Upcoming HERS Trainings



March 5-10th Springfield, MA is association with NEHERS Alliance. Click here for more details

 

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HERS 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. This book, covers basic home performance technical material and is easy to refer to while looking up information.
Class Content
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 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
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.