- HERS Rater Information
- RFI Information
- Member Benefits for Raters
- RESNET Standards
- Standards of Practice / Code of Ethics
- Financial Interest Disclosure
- RESNET Accredited Programs
- Business Development Resources
- Professional Development Courses
- HERS Raters Becoming IECC Inspectors
- Why Young Professionals Should Consider be Certified HERS Ratings
Home Energy Survey Professional Test
RESNET accredited Home Energy Survey Professional have the responsibility of administering the RESNET Home Energy Survey Professional test. This test is required for individuals to be certified as a Home Energy Survey Professional. A training course is not a required.
The test must be proctored by an independent party at a neutral location. It is the responsibility of the tester to secure the independent proctor and location before applying to take the test. Tests may under no circumstances be proctored by an associate of the tester's organization or company. The test cannot be taken at the tester's work site or home. RESNET will consider site options including libraries, independent testing centers, utilities, and state energy offices.
The RESNET national Home Energy Survey Professional test is an on-line 50 question test with a maximum test time of two hours. The test costs $50, is open book and results from the test are immediately received after completion of the test. A passing score is 75%. The test is scored immediately upon completion of the test. The test is open book. Testers may use printed resources as well as web resources.
The test must be taken at testing center or other proctored location. RESNET will allow the following institutions to proctor the test:
- School
- College
- Independent Testing Center
- Library
The minimum knowledge and skills required are:
- Basics of heat transfer concepts
- Basics of building performance testing
- Basics of air distribution leakage
- Calculating gross and net areas
- Definitions/energy terminology
- Basic combustion appliance concerns
- Basics of envelope leakage, thermal bypass, thermal bridging
- Determining envelope insulation
- Presence/absence of insulation and when observable, the quality of its installation
- Recommended levels of insulation by climate zone
- HVAC - determining equipment efficiencies from model numbers or default tables
- Household appliances - determine efficiency from model numbers or vintage
- Energy units
- Measuring building dimensions
- Identification and documentation of energy survey inspected features of the home
- Basics of specifications
- Determining window and door efficiency
- Determining building orientation and shading characteristics
- Defining the thermal boundaries
Resources to study for the test are:
- Residential Energy, John Krigger and Chris Dorsi
- Chapter Seven of the RESNET Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Standards
- Appendix A of the RESNET Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Standards
- Observational Diagnostics
- Saturn Energy Auditor Field Guide
- American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Residential Construction Academy, Michael Joyce
The cost of the test is $50, payable only by Visa or MasterCard when the tester signs on to take the test. Fees associated with the independent proctor or test facility are the responsibility of the tester.
Minimum Computer Requirements
- Each tester must have a computer with High Speed Internet Access
(Cannot use dial up) - Computer can have Windows 2000 or XP or they may have Windows 98, ME if Visual Basic 6.0 SP5 is installed. You can download and install Visual Basic 6.0 SP5 from Microsoft.
- Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher must be installed and used (Test will not work with Netscape)
