206 Certification Candidates

206.1 General Provisions

206.1.1 Training

Instruction conducted either in-person or on-line by an Accredited Training Provider provides candidates the technical knowledge required for the certification desired. Certified Instructors teach the principles and concepts and help students understand the standards and requirements for certification. Students are thereby prepared for the examinations and obtain experience in practical application of the standards.

206.1.2 Field Training

Field Training allows a candidate to obtain hands-on practice with actual testing tools on functioning equipment in real-world scenarios. Candidates train and practice safely under the guidance of experienced Candidate Field Assessors, Quality Assurance Designees, or Accredited Instructors.

206.1.3 Examinations

Examinations allow a candidate to demonstrate the knowledge required appropriate to their desired certification. RESNET online examinations are time-limited and open-book allowing any reference materials but excluding any form of communication with other individuals during the examination session. Examinations are administered by RESNET, set up by a RESNET Accredited Training Provider and overseen by a RESNET approved proctor. Approved proctors include BPI exam proctors, faculty and staff of libraries, trade schools, colleges, independent testing institutions, or others as approved by RESNET. Approved proctors shall adhere to RESNET's defined test proctoring procedures.

206.1.3.1 Exams may be proctored in-person or remotely following the RESNET Procedures for Proctoring Exams

206.1.3.2 Simulated Practical Examinations

Simulated practical examinations allow a candidate to demonstrate their ability to perform certain tasks appropriate to their desired certification. Rater practical examinations shall be administered by RESNET and will include:

206.1.3.2.1 Rater Simulation Practical Test.

206.1.3.2.2 RESNET Combustion Appliance Simulation Test

206.1.5 Probationary Work

Probationary activities allow the candidate to perform the tasks learned in a realworld environment under the guidance of experienced professionals. Candidates gain practical experience with the various tasks required to perform HERS Ratings, such as data collection, energy modeling, field inspections and testing.

206.2 Certification

Prior to issuing a candidate's certification, a RESNET Accredited Rating Quality Assurance Provider shall confirm that the candidate has completed at a minimum, all of the following tasks appropriate to their desired certification within a 15-month period (unless otherwise indicated). Only RESNET Accredited Rating Quality Assurance Providers may certify candidates. Rating Accredited Quality Assurance Providers may require candidates have successfully completed additional instruction beyond these requirements as needed to address their specific program, climate, software, or administrative requirements.

206.2.1 Rating Field Inspector (RFI)

206.2.1.1 Pass the following RESNET Tests:

206.2.1.1.1 The RESNET Combustion Appliance Simulation Test

206.2.1.1.2 RESNET Approved Graded Field Evaluation

206.2.1.1.2.1 The RESNET graded field evaluation shall be performed under the observation of a Candidate Field Assessor or Quality Assurance Designee.

206.2.1.2 Complete at least three mentored rating field inspections observed by a Certified HERS Rater, a RESNET Candidate Field Assessor or Quality Assurance Designee. The Certified HERS Rater, RESNET Candidate Field Assessor or Quality Assurance Designee shall use the RESNET Graded Field Evaluation Form to document the results of mentored inspections.The mentored Rating Field Inspections shall comprise the following tasks at a minimum.

206.2.1.2.1 Follow the inspection protocols as specified in ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 Normative Appendix B for all minimum rated features present in the subject dwelling unit.

206.2.1.2.2 Use pressure differential diagnostics to identify intermediate buffer zones including (but not limited to) attics, garages, or crawlspaces.

206.2.1.2.3 Identify insulation defects and demonstrate the application of appropriate insulation grading per ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 Normative Appendix A.

206.2.1.2.4 Identify insulation types, thickness, and alignment with air barriers.

206.2.1.2.5 Measure pressure differences across the building envelope imposed by the operation of the home's HVAC equipment.

206.2.1.2.6 Perform envelope leakage testing in accordance with the airtightness testing protocols contained in ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380.

206.2.1.2.7 Perform duct leakage testing in accordance with the duct testing protocols contained in ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380 and interpret results.

206.2.1.2.8 Perform mechanical ventilation airflow testing in accordance with the mechanical ventilation airflow testing protocols contained in ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380.

206.2.1.2.9 Identify room and zone pressure imbalances caused by lack of ducted return air or pressure relief mechanisms such as transfer grilles or jumper ducts.

206.2.1.2.10 Perform CAZ, spillage, and CO testing in accordance with Carbon Monoxide (CO) Test and Depressurization Test for the Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) protocols contained in Chapter 8.

206.2.1.3 RFI’s shall not complete independent field testing and inspections until they have satisfactorily completed the requisite three mentored rating field inspections per 206.2.1.2 and passed the RESNET Graded Field Evaluation.

206.2.1.4 After successfully completing the mentored rating field inspections and passing the RESNET Graded Field Evaluation, RFI’s may be permitted to conduct all rating tasks found in section 206.2.1.2 under the direct supervision of a Certified HERS Rater without having a Certified Rater on site.

206.2.2 HERS Modeler

206.2.2.1 Pass the following RESNET Test:

206.2.2.1.1 The RESNET HERS Modeler Practical Evaluation, as developed by RESNET and administered by a RESNET Training Provider.

