NABCEP Certifications
editNABCEP offers voluntary certification programs for professionals who install solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems, solar thermal systems, and small wind systems. Candidates seeking these certifications must first meet one of the NABCEP eligibility and experience requirements as established by subject matter experts and through public review. Qualified candidates must then pass an examination to become certified. Maintaining certification requires verifying continuing education and installation experience on three-year cycles.
In January 2011, NABCEP will hold examinations for the first time based on its newly completed photovoltaic technical sales job task analysis.
Education, Training and Experience Prerequisites
editProfessionals in the field of renewable and sustainable energy and energy efficient technologies receive their training and work experiences in a variety of ways. Therefore, requirements to qualify for a NABCEP exam stipulate specific training and/or experience. The NABCEP Application Review Committee considers each application to determine compliance with eligibility criteria. Compliance with the requirements of one of the Qualifying Categories must be documented. NABCEP has available at its website a Candidate Information Handbook with detailed guidelines for acquiring and assessing the qualifications required to sit for a NABCEP exam.
About NABCEP
editHeadquartered in Clifton Park, New York, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners was established in 2000 as the first national organization offering certification credentials to professional installers of renewable energy systems and equipment. NABCEP issues certification credentials to qualified professionals who satisfy eligibility requirements established by the NABCEP Board of Directors. NABCEP's PV Installer Certification is North America's only renewable energy personnel certification that has been ANSI accredited to the internationally recognized ISO/IEC 17024 standard.[1] ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 specifies requirements which ensure that organizations operating certification systems for persons operate in a consistent, comparable, and reliable manner. This accreditation includes rigorous requirements for examination development and maintenance and for quality management systems. ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 has been approved in 85 countries.