Home Energy Rater Training by NCAT

About this project

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) offers a comprehensive energy auditor training with an emphasis on new residential construction and the HERS rating process. This workshop will incorporate information about how the Energy Star New Homes program is operated both nationally and in the four northwest states. This training is intended to prepare the participant to take the tests necessary to become a certified HERS Rater, an Energy Star Homes Northwest Energy Star Verifier, and an Energy Star Homes Northwest Performance Tester. This training is the first step to becoming qualified to provide certification for the Federal Tax Credit for energy efficient new homes. NCAT is a RESNET accredited HERS Rater Training Provider.

When: December 8-12, 2008 (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Mon, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Tue-Thu, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM Fri; the National Rater Exam will be administered from 1:00 – 3:00 PM Fri)

Where: NCAT Offices, 3040 Continental Drive, Butte, Montana, 59702

Cost: $1200 per person for the training. You must have a credit card with you to take the National Rater test. You will use your credit card to pay RESNET $50 for the on-line test immediately prior to the test on Friday at 1:00 PM. The registration fee does not include your travel, lodging, or food.

To Register: Mail a check for $1,200 ($1,100 if payment is received by November 11) with the completed registration form to:

Colleen Rabson – HERS Training
NCAT
3040 Continental Drive
Butte, Montana 59702

You may also register with a credit card over the phone. Call NCAT at 1-800-275-6228 and ask for Colleen Rabson. The registration fee will be refunded only if notice is received seven days before the workshop. A $200 cancellation fee will be charged. If the training is cancelled due to low registration, the full fee will be refunded.

For more information about the training contact Dale Horton (daleh@ncat.org , Office 406/494-8653). The training session will be limited to twelve persons. If fewer than eight people have registered for the class two weeks prior to the first day of the training NCAT reserves the right to cancel the training. We will provide lodging options in Butte after you register.

• Laptop Computer with XP operating system with wireless Internet capability. Computer must be capable of opening pdf documents. In the past some MAC computers with a windows operating programs have worked and some have not.
• Calculator
• Note Paper

Recommended:

• Tape Measure (at least 20 feet)
• Clipboard
• Architectural Scale

Home Energy Rater Training Manual by NCAT

Residential Energy by John Krigger and Chris Dorsi, Published by Saturn Resource Management Incorporated (www.srmi.biz), a copy of this book will be mailed to you after you register.

Builder’s Guide to Cold Climates by Joseph Lstiburek, Published by Building Science Corporation and Distributed by the Energy and Environmental Building Association (www.eeba.org)

REMRATE Software (Demonstration Version) by the Architectural Energy Corporation. A full license for the software will be provided after completion of all HERS Rater requirements. A full license for the software will be available only after you have completed all requirements to become a rater.

Your chances of passing the National Rater Test will be much better if you take the time to prepare for the training session. Only about half of the people that take the National Rater Test pass on their first attempt so it may be worthwhile to study before hand. Here are some suggestions.

1. Study Residential Energy, the book noted above, before the training session. Being familiar with the contents of this book is probably the single most useful preparation that you can do. We will mail you a copy after we receive your registration.
2. It will prove useful to be familiar with the information on the RESNET web site (http://www.resnet.us/default.htm). The “Rater Information,” “Lender Information,” and “Resnet Standards” areas of the site are most applicable. The National Rater Test will definitely cover material contained in the 2006 Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Systems Standards. This document can be found on the RESNET web site here: Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Systems Standards
3. The test will require calculating building floor areas, surface areas, and building volumes for various house configurations. You should be comfortable with building geometries as well as basic math and trigonometry. Familiarity with residential construction and the ability to read and understand architectural drawings will be very useful. We will not have time to review these basic skills during the class.
4. Building performance testing includes conducting blower door tests and duct tests. Although this topic is addressed in Residential Energy, we strongly suggest that you download the following manuals from the Energy Conservatory and review them.
   Blower Door Manual: www.energyconservatory.com/download/bdmanual.pdf
   Ductblaster Manual: www.energyconservatory.com/download/dbmanual.pdf