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HERS Rater FAQ
Q: How can I become a HERS Rater?
A: Everblue is an accredited rater training provider for RESNET and provides the training that rater candidates are required to successfully complete in order to become certified as a HERS Rater.
Q: What is a home energy rating?
A: The home energy rating is a standard measurement of the home's energy efficiency similar in concept to gas mileage ratings for cars. An energy rating allows a home buyer to easily compare the energy costs for the homes being considered.
Q: What is involved in a home energy rating?
A: Home energy ratings involve an on-site inspection by a residential energy efficiency professional - a home energy rater (aka HERS Rater). Home energy raters are trained by Everblue and certified by RESNET.
The home energy rater inspects the home and measures its energy characteristics, such as insulation levels, window efficiency, wall-to-window ratios, heating and cooling system efficiency, and the solar orientation of the home. Performance testing, such as a blower door test measuring door and duct leakage may be used.
All of the data is input into an energy model that provides the home with a rating, or score, which quantifies the efficiency of the home with a single and easy to understand number. The home receives a point score between 1 and 100, depending on its relative efficiency. The rating also provides an estimate of annual utility costs. A homeowner who wants to upgrade their home’s efficiency can then use the model to predict the savings from different energy saving improvements.
Q: Can I trust the results of a home energy rating?
A: Home energy ratings must meet the stringent standards developed by RESNET. Raters must abide by a code of ethics, rating standards of practice, and most disclose all financial interests to the client. The mortgage industry recognizes the rating to qualify for an energy efficient mortgage.
Q: What can I do with an energy rating?
A: The energy rating provides the following benefits:
- When buying a home a rating allows you to compare homes according to their energy efficiency.
- A rating allows you to know the energy performance of your home and identifies cost effective improvements that you can make to increase your comfort and home's performance..
- A rating is required to qualify the home for an energy efficient mortgage.
- A rating is required for a home to be labeled as ENERGY STAR.
Q: How can I become a HERS Rater?
A: Register for one of Everblue’s HERS Rater certification courses. There are no prerequisites, although students must speak English and should have at least a high school diploma.
Q: What happens if I fail the RESNET exam?
If you have failed and want to re-take the RESNET exam, you must contact your local public library or college. You will ask them if they administer online testing and if they have third-party proctors available. If they do, make arrangements with the proctor for your testing session.
Contact Everblue, or another RESNET affiliate, and provide them with the name, email address, and phone number of your proctor. Everblue will be able to create the testing session in the RESNET testing portal. We will need to input the proctor’s contact information, as well as the venue location.
You will pay a $50 re-testing fee to RESNET. Once payment is made, you will receive an email with your login credentials.
In accordance with RESNET’s terms and conditions, your proctor must read the Procedures for Rater Training Providers to Proctor the RESNET National Rater Test.
Q: If I fail the RESNET Exam, can I sit through the class again?
A: Yes, you can retake the RESNET HERS Rater classroom training at a discount.
If you are looking for more information about Everblue's RESNET HERS Rater training, please visit our RESNET HERS Rater main page.
Find a Course Near You
Disabled person/ HERS Rater training
I have a walking disability. I use a cane to walk and it is hard for me to be on my legs for long periods of time. Would the training (Portland, Or. Feb. 2011) be suitable for me?
Thanks
Disabled person/ HERS Rater training
Hello Dick and thank you for your question.
You would be perfectly fine to take our classroom training, but you may find the feild training portion to be difficult as this with require standing for long periods of time as you must survey the home and use a blower door. If you still wish to do the training, it may to be wise to have someone take the training with you so that you will have a coworker to assist you on energy audits.
Thank you,
Bana
Disability
I have a disability. My left hand is paralyzed due to a motorcycle accident years ago.I am interested in becoming a certified HER Rater, but I am not sure what exactly the procedures will be in doing these inspections and if the non use of my left hand would complicate me from doing the duties to pursue this career.
Disability
Hello and thank you for your question.
You will be able to take our course and perform a HERS energy audit without having to use your left hand. The process may take you a bit longer, but you can certainly do it!
Thank you,
Bana
Infrared Imagining
Hi. Does HERS Cert. training include knowledge on how to use infrared imaging equipment? Thanks
Infrared Imagining
Hello Eric and thank you for your question.
RESNET HERS certification does not include infrared imaging as it is not needed to perform a full HERS energy audit. However, for an additional fee, some auditors choose to offer imaging in addition to an audit.
Thank you,
Bana
HERS Rater Certification Longevity
How long is a HERS Rater Certification good for?
HERS Rater Certification Longevity
Hello Terry and thank you for your question,
A HERS Rater is required to complete 18 hours of continuing education every three years. Everblue is currently working on a package to offer you these 18 hours, so that you sustain your HERS certification with ease.
Thank you,
Bana
Does the Mortgage Industry Accept BPI
The mortgage industry accepts HERS ratings in qualifying buildings for a home energy mortgage: Will they also accept a BPI audit for the same purpose?
Does the Mortgage Industry Accept BPI
Hello and thank you for your question.
The answer to this is a very local, perhaps state level decision. We need to know where you are located in order to look up the current ruling for your state/local area. Chances are, BPI will not qualify because it is not a detailed enough audit for new construction as it focuses primarily on older homes and construction. You may want to consider focusing more on the RESNET HERS rater as it is catered for new construction.
Thank you,
Bana
Cost of energy audit
How much can one typically charge for a home energy audit? Also, approximately how much can one expect to make as a qualified inspector? If geographical area is relevant to either/both of these questions, I live in Tulsa, OK. Thanks in advance for your help.
Cost of energy audit
Thank you for your question. Domestic, single-family energy audits will typically be in the $250 to $700 range. Location and size of the building come into play. Our BPI training will have you ready in a week's time!
Teal B.
Quality Assurance Designee
I understand that Rater candidates may be certified by a RESNET accredited Rating Provider after completing 3 probationary ratings under the supervision of the Providers Quality Assurance Designee (QAD). Where do I find a Provider QAD in Orange, TX?
Quality Assurance Designee
The best way to find a Rater Provider is to search on RESNET's website at http://www.resnet.us/programs/search_directory. You will find they are listed there by state. Good luck!
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