What is a Rating Field Inspector (RFI)?
An individual certified by a Rating Quality Assurance Provider to conduct field inspections for home energy ratings. A Rating Field Inspector (RFI), under the direct supervision of a certified Home Energy Rater, may conduct the inspections and necessary basic performance tests (air tightness and duct leakage) to produce a home energy rating. This certification requires the ability to identify and quantify building components and systems.
How to become a RFI
Complete three (3) mentored field inspections observed by a qualified mentor RESNET RFI field evaluation form. Qualified mentors include certified HERS Raters and Candidate Field Assessors. At least one (1) inspection must be a rough in inspection and one (1) must be a final inspection. Ten (10) supporting photos must be taken at each home. All required RFI tasks during the final graded field evaluation must be successfully completed on one home.
Steps to become a RFI
Step 1:
Download the RFI Field Evaluation Form
Download the Instructions for RESNET Graded Field Evaluation
Download the RFI Photo Documentation Form (optional)
Step 2:
Qualified Mentors should document on the field evaluation form three mentored field inspections per candidate.
- These forms must be kept at minimum three years. RESNET may request a record at any time.
- Mentors and RFI candidates must sign each field evaluation form.
- Ten (10) photos for each mentored field inspection must be kept by the Rating Provider for each candidate for a minimum of three years. (See photo documentation guidelines below.)
Step 3:
The Candidate Field Assessor should document on the RFI Field Evaluation Form one final graded field evaluation home per candidate.
- Final graded field evaluation shall be completed after the three mentored field inspections.
- In order to pass the final graded field evaluation, RFI Candidates must demonstrate proficiency (indicated as “satisfactory”) on all features present. Items that do not apply to the home or are not visible at time of inspection may be indicated as “NA.” Where possible, the Candidate Field Assessor should evaluate the candidate’s understanding of these features through discussion, indicated in the notes section of the graded field evaluation form.
- Candidate Field Assessors and RFI candidates must sign the RFI candidate’s final graded field evaluation.
Step 4:
Pass the RESCAZ simulation exam through an accredited Training Provider listed here.
Step 5:
Apply for the candidate’s RFIIN by clicking here once the candidate has
- Completed three mentored field inspections,
- Passed one final graded field evaluation,
- Passed the RESCAZ.
The final graded RFI field evaluation form must be attached to the RFIIN request form and payment must be made to process the RFIIN request.
Additional Information
- Each RFIIN application requires a processing fee of 50.00 per RFIIN application at the time of RFIIN form submission. The form has an option to make a credit card payment. Checks will be accepted but the RFIIN application will not be processed payment is received.
- RFIIN applications that do not have the necessary requirements listed above will not be processed.
- Mentors must either be a certified HERS Rater or a Candidate Field Assessor.
- Only Candidate Field Assessors may conduct the final graded field evaluation.
- Additional questions should be directed to [email protected]
Photo Documentation Guidelines
The photo documentation process creates a visual record of field performance. A minimum of 10 photos must be collected per home for each candidate. Required photos for each candidate are listed below.
- Exterior of the home also showing the Candidate and the house number
- HVAC system
- Air leakage testing equipment setup
- Air leakage test results, photo of the manometer and the ring and test setup
- Duct leakage testing equipment setup
- Duct leakage test results, photo of the manometer and the ring and test setup
- Performing a building envelope measurement
- Framing spacing with measuring tape
- Insulation depth measurement
- Pictures of builder failure items (if applicable)
A template for storing and uploading photos has been provided for you here
