The NABCEP solar thermal installer certification is a voluntary certification that provides a set of national standards by which solar thermal installers with skills and experience can distinguish themselves from their competition. Certification provides a measure of protection to the public by giving them a credential for judging the competency of practitioners. It is not intended to prevent qualified individuals from installing solar thermal systems nor to replace state licensure requirements.
The target candidate for NABCEP certification is the person responsible for the system installation (e.g., contractor, foreman, supervisor, or journeyman).
The NABCEP Solar Thermal Installer Certification has been developed in accordance with the the certification field’s best practices. NABCEP is a member of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA) and has endeavored to follow the requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 17024: General Requirements for Bodies Operating Certification Systems of Persons.
Task Analysis
The NABCEP Solar Thermal Task Analyis (TA) defines a general set of knowledge, skills and abilities typically required of practitioners who install and maintain solar hot water or pool heating systems. The TA guides the development of an exam by which candidates for certification can demonstrate that they truly posses the skills and knowledge that their peers and experts have deemed necessary to do the job well. Created by solar thermal industry experts, it is the core document for the development of the NABCEP Solar Thermal Installer Certification. Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) are used to research and develop examination questions for each of the content areas on the exam. All of the questions undergo extensive review and editing.