RESNET HERS Rater Certification Training

This is the Complete and Comprehensive HERS Rater Online On-Demand Course

Included with the Registration Fee for this Course:

  • All the training listed below.
  • The RESNET CAZ (Combustion Appliance Zone) and RESNET HERS Rater Practical Simulation Tool access for hands-on training and practice in those simulated environments.
  • Several HERS Rater Practice Exams are included as well - make sure you are fully prepared before you test!

This course, like all our courses, is taken on your own schedule. It is fully on-line and on-demand. Progress at your own pace and revisit any training units as many times as you like.

Once you have successfully completed the course, you will receive a certificate as required by RESNET to prove you have taken and passed an Accredited HERS Rater Training course. This training is the first step on your certification journey. You need to take the next steps (take and pass the national exams, complete probationary ratings and in-field combustion safety training with your Rating Provider) to complete your Certification. HERS Rater Certification is awarded by RESNET Rating Quality Assurance Providers.


   Registration Fee: $1,295.00


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Commonly Asked Questions

Course Outline

NOTE: The textbook "Residential Energy" by Krigger and Dorsi is required for this course.
This course is designed to train students who wish to be Certified Home Energy Raters (HERS Raters) the basics of Home Energy Ratings and is designed to prepare you for the RESNET national rater and practical simulation exams. It also includes RESNET Combustion Safety and Workscope Training to prepare you for the RESNET national CAZ (Combustion Appliance Zone) Testing exam and practical simulation exam. Once you have completed this on-line portion of the training, you will need to take the required national exams in the presence of the instructor. This is the first phase in your journey to become Certified as a HERS Rater. To complete your certification once you have successfully completed training and passed the exams, you must also gain hands-on experience with the tools and perform testing and verification under the guidance of a RESNET Rating Provider. You will then complete a minimum of five (5) probationary ratings with your chosen Rating Quality Assurance Provider within one year of successfully completing the exams. Your Rating Provider is the certifying body who will provide you with your final HERS Rater certification.
Module 1 Learning through an EnergySmart Institute Online, On-Demand training course
This module will explain the components of a training class from the EnergySmart Institute and provide you a tour of your learning environment. You will also meet your instructor for this course.
Unit 1 About EnergySmart Institute Training - How to navigate your course  
Unit 2 Meet your Instructor - HERS Rater  
Module 2 Introduction to Home Energy Ratings
In this module we will cover the following; a brief history of the Residential Energy Services Network, RESNET, an introduction to the Home Energy (HERS) Rating Standards and Process, the HERS Rater job description and duties and how this varies from the energy auditor, the path to HERS Rater certification, maintaining your certification, the HERS Rater's Clients, the HERS Rater's responsibilities.
Unit 1 Introduction to Home Energy Ratings - Course Materials  
Unit 2 Home Energy Rating Systems and the Energy Index  
Unit 3 RESNET Structure and Organization  
Unit 4 HERS and The Energy Index Quiz  
Unit 5 Residential Energy Use  
Unit 6 Residential Energy Use Quiz  
Unit 7 Energy Rating vs. Energy Audit  
Unit 8 Energy Rating vs Energy Audit Quiz  
Unit 9 The HERS Rater  
Unit 10 HERS Rater Job Responsibilities  
