Performance Systems Academy FAQs
Questions to ask before you select a Training Organization:
What is your pass rate? PSA's Response (BPI Building Analyst exams): In 2008, we had a pass-rate of 96% on the written test, and 94% on the field test. In 2009 (with much higher throughput) we had a pass-rate of 90% on the written test, and 88% on the field test. Overall we have a 93% pass-rate on the written test, and 91% on the field test. How much time do your classes spend in the field? PSA's Response: Approximately 40% of our class time is spent in the field. This is very important for increasing practical experience and knowledge. How many students are in each class? PSA's Response: For BPI trainings, our maximum class size is 12. Rater trainings have a capacity of 16, with two groups of 8 students for the field sessions. What fees are included? PSA's Response: For BPI and Rater trainings, the training fee includes student manuals, and proctoring and fees for the written exam. BPI trainings have an additional field proctoring fee, and Rater trainings have a fee for probationary ratings through a service provider.
What is the difference between a BPI Certified Building Analyst and a RESNET Certified Rater?
Analysts do diagnostic energy audits on existing buildings (often in conjunction with the Home Performance with Energy Star program). Raters do energy audits primarily on new homes for the purpose of generating a rating which can earn the Energy Star designation. RESNET Certified Home Energy Raters are qualified to process Energy Efficient Mortgages, Energy Improvement Mortgages, New Home Tax Credits, and Energy Star Qualified Homes.
Is the RESNET Certified Rater designation focused on existing homes as well?
A Certified Home Energy Rater has skills associated with energy, health and safety that apply to both new and existing buildings. Historically, the focus of a rating has been on new construction, however, the emphasis is changing and RESNET is now developing a standard for existing home audits.
What about the merging of BPI and RESNET - How will this impact the curriculum requirements?
The merging of BPI and RESNET will probably be more of an overlap than a merge, although we have been migrating the curriculum towards a merged certification for more than a year.
Does the RESNET Certified Rater designation apply only to residential properties or can it be used to conduct energy audits on small and medium sized commercials properties?
The HERS standard applies to residential buildings three stories and under. The skills can also be applied to small commercial.
How do we know that there will be an ongoing demand for BPI training?
We do think there will be a significant demand for the BPI training. PSD implements state-based programs around the country to transform the marketplace for energy efficiency services:
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We educate consumers while we train contractors and then we connect them through a marketing campaign/website, and let the free market do the rest.
- PA Home Energy program: www.PAHomeEnergy.org
What we see in these efforts is that balance is everything:
- If we educate too many consumers without training enough contractors, the consumers get frustrated and lose interest.
- If we train too many contractors without educating enough consumers, the contractors can’t find work - they eventually go back to whatever they were doing before.
So keeping a balance is a tenuous yet critical factor. When the balance is right, the market grows. At some point, the next issue that arises is that the contractors have plenty of work but can’t find workers. Just prior to this stage, it’s critical to infuse our curriculum into the local schools and technical colleges so they can train students to work for the contractors.
Nationally, consumers are becoming educated at a very rapid rate. When gas hit $4 a gallon last year, they learned a lesson that really hit home. Now, suddenly every magazine is teaching us about energy efficiency – every retail outlet is using green in their marketing messages. Consumer education is rampant - the market is emerging and being built nationally. We see a temporary lull in the traction as oil prices have stabilized, but they will rise again. If we train contractors and entrepreneurs that see the potential, then the economy will continue to grow in this area. Meanwhile, the stimulus money will provide these homeowners and businesses with the short-term incentives to build the “green” revolution. All you have to do is make this training available, and they will come. Incentives will include homeowner incentives as well as business-related incentives to do this work.
Additionally, when carbon becomes an issue (within the year probably), the demand for energy efficiency services will be expanded again significantly.
How is your curriculum different from other Building Science curricula?
Our BPI-approved curriculum is designed to maximize student learning through comprehensive classroom sessions with industry-experienced trainers, hands-on field sessions, and protocols offering expert step-by-step guidance to prepare students to work in the industry.
