Energy Rater Virtual On Demand Training

This course trains students who wish to be Certified Home Energy Raters (HERS Raters / ERI Verifiers) in the basics of home energy ratings and prepares them for the RESNET National Rater and Practical Simulation exams. It also includes RESNET Combustion Safety and Workscope Training to prepare them for the RESNET national CAZ (Combustion Appliance Zone) testing and practical simulation exams. Please note, this training does not include education on onsite blower door testing, duct blasters, or ventilation testing.  If you required training in these areas, please contact us so we cab connect you with a qualified trainer.  However, this is not required outside of the US.

Raters are required on residential green building certification programs such as, but not limited to, LEED Residential, Enterprise Green Communities, National Green Building Standard and GreenStar Homes Certification. 

The Course Length is about 2 – 8 weeks, and it involves 100 hours of on-demand virtual learning; it is not a live course. 

Course Cost $1,200 for GreenHome Institute Members.

NOTE: The textbook “Residential Energy” by Krigger and Dorsi is required for this course.

Review the additional FAQ items before enrolling in the training below. 

International raters outside of the United States and Canada will take a different approach. The energy professional must have experience evaluating the energy efficiency of at least two residential buildings.  Currently, under LEED addenda 10443, preliminary ratings are not required.  Please note, this training does not include education on onsite blower doors, duct blasters, and ventilation testing. If you require training in these areas, please contact us so we can connect you with a qualified trainer. However, this is not required outside the U.S.