Unit 11 The HERS Rater Quiz  
Unit 12 HERS Rater Research: Energy Efficiency Programs  
Unit 13 HERS Rater Certification Quiz on Home Energy Ratings  
Module 3 Energy Fundamentals
This module covers the definition of energy, energy terms, and the language of energy, the laws of thermodynamics, and the concepts of heat flow air flow, moisture flow and human comfort.
Unit 1 Energy Fundamentals - Course Materials  
Unit 2 What is Energy?  
Unit 3 What is Energy Quiz  
Unit 4 Heat Transfer  
Unit 5 Radiant Heat Transfer  
Unit 6 Heat Transfer Quiz  
Unit 7 HERS Rater Heat Transfer Practice  
Unit 8 Air Flow  
Unit 9 Air Flow Quiz  
Unit 10 Moisture Movement and Human Comfort  
Unit 11 Moisture Movement and Human Comfort Quiz  
Unit 12 The Tell-Tale House  
Unit 13 The Language of Energy  
Unit 14 The Language of Energy Quiz  
Unit 15 HERS Rater Observations - Comfort, Durability, Energy, IAQ  
Unit 16 HERS Rater Quiz Energy Fundamentals  
Module 4 Construction Primer
Construction basics and building components are covered in this module, as well as a brief history of home construction, reading construction plans, the components that make up the building shell and alternative building materials and techniques.
Unit 1 Construction Primer - Course Materials  
Unit 2 Ceilings and Attics  
Unit 3 Ceilings and Attics Quiz  
Unit 4 Anatomy of a Stud Frame Wall  
Unit 5 Walls and Floors  
Unit 6 Walls and Floors Quiz  
Unit 7 Windows and Doors  
Unit 8 Windows and Doors Quiz  
Unit 9 Foundations  
Unit 10 Slabs Slab Insulation and Capillary Action  
Unit 11 Foundations Quiz  
Unit 12 Reading Construction Plans  
Unit 13 Reading Construction Plans Quiz  
Unit 14 HERS Rater Certification Quiz - Construction Primer  
Module 5 Construction Math
Area and volume calculations, perimeter measurements, roof angles and variations and how to calculate those odd architectural features are all covered in this module. We'll dust off and revisit some math, geometry and algebra skills in this module!
Unit 1 Construction Math - Course Materials  
Unit 2 Construction Math - Introduction  
Unit 3 Linear Feet  
Unit 4 Linear Measurements and Calculations Quiz  
Unit 5 Area  
Unit 6 Area Calculations Quiz  
Unit 7 Volume  
Unit 8 Volume Calculations Quiz  
Unit 9 Special Case Measurements  
Unit 10 Special Case Measurements and Calculations Quiz  
Unit 11 Generating Scale Drawings  
Unit 12 HERS Rater Assignment: Plan Drawings and Measurements  
Unit 13 HERS Rater Certification Quiz - Construction Math  
Module 6 Building Science and the Building Envelope
This module explores heating and cooling load calculations, degree days, R-Value, U-Value, K-Value, heat loss, and climate zone impacts.
Unit 1 Building Science and the Building Envelope - Course Materials  
Unit 2 The Building Shell Heating Load and Cooling Load  
Unit 3 Building Envelope Heating Load and Cooling Load Quiz  
Unit 4 The Building Shell Terminology and History  
Unit 5 Building Envelope Terminology and History Quiz  
Unit 6 The Building Shell Heat Loss and Heat Gain  
Unit 7 The Building Shell Assembly Calculations  
Unit 8 Building Envelope Heat Loss and Heat Gain Quiz  
Unit 9 Climate Zone Impacts on Construction Decisions  
Unit 10 Climate Zone Quiz  
Unit 11 HERS Rater Research - Your Climate Zone  
Unit 12 HERS Rater Certification Quiz - Building Envelope and Climate Zones  
Module 7 Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality or IAQ refers to the quality of the air we are breathing when we are indoors.   This module will teach you about indoor air quality, the things that lead to poor indoor air quality and what we can do to improve our IAQ. You will also learn about the standards that provide the requirements for mechanical ventilation sizing and air flow testing.

