Energy Auditor Overview

Looking to understand Energy Auditor standards and certifications?  This page will define the major Energy Auditor Certifications, their training requirements, and what each certification could mean for you.

Energy Auditor Certifications

There are two main nationally recognized energy auditor standards: BPI Building Analyst and RESNET HERS Rater. While there are other programs, such as AEE’s Certified Energy Auditor and the Home Performance with Energy Star, only BPI and RESNET are nationally recognized individual credentials.
 
In your state, home energy audits may be performed by Home Performance Contractors, Building Analysts, Energy Inspectors or Home Energy Raters. All of these titles are used to describe qualified personnel who can competently perform a home energy audit.

A word about terminology: an audit need not necessarily be conducted by someone using "auditor" as a title.

The Building Performance Institute (BPI):
A certified BPI Building Analyst energy auditor has passed both a written and field exam. The two-hour, 100-question, written exam requires a passing score of at least 70% while the two-hour field exam requires demonstrated competency with the energy audit process and equipment. BPI does not mandate formal training prior to the exams, but a classroom or online course is highly recommended. The Everblue BPI training courses usually involve one week of full-time training. For more information about BPI training courses, see our BPI Building Analyst Course.
 
A BPI Building Analyst is certified to conduct blower-door tests (which should be done both before and after upgrades), combustion appliance inspection and repair, air quality testing including carbon monoxide detection, duct testing and airflow testing. A BPI Building Analyst needs to re-certify every three years, either by re-taking the exams or by completing continuing education from a BPI affiliate. While many contractors seeking BPI certification already have extensive experience in the building industry, Everblue's intensive week of BPI training is a perfect introduction to home energy efficiency and weatherization for anyone at any skill level.
 
BPI Training with Blower Door and Monometer Pressure Device While a BPI Building Analyst may advertise and perform only energy auditor services (often charging $125-$700/inspection), most auditors gravitate to offering contracting or remodeling services as well. Additionally, many contracting businesses will market themselves as Home Performance Contractors rather than Energy Auditors since auditing may be just one of the services they offer, and many Home Performance Contractors prefer to make the improvements suggested by the audit themselves.
 
As you evaluate your options for utilizing your energy auditor credential, keep in mind that the competencies to perform an audit are not necessarily the same as those required to execute an effective energy efficiency retrofit.
An additional benefit of BPI certification is your listing in the directory of BPI-certified Building Analysts which allows homeowners and grant programs to find you for work.

Become a BPI Building Analyst

 
The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET):
RESNET is a national organization that regulates energy efficiency in buildings. A RESNET rating provides a relative energy use index called the HERS Index. HERS stands for Home Energy Rating System. A rating of 100 on the HERS Index represents the energy use of a standard building, while a rating of 0 indicates a new building that uses no net purchased energy.

A certified RESNET energy auditor is called a HERS Rater. To become a HERS Rater, one must take a two-hour, 50-question written exam and pass with a score of 80% or better. One must also complete five provisional ratings within one year of passing the exam. Two of the ratings must be supervised by a RESNET training provider. The last three ratings are “probationary.” These ratings must all be conducted within one year of passing the written exam, and all ratings performed by a HERS Rater are submitted to a RESNET affiliate for quality control and approval. For more information about becoming a RESNET HERS Rater, see our RESNET HERS Rater training course.

A typical RESNET training course is about a week long, with 8-hour days in the classroom and in the field. To maintain the certification, one must take 12 hours of approved continuing education courses throughout the year.

A HERS Rater is trained to do both home energy ratings and home energy audits. Home energy ratings generally apply to new home construction or major remodeling. This rating may qualify a home for the Energy Star Homes Designation. Home energy audits involve a prioritized list of improvements and a projected cost/benefit for each of the improvements. A HERS Rater directs customers to a qualified contractor to implement the improvements suggested in the audit. A directory of HERS Raters is available here.

Both BPI and RESNET are home energy audit programs. RESNET is focused on new home construction, while BPI is focused on retrofitting existing homes. At this point, if you are interested in becoming a home energy auditor, we recommend the BPI Building Analyst Training. Home energy retrofits and weatherization incentives are a core component of federal stimulus funds and are driving a huge demand for home energy auditors.

Become a RESNET HERS Rater

 
Corporate Sustainability Manager:
As a certified Corporate Sustainability Manager, you will learn seven aspects of corporate and organizational sustainability: Zeroing out Waste, Innovating with Sustainable Design, Reducing Carbon Footprints (Life Cycle Analysis and Energy Efficiency), Maximizing Natural Resources, Resource Efficient Transportation, Galvanizing Stakeholders, and LEEDing facilities construction, operations, and maintenance. Learn how Walmart, Nestle, Dial, and other Fortune 500 leaders are redefining corporate sustainability and how that will impact you and your business.
 
