NABCEP Associate Program

What is a NABCEP Associate Credential?

The NABCEP Associate Program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge of the fundamental principles of the application, installation, operation and maintenance of Photovoltaic (PV) or Solar Heating (SH) energy systems. This credential is ideal for individuals working or seeking employment in the renewable energy industry, including students in renewable energy programs, professionals early in their renewable energy careers, experienced workers new to the renewable energy field, or those in renewable energy roles that lack a professional certification.

A NABCEP Associate Credential (PVA, OMAT or SHA) is earned by completing a training (or work equivalence) and passing an examination based on the related NABCEP Associate Job Task Analysis (JTA) or Learning Objectives.

Obtaining this credential is most often the first step toward a NABCEP Board Certification or added recognition in a field with many career paths to pursue.

Why become a NABCEP Associate?

As the renewable energy market expands, earning a NABCEP Associate Credential enhances employment opportunities by adding distinction to resumes. Employers gain confidence they are hiring or promoting someone committed to the profession, who is workforce-ready, proficient and safety-focused. For more on employer advantages to hiring NABCEP Associates, see these 5 things to know.

Passing a NABCEP exam qualifies an individual to design, sell, install, operate and maintain systems under supervision.

NABCEP’s Associate Directory serves as a tool for employers to verify an individual’s credential. Only individuals with active NABCEP Associate credentials are listed in the Directory and only NABCEP Associates are authorized to use their Associate Seal in marketing; any unauthorized use should be reported to info@nabcep.org.  Please note, Associates do not receive a NABCEP Digital Badge. See the Mark Use and Trademark Policy for further details.

The NABCEP Associate program is available internationally, with testing sites in the U.S. and 97 other countries worldwide. To find a testing site, go to MeazureLearning.com

2 Pathways to qualify to take an Associate Exam

There are two pathways to obtaining a NABCEP Associate credential:

• Education Pathway — Complete a training course with a NABCEP Associate Registered Training Provider, and pass the relevant NABCEP Associate Examination. Click here to find a class.
  • The NABCEP Associate Registered Training Provider will create your Candidate Account at the end of your course
  • DO NOT submit an application to NABCEP on you own.

• Experience Pathway – 1) Document at least six months of full-time equivalent work in a job that is directly involved with the technology you are choosing; 2) pass the relevant NABCEP Associate Examination.
  • Create an account and Self-Enroll by completing an Associate application.  Once your application is approved, you will receive an email from our testing vendor with instructions on how to schedule your exam.

• NABCEP Entry Level Conversion Pathway (Applies to PVA Only) — You already received a NABCEP Entry Level Achievement Award for photovoltaics or solar heating. If the award was earned more than three years ago, documentation of at least 12 hours of continuing education within the last three years will also be required. To begin, go to the Apply Now! page.

Practice Exams

Online practice exams are available for the NABCEP PV Associate Credential Exam. By taking the practice exam, you will have the opportunity to become comfortable with the format of the exam. It also allows you to become more comfortable with the timing of the exam and knowing how long to spend on a given question.