MALTA, N.Y. — The Building Performance Institute Inc. (BPI) announced that, in response to industry feedback regarding the Building Analyst (BA) certification upgrade requirements, BPI is adapting those requirements, allowing BA professionals more time and flexibility to upgrade their certification.

On Nov. 13, 2013, BPI announced it would update the BA certification exams and fast track renewal criteria on Feb. 1 to verify that Building Analysts have command of the latest best practices in whole house energy audits. New topics covered include the principles of using computer software to model the energy upgrade potential of a home, and developing a scope of work for customers. Existing topics updated in the written and field exams include assessing whole-building ventilation, measuring airflow, combustion safety, and testing/data collection.

The new requirements include:

Certification Renewal Extension
All eligible Building Analysts whose certifications expired on or after Nov. 13, 2013 will have until April 13, 2014 to apply for BA certification renewal - BA only. (If written or field exams are required for renewal, they must be taken between Feb. 1, 2014 and April 13, 2014.) After April 13, all individuals who wish to renew must do so before their certification expires. You do not need to update your certification until it is up for renewal.

Fast Track Renewal Criteria
All renewal candidates seeking to waive the BA written exam must earn 30 CEUs over a 3-year certification period. You may verify your software modeling and work scope development knowledge in one of two ways:

Earn CEUs —Earn six of your 30 CEUs by attending training specific to software modeling and work scope development. This six CEU policy is a one-time requirement for renewal candidates in this category; or

Prove experience — Provide a signed letter on company letterhead from current and/or past employers documenting work experience in software modeling/work scope development. For the applicant's convenience, a standard template letter is included with the Application for BPI Certification Renewal.

BPI is making these changes to allow BA professionals more time to acquire software modeling and work scope development training or work experience, and to give training organizations time to develop curricula, classes, webinars, and other modules on the same.

For more information on the BA upgrade, click here. 

To waive written or field exams, renewal candidates must complete an Application for BPI Certification Renewal. See BPI's Certification Renewal Policy for more information.

Publication date: 2/3/2014   

Want more HVAC industry news and information? Join The NEWS on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn today!