Get trained and up your game!
This list is your one-stop-shop for all trainings and credentials included in our Career Pathways.
We invite you to see how these trainings fit within specific Career Pathways or you can browse the list below to view additional info.
For each training listed below, you'll find an overview, the intended audience, credentials provided, prerequisites, cost, and links to learn more or register.
Entry Level Trainings
www.bpi.org/building-science-principles
- Overview: This is your first step into the world of energy-efficient home performance. You will learn some of the widely used industry terminology related to building science. Learn how all the systems in a home affect the comfort, health, and safety of occupants and the durability of the home.
- Audience: Professionals new to the energy efficiency industry wanting to demonstrate their understanding of the importance of the house-as-a-system. Understanding these concepts of building science will prepare you for internships and other work across various industries.
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Guide ($99) + Exam ($99)
www.bpi.org/certified-professionals/air-leakage-control-installer
- Overview: This certification verifies the ability to tighten the building envelope, reduce energy loss from air leakage, and better indoor air quality by reducing pollutants and allergens. Installers improve thermal conform and energy efficiency through the installation of dense-pack insulation materials.
- Audience: Home Performance and weatherization contractors
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Field Exam ($500 + Fees)
http://www.bpi.org/certified-professionals/crew-leader
- Overview: Those who become certified Retrofit Installer Technicians prove by passing vigorous examinations that they can properly install residential envelope air sealing, HVAC duct sealing, insulation, windows and doors, mechanical ventilation, and roofing upgrades in single family homes and small multifamily housing.
- Audience: Building professionals with an interest in becoming Crew Leaders, Site Supervisors, Energy Auditors
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: Various prerequisites including certifications, work experience and training: http://www.bpi.org/sites/default/files/Installer_Prerequisites_Apr.pdf
- Cost: Written Exam ($250) + Field Exam ($700 + Fees)
http://www.earthadvantage.org/SHPOnline
- Overview: SHP is 15+ hour online training program that teaches cutting-edge residential home design and building best practices that are critical to success in today's housing market. Participants will gain information and recommendations on how to overcome common barriers and misconceptions of high-performance building in order to incorporate the most beneficial building practices that match their specific scenario. The online SHP experience provides 15-hours of required content and over 5-hours of optional bonus features consisting of training videos, behind-the-walls site visit tours, live webinars with instructor Q&A, guest speaker presentations, & product/technology demonstrations.
- Audience: Architects, Builders/Contractors, Developers, Engineers, Home Inspectors, Program Representatives, Rater/Verifiers, Remodelers, Subcontractors
- Credential: Sustainable Homes Professional (SHP) designation
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: $650 regular registration. Full scholarships are available for EA workforce training participants. Contact education@earthadvantage.org for more info.
https://www.pcc.edu/programs/building-construction/cert-building-construction/
- Overview: One-year certificate in Building Construction Technology through Portland Community College with a focus on carpentry.
- Audience: Entry- to mid-level professionals
- Credential: Certificate
- Requirements: None
- Cost: Approximately $1000 per semester half time; $2000 per semester full-time
https://www.resnet.us/raters/rating-field-inspector/becoming-rating-field-inspector/
- Overview: Field Inspectors perform the initial work of testing and inspecting home energy systems. This certification allows for entry-level work that assists with home energy scoring and can serve as a foundation for working as an energy rater.
- Audience: Entry-level professionals interested in home energy scoring
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: None. Certification requires an application, inspection/grading of 3 field inspections, and submission of photo documentation.
- Cost: $50 application fee
https://www.pdxhes.com/home-energy-assessors
https://www.earthadvantage.org/home-data/oregon-assessor-roadmap.html
https://www.earthadvantage.org/home-data/oregon-assessor-roadmap.html
- Overview: Training and qualifications necessary to become qualified to perform Home Energy Score Assessments and deliver Home Energy Scores within Portland city limits where it has been required for homeowners to list at the time of sale of their homes
- Audience: Current and future home energy raters and home inspectors
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/save-energy/Documents/HEPS-Assessor-Certification-Form-2017.pdf
- Cost: Minimum $625 depending on which building science prerequisites you choose to complete
General Information: https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-0
Training Programs: https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-programs
Training Programs: https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-programs
- Overview: Instruction in handling refrigerant-based systems and their interaction with other building systems. Apprentices are exempt from certification if they are continually supervised by a certified technician.
- Type 1: servicing small appliances
- Type 2: servicing or disposing of high-pressure appliances
- Type 3: servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances
- Type 4 (Universal): servicing all types of equipment
- Audience: HVAC apprentices, Infiltration / Duct Sealing Technicians, Building professionals
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Exam fee (varies by test center)
http://www.bpi.org/certified-professionals/heating
- Overview: Through the Heating Professional certification, you will optimize, and verify, the installation, operation, and maintenance of heating equipment in relation to other building systems. The Heating Professional certification helps the professional save the occupant energy and money, and ensure occupant comfort, health, and safety.
