The Residential Energy Services Network is an entity in the United States that is responsible for creating and maintaining a set of standards for home energy ratings. Along with this comprehensive home energy rating system (HERS), RESNET provides resources for training and certifying individuals to function as home energy raters. How does this training work and what does it take to become a RESNET HERS rater? Here is some information that will prove helpful.
Locate a Recognized RESNET Training Partner
Certified RESNET training centers are found around the country. In order to help interested parties find these centers, an online list is available. It can be searched using the features made available on the website.
You’ll find that much of the studies can be done in an online setting. A portion of the training does have to occur in a more traditional setting. It’s easy to determine what can be done from home and how much you will need to do in a classroom or similar setting.
Make Sure You Meet the Qualifications Set by RESNET and the Partner
Look closely at the requirements set to become a HERS rater. In general, you will need to have a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Past experience that indicates you are reliable and can be depended on to do your work will also help stand you in good stead.
You’ll find any specific requirements that apply at the site operated by the certified training partner. Those requirements will be in compliance with all standards set by RESNET. If you meet all of them, then registering for the training and being accepted will be easy.
Register and Go Over the Materials Before the Sessions Begin
Register for the next available round of training. Your goal is to ensure that you have all the materials related to those classes in hand well before they begin. This gives you a chance to read through them, become familiar with the material, and possibly come up with some questions that can be asked in live sessions or in person.
Keep in mind that becoming a RESNET HERS rater does mean committing to a reasonable amount of time. In general, plan on around 25 hours of in class time spent online. There will be additional time devoted to offline training. Most courses provide up to one calendar year for students to complete the program and be ready to take the necessary tests.
Successfully Complete the Coursework and the National Rate Examination
Make sure that you complete every module that’s part of the training course. That includes all offline sessions as well as the online ones. You also want to score well on all tests that take place during this time. Once you complete the coursework, you can move on seeking your certification.
This will mean taking and successfully passing the National Rate Examination. If you do so, you will have provisional or probationary status for a time. Over the following year, you will be given five energy ratings under the supervision of a certified provider. Once you pass those five ratings, you will be a certified HERS rater in your own right.
If you want a career that helps to improve the living conditions of others, this is an option that you want to consider closely. Check out the process for qualifying and signing up for the course. Determine that you will set aside the time and resources to successfully complete the training and earn your certification. Once that’s done, you will be ready to begin working in your new field.
