Path to Certification

Saturn's online courses prepare students for written exams for both RESNET and BPI certifications.

RESNET HERS Rater Path to Certification

Home Energy Ratings (HERS ratings) in the U.S. are managed by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). RESNET performs three distinct tasks within the industry: 1) defining and testing the knowledge that is required of HERS Raters, 2) specifying the requirements for the software that is used to perform HERS ratings, and 3) performing quality assurance evaluations of the work performed by HERS raters.

A nationwide network of private organizations manages the training, testing, and supervision of HERS Raters (Raters).  These responsibilities are divided between two types of organizations: 1) RESNET Training Providers, and 2) RESNET Rating Providers.

RESNET Training Providers offer both online and classroom seminars that Rater candidates may attend.  The RESNET standards recommend but do not require this training for Rater candidates. Training Providers also observe Rater candidates in the performance of two Supervised Ratings that include the use of approved rating software.

At least one of these Ratings must be a “confirmed" rating on-site at a completed home. One of the ratings may be a “projected” rating that is taken from architectural plans and specifications.  These two Supervised Ratings are mandatory under RESNET standards. Training Providers also administer the 50-question multiple-choice National Rater Competency Test (Rater Test) to Rater candidates.  The Rater Test may be administered in person, or remotely at a library or other approved facility. Successful Rater candidates must receive a score of at least 80% on the test.

Once the training and testing requirements have been met the candidate is considered a “probationary rater” and may then perform HERS Ratings for clients under the oversight of a RESNET Rating Provider, who also will finalize the HERS Rater Certification.  All HERS ratings must be performed under the oversight of this Rating Provider, who may be local to the Rater or who works nationally, such as Energy Logic or Guaranteed Watt Saver.  Within one year of completing the training and testing requirements Raters must submit at least three Ratings to their chosen Rating Provider.  The Rating Provider will perform a close analysis of these three Probationary Ratings, offer feedback to the Rater about any shortcomings, and certify the Rater once those conditions have been met.  The Rating Provider will continue to perform quality control reviews on the Rater’s submitted ratings – at least 10% of all Ratings will be reviewed on paper at the Rating Provider's office, and the Rating Provider will send a Quality Assurance Designee to perform a field review of at least 1% (or a minimum of 1 per year) of all submitted ratings.

Resources:
Saturn Online office: http://srmi.biz/ (800) 735-0577
RESNET office: http://www.resnet.us/ (760) 806-3448
List of Training Providers: http://www.resnet.us/programs/training/directory.aspx/
List of Rating Providers: http://www.resnet.us/programs/providers/directory.aspx/

BPI Building Analyst Path to Certification

The Building Performance Institute has established a Building Analyst Certification which provides customer assurance that the Building Performance Professional is qualified to perform home evaluation which focuses on the house-as-a-system concept.

A nationwide network of BPI Affiliate organizations provide the training for BPI Building Analysts. The BPI standards strongly recommend but do not require this training. BPI Affiliates offer both online and classroom seminars that Building Analyst candidates may attend. BPI Affiliates also observe candidates in the performance of a 100-question multiple-choice certification exam as well as a practical field evaluation. The exam may be administered in person, or remotely at a library or other approved facility. Successful candidates must receive a score of at least 70% on the test. The field evaluation must be performed in the presence of a BPI affiliate.

Once the testing and evaluation requirements have been met and the application has been processed the candidate is certified by BPI.

Resources

Saturn Online office: www.srmi.biz (800) 735-0577

BPI office: www.bpi.org (518) 899-2727

BPI BA Application form: https://bpiforms.rsmhosting.com/Appforaccreditation.aspx

List of Affiliates: http://bpi.org/affiliates.aspx