- What is the value of being a Certified Professional?
- Who can be a Certified Professional?
- How do I get Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?
- What happens if I fail the exam?
- How many times can I take the test?
- Does BPI provide software?
- What if I want to order more patches?
- What if I want to order reprints of my certificate or ID card?
- Where can I get the Certified Professional Logo?
- Can I see my results online?
- What is HOME STAR?
- What is the status of the legislation?
- What is the budget for HOME STAR?
- Why do we need HOME STAR?
- Where can I get more information?
What is the value of being a Certified Professional?
The value of being a BPI Certified Professional is: • Understanding the relationship between all the systems in the house and its effect on occupant health, safety and comfort, energy efficiency and durability • Finding the real problem and fixing it, instead of putting a bandage on one of the symptoms • Getting the edge over low-bid contractors • Having the comfort of our Quality Assurance Program and verification that your work was done right the first time
Who can be a Certified Professional?
Anyone. While no formal experience is necessary to participate in most examinations, we strongly recommend that you seek training from an independent training organization and have some experience in the building performance industry before attempting any BPI certification designations. Of course, to achieve certification, you must pass both online and field examinations as set by BPI or one of our BPI Test Centers.
How do I get Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?
You can receive CEUs at any national or regional conferences, Weatherization conferences, participating in seminars, and a variety of other ways. View the list of approved courses. Proof of attendance and a course outline are required to review courses that are not approved.
What happens if I fail the exam?
When we say that we are “raising the bar in home performance contracting,” we are serious. We want to challenge technicians to get the skills necessary to help homeowners diagnose and solve their home’s problems. The written exams and field exams are challenging. Not everyone passes. Those who fail the exam can schedule to retake it.
How many times can I take the test?
You have three attempts at both the written and field exam in one year. The year starts at your first attempt followed by two additional attempts. If you have tested three times you must wait until a year past your first initial attempt.
Does BPI provide software?
No, BPI does not provide any software. You should check with your local program implementer or independent training organization.
What if I want to order reprints of my certificate or ID card?
Reprints may be subject to a small fee and can be requested by filling out the BPI Replacement ID and Certificate Order Form.
Where can I get the Certified Professional Logo?
Contact BPI directly by sending an email message to: certification@bpi.org.
Can I see my results online?
Yes, by logging into the candidate portal you can see your testing history, CEU count, update your personal information and much more.
What is HOME STAR?
HOME STAR is a proposed nationwide incentive program for home performance retrofit and weatherization projects. It is intended to encourage homeowners to invest in improving the energy efficiency of their homes, while also creating sustainable jobs in local communities. HOME STAR is endorsed by the President’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board (PERAB). This proposal is based on the Retrofit for Energy and Environmental Performance (REEP) legislation that is included in the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act passed by the House of Representatives, and in the Building Efficiency title of American Clean Energy Leadership Act (ACELA) reported out by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Additional measures are drawn from leading state and local programs. This program also builds on investments made in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and on executive actions taken as a result of the Vice President’s Recovery through Retrofit program.
What is the status of the legislation?
HOME STAR legislation did not pass during the 111th Congress (2009-2010). Elements of the legislation are being considered for incorporation into other bills.
What is the budget for HOME STAR?
The proposed budget is $6 billion, with $1.8 billion reserved for whole-home projects offering deep energy efficiency improvements, $3.6 billion for specified energy efficiency improvements and $600 million for financing, administration and quality assurance programs.
Why do we need HOME STAR?
There are several reasons. Most importantly, HOME STAR is intended to create 168,000 jobs. In January 2010, the unemployment rate in the construction industry was 24.7% with a 38% drop in employment since 2006. Employment in construction-related manufacturing has dropped 24.5%, and employment in construction-related retail has dropped 14% since 2006. The housing crisis and resulting number of homes in foreclosure means very few new homes are being built, and the construction skilled trades and related fields are suffering. Creating sustainable, high-quality jobs in local communities is the primary motivation behind HOME STAR. The second motivation is to help families lower their monthly expenses. The average family literally throws away 20-40% of the money they spend to heat and cool their homes each year—about $750—because their homes are energy inefficient, burdened by faulty building shells with air leakage and insufficient insulation, as well as old, inefficient HVAC equipment with leaky ducts. More than 50% single-family homes in America were constructed before the advent of modern building codes, roughly 30% are more than 45 years old and another 30% are between 25 and 45 years old. It is estimated that more than 43 million existing homes need urgent improvements to energy efficiency, durability and occupant comfort, health and safety. This includes new and old homes of all styles, shapes and sizes in all climate zones. The third motivation is environmental responsibility. America’s 128 million existing homes account for 20% of total energy use (10,888 trillion BTUs in 2008) and 21% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions each year—far more than transportation or industrial sectors. HOME STAR is expected to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking 615,000 cars of the road. These factors make HOME STAR a truly sustainable program that helps to balance economy, ecology and society to create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Where can I get more information?
Visit the home performance industry’s trade association, Efficiency First, for more information about HOME STAR.