- Audience: Building professionals, Infiltration and Duct Sealing Technicians, Energy Auditors, HVAC apprentices.
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Written Exam ($250) + Field Exam ($500 + Fees)
https://www.pcc.edu/programs/building-construction/aas-building-construction/
- Overview: Two-year degree program in Building Construction Technology through Portland Community College with three focus areas:
- Hands-On Building Construction Technology (Carpenter Pathway)
- Construction Management (NC Site Supervisor Pathway)
- Design/Build Remodeling (Retrofit Site Supervisor Pathway)
- Audience: Entry- to mid-level professionals
- Credential: Associates Degree
- Requirements: None
- Cost: Approximately $1000 per semester half time; $2000 per semester full-time
https://nwcoc.com/apprenticeship-at-nwcoc/
- Overview: Four-year apprenticeship in fields of carpentry, laborer, HVAC, sheet metal, roofing, and more. Combines classroom instruction with paid on the job learning. Requires 144 classroom hours and 8,000 on the job hours over four years.
- Audience: Entry- to mid-level professionals
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Free, plus paid on the job work/training.
https://nwcoc.com/apprenticeship-at-nwcoc/hvac-technician/
- Overview: Four-year apprenticeship in HVAC fields that requires 144 classroom hours and 8,000 on the job hours over four years.
- Audience: Entry-level
- Credential: None
- Requirements: Must be 18, have a GED, and have passed high school algebra or equivalent
- Cost: Free, plus paid on the job work & training
Mid-Level & Advanced Trainings
https://nonprofithomeinspections.org/oregon-home-inspector-training/
https://www.nachi.org/
https://www.oregon.gov/ccb/licensing/pages/home-inspectors.aspx
https://www.nachi.org/
https://www.oregon.gov/ccb/licensing/pages/home-inspectors.aspx
- Overview: Inspect the exterior and interior, including attached buildings, plumbing, HVAC systems, electrical system, attic, and roof and suggest possible improvements or problems within the dwelling and discuss potential code violations.
- Audience: Builders, Rater/Verifiers, Remodelers, Subcontractors, Energy Auditors
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Varies depending on training provider:
- Non-profit Home Inspections charges $895 for online training + 4 ride-alongs, and $2,995 for intensive classroom instruction
- InterNACHI charges $499 for a membership which gives you access to online courses
www.bpi.org/certified-professionals/infiltration-duct-leakage
- Overview: Earning the Infiltration and Duct Leakage (IDL) certification is a simple, comprehensive, and affordable way for builders, remodelers, HVAC, insulation, and other contractors to gain the skills needed to offer duct leakage and blower door tests, in compliance with IECC codes for the new home construction or existing home remodels.
- Audience: home performance/weatherization contractors & HVAC specialists
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Field Exam ($200 + Fees)
https://www.bpi.org/certified-professionals/building-analyst-technician-ba-t
- Overview: This is an early-career credential for workers in the home performance industry that covers data collection and diagnostic testing for a whole-home assessments plus knowledge about buildings & their systems, testing & data collection, and industry standards..
- Audience: Newer workers in the energy efficiency industry wanting to continue their education in building science.
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Exam fee
http://www.bpi.org/certified-professionals/crew-leader
- Overview: The Home Energy Professional (HEP) Crew Leader certification demonstrates advanced competency through written and field exams and work experience prerequisites. By obtaining the Crew Leader certification, you prove that you can ensure the quality, and supervision, of the installation and performance of prescribed energy efficiency upgrades, as laid out in a scope of work.
- Audience: Building professionals with an interest in becoming an Energy Raters / Site Supervisors
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: Various prerequisites including certifications, work experience and training: http://www.bpi.org/sites/default/files/Crew_Leader_Prerequisites.pdf
- Cost: Written Exam ($250) + Field Exam ($700 + Fees)
https://www.bpi.org/sitesupervisorcertificate
- Overview: The Site Supervisor Certificate is for workers who supervise in retrofitting activities and enables workers to demonstrate leadership and readiness for professional growth. Training includes client interactions, personnel management, safety and quality control.
- Audience: Mid-level professionals
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: Various prerequisites including certifications, work experience and training
- Cost: Exam fee ($200)
https://www.eeba.org/designations/site-supervisor
- Overview: Covers the knowledge, processes, and best practices of building science, whole building integration, building testing, quality management, and integrated job site design for residential construction projects.
- Audience: Mid-level professionals
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: None stated; previous construction experience necessary
- Cost: Exam fee ($99)
https://nwcoc.com/training-programs/supervisory-training-program/
- Overview: Six class certification program offered over two-days covering the knowledge and skills to become a front-line construction manager.
- Audience: Mid-level professionals
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: $3772 for entire program, or $622 per class
insider.energytrust.org/programs/eps-new-construction/for-verifiers/
- Overview: Verifiers play an important role for Energy Performance Scores in new construction by helping to ensure the effectiveness and quality of energy-efficient measures by inspecting homes for program requirements and building components.
