Requirements
To be eligible for NABCEP Solar Heating Installer Certification, candidates must first meet these basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Meet prerequisites of related experience and/or education
- Complete an application for the NABCEP Solar Heating Certification Exam
- Sign a code of ethics in the application
- Pay applicable fees
- Pass the written exam
Prerequisites/Education
There are several ways that you may qualify to take the NABCEP Solar Heating Installer Certification examination. NABCEP recognizes that professionals in the field of renewable and sustainable energy and energy efficient technologies receive training and work experiences in a variety of ways. Therefore each requirement to qualify for the exam stipulates specific training and experience. The NABCEP Application Review Committee reviews each application to determine compliance with eligibility criteria. Compliance with the requirements of one of the qualifying categories must be documented.
Qualifying categories can be found in the Candidate Information Handbook for Installer Exams.
To qualify to take the NABCEP Solar Heating Installer Certification examination, the candidate must demonstrate that he/she meets at least ONE of the following qualifying categories:
1-a.) Four (4) years of experience installing Solar Hot Water Systems (find the definition of years of experience below or in Section 4.2.2 in the Candidate Information Handbook); OR
1-b.) Two (2) years of experience installing Solar Pool Heating Systems and completion of 40 hours of training that specifically relates to the Solar Heating Job Task Analysis. (find the definition of years of experience and training below or in Section 4.2.2 and 4.2.3 in the Candidate Information Handbook) OR
2.) Two (2) years of experience installing Solar Heating Systems and completion of 40 hours of training that specifically relates to the Solar Heating Job Task Analysis . (find the definition of years of experience and training below or in Section 4.2.2 and 4.2.3 in the Candidate Information Handbook); OR
3.) Be an existing licensed contractor in good standing in solar or construction-related areas with one (1) year of experience installing Solar Heating Systems (find the definition of years of experience below or in Section 4.2.2 in the Candidate Information Handbook); OR
4.) Four (4) years of HVAC, mechanical, pipe-fitting or plumbing-related experience working for a licensed contractor, including one (1) year of experience installing Solar Heating systems (find the definition of years of experience below or in Section 4.2.2 in the Candidate Information Handbook); OR
5.) Three (3) years experience in a government/trade union-approved construction trade apprentice program, including one (1) year of experience installing Solar Heating Systems (find the definition of years of experience below or in Section 4.2.2 in the Candidate Information Handbook); OR
6.) Two (2) year construction related, or engineering technology, or renewable energy technology /technician degree from an accredited educational institution plus one (1) year of experience installing Solar Heating Systems (find the definition of years of experience below or in Section 4.2.2 in the Candidate Information Handbook); OR
7.) Four (4) year engineering degree from an accredited educational institution, including (1) year experience installing Solar Heating Systems (find the definition of years of experience below or in Section 4.2.2 in the Candidate Information Handbook); OR
8.) NABCEP© Solar PV Installer Certification AND 16 hours of training specific to the Solar Heating Job Task Analysis (see section 3.2.4), AND include installation of at least two solar hot water systems. These two systems require permitting and inspection process by a permitting authority – OR – in the absence of such, an appropriate underwriter authorized to provide an inspection certificate. In regions where neither of these inspection options exist, the Application Review Committee will judge experience based on supplied documentation.
Definition of Experience
One year of experience must include service, repair and/or installation of solar heating systems. This year of service MUST include:
- A responsible role on the job installing solar hot water systems, in the role of foreman, supervisor, site manager, or experienced worker performing solar hot water installation work without direct supervision. This must include installation of at least two solar hot water systems. These two systems require permitting and inspection process by a permitting authority; OR
In the absence of such, an appropriate underwriter authorized to provide an inspection certificate. In regions where neither of these inspection options exist, the Application Review Committee will judge experience based on supplied documentation.
Training and Education Optional
Although training is strongly encouraged, it is not a requirement for achieving this certification when candidates meet other entry requirements. However, the exam is such that some level of training will likely be necessary for most applicants to achieve a passing score. It is recommended that applicants look for training courses that are ISPQ (Institute of Sustainable Power Quality) accredited or taught by an ISPQ Certified Master Trainer or Instructor. A Full list of accredited training programs and certified instructors can be found at www.IRECusa.org under Workforce Development.