- State-of-the-Art: We perform regular updates to the curriculum to keep the material fresh – updates released at least quarterly
- Modularity: Each module is designed to be presented as a stand-alone topic, or mixed and matched to meet the needs of different target groups as a foundation for a wide range of “green collar” jobs.
- Multiple uses: Curriculum can be delivered as a linear course to train Building Analysts, Envelope Professionals, Energy Raters, and is also useful as advanced weatherization training
- Step-by-step protocols for after the training: expert guidance written in very basic language and designed to be used in training, or as preparation for field activities
- Train-the-Trainer available: allows you to build your own training staff (our site or yours with a minimum of 10 attendees)
- We listen! We have curriculum developers on staff focused on your feedback and making modification based on comments from those delivering this training
- During 2008 – in Pennsylvania alone – this curriculum was used to train 100 Building Analysts (92% passed), and 72 Energy Raters (76% passed)
- Our curriculum can be delivered anywhere: we have several versions of our curriculum, tailored to the different climate zones throughout the United States
Can I license your curriculum once and deliver it at several locations?
Our license is a site license, meaning that if you deliver from the same location, you have unlimited use of the curriculum. If you plan to deliver from more than one location, you will need to purchase another license.
How many people can participate in a training session?
We recommend that you allow no more than twelve students per trainer. Everyone needs to become familiar with the equipment, so your trainer will be spending a significant amount of one-on-one time with each student.
What do I actually get when I license your curriculum?
We provide all the materials needed to deliver the classroom component of the training (Powerpoint slides) as well as sample agendas, quizzes for students, resources and handouts, checklists and data collection forms. We also provide an Instructor's Guidebook which contains best practices for teaching and content delivery, as well as detailed lesson plans for field activities. When you license the curriculum from us, we provide the Participant Manual, the Instructor's Guidebook, and a CD-ROM containing digital copies of the materials. When you offer classes, you can purchase Participant Manuals from us through a customizable online ordering system (you can send your students there directly to purchase their books). We also highly recommend that you use the HERS Training and Reference Manual, which contains an Overview of HERS/Ratings, Service Delivery, Energy Efficient Financing, HERS Rating Technical Guidelines, and Rater Policies, code of Ethics, and Quality Assurance. You get permission to use all materials provided to you:
- CD-ROM containing all presentation slides
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Instructor’s Guide Book:
- Slides with speaking points
- Terms you should know
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Training best practices:
- Preparation best practices
- Delivery best practices
- Review best practices
- BPSA suggested training agenda
- BPSA curriculum / field procedure matrix
- Quiz questions
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Sample audit protocol for existing homes:
- Participant’s Manual
- Slides with space for notes
- BPI Intro and standards
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Forms you may need
- Home Performance Assessment Site Visit Equipment Checklist
- HP Inspection Customer Questionnaire
- Sample Building Performance Data Collection Checklist
- Final Inspection Test Out Form
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Skill-Builder Field Procedures
- BPSA Field Protocol Matrix
- Performing a General Inspection
- Test Out and Documentation
- Interviewing for Occupant Concerns
- Performing a Baseload Appliance Inspection
- Performing a Site Inspection
- Performing a Health, Durability, IAQ and Safety Inspection
- Inspecting for Carbon Monoxide
- Inspection and Diagnostics – Combustion Appliance Zones
- Performing a Blower Door Test
- Inspecting Conditioned Zones
- Inspecting Transition Zones
- Performing a Moisture Inspection
- Inspecting the Building Envelope
- Inspecting the Thermal Boundary
- Inspecting for Combustion Efficiency, Flue, HVAC and DHW
- Inspecting Appliance Vent and Vent Pressures
- Inspecting Heat Exchangers
- Performing a Cooling System Inspection
- Inspecting Mechanical Ventilation Systems
- Inspecting for Duct Leakage
- Inspecting Heating and Cooking Ductwork, Design and Air Flow
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Necessary Forms
- Course Evaluation Form
- Class Sign-in Form
- Class Evaluation Form
Does PSD have a system in place to train the instructors according to your curriculum?
PSD offers Train-the-Trainer programs to prepare instructors to deliver our curriculum.
What are the costs?
Request the License Agreement: email academy@psdconsulting.com