Last week, the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) and International Code Council (ICC) determined that RESNET RFIs (Rating Field Inspectors) can earn the IECC/HERS Compliance Specialist designation when they pass the Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner Certification exam.

There’s a lot to unpack in that statement, like:

• Why does this matter?
• Who are RESNET RFIs?
• How can I become a RESNET RFI?
• How is a RESNET RFI different from a RESNET HERS Rater?
• Can a RESNET HERS Rater also earn the IECC/HERS Compliance designation?
• Where can I find more information about the IECC/HERS Compliance designation?

Growing demand for energy code compliance experts

The IECC/HERS Compliance Specialist designation combines the energy code knowledge of code officials with the energy efficiency knowledge of RFIs to identify experts in energy code inspection and testing.

The credential leverages the strengths of both organizations to increase the number of qualified individuals available for evaluating energy code compliance and home energy performance.

Since more and more states across the country are starting to adopt and implement strict energy efficiency standards in their building codes, it’s important to have a technical expert on the government side to verify that these standards are being enacted properly.

Who are RESNET RFIs?

An RFI is like an apprentice to a RESNET HERS Rater. This person assists with collecting measurements and performing necessary diagnostic tests throughout a home in order to produce a home energy rating.

How to Become a RESNET RFI

There are five steps to becoming a RESNET Rating Field Inspector.

• Download the necessary paperwork. This includes the RFI Field Evaluation Form, the instructions for RESNET Graded Field Evaluation, and the (optional) RFI Photo Documentation Form.
• Complete three mentored field inspections observed by a HERS Rater or Candidate Field Assessor. At least 1 inspection must be a rough-in inspection and 1 must be a final inspection. 10 supporting photos must be taken at each home.
• Complete a final graded field evaluation after completing the 3 mentored field inspections.
• Pass the RESCAZ Simulation Exam through an accredited RESNET Training Provider (like Everblue!)
• Pay $50 and complete the RFIIN application

Additional details about each step can be found on the RESNET website.

RESNET RFI vs. RESNET HERS Rater

As I mentioned above, the RESNET Rating Field Inspector designation is a step below the RESNET HERS Rater designation.

RESNET RFI candidates only have to pass the RESNET Combustion Safety Exam and complete three mentored field inspections. HERS Rater candidates, on the other hand, have to pass three certification exams and complete five total ratings before they can earn the certification.

For more information on the process of being a HERS Rater, visit our HERS Rater Certification page.

Can HERS Raters Earn the IECC/HERS Compliance designation?

Yes! In fact, RESNET and ICC made this announcement back in July 2017.

RESNET HERS Raters are indeed able to earn this energy code compliance certification.

In addition to holding an active HERS Rater Certification, one must also hold the ICC Residential Plans Examiner Certification (79).

What exactly is the IECC/HERS Compliance Specialist designation?

IECC/HERS Compliance Specialists verify that the local energy code has been implemented successfully.

By having a background in RESNET HERS ratings and ICC residential building plan examinations, the IECC/HERS Compliance Specialists bring a strong combination of technical knowledge that’s unmatched by any other outsourced party. This is especially valuable to municipalities that face resource constraints.

For more information about the IECC/HERS Compliance Specialist designation, visit the ICC website.

We’ve now covered how to earn the RESNET RFI designation, the RESNET HERS Rater Certification, and the IECC/HERS Compliance Specialist designation!

Here at Everblue, we can help you with taking the RESCAZ Simulation Exam (RFIs) and/or all of the RESNET HERS Rater Certification exams. Call us at (800) 460-2575 to talk about which pathway makes the most sense for you.