This is a comprehensive HERS Rater Online Course. The $995.00 cost includes:
- 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 for your Rating Provider) to complete your Certification. HERS Rater Certification is awarded by RESNET Rating Quality Assurance Providers.
(Scroll Down for Course Details)
Commonly Asked Questions
Course Details:
NOTE: The textbook, "Residential Energy" by Krigger and Dorsi is required for this course.
| 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) | |
Please Note: The modules that are showing above that have no units are being updated with the latest RESNET Standards. They are being added back as they are completed and are instantly available as they are added back in. This notice will be removed as soon as all units are replaced with the current training.
How long does this course take?
This is a long course with a lot of information to digest. The length of time it takes is solely up to you, the student, and how much time you can devote to learning each day or each week. There is about 100 hours of training condensed into bite-sized pieces. Students have completed it in time-frames ranging from two weeks to eight weeks.
Is there help available if I have questions?
Yes! Your instructor has scheduled office hours where you can drop into a video conference to discuss any course topics and she will also provide you with her email address and phone number for immediate assistance. You have a human being to answer your questions and guide you through any place you get stuck.
How can I be sure to be successful in this course?
It takes self-motivation and self-discipline to get through any self-paced training. Best practice is to schedule blocks of time on your calendar as class time. Treat those appointments as if you had to drive to a campus and be present in order to pass the class. Don't let the appointments get usurped by other things or the course work tends to get pushed out and out and you start losing the information you have already learned. Your instructor can reset your progress so you can start over at any point if you do get side-tracked and you can always revisit and re-watch any unit you like.
Is it advisable to skip units that involve my skilled trade, former education or work experience?
No. If you have experience in an area, that is great! However, don't assume you already know the course material and can skip any units. Take all the training and you will find yourself thinking about your skills, former trades, education, or work experience from a whole new perspective. We have heard many times, "I just never thought about it like that! I really learned something new."
Are there written course materials?
Yes. Aside from the textbook, you will find materials at the beginning of many of the course modules. It is a good idea to start a storage system; either a binder if you are a paper person, or a digital folder to store your downloads in. You will want to download, complete, and save your study guides and save your quiz results at a minimum because you are allowed to use all your notes, guides, practice exams, etc. when you take the HERS Rater Exam.
Is this course truly comprehensive? Why is the cost so low?
Yes! This course is extremely comprehensive. The cost is lower than other HERS Rater training courses for several reasons. Our training is all on-line and on demand. Other courses are taught as webinars with live instructor involvement at specific times. We don't have to pay to have the instructor train this material live over and over again, you will be watching recorded video segments directed one-on-one to you, the student. Also, we do not charge for the textbook or exams in our fees, those are purchased separately and paid directly to the vendor. We don't mark up the costs for these items.
How long do I have access? Can I go back and review the course units and materials?
You may go back and review course units and materials as much as you like during your course. You continue to have access to EnergySmart Institute courses for a minimum of six months from when you complete the course. If you purchase another EnergySmart Institute course during that time, the clock resets. You will retain all your courses in your "My Training Classes" menu until six months after you complete the last course you purchased.
What is the the pass rate for this course?
This course currently has a pass rate (including all required RESNET exams) of 100% on the first try.
Will I be certified when I finish this course?
Not yet. 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 for your Rating Provider) to complete your Certification. HERS Rater Certification is awarded by RESNET Rating Quality Assurance Providers.
Do you proctor the exams?
Yes, we are a RESNET Accredited Training Provider and can proctor the exams. You can also choose to have the exams proctored by a training provider that is close to you if one is available. Instructions on locating an exam proctor, or using us to proctor your exams, is given in the last unit of the course.
