Overview
The whole class goes for 8 days, divided into two phases, as described below. If you're interested in becoming a Duct and Envelope Tightness Verifier, you can sign up for Option C, which is just the first two days. If you intend to become a full, certified Home Energy Rater, you'll need to take either the full 8 day class (Option A) or start on Day 3 if you already have training and experience with pressure testing.
The class is set up so that you'll spend minimal time listening to instructors lecture and maximum time in various learning activities. That's because both research and common sense show that people learn best by doing.
Everything about the Energy Vanguard HERS rater class is designed with your success in mind. Since the HERS rater test is difficult, you'll have three attempts to pass it - at no extra charge! Most likely, you'll walk out of the class at the end of the 8 days with your training certificate in hand, ready to sign up with a HERS rating provider.
Class Organization
Phase I: Days 1 - 2 (Mon-Tue) cover:
- Building science
- Blower Door & duct leakage testing
- Inspection protocol
- Energy code basics
Phase II: Days 3 - 8 (Wed-Fri and Mon-Wed) cover:
- Advanced building science
- HERS standards and protocols
- Home energy rating software
- Completion of two required home energy ratings
- Programs (e.g., ENERGY STAR, Building America...)
- Business models
- National rater test, 3 attempts, if needed
Daily Schedule
What You'll Need
- Laptop computer with Windows (XP or 7)
- The latest version of REM/Rate, the home energy rating software we use
- Residential Energy by Krigger & Dorsi
- Calculator with square root function
- Tape (or laser) measure
- Clipboard
- Clothes appropriate for field inspections
Requirements
To complete all requirements of the HERS rater training, as specified in the HERS Standards, each student must:
- Demonstrate pressure testing proficiency.
- Pass the national rater test.
- Complete two home energy ratings "in the presence of a trainer." One of the ratings must be a "confirmed" rating from field data obtained by the student.
To complete the requirements to be a Duct & Envelope Tightness (DET) Verifier, each student must:
- Pass a written test.
- Pass a field test.
Cost
Option A: $1650 for the full 8 day HERS rater class
Option B: $1265 for 6 days of HERS rater class without pressure testing
Option C: $385 for the 2 day pressure testing/DET verifier class only
