Overview

The Home Energy Professional (HEP) Retrofit Installer Technician certification is offered by BPI, and is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

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.

Certification Scheme Handbook

Please read the Retrofit Installer Technician Certification Scheme Handbook prior to applying for the certification.

Steps to Get Retrofit Installer Technician Certified

1. Prerequisites required: Candidates must meet certain education and experience prerequisites prior to taking the online and/or field certification exams. Please review the Prerequisites for Retrofit Installer Technician Certification document.
2. Read the Certification Scheme Handbook and Field Guide for the Retrofit Installer Technician certification.
3. Fill out all information requested in the application, and gather documentation verifying you meet the prerequisite criteria. Your supporting documentation is critical to meeting prerequisite criteria.
4. Save the application form, and email, fax or mail it to BPI together with supporting documentation.
5. Approval Status: BPI will contact you to notify you of your approval status. Then, you may find a BPI Test Center to schedule your online exam. Click here to view BPI Test Centers that provide the Retrofit Installer Technician field exam.
6. Training (optional): BPI does not require training and is not affiliated with any training centers. However, individuals who complete training typically perform better on BPI exams. Most BPI Test Centers offer training.
7. Take your Retrofit Installer Technician exams (online and field).
8. Test Scores: After taking the online exam at the BPI Test Center, you will see your exam score on the screen. You can also log in to your candidate account to see your score.
9. Certification: If successful, your certification will be available for print or download in your candidate account.

Field Guide

Please review the Field Guide for the Retrofit Installer Technician certification.

Exam Preparation

Prior to applying and testing for the Retrofit Installer Technician certification, you must meet the specific prerequisites . Candidates must take both an online and field exam to become Retrofit Installer Technician certified.

In addition to the documents mentioned above, study the Weatherization Program Curricula for the Retrofit Installer Technician.

Online exam: 100 multiple choice questions
Time limit: 2 hours
Passing score: 76% or 75% or higher (depending on form of exam)

Field exam: Hands-on field exam
Time limit: 4 hours
Passing score (field total): 87% or higher

The field component includes seven (7) distinct props on which candidates will complete work. The proctor will depressurize three (3) of the props by approximately 75 Pa. These depressurized props are for single attempt only. Any sign of smoke movement within the prop will indicate a failure on the prop, however, not necessarily on the entire field exam.

Processing time for exam results: 2-4 weeks

Exam Fees

Exam prices are set by BPI Test Centers. Please contact them for pricing.

Recertification

BPI Retrofit Installer Technicians must recertify every three (3) years.

If you have accumulated and submitted at least 30 relevant BPI Continuing Education Units (CEUs) over the course of the time you were certified, you may bypass the online exam when it comes time to recertify. All candidates must re-take the field exam when it comes to recertify, and must also re-attest to the Code of Ethics.

Please refer to the recertification section in the Certification Scheme Handbook for more information. Fill out the Application for Certification Renewal once you determine that you are eligible for recertification.