Learn More about Corporate Sustainability Manager
 
Professional Energy Manager:
This 40 hour course provides you with essential tools to become a commercial or multifamily building energy manager. You will learn the fundamentals of building energy consumption and gain the confidence necessary to conduct commercial energy audits on various types of buildings. Energy saving opportunities in this class include HVAC and refrigeration system upgrades, building envelope improvements, and lighting retrofit opportunities.
 
Become a Commercial Energy Manager
 
The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE):
AEE's certification programs are recognized by many government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Agency for International Development. The Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) credential distinguishes one from other colleagues in his or her field and demonstrates a high level of experience, competence and specialized knowledge.
 
CEAs must attend an auditing seminar and pass a four-hour written exam with a score of 70% or better. One must also satisfy stringent educational and experiential prerequisites, which include: a four-year engineering degree plus a minimum of three years of work experience in energy management or auditing; a four-year degree in an unrelated field with five years of auditing or energy management experience; a two-year degree with eight years experience; or ten years of work experience in the energy field. CEAs must be re-certified every three years.
Home Performance with Energy Star:
Home Performance with Energy Star is a subsidiary of the EPA's Energy Star program. The Home Performance Program is focused exclusively on upgrading the energy efficiency of existing homes. The program offers a comprehensive, whole-house approach to improving energy efficiency and comfort at home, while helping to protect the environment. Contractors participating in these kinds of programs hold a certification from the Building Performance Institute (BPI). Home Performance with Energy Star is currently available in 27 states.
 
Other Programs and Certifications:
At a time when many industries are declining, the green movement has emerged as the quintessential hope for a new and improved environment, economy and future. As the green industry matures and prospers, a multitude of certification programs are likely to surface. The most popular programs are nationally recognized, but there are some good training programs specific to a particular area. For example, the Maine Housing Authority provides an in-depth, two-week, 8 hour/day course followed by a written exam and a field test. Other states provide similar programs.
 
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Interested in starting a green career

  • Submitted by Carrington (not verified) on Thu, 03/25/2010 - 09:00.
    I am currently a science teacher looking to start a new green career. I am very interested in being a energy efficiency auditor. What is the best path to take to attain this goal with little start up capital? Are there any grants or programs to assist with the training fees for a BPI analyst? Any suggestions are welcome.

Starting as an Energy Auditor

  • Submitted by Everblue on Thu, 03/25/2010 - 09:06.
    Carrington,

    The best path is to attain your BPI Energy Auditor Certification and then to start selling your services as an Energy Auditor. There is financial assistance available for the training in many states. The training requires no prior experience and is the best way to get started. After the course, you will need about $3000 in initial equipment, however, we recommend that you start out renting or borrowing equipment until you are firmly established.

    Please contact us to see if you qualify for financial assistance.

    The Everblue Team

Financial Assistance for BPI Training in Tennessee

  • Submitted by Mark Sutton (not verified) on Wed, 04/14/2010 - 11:20.
    Do you know if there are financial assistance programs for energy auditor certification in Tennessee?

Workforce Development Funding in Tennesse

  • Submitted by Everblue on Sun, 06/20/2010 - 15:14.
    Mark,

    Hello. We do have financial assistance available in Tennessee but it depends on a number of factors. I have passed your contact information to one of our financial aid counselors who will assist you.

    If anyone else is looking for financial aid, please fill out the financial assistance request form.

    Thank you,
    Everblue

BPI Training Maryland

  • Submitted by James Troyer (not verified) on Sat, 06/19/2010 - 14:57.
    Hi,

    I am interested in becoming a BPI certified energy auditor. I live in Maryland. What certification do I need and do I qualify for financial assistance? I am currently unemployed.

    Thank you,
    James

BPI Training in Maryland

  • Submitted by Everblue on Sun, 06/20/2010 - 15:16.
    James,

    Hello. We do have financial assistance available in Maryland but it depends on a number of factors. I have passed your contact information to one of our financial aid counselors who will assist you.

    If anyone else is looking for financial aid, please fill out the financial assistance request form.

    Thank you,
    Everblue

financial assistance

  • Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/27/2011 - 13:08.
    Do you have financial assistance available in Texas?

financial assistance

  • Submitted by Everblue on Thu, 03/31/2011 - 13:43.
    Everblue can assist you in finding financial aid in Texas through the Workforce Investment Act. This is government funding specifically for unemployed individuals. Call our office at 1-888-204-8735 if you would like more information.

    Thank you,

Starting with BPI Certification

  • Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/25/2010 - 20:17.
    I too am a science teacher going through a career change. I will be taking the BPI Training to see where it leads. I am excited.

    best wishes!

No Experience & $3,000?

  • Submitted by Fred-- (not verified) on Thu, 04/29/2010 - 16:02.
    I think your answer to Carrington is incomplete.