Unit 1 Introduction to Indoor Air Quality  
Unit 2 Indoor Air Quality Quiz  
Unit 3 Mechanical Ventilation Course Materials  
Unit 4 Ventilation Requirements  
Unit 5 Ventilation Requirements Quiz  
Unit 6 Types of Mechanical Ventilation  
Unit 7 Types of Mechanical Ventilation Quiz  
Unit 8 Testing Mechanical Ventilation  
Unit 9 How to Test Mechanical Ventilation  
Unit 10 Mechanical Ventilation System Testing Quiz  
Unit 11 HERS Rater Certification Quiz - Indoor Air Quality and Mechanical Ventilation  
Module 8 Heating, Cooling and Water Heating Systems
In this module we will explore the combustion cycle, combustion by-products, combustion appliance components and various types of heating, cooling and water heating systems.
Unit 1 Heating Cooling Water Heating - Course Materials  
Unit 2 Heating System Types and Efficiencies  
Unit 3 Heating System Safety and Data Gathering  
Unit 4 Residential Gas Heating Systems  
Unit 5 Heating System Types and Efficiencies Quiz  
Unit 6 Cooling System Types and Efficiencies  
Unit 7 Cooling System Types and Efficiencies Quiz  
Unit 8 Design Ductwork Controls and Efficiency  
Unit 9 Water Heater Types and Efficiencies  
Unit 10 Water Heating System Types and Efficiencies Quiz  
Unit 11 HERS Rater Research - Equipment  
Unit 12 Heating, Cooling and Water Heating Systems Quiz  
Module 9 Combustion Appliance Safety and Testing
In this module we will define the Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ), discuss combustion safety, and the RESNET testing protocols.  Testing tools, calculations and interpretation of results will be covered.
Unit 1 Combustion Safety Introduction and Course Materials  
Unit 2 The Combustion Cycle  
Unit 3 The Combustion Cycle Quiz  
Unit 4 The Combustion Appliance Zone  
Unit 5 The Combustion Appliance Zone Quiz  
Unit 6 Personal Safety and Combustion Testing Tools  
Unit 7 Personal Safety and Combustion Testing Tools Quiz  
Unit 8 Gas Line Leak Testing  
Unit 9 Gas Line Leak Testing Quiz  
Unit 10 CAZ Depressurization  
Unit 11 CAZ Depressurization Quiz  
Unit 12 CO Monitoring  
Unit 13 CO Monitoring Quiz  
Unit 14 Combustion Water Heater Testing  
Unit 15 Combustion Water Heater Testing Quiz  
Unit 16 Combustion Furnace Testing  
Unit 17 Combustion Furnace Testing Quiz  
Unit 18 Testing Other Combustion Appliances  
Unit 19 Testing Combustion Appliances Quiz  
Unit 20 Putting it all Together - Combustion Appliance Inspections and Testing  
Unit 21 Combustion Appliances and Safety Exam  
Unit 22 RESNET CAZ Testing Practice in the Simulation Tool  
Module 10 Air Distribution Systems and Duct Leakage
This module focuses on the air distribution system and how it impacts efficiency, safety and building durability.  Tools and methods for measuring duct leakage and duct leakage calculations will be covered.
Unit 1 The Conditioned Air Distribution System  
Unit 2 The Conditioned Air Distribution System Quiz  
Unit 3 Duct Leakage Testing  
Unit 4 Duct Leakage Testing Quiz  
Unit 5 Duct Failures  
Unit 6 Duct Failures Quiz  
Unit 7 Duct Leakage Calculations  
Unit 8 Duct Leakage Calculations Quiz  
Unit 9 HERS Rater Research - Your Conditioned Air Distribution System  
Unit 10 HERS Rater Quiz Conditioned Air Distribution Systems  
Module 11 Air Infiltration and Exfiltration
Measuring and diagnosing air leakage of the building shell is the focus of this module.  Tools, methods, and calculations will be discussed as well as pressure influences and pressure diagnostics.
Unit 1 The Air Barrier  
Unit 2 Air Barrier Quiz  
Unit 3 Problem Areas in the Building Envelope  
Unit 4 Air Infiltration Testing and Diagnostics  
Unit 5 Air Infiltration Testing and Diagnostics Quiz  
Unit 6 Infiltration Calculations  
Unit 7 Infiltration Calculations Quiz  
Unit 8 HERS Rater Quiz Air Infiltration and Exfiltration  
Module 12 Work Scope Generation
This module will cover RESNET Work Scope protocols, standards available for Contractors and contracting work and the generation of a work scope for home energy improvements.
Unit 1 Work Scope Generation Course Materials  
Unit 2 Biddable Scope of Work  
Unit 3 The Test Out  
Unit 4 Work Scope Generation Quiz  
Module 13 Field Data Collection Tool