Module 1Learning 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 1About EnergySmart Institute Training – How to navigate your course 
Unit 2Meet your Instructor – HERS Rater 
Module 2Introduction 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 1Introduction to Home Energy Ratings – Course Materials 
Unit 2Home Energy Rating Systems and the Energy Index 
Unit 3RESNET Structure and Organization 
Unit 4HERS and The Energy Index Quiz 
Unit 5Residential Energy Use 
Unit 6Residential Energy Use Quiz 
Unit 7Energy Rating vs. Energy Audit 
Unit 8Energy Rating vs Energy Audit Quiz 
Unit 9The HERS Rater 
Unit 10HERS Rater Job Responsibilities 
Unit 11The HERS Rater Quiz 
Unit 12HERS Rater Research: Energy Efficiency Programs 
Unit 13HERS Rater Certification Quiz on Home Energy Ratings 
Module 3Energy 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 1Energy Fundamentals – Course Materials 
Unit 2What is Energy? 
Unit 3What is Energy Quiz 
Unit 4Heat Transfer 
Unit 5Radiant Heat Transfer 
Unit 6Heat Transfer Quiz 
Unit 7HERS Rater Heat Transfer Practice 
Unit 8Air Flow 
Unit 9Air Flow Quiz 
Unit 10Moisture Movement and Human Comfort 
Unit 11Moisture Movement and Human Comfort Quiz 
Unit 12The Tell-Tale House 
Unit 13The Language of Energy 
Unit 14The Language of Energy Quiz 
Unit 15HERS Rater Observations – Comfort, Durability, Energy, IAQ 
Unit 16HERS Rater Quiz Energy Fundamentals 
Module 4Construction 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 1Construction Primer – Course Materials 
Unit 2Ceilings and Attics 
Unit 3Ceilings and Attics Quiz 
Unit 4Anatomy of a Stud Frame Wall 
Unit 5Walls and Floors 
Unit 6Walls and Floors Quiz 
Unit 7Windows and Doors 
Unit 8Windows and Doors Quiz 
Unit 9Foundations 
Unit 10Slabs Slab Insulation and Capillary Action 
Unit 11Foundations Quiz 
Unit 12Reading Construction Plans 
Unit 13Reading Construction Plans Quiz 
Unit 14HERS Rater Certification Quiz – Construction Primer 
Module 5Construction 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 1Construction Math – Course Materials 
Unit 2Construction Math – Introduction 
Unit 3Linear Feet 
Unit 4Linear Measurements and Calculations Quiz 
Unit 5Area 
Unit 6Area Calculations Quiz 
Unit 7Volume 
Unit 8Volume Calculations Quiz 
Unit 9Special Case Measurements 
Unit 10Special Case Measurements and Calculations Quiz 
Unit 11Generating Scale Drawings 
Unit 12HERS Rater Assignment: Plan Drawings and Measurements 
Unit 13HERS Rater Certification Quiz – Construction Math 
Module 6Building 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 1Building Science and the Building Envelope – Course Materials 
Unit 2The Building Shell Heating Load and Cooling Load 
Unit 3Building Envelope Heating Load and Cooling Load Quiz 
Unit 4The Building Shell Terminology and History 
Unit 5Building Envelope Terminology and History Quiz 
Unit 6The Building Shell Heat Loss and Heat Gain 
Unit 7The Building Shell Assembly Calculations 
Unit 8Building Envelope Heat Loss and Heat Gain Quiz 
Unit 9Climate Zone Impacts on Construction Decisions 
Unit 10Climate Zone Quiz 
Unit 11HERS Rater Research – Your Climate Zone 
Unit 12HERS Rater Certification Quiz – Building Envelope and Climate Zones 
Module 7Indoor 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 1Introduction to Indoor Air Quality 
Unit 2Indoor Air Quality Quiz 
Unit 3Mechanical Ventilation Course Materials 
Unit 4Ventilation Requirements 
Unit 5Ventilation Requirements Quiz 
Unit 6Types of Mechanical Ventilation 
Unit 7Types of Mechanical Ventilation Quiz 
Unit 8Testing Mechanical Ventilation 
Unit 9How to Test Mechanical Ventilation 
Unit 10Mechanical Ventilation System Testing Quiz 
Unit 11HERS Rater Certification Quiz – Indoor Air Quality and Mechanical Ventilation 
Module 8Heating, 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 1Heating Cooling Water Heating – Course Materials 
Unit 2Heating System Types and Efficiencies 
Unit 3Heating System Safety and Data Gathering 
Unit 4Residential Gas Heating Systems 
Unit 5Heating System Types and Efficiencies Quiz 
Unit 6Cooling System Types and Efficiencies 
Unit 7Cooling System Types and Efficiencies Quiz 
Unit 8Design Ductwork Controls and Efficiency 
Unit 9Water Heater Types and Efficiencies 
Unit 10Water Heating System Types and Efficiencies Quiz 
Unit 11HERS Rater Research – Equipment 
Unit 12Heating, Cooling and Water Heating Systems Quiz 
