HERS Training FAQ's
Who is qualified to take the Rater Training course?
While it will make the learning curve quicker, you don’t have to have any previous experience in the building industry prior to taking the Rater Training course. Ideal raters are organized, thoughtful, and inquisitive. They know how to find answers to hard questions, and they have a desire to study and learn new things. A strong belief in the concept of Quality Assurance and Performance Testing will certainly assist you in being successful in this industry.
How long is the Rater Training course?
The Rater Training starts on Sunday afternoon with an introduction to the HERS industry and construction basics. Class begins promptly at 8am each day and runs through Friday afternoon.
How much does the Rater Training cost?
The Rater Training fees vary by Host Organizatoin. The cost The fees do NOT include the $50 test fee (paid by credit card when you log-in to begin the test) or the cost of Residential Energy, the required text that you should review prior to class. Refreshments and lunch are often provided, but will vay based on the Host Organization for the particular training.
How difficult is the test?
The RESNET National HERS Test is difficult. You should plan to study and focus exclusively on the class, the training, and test preparation during the week of your training. The test is open book and open notes.
Students who opt not to take the test immediately should plan to take it as soon as possible. You can always take the test for “practice,” as you can take it as many times as you need to ($50 fee per test session).
What are the start up costs for a rating business?
Equipment will be the largest investment. The purchase of the blower door, duct leakage testing device, digital manometer(s) and register tape normally cost between $3500 and $4500. You will need to pay your Provider to come to your location to perform quality assurance on 1% of your annual ratings ($300 to $1400 per year). This cost will
vary significantly form Provider to Provider.
As with all businesses, there will be office and insurance expenses. Professional Liability insurance is available for RESNET Rater members. Typical costs for a beginning Rater are around $1500 per year. Raters are required to attend 12 hours of continuing education every three years.
What are the benefits if you add Home Energy Rating certification to your business?
- Gain the ability to find building flaws that can cause discomfort, high utility bills, moisture problems and indoor air quality problems by using state of the art diagnostic tools.
- Help builders reap the benefits of utility incentives and state and federal tax credits.
- Be able to evaluate both new and existing homes using cutting edge energy analysis software.
- Learn how to create or expand your business by selling home comfort and diagnostics.
- Develop a sound understanding of building science principles and residential energy use.
- Green building is a rapidly expanding market niche, and now is the time to get in on the ground floor.
- Assist your builder clients to qualify for such programs as ENERGY STAR, federal tax credits, the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Builders Challenge, LEED Homes, Regional Programs like NC HealthyBuilt & EarthCraft Homes, NAHB’s Green Building Program, and offer innovative mortgage financing.