This module introduces you to a field data collection tool you can use for practice as you move through the rest of the course.  Use of this tool is optional, but practicing these techniques helps you learn and remember the field data collection standards requirements.

Unit 1 Field Data Collection  
Module 14 Performing a HERS Rating
This module covers the minimum rated features of a home in detail and explains the steps involved in performing a HERS Rating in the field.
Unit 1 Performing a HERS Rating: Study Materials  
Unit 2 Consistency and the HERS Rating Process  
Unit 3 HERS Rater Standards Quiz  
Unit 4 Inspection Procedures for Minimum Rated Features  
Unit 5 Inspection Procedures and Minimum Rated Features Quiz  
Unit 6 General Project Information  
Unit 7 General Project Information Quiz  
Module 15 Insulation and Radiant Barrier Evaluation

The amount of items and standards to be considered and evaluated when determining the quality of a residential insulation job or the installation of radiant barriers is surprising. The installation, the application, and the specific materials used all have their own set of requirements. After those have been met, the installation itself must be evaluated to determine the quality of that installation. Insulation and Radiant Barrier Evaluation walks you through all these considerations and prepares you to grade insulation and radiant barrier installations according to the ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 Standard.

Unit 1 General Installation Requirements  
Unit 2 HERS Rating Insulation Evaluation General Requirements Quiz  
Unit 3 Specific Application Requirements  
Unit 4 HERS Rating Minimum Specific Application Requirements Quiz  
Unit 5 Specific Material Requirements  
Unit 6 HERS Rating Minimum Specific Material Requirements Quiz  
Unit 7 Reflective Materials Installation  
Unit 8 Reflective and Radiant Installation Requirements Quiz  
Unit 9 Insulation and Radiant Barrier Grading  
Unit 10 HERS Rating Insulation and Radiant Barrier Grading Quiz  
Unit 11 HERS Rater Insulation and Radiant Barrier Evaluation Quiz  
Unit 12 Insulation Evaluation Field Trip  
Module 16 Floor and Foundation Assembly Inspection Protocols

Every building sits on a foundation of some type. Learn the minimum rated features and data you need to gather that relate specifically to each type of floor or foundation. You will also understand the minimum rated features around area and volume calculations that create the basis of the rated unit calculations.

Unit 1 HERS Rating Volume and Area Calculations  
Unit 2 HERS Rating Volumes and Area Quiz  
Unit 3 Foundation Basement Walls  
Unit 4 Basement Walls Quiz  
Unit 5 Crawl Space Walls  
Unit 6 Crawl Space Walls Quiz  
Unit 7 Slab Floors  
Unit 8 Slab Floors Quiz  
Unit 9 Frame Floor  
Unit 10 Frame Floors Quiz  
Module 17 Above Grade Wall Assembly Inspection Protocols

Envelope wall energy performance varies based on construction, materials, insulation, location, even exterior color.  This module covers the minimum rated feature of Walls Assembly and the data that must be collected in the field about the structure's envelope walls.

Unit 1 Wall Assembly  
Unit 2 Wall Assembly Quiz  
Module 18 Roof and Ceiling Assembly Inspection Protocols

There are several types of ceiling assemblies and the impact to energy usage varies with the specific construction details of each type.  The ceiling's relationship to the roof is also important and there is quite a bit of information that must be gathered about both ceilings and roofs.  This module explores those data points.

Unit 1 Roof and Ceiling Assembly  
Unit 2 Roof and Ceiling Assembly Quiz  
Module 19 Rim and Band Joist Assembly Inspection Protocols

This module explores rim and band joist inspection protocols, including what to do when the rim or band area cannot be inspected.

Unit 1 Rim and Band Joist Assembly  
Unit 2 Rim and Band Joist Quiz  
Module 20 Fenestration Assembly Inspection Protocols

Fenestrations are the holes we make in our walls and ceilings for windows, doors and skylights.  This module covers the inspection and data collection protocols for each of these.

Unit 1 Door Inspection and Data Collection  
Unit 2 Door Inspection Quiz  
Unit 3 Window Inspection and Data Collection  
Unit 4 Window Inspection Quiz  
Unit 5 Skylight Inspection and Data Collection  
Unit 6 Skylight Inspection Quiz  
Module 21 Passive Solar Sun Room Inspection Protocols

Passive Solar Sun Rooms provide energy savings to a structure by reducing heating, cooling, and lighting energy needs.  This module explains the data collection protocols for such a structure.

Unit 1 Passive Solar Sun Rooms  
Unit 2 Sun Room Inspection Quiz  
Module 22 Air Leakage Evaluation

One of the tests performed during a Home Energy Rating is a test to determine the airtightness of the building or unit envelope.  This module explains how to prepare for and execute this test.

Unit 1 Air Leakage Terminology and Data Gathering  
Unit 2 Air Leakage Terminology and Data Gathering Quiz  
Unit 3 Preparing the Building Envelope for Airtightness Testing  
Unit 4 Preparing the Building Envelope for Airtightness Testing Quiz  
Unit 5 Airtightness Testing Introduction  
Unit 6 Single-Family One-Point Depressurization Airtightness Test  
Unit 7 Single-Family One-Point Pressurization Airtightness Test  
Unit 8 Single Family One Point Airtightness Test Quiz  
Unit 9 Single-Family Multi-Point Depressurization Airtightness Test  
Unit 10 Single-Family Multi-Point Pressurization Airtightness Test  
Unit 11 Single-Family Multi-Point Airtightness Test Quiz  
Unit 12 Multi-Family Airtightness Testing  
Unit 13 Multi-Family Airtightness Test Quiz  
Module 23 Distribution System Evaluation and Inspection Protocols

A duct leakage test is performed during a Home Energy Rating to determine air leakage from the heating and cooling distribution system or ductwork.  Even if there are no ducts, there is still data gathering that must be completed. This module explains the data gathering involved and the protocols involved to prepare for and execute this test.

Unit 1 Distribution System Data Gathering  
Unit 2 Distribution System Data Gathering Quiz  
Unit 3 Distribution System Test Preparation  
Unit 4 Distribution System Test Preparation Quiz  
Unit 5 Distribution System Testing: Pressurization vs Depressurization  
Unit 6 Performing the Total Duct Leakage Test  
Unit 7 Performing the Duct Leakage to Outside Test  
Unit 8 Performing the Duct Leakage Test Quiz  
Module 24 Mechanical Equipment Inspection Protocols and Data Gathering

This module covers the minimum rated features around heating and cooling equipment, water heating equipment, and mechanical ventilation equipment.  It includes what the inspection protocols are and what information is required to be gathered regarding this equipment.

