Six steps to a green-collar career.
  1. Review the BPI Small Homes Certification Policies & Procedures.
  2. Review the Knowledge Area Charts (in policies and procedures), Testable Knowledge List and the BPI National Standards for each certification designation being considered.
  3. Choose the designation(s) and certification course(s) you want and review the Field Guides.
  4. Determine if training is required prior to attempting certification.

    5. While BPI does not require training prior to attempting certification, candidates seeking training may find BPI Recognized Training using our Training Affiliate Locator Tool. BPI does not directly perform any training services. It is not a requirement to use BPI Recognized Training. Individuals completing training typically perform better on BPI examinations.

  5. Schedule your exam(s) directly with BPI or a BPI affiliate in your area.
  6. Take a 100-question exam and field exam that covers certain fundamentals of building science, as well as, knowledge specific to the designation being attempted.
    • If you are a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rater, then you would take a 50-question exam and would need to submit proof of certificate to certification@bpi.org.
    • If you are seeking more than one certification, then you would also take a 50-question exam in the certification designation (i.e., Envelope, Heating), plus complete the field exams.
    • If you take the Air Conditioning / Heat Pump exam, proof of the CFR 608 Card needs to be sent in prior to testing. Send to: certification@bpi.org.
  7. Complete the applicable exams successfully, with an overall score of 70% or higher.

    8. Complete the Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) sections of the field exams with a grade of 85% or higher.

    The process time for exam results are four to six weeks.

  8. Receive your certification.
  9. Obtain thirty (30) Continuing Education Units (optional) and recertify every three years.