Earth Advantage

The below list includes all trainings mentioned in the career pathways, plus additional advanced options.

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:
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Cost: Guide ($99) + Exam ($99)

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.

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:
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Cost: Field Exam ($500 + Fees)

ptcs.bpa.gov/eventsnew.aspx
  • Overview: Two-day certification that offers instruction on Performance Tested Comfort Systems (PTCS) and Prescriptive Duct Sealing certified contractors improve HVAC system comfort and increasing energy savings by properly sealing/testing ducts. This is very similar to BPI’s Infiltration and Duct Leakage certification but PTCS is a local program administered by the Bonneville Power Administration.
  • Audience: Building professionals looking to become certified to test and seal duct systems. Home performance/weatherization contractors & HVAC specialists.
  • Credential: Two different certifications are offered:
    • PTCS Duct Sealing certification includes leakage testing
    • Prescriptive Duct Sealing certification does not have leakage testing
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Cost: Free (tuition covered by funding provided by local utilities)
  • Resources: PTCS Training videos are recommended preparation for the PTCS training:
    www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfkQc2Db24zvPzoXtX5eIRFN8qk_umqgG

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:
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Cost: Field Exam ($200 + Fees)

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:
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Cost: Guide ($99) + Exam ($99)

https://nonprofithomeinspections.org/oregon-home-inspector-training/
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:
  • 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

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:
  • Prerequisites: None. Certification requires an application, inspection/grading of 3 field inspections, and submission of photo documentation.
  • Cost: $50 application fee

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:
  • 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.

https://www.pcc.edu/programs/building-construction/aas-building-construction/
  • Overview: One-year certificate or 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:
  • 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:
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Cost: Free, plus paid on the job work/training.

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:
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Cost: Written Exam ($250) + Field Exam ($500 + Fees)

General Information: https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-0
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
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Cost: Exam fee (varies by test center)

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:
  • 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
  • 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:
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Cost: Exam fee ($20-70)

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:
  • Requirements: Must be 18, have a GED, and have passed high school algebra or equivalent
  • Cost: Free, plus paid on the job work & training

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