206.2.2.2 Complete a formal HERS Modeler training course conducted by a RESNET Accredited Training Provider. Training shall be based on the HERS Modeler Core Curriculum developed by RESNET, including modules specific to RESNET Accredited Software Tool(s). The training shall include the following content:

206.2.2.2.1 Calculating Building Dimensions

206.2.2.2.2 Reading Plans

206.2.2.2.3 Modeling Software Basics: Navigation and Layout, Help Menu, Technical Support

206.2.2.2.4 Modeling General Rating Information

206.2.2.2.5 Modeling Structural Components

206.2.2.2.6 Modeling Mechanical Systems and Equipment

206.2.2.2.7 Modeling Infiltration

206.2.2.2.8 Modeling Lights and Appliances

206.2.2.2.9 Modeling On-Site Energy Generation

206.2.2.2.10 Modeling General Building and Site Information

206.2.2.2.11 Generating and Interpreting Rating Reports

206.2.2.3 HERS Modelers shall successfully complete a minimum of three mentored rating models from different plans as specified by RESNET and observed by a RESNET Training Provider.

206.2.2.4 HERS Modelers shall successfully complete a minimum of two additional probationary rating models under the supervision of a Rating Quality Assurance Provider for each RESNET Accredited Software Tool they will use.

206.2.2.5 HERS Modelers shall not complete independent modeling for HERS Rating purposes until they have satisfactorily completed the requisite three mentored rating models per 206.2.2.3, passed the RESNET HERS Modeler evaluation and completed the requisite probationary ratings per 206.2.2.4.

206.2.3 Home Energy Rater (HERS Rater)

206.2.3.1 Successfully complete a Certified HERS Rater training course provided through a RESNET Accredited Training Provider that meets the minimum standards as defined in Section 203 - Accredited Training Providers.

206.2.3.2 Complete the following National RESNET Certified HERS Rater series of tests with the minimum (passing) scores to be determined by RESNET:

206.2.3.2.1 The RESNET National Rater Test

206.2.3.2.2 The RESNET Combustion Appliance Simulation Test

206.2.3.2.3 RESNET Rater Simulation Practical Test

206.2.3.3 After passing all RESNET tests, but prior to being certified, the candidate shall complete five probationary ratings with a Rating Quality Assurance Provider overseen by a RESNET certified Candidate Field Assessor or Quality Assurance Designee. At least three of the five probationary ratings shall be accomplished using field verification of all rated features of the home in accordance with ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380 and shall include the tasks as listed in 206.2.1.2. Task 206.2.1.2.7, Perform duct leakage testing, to be completed on a minimum of two of the three mentored probationary ratings. Task 206.2.1.2.10, Perform CAZ, spillage, and CO testing, to be completed on a minimum of one of the three mentored probationary ratings per 206.2.3.4. All field verification shall be completed in the presence of a RESNET Certified Field Assessor or Quality Assurance Designee. At least one field verified probationary rating shall be completed one-on-one. Probationary ratings shall not be considered Confirmed Ratings.

206.2.3.4 A minimum of two (2) hours of Combustion Safety field training using required combustion testing tools per ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380 in an in-field environment is required to be completed and overseen by a RESNET certified Candidate Field Assessor or Quality Assurance Designee during a HERS Rater Candidate’s probationary rating period. This field training shall include performance of CAZ, spillage, and CO testing in accordance with Carbon Monoxide (CO) Test and Depressurization Test for the Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) protocols contained in ANSI/ACCA 12 QH, Appendix A, Sections A4 and A5.

206.2.3.4.1 A Certified HERS Rater Candidate who is presently certified as a Rating Field Inspector (RFI) and has previously successfully completed the required two (2) hours of Combustion Safety field training as part of the RFI’s QA Provider’s RFI certification requirements in response to section 206.2.1.2.10, is not required to repeat this training. Field demonstration alone, without the full two (2) hour Combustion Safety field training does not meet this exception.

206.2.3.5 A Certified HERS Rater Candidate does not achieve certification within the allowed fifteen month timeframe, must at a minimum, complete the following in order to become certified:

206.2.3.5.1 Pass the RESNET Certified HERS Rater series of tests again; and

206.2.3.5.2 Complete the five (5) required probationary ratings as defined in 206.2.2.3 within fifteen (15) month timeframe beginning the day of passing the National RESNET Rater exam again.

206.2.4 Eligibility to conduct the ANSI/RESNET/ACCA Standard 310 Inspections

206.2.4.1 HERS Raters and Rating Field Inspectors are eligible to conduct the ANSI/RESNET/ACCA Standard 310 inspections after successfully completing:

206.2.4.1.1 The RESNET online HVAC Grading training program.

206.2.4.1.2 One RESNET HVAC graded field evaluation. The RESNET HVAC graded field evaluation shall be performed under the observation and to the satisfaction of a Certified Quality Assurance Designee who has completed RESNET Required HVAC Grading training.

206.2.4.2 Maintaining Eligibility:

206.2.4.2.1 Certified HERS Raters and Rating Field Inspectors who have not completed any ANSI/RESNET/ACCA Standard 310 inspections or successfully completed a RESNET HVAC graded field evaluation within their current HERS Rater or RFI Certification period shall successfully complete one mentored HVAC grading evaluation and one RESNET HVAC graded field evaluation to maintain eligibility. The RESNET HVAC graded field evaluation shall be performed under the observation and to the satisfaction of a Certified Quality Assurance Designee who has completed RESNET Required HVAC Grading training.

206.2.4.2.2 Certified HERS Raters and Rating Field Inspectors must complete any additional training and/or attend additional presentations as required by RESNET to maintain their eligibility after completion of their initial training and graded field evaluation.

206.2.4.2.3 Certified HERS Raters and Rating Field Inspectors agree to File and Field QA requirements specific to these inspections as detailed in Chapter 9.