NEHERS Alliance Rater Training
HERS Rater Training Class
The Northeast HERS Alliance offers
a six-day training course designed to prepare individuals
to become certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS)
Raters. The course meets the national standard for the
training and certification of energy raters adopted
by the
Residential Energy
Services Network (RESNET). A task force composed
of a broad representation of the energy rating and building
science education communities developed the standard
after an extensive public review and comment process.
The class includes a thorough review of basic
energy concepts, field experience with blower door
testing and duct blasting, training on the latest
version of rating software, and performing a home
energy rating and entering the data into REM/Rate.
To meet RESNET’s new field testing requirements, on
day 5 each student will conduct a field rating and
blower door test in the presence of a trainer. Space
is limited and acceptance is by order of deposits
received.
This class covers the following
topics:
Basic Energy Concepts
- House as a System
- Energy and moisture transfer
- Thermal envelope and windows
- Air leakage problems and
solutions
- Ventilation and indoor air
quality
- Basic energy load calculations
- Diagnostic testing with blower
door and duct blaster
- HVAC systems, combustion
and venting basics
- Hands-on practice with blower
door and duct blaster
- Advanced Insulation Techniques
HERS Ratings
- What are HERS Ratings
- Conducting The Home Energy Rating
- Using Rating software
- Processing a Rating
- Marketing and Service Delivery
- Energy Mortgages
- Working with contractors and bid process
- Rater Policies and Quality Control
Complete Six-day Rater Training
Agenda
Application Information Document
Information about registration requirements,
computer requirements and what to bring to class, a
review of the steps required after training for
rater certification
Fee Structure, Discounts,
And Refund Policy
National
Rater Exam
The National Rater Exam
was developed by RESNET, and a passing grade of 80 or
above is required to be a certified HERS Rater. The
exam covers the material presented during the five-day
class itself as well as technical material on basic
building science that is outside of the material covered
in class.
The exam is administered
by a trainer at the completion of a rater training class.
The exam can also be taken through a qualified local
proctor by individuals who are experienced raters and
have already produced ratings according to the current
RESNET standards.
The rater exam is "open
book," and therefore test-takers are encouraged to bring
books/resources, calculator, etc. to the exam with them.
Although the exam is taken while logged in to the Internet,
no email or text messaging is allowed during the exam.
Notification of Future Classes
To be notified of future rater training classes,
please join our
training announcement listserv.
Rater Training Prerequisites
Attendance at the six-day training allows
candidates to take the test without meeting the
normal prerequisites for the test (a minimum of two
years field experience and at least 10 blower door
tests). However, for those who do not already have a
strong, or current, background in building science,
attendance at the training alone may not be
sufficient to pass the test. Candidates are
encouraged to study on their own prior to the rater
training course using such reference materials as
Residential Energy, by John Krigger. Early
application at least 28 days prior to the start date
will earn a free copy of the book. Later applicants
can purchase the book from our
online
store. This book, covers basic home performance
technical material and is easy to refer to while
looking up information.
Additional Resources
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