Module 9Combustion 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 1Combustion Safety Introduction and Course Materials 
Unit 2The Combustion Cycle 
Unit 3The Combustion Cycle Quiz 
Unit 4The Combustion Appliance Zone 
Unit 5The Combustion Appliance Zone Quiz 
Unit 6Personal Safety and Combustion Testing Tools 
Unit 7Personal Safety and Combustion Testing Tools Quiz 
Unit 8Gas Line Leak Testing 
Unit 9Gas Line Leak Testing Quiz 
Unit 10CAZ Depressurization 
Unit 11CAZ Depressurization Quiz 
Unit 12CO Monitoring 
Unit 13CO Monitoring Quiz 
Unit 14Combustion Water Heater Testing 
Unit 15Combustion Water Heater Testing Quiz 
Unit 16Combustion Furnace Testing 
Unit 17Combustion Furnace Testing Quiz 
Unit 18Testing Other Combustion Appliances 
Unit 19Testing Combustion Appliances Quiz 
Unit 20Putting it all Together – Combustion Appliance Inspections and Testing 
Unit 21Combustion Appliances and Safety Exam 
Unit 22RESNET CAZ Testing Practice in the Simulation Tool 
Module 10Air 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 1The Conditioned Air Distribution System 
Unit 2The Conditioned Air Distribution System Quiz 
Unit 3Duct Leakage Testing 
Unit 4Duct Leakage Testing Quiz 
Unit 5Duct Failures 
Unit 6Duct Failures Quiz 
Unit 7Duct Leakage Calculations 
Unit 8Duct Leakage Calculations Quiz 
Unit 9HERS Rater Research – Your Conditioned Air Distribution System 
Unit 10HERS Rater Quiz Conditioned Air Distribution Systems 
Module 11Air 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 1The Air Barrier 
Unit 2Air Barrier Quiz 
Unit 3Problem Areas in the Building Envelope 
Unit 4Air Infiltration Testing and Diagnostics 
Unit 5Air Infiltration Testing and Diagnostics Quiz 
Unit 6Infiltration Calculations 
Unit 7Infiltration Calculations Quiz 
Unit 8HERS Rater Quiz Air Infiltration and Exfiltration 
Module 12Work 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 1Work Scope Generation Course Materials 
Unit 2Biddable Scope of Work 
Unit 3The Test Out 
Unit 4Work Scope Generation Quiz 
Module 13Field 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 1Field Data Collection 
Module 14Performing 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 1Performing a HERS Rating: Study Materials 
Unit 2Consistency and the HERS Rating Process 
Unit 3HERS Rater Standards Quiz 
Unit 4Inspection Procedures for Minimum Rated Features 
Unit 5Inspection Procedures and Minimum Rated Features Quiz 
Unit 6General Project Information 
Unit 7General Project Information Quiz 
Module 15Insulation 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 1General Installation Requirements 
Unit 2HERS Rating Insulation Evaluation General Requirements Quiz 
Unit 3Specific Application Requirements 
Unit 4HERS Rating Minimum Specific Application Requirements Quiz 
Unit 5Specific Material Requirements 
Unit 6HERS Rating Minimum Specific Material Requirements Quiz 
Unit 7Reflective Materials Installation 
Unit 8Reflective and Radiant Installation Requirements Quiz 
Unit 9Insulation and Radiant Barrier Grading 
Unit 10HERS Rating Insulation and Radiant Barrier Grading Quiz 
Unit 11HERS Rater Insulation and Radiant Barrier Evaluation Quiz 
Unit 12Insulation Evaluation Field Trip 
Module 16Floor 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 1HERS Rating Volume and Area Calculations 
Unit 2HERS Rating Volumes and Area Quiz 
Unit 3Foundation Basement Walls 
Unit 4Basement Walls Quiz 
Unit 5Crawl Space Walls 
Unit 6Crawl Space Walls Quiz 
Unit 7Slab Floors 
Unit 8Slab Floors Quiz 
Unit 9Frame Floor 
Unit 10Frame Floors Quiz 
Module 17Above 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 1Wall Assembly 
Unit 2Wall Assembly Quiz 
Module 18Roof 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 1Roof and Ceiling Assembly 
Unit 2Roof and Ceiling Assembly Quiz 
Module 19Rim 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 1Rim and Band Joist Assembly 
Unit 2Rim and Band Joist Quiz 
Module 20Fenestration 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 1Door Inspection and Data Collection 
Unit 2Door Inspection Quiz 
Unit 3Window Inspection and Data Collection 
Unit 4Window Inspection Quiz 
Unit 5Skylight Inspection and Data Collection 
Unit 6Skylight Inspection Quiz 
Module 21Passive 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 1Passive Solar Sun Rooms 
Unit 2Sun Room Inspection Quiz 
