Industry-Recognized Credential Promotes Standards for Renewable Energy Workforce

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y., July 14, 2015 -- On the tenth anniversary of the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners' (NABCEP) Entry Level Program, NABCEP announces major changes at Intersolar North America. Since 2005, at hundreds of colleges and education facilities, tens of thousands of individuals have completed training based on one of NABCEP's set of Entry Level Learning Objectives. The NABCEP Board of Directors has recently approved changes to the program that helped launch the careers of so many in the industry. The changes will facilitate greater access to the credentials and increased use by employers as a way to identify those who have demonstrated a basic knowledge of fundamental principles and concepts in the application, design, installation, and operation of photovoltaic, solar heating, or small wind systems. To best reflect the changes being made, and recognize the achievement of those passing these exams, the NABCEP Entry Level Program is being rebranded the "NABCEP Associate Program."

The approved changes will include the addition of an experience-based pathway, where an individual who has at least 6 months of experience working in the PV, solar heating, or small wind industry will be eligible to sit for the relevant exam. Those without experience can still qualify to sit for an Associate Exam by completing training through one of the over 250 registered NABCEP Exam Providers. NABCEP Associates will be provided with a logo and wordmark that they can use to recognize their accomplishment, and NABCEP will maintain an online directory where employers or other interested parties can verify the credentials. NABCEP Associates will need to document at least 12 hours of Continuing Education every three years to maintain the credential. Individuals who have previously passed a NABCEP Entry Level Exam will be able to obtain this new designation through a simple registration process.

"NABCEP's Associate Program will provide those achieving the credential a respected mark of distinction signifying their knowledge of the technology and commitment to safety and quality standards," said Don Warfield, NABCEP Chair. "As demand for a skilled, clean energy workforce continues to grow, NABCEP Associate credentials will assure employers, consumers, and other stakeholders that these individuals have attained a threshold of knowledge enabling them to perform basic services."

"As NABCEP continues its mission to offer quality credentialing programs for the renewable energy industry, we are pleased to announce the NABCEP Associate Program for those starting their careers in this rapidly growing industry," said Richard Lawrence, Executive Director. "A workforce trained to NABCEP's competency-based, industry-verified standards enhances consumer confidence, improves quality, and expands the use of clean, renewable power."

The NABCEP Associate Credentials, Professional Certifications, and Company Accreditation offer industry professionals increased credibility and marketing value, providing them with a competitive advantage and greater career mobility, while improving industry quality and standards of practice.

About NABCEP
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is the most respected, well-established, and widely recognized national certification organization for professional installers in the field of renewable energy. NABCEP is a volunteer board of representatives who are chosen based on their experience and involvement in the solar energy industry. NABCEP's mission is to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners by supporting and working closely with professionals and stakeholders in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries. For more information, visit http://www.nabcep.org/ or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.