Unit 1 Heating and Cooling Equipment Inspection Protocols and Data Gathering  
Unit 2 Heating and Cooling Equipment Inspection Protocols and Data Gathering Quiz  
Unit 3 Control Systems Data Gathering  
Unit 4 Control Systems Data Gathering Quiz  
Unit 5 Domestic Water Heating Equipment Data Gathering Protocols  
Unit 6 Water Conservation and Water Energy Conservation Equipment Data Gathering  
Unit 7 Water Heating Equipment and Conservation Quiz  
Unit 8 Whole House Mechanical Ventilation Systems Evaluation and Inspection  
Unit 9 Mechanical Ventilation Systems Quiz  
Module 25 Appliance Data Gathering

Appliances can use a lot of energy!  This module defines the data that must be gathered for the refrigerators, freezers, dishwasher, stove, oven, clothes washer, and clothes dryer.

Unit 1 Refrigerator Data Gathering  
Unit 2 Dishwasher Data Gathering  
Unit 3 Understanding Standards Updates  
Unit 4 Range and Oven Data Gathering  
Unit 5 Clothes Washer Data Gathering  
Unit 6 Clothes Dryer Data Gathering  
Unit 7 Appliance Data Gathering Quiz  
Module 26 Light Fixture and Ceiling Fan Data Gathering

Lights can save energy or waste energy, they can add to the cooling load or reduce the heating load.  Ceiling fans may help reduce energy usage or increase it based on where in the country the home is located.  This module covers the data elements that must be gathered for lights and ceiling fans.

Unit 1 Light Fixture Data Gathering  
Unit 2 Ceiling Fan Data Gathering  
Unit 3 Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans Quiz  
Module 27 Solar System Data Gathering

Solar systems have become increasingly common.  This module will take you through the various types of solar systems and the data that must be gathered for them.

Unit 1 Solar System Primer  
Unit 2 Solar System and On-Site Power Production Inspection Protocols  
Unit 3 Solar System and On-Site Power Production Quiz  
Module 28 The RESNET Simulation Tool - Performing a HERS Rating

Now that you are fully armed with the information needed to perform a full HERS Rating, this module introduces you to the RESNET Simulation Tool where you can practice performing HERS Ratings on several types of houses.

Unit 1 RESNET Practical Simulation Tool Practice  
Module 29 The Process of Energy Modeling
This module covers the software tools used by HERS Raters, the software approval process, the rated home vs. the reference home and the HERS Index computation.
Unit 1 The Process of Energy Modeling  
Unit 2 Utility Rates and Rate Structures  
Module 30 Sampling HERS Ratings
Sampling of HERS Ratings is allowed for several programs; however, the process and concepts become confusing very quickly.  This module will provide an introduction to the RESNET Sampling Protocols and Procedures.  Raters interested in performing Sampled HERS Ratings must belong to a RESNET Accredited Sampling Provider.
Unit 1 Introduction: Sampling Protocols  
Unit 2 Sampling Materials  
Unit 3 Sampling Webinar Video  
Unit 4 Sampling Protocols Quiz  
Module 31 HERS Rating Reports
This module will cover the RESNET minimum reporting requirements, financial improvement analysis, reporting projected and confirmed ratings, and reporting for program specific energy ratings such as EEM/EIM, Energy Codes, and Federal Energy Tax Credits.  Generating these reports through the REM/Rate software will be demonstrated.
Unit 1 HERS Rating Reports  
Unit 2 Reporting Quiz  
Unit 3 Improvement Analysis and Energy Mortgages  
Unit 4 Improvement Analysis Quiz  
Unit 5 Energy Code Compliance Reporting  
Unit 6 Energy Code Compliance Reporting Quiz  
Unit 7 Federal Tax Credit and Other Programs  
Module 32 Preparing for the RESNET National Exams
There are several exams that must be attempted and passed as part of the HERS Rater Certification.  This module provides more information about those exams as well as practice written exams.
Unit 1 Preparing for the National Exams  
Unit 2 Navigating the Standards  
Unit 3 HERS Rater Practice Exam #1  
Unit 4 HERS Rater Practice Exam #2  
Unit 5 HERS Rater Practice Exam #3  
Unit 6 Next Steps  
Unit 7 End of the Road (For Now)  

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