    I have seen several folks with "No Experience" attempt to take the BPI courses & test, who failed miserably. Their sentiments were, "Man I wish I'd known how deep this stuff was."

    Having gone through startup, + 3 years of operation, I can guarantee that $3,000 is not even close to your investment required. Have about $20,000 or access to it to get your equipment. Oh, that's if you have a vehicle that will work for the business.

    Good luck Carrington,
    Fred

Starting an Energy Audit Business

  • Submitted by Everblue on Tue, 06/08/2010 - 15:51.
    Fred,
    I agree with you that my initial answer was incomplete.

    As a small business owner who started about 4 years ago, I agree that starting a business is tough! Beyond equipment, you'll need to incorporate, get insurance, marketing, spend time meeting with customers, learn about products and sales tools, form partnerships, find sub-contractors, and so much more.

    I believe that the hard work of starting a business is relatively the same no matter what business a person starts. My wife owns her own business as well and the start up hassles, headaches, and pains were very similar for a very different kind of business.

    With that being said, Energy Auditor and/or Energy Retrofit Contractor is a worthwhile business to start.

    The only other caveat that I would add is that Energy Auditor seems to pair great with other lines of business like Home Inspectors, Insulation Contractors, HVAC contractors, Handymen, etc.

    Everblue

In House Training

  • Submitted by Tim Heller (not verified) on Fri, 07/30/2010 - 14:10.
    What are the requirements for in house training?

In House Training

  • Submitted by Everblue on Mon, 08/02/2010 - 12:48.
    Tim,

    Thank you for asking about in-house training. We have a number of LEED, BPI, and Carbon in-house and group training options that start with as little as four people. We can come in-house to you or provide you group pricing for your team's attendance at our open enrollment classes. As the largest LEED and BPI trainers in the country, we can meet your needs no matter the size of your group. Give us a call and we can tailor a package to suit your needs.

    Thank you,
    Everblue

Energy Auditor

  • Submitted by RJR (not verified) on Fri, 07/30/2010 - 15:05.
    I also am researching an Energy Auditor career. What companies hire for this job or is it strictly your own business? The ''green'' field industry seems to have a bit of mystery to it.

    Thanks,
    RJR

Energy Auditor Jobs and Careers

  • Submitted by Everblue on Mon, 08/02/2010 - 12:55.
    RJR,

    Hello and thank you for your comment on our website. Without knowing your location or background it difficult to provide specific advice.

    In general, every state has different opportunities. There are energy audit related jobs with government offices, utility programs, non-profits, housing authorities, private contracting companies, and more. The challenge is matching your background to the skill sets required.

    Overall, each state has different programs and incentives and the opportunities depend on what you want to do.

    Thank you,
    Everblue

Becoming an Energy Auditor

  • Submitted by KFL (not verified) on Mon, 09/13/2010 - 10:37.
    I took an energy auditing course with a different company. Unfortunately I am waiting to take the exam when at least 4 people request to take the exam. Would it be possible to take the exam through Everblue? I am not a contractor by trade, so how would that impact my ability to get into this field pending passing the written and field exams?

Becoming an Energy Auditor

  • Submitted by Everblue on Mon, 09/13/2010 - 12:53.
    Hello and thank you for your interest in Everblue! We cannot speak to the quality of training you received in your other course. Quite often, students who do not train with us don't have the same success rate as our students. With that said, you can still take the BPI Building Analyst exam with us even if you took the course elsewhere. Please call our office at 1-888-204-8735 for details on dates and pricing.

    As for your career options with a BPI credential, you will learn how to perform energy audits in the BPI Building Analyst course. With that, you can perform energy audits yourself and then pair up with a lisenced contractor to perform the retrofitting in the homes.

    Another option is to take our BPI Weatherization course after you pass your Building Analyst Exam. This course will train you to retrofit the homes yourself after you perform the energy audits.

    Thank you,
    Everblue

How Large can a Home Be for a BPI BA?

  • Submitted by Jody (not verified) on Tue, 09/14/2010 - 14:50.
    To perform an energy audit, how large can the home be? Is there a maximum square footage for residential energy audits? Also, can I audit a small commercial building with a BPI Building Analyst credential?

How Large can a Home Be for a BPI BA?

  • Submitted by Everblue on Thu, 09/16/2010 - 10:52.
    Hello Jody,

    When performing an energy audit as a BPI Building Analyst, there is no maximum square footage for a single residential home. If you are interested in performing energy audits on small commercial buildings, however, we would recommend looking into Everblue’s BPI Multi-family Analyst course. The techniques are different when working with a residential structure verses a larger structure with multiple sections

    Everblue’s BPI Multi-family Analyst courses are currently being scheduled as private classes only, so please contact our office at 1-888-204-8735 for more information on scheduling a class near you.