Training and Education Option (1-b) and Option 8
NABCEP will accept training to meet entry requirement option (1-b) and option (8) when the training meets the following outcomes:
- A minimum of 16 hours cumulative (can include product training);
- Have a formal training format, with a teacher-learner structure. This implies a connection between a learner and a learning source. It can include classroom time led by an instructor and/or discussion leader. It can also include activities in which a learner is engaged in a planned learning event in which he/she is separated from faculty and other students but where the learner receives some sort of feedback and the learner’s progress is monitored. Examples include computer-assisted instruction, interactive video/CD/DVD and/or web site learning; and
- Covers core competencies from the Solar Heating Task Analysis, including demonstration of motor skills; the applicable plumbing, roofing, electrical and other Codes; safety work practices and codes.
Please view the section below for types of training programs that will be accepted.
Training and Education Option (2)
NABCEP will accept training to meet entry requirement option (2) when the training meets the following outcomes:
- A minimum of 40 hours cumulative (can include product training);
- Have a formal training format, with a teacher-learner structure. This implies a connection between a learner and a learning source. It can include classroom time led by an instructor and/or discussion leader. It can also include activities in which a learner is engaged in a planned learning event in which he/she is separated from faculty and other students but where the learner receives some sort of feedback and the learner’s progress is monitored. Examples include computer-assisted instruction, interactive video/CD/DVD and/or web site learning.
- Covers core competencies from the Solar Heating Job Task Analysis , including demonstration of motor skills; the applicable plumbing, roofing, electrical and other Codes; safety work practices and codes.
Types of training programs may include but are not limited to:
- Offered by an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the federal Department of Education (Universities, Community Colleges, etc.)
- Dedicated independent training programs such as those accredited by the Institute for Sustainable Power
- Apprenticeship training programs (e.g. National Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee Department of Labor approved apprenticeship programs)
- Those approved by State Contractor Licensing Boards
- Vocational/Technical training programs (e.g. Board of Cooperative Educational Services/New York)
- Industry in-house training programs (i.e. Manufacturers)
Documentation of Employment, Experience, & Education
To show that you have been working in the solar heating field for the number of years required by the Qualifying Category you chose (see Section 3.2.1 above), the Application Form will ask you to list Solar Heating related employment in chronological order, starting with most current employment. You will need to write a job description, summarize the # of/type of systems you helped install, and provide contact information for your supervisor. In addition, a supervisor will need to sign off on your current employment. If you are self-employed, the Application Form will ask you to provide a detailed description of your work and sign off on it yourself. Your Solar Thermal installations will act as verification of your employment.
Formal education and training are optional depending on the Qualifying Category you chose, though NABCEP believes that applicants will benefit from quality training when preparing to take the certification exam. If your Qualifying Category requires education, copies of official transcripts or diplomas attesting to your attendance and degrees earned will need to be attached to the application form.
Documentation of System Installations
In order to document the minimum 2-systems required per year of experience, candidates are asked to list qualifying installed systems (see Section 4.2.2 above) and provide a concise description of work performed at the job site, including the system size, a list of components, the level of their responsibility on the job site, number of full-time equivalent workers supervised, and any other pertinent information.
These two (2) systems require permitting and inspection process by a permitting authority.
In the absence of such, an appropriate underwriter authorized to provide an inspection certificate or in regions where neither of these inspection options exists, the applicant may submit the following to be reviewed by the Application Review Committee:
- A line-drawing of the system showing all components
- A photo of the collector(s)
- Photo(s) of the conventional and storage tanks (if there is one)
- Warranty information as available
- A signed letter from your supervisor or employer stating that you were the lead installer of that system.
The Application Review Committee will judge experience based on supplied documentation.
NABCEP reserves the right to contact system owners/operators, permitting authorities, and responsible contractors to verify work listed in this section.
Licensure Requirement
If a license for solar heating installation is required in the jurisdiction in which the work is performed, candidates must submit their license number — or the license number under which the work was performed.