Step 1. Take Building Performance Advantage Curriculum (approx. 45 hours of classroom and field training) to become a Building Analyst Professional. Our courses are offered live at The Austin Institute of Real Estate located at 8828 Research Blvd. Austin, TX 78758 and across Texas.
Step 2. Pass an online 100 question final examination. This exam is 2 hours and is proctored and will be conducted during the final 2 hours of the class. Results are given immediately following the test.
Step 3. Schedule and pass a one-on-one field examination with an approved field examiner and "test" house. You will be required to use equipment and tools used to test the energy efficiency of the house to show the examiner your proficiency in using the equipment. Results are given 2-4 weeks after completion of the field exam.
Step 4 (For those wanting to become a Austin ECAD Auditor). Attend a City of Austin Auditor Orientation Session. There will be a form that the auditor must submit to Austin Energy providing their BPI/RESNET id number, a copy of the certificate, and other similar information. Austin Energy will review and record the information of those who are accepted then post their name and contact information in the registered auditor’s directory on our website.
READ CAREFULLY. EXAMINATION INFORMATION
- Each candidate must bring a laptop computer to take the final online classroom examination
- This is a proctored, two hour timed test.
- There are 100 questions and you must pass with a 70%.
- You will receive immediate results from this examination.
- The online final examination will be given the last two hours of the course.
- The course will include both classroom and field work.
- During the final day of class, there will be a sign-up sheet to schedule your field examination.
- This will be on a first come-first serve basis.
- The field examiner will take you to a "test" house, where you will demonstrate your proficiency in the use of the energy -testing tools and equipment.
- You must pass with an overall 70% and a minimum of 85% in the CAZ and CO module.
- The test will be sent off for grading and it will take approximately 2-4 weeks before you receive the results of your field examination.
The Building Analyst Professional course is a preparatory class for taking the Building Performance Institute Building Analyst Professional Certification Written and Field Examinations. This certification is recognized by Austin Energy and is the first step in Energy Auditor Registration process which is still being developed.
What You Will Need
Any person who has the ability to learn and understand building principles and the basics of building science. Someone who can show proficiency in using tools and equipment to test the energy efficiency of homes.
It is highly reccommended that the training candidates have at least one of the following:
- Experience in doing residential inspections
- Experience in HVAC repair/maintenance
- Basic understanding of energy efficiency
- The ability to master technical material
- A willingness to inspect attics and tight crawl spaces
The cost of certification is as follows:
$995 for 45 hours of classroom and field training for BPI certification as a Building Analyst Professional
$250 for online final exam
$450 for one-on-one field examination with experienced field examiners
TOTAL $1695
Pay for everything at one time and pay $1495 YOU SAVE: $200
There is a $75.00 non-refundable registration fee included for the course. All prepaid courses must be taken within 90 days of the start date of class. No refunds will be given after the first month after the purchase of the course.