    Thank you!
    Everblue

QUESTIONS

  • Submitted by DARLENE (not verified) on Mon, 11/08/2010 - 00:50.
    HI:

    THREE QUESTIONS:

    #1. Can a person with the LEED Credential go and obtain a job without a 4 yr. degree??

    #2. Is this a field a female can break into?

    #3. Are there any grants/gov. assistance in NY?

    Many Thanks

QUESTIONS

  • Submitted by Everblue on Wed, 11/10/2010 - 16:33.
    Thanks for your questions!

    The LEED credential certainly makes you more marketable in the sustainable building market. But your job opportunities without a 4 year degree depend on the companies you are looking at and what type of work you are trying to do.

    There are many females in this industry, and the opportunities for women in this field are quite varied.

    And regarding funding, Everblue offers funding through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) for unemployed individuals. Please call our office at 1-888-204-8735 for more information on the WIA program.

    Thank you!

Commercial Building Energy Auditing and Analysis

  • Submitted by Joel C. (not verified) on Fri, 03/18/2011 - 00:21.
    Is there BPI certification/training available to analyze commercial/government buildings rather than homes? Thanks

Commercial Building Energy Auditing and Analysis

  • Submitted by Everblue on Fri, 03/18/2011 - 12:48.
    Hi Joel,

    BPI does not currently have specific regulations set for commercial building energy auditing. Therefore, Everblue cannot provide training specifically for commercial buildings at this point. Some BPI analysts have been able to transfer their skills to commercial buildings, however. Call our office at 1-888-204-8735 if you have further questions about this information.

    Thanks,
    Everblue

Potential for Energy Auditors in NY

  • Submitted by Radcliffe A. McIntyre (not verified) on Tue, 06/07/2011 - 17:27.
    Please elaborate on the potential for Energy Auditors in NY Metropplitan and surronding urban areas like Long Island. I am presently setting up an energy saving business and that could be of added interest to me. Radcliffe

Potential for Energy Auditors in NY

  • Submitted by Bana@Everblue on Wed, 06/08/2011 - 08:21.
    Hello Radcliffe,

    Thank you for your question. We have done some research on opportunities in New York for professionals with an energy auditor certification. You can find this information on our New York Energy Resource guide.

    Thank you,
    Bana

BPI and HERS rater

  • Submitted by Alex Audit (not verified) on Sun, 06/19/2011 - 23:56.
    Hi, I am interested in taking both the BPI analyst / Envelope shell combo course as well as the HERS rater course with Everblue. I would like to start working in the energy auditing field ASAP and I am curious how I should go about taking these courses. It would appear that if I take the HERS rater first I can save some money on taking the "BPI for HERS raters" course later. I also am wondering if it makes sense to get both certifications done with before I apply to work in the field or if I should take them some months apart. Is one of the certifications more desirable for potential employers than the other when judging entry level auditors? Please help!

BPI and HERS rater

  • Submitted by Bana@Everblue on Sat, 06/25/2011 - 17:22.
    Hello Alex and thank you for your insightful question!

    Whether you take your HERS course first or BPI, Everblue will offer you a discount for the second energy auditing course you take. Typically our students have started with BPI as they find there is more demand for energy auditing on older homes that can be renovated to become more energy efficient, while HERS is aimed towards newer homes and implementing energy efficiency as the home is being constructed.

    So, depending on the demands in your area, you may find it more beneficial to start with a particular certification. Another useful tool is our State by State Energy Auditor Guide, which outlines grants and funding for energy auditors.

    I will also send you more course information about each of these certification to help you make a more informed decision.

    Thank you,
    Bana

Potential Income

  • Submitted by Arturo_Nipal_Vi... on Fri, 06/24/2011 - 16:58.
    Hello, I am considering becoming a certified energy auditor. Can you give a range on how much one can make doing this? I've read somewhere (might be your site) that an auditor may charge from $125-$700 for an audit. Quite a big range. But how much time does it take to do a typical audit? And does an auditor need to pay something to BPI or RESNET each time one does an audit? Thanks - Art

Potential Income

  • Submitted by Bana@Everblue on Sat, 06/25/2011 - 17:27.
    Hello Art,

    The average residential energy audit is $450. Depending on the condition the home, many auditors also offer renovation services that typically range from $1000-$5000.

    Thank you,
    Bana

Energy auditor career

  • Submitted by Nirmal (not verified) on Mon, 07/04/2011 - 02:40.
    Hello, I am currently from India, an Indian citizen. However, I have applied for PR status in Canada and look forward to be at Alberta State soon. Can I do this course with reference to energy auditor from India as online? Will i get the certification. I am working in an Engineering company and I am an engineer by profession. Please suggest my position.

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