RESNET HERS Rater Certification

RESNET Practical Simulation Exam Now Available

HERS Rater candidates now have one more exam to pass if they want to become a certified HERS Rater.

RESNET Practical Simulation Exam Now Available

The Residential Energy Services Network, or RESNET, introduced a new exam on July 1, 2016 that further tests a candidate’s ability to evaluate the energy consumption of a home and offer a score based on the findings. The exam is called the RESNET Practical Simulation Exam.

About the RESNET Practical Simulation Exam

Developed by gamification software geniuses at Interplay Energy, the RESNET Practical Simulation Exam creates a 3D experience for HERS Rater candidates to explore virtual homes. Candidates can walk around the house, measure walls and windows, etc. in order to simulate the energy audit process and collect pertinent information for developing a home energy score. The simulation is a great teaching tool because it is very involved and detailed, so it adds an extra layer of learning.

Here is a brief introduction to the Practical Simulation tool, from Stephen Quirk at Interplay (published Feb. 7, 2015):

Candidates must complete two separate home energy ratings within the RESNET Practical simulation software. There is said to be a pool of 10 houses available, so candidates in the same class will not be tested on the same two houses. Candidates will have up to 2 hours for each home assessment.

More info about the exam:

  • It is a proctored test
  • Open book, open note
  • Passing score is 80% or higher
  • Must complete test house 1 and test house 2

When going through the exam registration process, candidates will supply the name of their training provider and the email address of their instructor. This will allow the instructor to receive a copy of the exam results. Candidates will also receive a copy of their feedback report.

How Does the RESNET Practical Simulation Exam Fit Into the Certification Process?

In order to become a certified HERS Rater, a candidate must complete the following:

  • 5 home energy ratings
  • Pass the National Rater Core Exam
  • Pass the National Rater Combustion Safety Simulation Exam
  • Sign a contract with a RESNET Quality Assurance Provider
  • Submit all home energy ratings to the QA Provider

Now, candidates must also pass the RESNET Practical Simulation Exam. This exam does not replace any of the pre-existing requirements.

Who Needs to Take the RESNET Practical Simulation Exam?

All new HERS Rater candidates must take this exam starting July 1, 2016. Everblue has already factored the exam into its RESNET HERS Rater Training program.

Existing HERS Raters must take this exam by February 2018. To get a jumpstart on this requirement, please call us at (800) 460-2575.

About Lesley Baulding

Lesley has been passionately advocating for and working with green building and renewable energy since 2009. She has experience with LEED certification, home energy auditing, blower door testing, solar energy, and more. She holds many certifications, including LEED Green Associate and NABCEP Certification. Her work has won numerous awards over the past decade.