing coursework that covers the NABCEP Learning Objectives with a Registered Exam Provider, such as Everblue

A passing score on this exam does not result in a certification. While certification requires on-going continuing education, this certificate of knowledge merely illustrates a candidate’s proficiency and understanding of topics. Those who pass this exam can identify their achievement on their resume as receiving a NABCEP PV Associate Certificate of Knowledge.

 

NABCEP PV Installation Professional

Perhaps the most sought-after of the NABCEP certifications, the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Exam also features perhaps some of the most complicated eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Education – Participate in a minimum of 58 hours of solar PV training
  • Experience – Documented experience on 3-5 solar installations
  • Have an OSHA 10 hour construction industry card or equivalent
  • Pay for and complete an application by the deadline
  • Accept the NABCEP Code of Ethics & Standards of Conduct

Education: 40 of the 58 hours must cover advanced solar PV installation and design principles AND be offered by an accredited education provider, like Everblue

Experience: The number of documented solar installations depends on a candidate’s educational background and field experience prior to taking the NABCEP exam. The candidate must have acted in the role of contractor, lead installer, foreman, supervisor, or journeyman. Candidates must provide system information, permits, and inspections for each project that he/she has installed.

 

NABCEP PV Technical Sales

The NABCEP PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis defines a set of knowledge, skills, and abilities typically required of solar PV sales personnel who are responsible for site analysis, system design, ethical presentation, accurate analyses, and projections of electrical and financial performance of PV systems.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Complete an OSHA 10 hour construction training course
  • Satisfy at least 1 of the 8 qualifying certification eligibility categories identified in the NABCEP Certification Handbook
  • Pay for and complete an application by the deadline
  • Accept the NABCEP Code of Ethics & Standards of Conduct

Many of the qualifying categories require documented solar sales experience, a specified level of training, and/or a passing score on the NABCEP Entry Level Exam (NABCEP PV Associate Exam).

 

Real Talk – How to Qualify for the NABCEP PV Exams

The eligibility requirements listed above are those set by NABCEP. It can be very difficult to determine how exactly you will meet these pre-requisites, so here’s a cheat sheet for what classes we recommend that you take to qualify.

Please note – Everblue is a solar training provider only. We are not set up to provide the field experience needed to qualify for this exam. If you need field experience, we recommend that candidates volunteer with GRID Alternatives or Habitat for Humanity.

To take the NABCEP Entry Level Exam / NABCEP PV Associate Exam…

To take the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Exam…

There are two ways to pursue this exam. Interestingly, the requirements change depending on this one question: Did you take and pass the NABCEP Entry Level Exam?

1 – “Yes, I passed the NABCEP Entry Level Exam”

Ok, you need 58 hours of education + 10 hours of OSHA construction training. Remember that the 58 hours must contain 40 of advanced solar installation training, which leaves a remainder of 18 hours. Because you passed the NABCEP Entry Level Exam, NABCEP will let you count Entry Level Training toward this remaining 18 hours.

You can count the following Everblue training toward this requirement:

  • 18 hours of Entry Level Solar Training
  • 40 hours of Advanced Solar Training
  • 10 hours of OSHA construction safety training

All of these hours are available in Everblue’s NABCEP PV Installation Professional training package.

2 – “No, I did not take/pass the NABCEP Entry Level Exam”

Ok, you need 58 hours of education + 10 hours of OSHA construction training. Remember that the 58 hours must contain 40 of advanced solar installation training, which leaves a remainder of 18 hours. Because you did not take/pass the NABCEP Entry Level Exam, NABCEP will NOT count any Entry Level Training toward the remaining 18 hours.

You can count the following Everblue training toward this requirement:

  • 40 hours of Advanced Solar Training
  • 16 hours of Solar Design & Sales Training
  • 10 hours of OSHA construction safety training

All of these hours are available in Everblue’s NABCEP PV Installation Professional training program.

  • Find 2 hours of NABCEP-approved advanced solar training

To take the NABCEP PV Technical Sales Exam…

As you saw above and in the NABCEP Certification Handbook, there are a number of ways that you can qualify for the exam. Some of the qualifying categories rely more on training while others rely on field experience or previous NABCEP certifications held.

If you are interested in the NABCEP PV Technical Sales Exam and want to qualify with a specific category but you’re not sure how you can do it, call us at (800) 460-2575, and we can assist you with choosing the right class or classes.

Learn more about Everblue's NABCEP Certification Training
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Get LEED Certified in Under 50 Hours: Find Out How.

How long does it take to get LEED certified? It depends…but probably not as long as you’re thinking.

The reasons why sustainability practitioners earn LEED credentials vary depending on their professional goals. The most common goals include:

  • Qualifying for a project that requires LEED knowledge
  • Increasing marketability and getting a new job
  • Demonstrating expertise and getting a promotion or raise

Because of these goals, candidates seek the fastest path to get LEED Certified.

If you’re just getting started with LEED, visit our New to LEED? Start Here! series.

And here’s a quick tip – LEED Certification refers to buildings. LEED Accreditation refers to people. One way to instantly reveal your knowledge of LEED is by using the correct terminology! This is something we grapple with daily, even though it’s been 16 years since the LEED Rating System debuted.

blue buildings

It’s common for newcomers to think they want LEED Certification, so sometimes we have to use that language to get on the same level, but the reality is, you want to get LEED Accredited. Let’s keep it simple for now and just talk about the process for earning a LEED credential.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a LEED Credential?

The goals listed above influence how quickly a candidate will want to get through the LEED process.

This is a tough question to answer because the time it takes to learn about LEED is dependent on a candidate’s:

  • learning style
  • comfort with test-taking
  • work/life schedule
  • time commitment

I suppose we should be asking two better questions:

1 – Is there a required process to prepare for the LEED exam?  No

2 – If so, how long is that process?  Candidates have the option to choose how they want to study the LEED concepts. Once again, this is somewhat dependent on a candidate’s learning style, time commitment, and budget.

LEED Exam Prep:  The Fastest Way to Study LEED

This is why Everblue’s LEED Exam Prep program exists. We’ve taken all the most important concepts from the USGBC LEED Core Concepts Guide as well as candidate feedback to develop a concentrated LEED prep course.

With LEED Exam Prep, candidates can focus on studying only what they need to, instead of wasting time poring through a dense book of information.

All of our exam prep packages include study materials, so after candidates complete the foundational training, we recommend 20-30 hours of self-study time to review concepts and utilize the study aids provided.

Earning a LEED Credential:  Timing from Start to Finish

The time it takes Candidate A to prepare for the LEED Green Associate Exam will be different from the time it takes Candidate B, but provided that candidates use Everblue’s LEED training program, here is an expected time frame for studying.

Participants of 2-day classes

  • Learning – 16 hours
  • Studying – 30 hours
  • Exam – 2 hours
  • Estimated Total – 48 hours

Participants of 4-part live webinars

  • Learning – 16 hours
  • Studying – 30 hours
  • Exam – 2 hours
  • Estimated Total – 48 hours

Participants of self-paced online webinars

  • Learning – 16 hours
  • Studying – 30 hours
  • Exam – 2 hours
  • Estimated Total – 48 hours

Of course these are just estimates, based on the average learning time of our participants. Some candidates will pick up on the material quicker, while others will want to spend more time reviewing concepts.

Earning a LEED credential is a personal journey. Candidates must choose the path that’s right for them.

For more information about Everblue’s LEED training or to compare formats, please visit our LEED Green Associate Exam Prep page.

Register now for LEED Green Associate
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