The accepted equivalents for a high school diploma/GED have been updated based on direct industry feedback, as this change better accounts for the diversity of education and practical experience currently found in the weatherization and home-energy professional workforce.

The Retrofit Installer/Technician and Crew Leader certifications now accept a state career-readiness certificate, with a minimum score of three in each work key, or proof of mastery in the job category. State career readiness certificates can be obtained through workforce centers and state labor offices. Job category mastery can be proven for a retrofit installer/technician by accruing 50 points in the following categories: industry-specific work experience, general building work experience, training, and additional certifications. Only 35 points are needed if the candidate satisfies the high school diploma/GED/foreign equivalent/career readiness certificate requirements. Because the maximum allowable points for training and additional certifications are lower, the only way a candidate can get to 50 points is through additional industry-specific work experience.

For a crew leader, mastery is proven by 1,000 additional work hours in a home energy program funded by a state, utility, or other agency with specific compliance standards. A letter must be provided by the program employer verifying the use of compliance standards and the candidate’s competency on the job.

Additional information, including full prerequisites for all four Home Energy Professional Certifications, is available on the BPI website at www.bpi.org/pilot.

Publication date: 1/21/2013