Green Advantage
www.greenadvantage.org
PROCEDURE
Green Advantage is an environmental certification for building-related practitioners — primarily contractors, subcontractors, and tradespeople. There are three types of certification: commercial, residential, and commercial/residential.
Most people sitting for the exam prepare by participating in training that is authorized by Green Advantage. An exam is scheduled after most training sessions.
REQUIREMENTS
None
EXAM
Applicants participating in authorized training can take the exam open-book and can retake the exam as many times as necessary to achieve a grade of 75% or greater, but they must pay the fee each time.
Those who feel that they have sufficient knowledge can sit for the exam without authorized training, but they must take it closed-book.
COST
The training course fee varies based on the authorized training facility, ranging from $325 to $800. The exam fee is $125 if taking the exam at a scheduled session as part of authorized Green Advantage training.
Students unable to attend the scheduled testing session following the training can arrange to take the test at a participating community college or testing site for an additional $25.
Exams must be taken within 90 days of completing training. The fee for taking the exam without authorized training is $175.
MARKETING/ADDED BENEFIT
The Green Advantage Web site has a searchable database of certified individuals.
It is possible for your project to attain a LEED Innovation Credit if a significant percentage of the project’s building crew is Green Advantage–certified.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Because the green-building field is rapidly developing and changing, candidates must pass a re-certification exam every three years to remain Green Advantage–certified. The cost is $125.
INDIVIDUALS CERTIFIED
Several thousand
Building Performance Institute: BPI Certified Professional
www.bpi.org
PROCEDURE
BPI’s certifications and accreditation focus on building performance, not general green practices. The institute offers several certifications for individuals within the two broad categories of small homes and multifamily dwellings including Building Analyst — a good fit for remodelers.
BPI also offers accreditation for companies that agree to perform work according to its standards. Mathew Anderson, director of certification and accreditation, suggests starting with individual certification and offering the services to homeowners to gauge their reaction before applying for company accreditation.
The BPI-Certified Professional is the individual certification. It requires that you:
- Submit a candidate application form. BPI or an affiliate will then contact you to evaluate your background and recommend training.
- Schedule your exam. Most affiliates offer the written exam at the end of the training.
- Pass your exam with 70% or higher.
The BPI-Accredited Contractor is the company certification. It requires that your firm:
- Submit an application and provide supporting documentation.
- Enter into an agreement with BPI that defines duties and responsibilities.
REQUIREMENTS
Though formal experience and training are not prerequisites for taking the exams, BPI recommends candidates seek training and have experience in the building performance industry.
If you are a RESNET/HERS–certified rater, you can bypass 50 of the 100 written questions, but still must take the field exam.
EXAM
The written exam is usually taken on the last day of training; field tests take place in a structure/house selected by the student or instructor.
COST
If taken through BPI, the written test costs $200; the field test costs $350. Costs for exams taken through affiliates vary. They might charge $1,000 to $2,000 for one-week training, which includes the cost of both tests.
MARKETING/ADDED BENEFIT
BPI-certified Professionals receive a photo ID badge with candidate ID number, a certificate, and uniform patches. BPI also offers supporting materials to accredited contractors including sell sheets, cooperative advertising, and online sales and marketing videos.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Required every three years. If you meet the continuing education requirement with courses through a BPI affiliate, then you need only take the $350 field test. BPI’s Web site has a list of acceptable continuing ed, but BPI will also review other classes with proof of attendance.
INDIVIDUALS CERTIFIED
2,000 Building Analysts