Saturn's online BPI building analyst and RESNET HERS Rater 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.
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: RESNET Training Providers, and 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 may work nationally, such as Energy Logic or Guaranteed Watt Savers. 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 Resource Management (800) 735-0577
RESNET(760) 806-3448
RESNET Accredited Training Providers
RESNET Accredited Rating Providers

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 organizations provide the training for BPI Building Analyst candidates. The BPI standards strongly recommend but do not require this training. Trainers offer both online and classroom seminars that Building Analyst candidates may attend. BPI Testing Centers observe candidates in the performance of a 100-question multiple-choice certification exam as well as a practical field evaluation. The multiple-choice exam may be administered in person or remotely. 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 test proctor. Once the testing and evaluation requirements have been met and the application has been processed the candidate is certified by BPI.

Resources

Saturn Resource Management (800) 735-0577
Building Performance Institute (518) 899-2727
BPI Certification Process
BPI Testing Centers