BPI certification
mrbreadpuddin
| Posted in GBA Pro Help on
I cannot find much information on the BPI website with regards to BUILDING ANALYST certification and ENVELOPE PROFESSIONALcertification. Would I need both to get a job in the energy auditing field? Is one better than the other? I already have an extensive background in construction.
GBA Detail Library
A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part
Search and download construction details
Replies
William,
Did you find these documents on the BPI web site?
BPI Small Homes Certification Policies and Procedures
Building Performance Institute Technical Standards for the Building Analyst Professional
Here's more information on a BPI Envelope course:
http://rate.rutgers.edu/programs/bpi-envelopeshell-professional-training
I would talk to employers you want to work for before investing time and money in certifications. They will not automatically land you a job.
You have to be a building analyst to take the envelope training so it isn't really a question of one over the other. The envelope training builds on the analyst training (and covers a similar range of material). Getting both would be better, but it may or may not be worth the extra effort/expense depending on what local employers are looking for. Construction experience, in my book, is just as valuable.
William can't be self employed?
Thanks for the links!
Does anyone have experience with the online courses? Is it hard to find places to do the hands on?
It can be hard to find good places to do classroom training, field training, and testing. You may have to do a lot of research to get what you need, and you may have to travel. I think the Saturn Online curriculum is good and it's part of what I did to prepare for the BA test.
Getting the BA cert is a good first step. At least you'll have a foundation of building science and understand the House-as-a-system concept. Envelope and other certs build upon that. If you're looking to become an energy auditor it's the entry level certification most employers will probably look for. Online courses are hit and miss. Some might be ok, but it's better to get classroom training and essential for the field/practical portion. You need hand-on experience to get comfortable with the equipment. Everblue runs classes nation wide.
Question about BPI and auditing.
Can one not be self employed?
All of you mention... employers employers employers
This BPI idea seems to be set up like a monarchy with top down control of entry, costs, schooling and employment but I could be wrong. Fill us in those of you in "the system".
Contracting in Upstate NY has all kinds granted but entry into contracting is damn simple.
And also a plug for GBA. Fantastic source of education, for a fantastic cost with fantastic accessibility. Thank you GBA originators.