Residential Energy Services

Home Energy Rater (HERS) Services

NCAT is a RESNET certified HERS Rater Provider and a HERS Rater Trainer Provider.

Home Energy Rater Training

There are two primary options available for those interested in preparing for the RESNET National HERS Rater examination. One option is to attend a week-long training at a RESNET certified HERS Rater Trainer such as NCAT. The second option is to complete an online training and then do field and software training with a HERS Rater Trainer.

The requirements for becoming a certified Home Energy Rater are:

1. Complete HERS Training
2. Pass the National HERS Rater Exam
3. Complete two confirmed probationary ratings under the on-site supervision of a HERS certified Rater Trainer
4. Complete HERS rating software training provided by a RESNET certified HERS Rater Trainer
5. Complete three additional probationary ratings that are approved by a HERS certified Provider

Both options are discussed below:

Full-week NCAT Rater Training

This workshop is a comprehensive energy auditor training with an emphasis on new residential construction and the HERS rating process. The workshop incorporates information about how the Energy Star New Homes program is operated both nationally and in the four northwest states. This training will prepare the participant to take the tests necessary to become a certified HERS Rater, a Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes Verifier, and a Northwest Energy Star Homes Performance Tester. The training includes two confirmed probationary ratings and HERS rating software training. NCAT is a RESNET accredited HERS Rater Training Provider.

Online Training

Saturn Resource Management (www.srmi.biz) has developed an excellent online course to prepare candidates for the HERS Rater Test. After completing this online course, a candidate must still complete steps #2 through #5. A certified Rater Trainer registers a candidate for the exam. NCAT is willing to work with candidates to accomplish steps #3 and #4 by scheduling an intense two-day workshop for up to four persons. This two-day session will include an optional evening session to cover the Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes program. The cost of the two-day session will be $500 if four persons participate. If less than four persons participate in the two-day session, the cost per person will be greater. Please contact Dale Horton at NCAT if you are interested in participating in such a session.

Please note that the online training offered by Saturn Resource Management does not address the Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes program. To become certified to verify homes as a Northwest ENERGY STAR Home, additional program training is required.

Next Scheduled HERS Rater Training is December 8-12, 2008
For training details, see HERS Training Info for Dec 2008

NCAT HERS Rater Services Documents

Useful documents include:

• Rating Submittal Instructions
• NCAT Rater Verifier Fees
• NCAT Rater Agreement 2008
• NCAT Certifier Agreement 2008 (for use only for tax credit "Otherwise Authorized" raters)
• Federal Tax Credit Insurance Statement

Home Energy Rating (HERS) Important Links

Refer to the following website for more information and documentation regarding RESNET and HERS ratings. www.natresnet.org

Some of the most important documents include:

• Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Standards
• RESNET Procedures for Certifying Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credits
• Rating Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
• Rater Financial Interest Disclosure Form

Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes Services

NCAT Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes Documents

NCAT is the Montana State Certification Organization (SCO) for Northwest Energy Star Homes. This regional ENERGY STAR Homes program includes training and certification of ENERGY STAR Verifiers. Useful documents are provided below:

• MT Verifier-PT Agreement
• MT Verifier Update 080508
• NCAT Rater Verifier Fees

ENERGY STAR Homes Northwest

For more information and documentation regarding ENERGY STAR Homes Northwest, visit the program website at http://www.northwestenergystar.com/.

Some of the most important documents include:

• Program Technical Specifications
• Ground Source Heat Pump Specifications
• Participating Verifiers
• Electronic Builder Partnership Agreement