- Audience: Current/future building scientists, trainers, energy raters, consultants, home performance/weatherization contractors, & HVAC specialists
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: HERS Rater training (RESNET). See additional info here: insider.energytrust.org/programs/eps-new-construction/for-verifiers/
- Cost: Cost of certifications and insurance
https://www.energystar.gov/partner_resources/residential_new/working/energy_rating_cos
- Overview: ENERGY STAR is a federal program that certifies builders, energy raters, and companies who understand advanced energy efficiency techniques and pledge to utilize these methods in the homes they build and repair. Contractors must have this designation for their work to be eligible for a number of current federal funding program.
- Audience: Building professionals, Energy Raters, HVAC professionals
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Free
http://www.bpi.org/certified-professionals/energy-auditor
- Overview: Knowledge on evaluation of the energy efficiency, health, and safety of a home using diagnostic equipment and modeling software with responsibility to produce an audit report, develop a prioritized scope of work, and identify areas for energy savings.
- Audience: Current/future building scientists, trainers, consultants, home performance/weatherization contractors, & HVAC specialists
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: Various prerequisites including certifications, work experience and training: http://www.bpi.org/sites/default/files/Energy_Auditor_Prerequisites.pdf
- Cost: Exam fee (varies by location)
www.resnet.us/raters/hers-raters/become-rater/
- Overview: RESNET offers the nationally recognized HERS Rater certification. HERS Raters are trained and certified by an accredited Home Energy Rating Provider to inspect and evaluate a home’s energy features, prepare a home energy rating, and make recommendations for improvements.
- Audience: Building professionals with an interest in becoming an Energy Rater.
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: None. Certification requires training, job shadowing, and testing. See this link for more info: www.resnet.us/resources/path-to-becoming-a-resnet-certified-home-energy-rater/
- Cost: Varies depending on Accredited Rater Training Provider. WSU Energy Program charges $1800 for classes and 5 preliminary ratings + approx. $200 a year for access to rate energy modeling software. You will need to purchase blower door and duct blaster prior to completing preliminary ratings.
http://www.bpi.org/certified-professionals/ac-heat-pump
- Overview: By achieving this certification, you will prove that you understand the role of refrigerant-based mechanical systems and their interaction with other building systems
- Audience: Building professionals, Infiltration and Duct Sealing Technicians, Energy Auditors, HVAC apprentices
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: Must be an EPA certified installer and have the Type II or Universal certification (discuss further w/ HVAC career counselor): https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-0)
- Cost: Written Exam ($250) + Field Exam ($500 + Fees)
Additional Trainings
http://www.bpi.org/certified-professionals/healthy-home-evaluator
- Overview: This certification teaches assessment of home-based environmental health and safety hazards such as lead paint, carbon monoxide, and asthma triggers, and provides a prioritized list of recommendations to address the hazards.
- Audience: Building Analysts, Energy Auditors, Quality Inspectors, Contractors
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: Hold an active BPI Building Analyst (BA), Multifamily Building Analyst, Energy Auditor (EA), or Quality Control Inspector (QCI) certification.
- Cost: Exam fee (varies by location)
https://www.bpi.org/healthy-housing-principles
- Overview: Gain knowledge of how different components of a home interact to affect occupant health.
- Audience: HVAC professionals, home inspectors, remodelers, weatherization, new construction contractors
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Guide ($99) + Exam ($99)
http://www.bpi.org/certified-professionals/quality-control-inspector
- Overview: This certification allows for verification of compliance of retrofit work performed based on standards and work plans, conducts audits and inspections using diagnostic equipment, and develop reports that specify corrective action for whole home performance.
- Audience: Energy Auditors
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: Must hold an active BPI energy auditor certification
- Cost: Exam fee (varies by location)
https://neep.org/tep/total-energy-pathways-workforce-development
- Overview: This certification trains contractors on deep retrofits that provide weatherization, renewably powered mechanical systems (heat pumps, heat pump water heaters) and solar panels that will combine to save homeowners 50-100% total energy savings. This certification is in development and expected to be offered in December 2023.
- Audience: Aspiring contractors; Experienced contractors
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: None, but helpful to have current knowledge of building science principals
- Cost: None
https://www.pcc.edu/programs/facilities-maintenance/pathway-hvac/
- Overview: 11-week program that introduces entry level workers to HVAC fundamentals
- Audience: Entry-level
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: $1722 for Oregon residents
General Info: https://www.natex.org/site/519/Technicians/Certified-HVAC-Professional
Training Guide: https://store.natex.org/certified-hvac-professional-study-guide
Training Guide: https://store.natex.org/certified-hvac-professional-study-guide
- Overview: HVAC certification that matches training with on-the-job learning. Exam includes five 30-question tests that can be taken separately and each focus on one area of expertise: HVAC fundamentals, Electric & Controls, Comfort & Airflow, Installation, and Service.
- Audience: HVAC Professionals of any career level
- Credential: None
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Exam fee ($20-70)