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The Future, Energy Efficiency

HERS rater training class

class 1

This class is the first step toward becoming a Certified Home Energy Rater with the ability to perform Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Ratings developed by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). As a Certified Home Energy Rater, you will be able to produce home energy rating reports that will help contractors, home buyers and homeowners to qualify for incentives through a variety of private and government programs.

With knowledge of the principles of building science, energy modeling software and diagnostic tools, a HERS Rater can perform Home Energy Ratings on both new and existing homes, which are utilized by numerous energy and green building certification programs including ENERGY STAR for Homes program, LEED for Homes, National Green Building Standard, 2015 IECC building code and many other utility rebate programs and jurisdictional energy code compliance requirements.

This class complies with the training requirements to become a Certified HERS Rater as required by the Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Systems Standards adopted by RESNET.

We train our students in how to setup and operate the blower door and duct leakage testing equipment. Our in-house duct testing facility allows hands-on opportunities to become familiar with the equipment. This gives every student the ability to setup and operate the equipment in a controlled environment.

Concepts that students will learn:

  • A basic understanding of building science principles and home construction
  • A basic understanding of the principles of heat, air and moisture transfer
  • A basic understanding of air leakage, comfort and indoor air quality problems
  • Ability to produce accurate and unbiased Home Energy Ratings, from building plans for new homes and from field inspection of existing homes
  • Ability to produce a complete home energy analysis using REM/Rate software
  • Ability to perform field inspections and diagnostics using the blower door and duct leakage testing equipment
  • A basic understanding of combustion safety or CAZ testing and the ability to perform a CAZ test to the RESNET Standards.
  • An Understanding of the services and responsibilities of a HERS Rater and Provider

This class will be taught in two modules. The 1st module will cover the core HERS Rater material and the 2nd module will cover the required combustion safety material.

Module 1, HERS Rater Class

  • This is a 6 day Module
  • Class starts at 8:30am each day
  • Class will end at 5pm (this may vary based on class needs)
  • The Rater exam given the last day of this Module with a review before the exam

Module 2, Combustion Safety and Work scope Class (CAZ) Class

  • This is a 3 day Module
  • Class starts at 8:30am each day
  • Class will end at 5pm (this may vary based on class needs)
  • Both Exams given the last day of this Module with a review before exams

When registering for the class, the student will need to select a Module 1 Rater class and also a Module 2 CAZ class. The Rater class certificate will be issued upon successful completion of both Modules.

Upon successful passing of the national online exams and with the completion of five probationary ratings (2 completed in class), the candidate may be certified as a HERS Rater by a HERS Rating QA Provider (additional requirements maybe required by the Rating QA Provider).

Class fees, included materials and requirements

Class Fee: $1549.00* (Payment options are available, please contact us)

Course Material Included:

  • MABTEC's Rater Course Manual with supplemental materials, on DVD (will receive on first day of class)
  • Exam fees for all 3 required exams
  • REM/Rate Software, 90-day Full Use
  • Access to the ResCaz Combustion Safety simulation for 1 year
  • Two Provisional Ratings, that can be credited toward certification
  • Class certificate issued upon successful completion of the class requirements
  • Exam certificates issued upon successfully passing the exams
  • Refreshments

Course Material Not Included, but needed:

Items required for Class:

  • Laptop Computer (Windows based)
    • Windows Vista or later (Mac, Linux, etc. based computers are not supported).
    • Web browser; Internet Explorer, Firefox or Chrome
    • Internet connection, either Wirelessor Ethernet port.
    • DVD Drive or USB Port.
    • Please note, we will need to install the REM/Rate software on your computer. You will need to have the ability to install software (including user permissions).
    • Please note, the online ResCaz simulation software will require a plug-in to be installed. You will need to have the ability to install software (including user permissions). You can download the plug here: http://unity3d.com/webplayer.
    • If you do not have a laptop computer, MABTEC as a limited number laptops that a student can use during the class and exams for a fee of $75. Please contact us if you need to use one of our laptops.
  • Handheld calculator with square root button (a construction calculator is helpful)
  • Your favorite writing instrument(pen, pencil, etc.) along with your favorite type of notepad/notebook to take notes
  • Visit the HERS Rater Class FAQ, for items not required, but suggested.

Maximum number of students for the training class is 12 (at our site).

*Registration fees may be refundable, for complete refund details, see our refund FAQ.
Fee is for class and included materials only, does not include all costs to become a certified rater (Provider fees, equipment, etc.)

To register and pay for the class, please use the link on the right.

HERS Rater Certification Requirements

This course is the first step toward becoming a Certified HERS Rater. As an energy rater, you will be able to produce a HERS Rating and help homeowners/buyers qualify for incentives. This course complies with the national standard for training and certification of HERS raters adopted by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET).

RESNET has more information on HERS Energy Ratings and provides a list of Accredited Rating QA Providers compiled by state.

Requirements to become certified as a HERS Rater:

  • A demonstrated understanding of the entire rating process (visit the RESNET website for the complete list) as demonstrated by scoring 80% or higher on the Rater test.
  • An Agreement with a Rating QA Provider accredited in your state (not all providers accept independent raters). The rater candidate has one year to be certified by a RESNET accredited Rating Provider after passing the rater exam.
  • Satisfactory completion of 5 probationary ratings.
  • MABTEC is an accredited Rating QA Provider.
  • Class fees do not include any fees charged by the Rating QA Provider.

Have a group that needs training? We can travel to you and hold our training courses at your site. Visit our off-site training page for more information.

 

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Class payment

Online Registration & Payment

Class Dates

MABTEC - Ashburn, VA
Module 1-Rater Class

July 7-12, 2014

Module 2-CAZ Class

June 23-25, 2014
July 21-23, 2014
Aug 6-8, 2014
Sept 15-17, 2014
Oct 22-24, 2014

Other Locations

None Scheduled
at other locations