faq
Here is the list of questions that the Home Performance industry encourages interested students to ask when searching for a BPI training program:
§ how long have the instructors had their BPI certification?
§ how long have the trainers taught BPI?
§ is the course offered through a BPI training affiliate?
§ do the instructors have field experience auditing and retrofitting homes using BPI protocols?
§ are on-line training courses really effective and what is the passing rate?
§ how many days of field training are offered?
§ are one or two days enough to learn how to use the tools and diagnostic testing?
§ is the class size small enough to have hands-on field training?
§ is the course focused only on passing the exam or providing the skills necessary for success?
§ are the instructors knowledgeable about local building codes and climate zones?
§ are BPI exams offered through in-house experienced BPI proctors?
§ is business and marketing information included in the course?
§ can the training providers lead certified students to job opportunities?
Are there any eligibility requirements?
For eligibility students must meet one of the following:
- HERS Rater
- Licensed Home Inspector
- Licensed HVAC and Insulation Professional
- Architect
- General Contractor
- Sub-Contractor
- Home Builder
- Engineers
Enrollment will be considered on a case-by-case basis if listed required experience is not met.
I’ve completed the Train to Sustain course, now what?
You can either sign-up with Train to Sustain for a one or two day mentoring in a smaller group setting (max 4 students). Or you can schedule a BPI written and field test exam with JTRL or another BPI Proctoring service provider. The 100-question written tests and two-hour field tests are challenging. Not everyone passes the first time, however, you can schedule to take the test a second time if needed.
Is performance testing a valuable skill in the job market?
Buildings are major contributors to the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Nationwide, buildings account for 72 percent of all electricity consumed and use 40 percent of all raw materials. They are also responsible for 14 percent of potable water consumption, 38 percent of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and 30 percent of waste output.
Energy efficiency is the most quantifiable aspect of green homes. By creating a tight, well insulated building envelope and incorporating highly efficient mechanical systems, lighting and appliances the homeowner/builder has reduced energy use through efficiency. This method is used first because those savings are the most significant. This provides the opportunity to decrease the needed size of solar electric panels which can generate enough electricity to create a zero-energy green house. Government and utility programs are implementing performance testing as a criteria for the larger "whole house" incentives available.