Module 22Air 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 1Air Leakage Terminology and Data Gathering 
Unit 2Air Leakage Terminology and Data Gathering Quiz 
Unit 3Preparing the Building Envelope for Airtightness Testing 
Unit 4Preparing the Building Envelope for Airtightness Testing Quiz 
Unit 5Airtightness Testing Introduction 
Unit 6Single-Family One-Point Depressurization Airtightness Test 
Unit 7Single-Family One-Point Pressurization Airtightness Test 
Unit 8Single Family One Point Airtightness Test Quiz 
Unit 9Single-Family Multi-Point Depressurization Airtightness Test 
Unit 10Single-Family Multi-Point Pressurization Airtightness Test 
Unit 11Single-Family Multi-Point Airtightness Test Quiz 
Unit 12Multi-Family Airtightness Testing 
Unit 13Multi-Family Airtightness Test Quiz 
Module 23Distribution 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 1Distribution System Data Gathering 
Unit 2Distribution System Data Gathering Quiz 
Unit 3Distribution System Test Preparation 
Unit 4Distribution System Test Preparation Quiz 
Unit 5Distribution System Testing: Pressurization vs Depressurization 
Unit 6Performing the Total Duct Leakage Test 
Unit 7Performing the Duct Leakage to Outside Test 
Unit 8Performing the Duct Leakage Test Quiz 
Module 24Mechanical 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 1Heating and Cooling Equipment Inspection Protocols and Data Gathering 
Unit 2Heating and Cooling Equipment Inspection Protocols and Data Gathering Quiz 
Unit 3Control Systems Data Gathering 
Unit 4Control Systems Data Gathering Quiz 
Unit 5Domestic Water Heating Equipment Data Gathering Protocols 
Unit 6Water Conservation and Water Energy Conservation Equipment Data Gathering 
Unit 7Water Heating Equipment and Conservation Quiz 
Unit 8Whole House Mechanical Ventilation Systems Evaluation and Inspection 
Unit 9Mechanical Ventilation Systems Quiz 
Module 25Appliance 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 1Refrigerator Data Gathering 
Unit 2Dishwasher Data Gathering 
Unit 3Understanding Standards Updates 
Unit 4Range and Oven Data Gathering 
Unit 5Clothes Washer Data Gathering 
Unit 6Clothes Dryer Data Gathering 
Unit 7Appliance Data Gathering Quiz 
Module 26Light 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 1Light Fixture Data Gathering 
Unit 2Ceiling Fan Data Gathering 
Unit 3Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans Quiz 
Module 27Solar 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 1Solar System Primer 
Unit 2Solar System and On-Site Power Production Inspection Protocols 
Unit 3Solar System and On-Site Power Production Quiz 
Module 28The 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 1RESNET Practical Simulation Tool Practice 
Module 29The 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 1The Process of Energy Modeling 
Unit 2Utility Rates and Rate Structures 
Module 30Sampling 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 1Introduction: Sampling Protocols 
Unit 2Sampling Materials 
Unit 3Sampling Webinar Video 
Unit 4Sampling Protocols Quiz 
Module 31HERS 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 1HERS Rating Reports 
Unit 2Reporting Quiz 
Unit 3Improvement Analysis and Energy Mortgages 
Unit 4Improvement Analysis Quiz 
Unit 5Energy Code Compliance Reporting 
Unit 6Energy Code Compliance Reporting Quiz 
Unit 7Federal Tax Credit and Other Programs 
Module 32Preparing 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 1Preparing for the National Exams 
Unit 2Navigating the Standards 
Unit 3HERS Rater Practice Exam #1 
Unit 4HERS Rater Practice Exam #2 
Unit 5HERS Rater Practice Exam #3 
Unit 6Next Steps 
Unit 7End of the Road (For Now)

For those in the US, 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.

As a HERS Index Rater or ERI Verifier, your role is crucial in delivering benefits to your clients. Your certification allows you to help them achieve Energy Star or DOE Zero Energy Ready Certification, which can lead to them achieving tax credits or utility rebate incentives such as the Inflation Reduction Act 45L Tax Credit, worth up to $5,000 per multifamily unit or single-family development. These same certifications may apply to local or state tax credits or utility rebates, such as the Consumers Energy rebate of up to $20,000 per home or unit. On top of that, many of the building codes are moving to allow or require the Energy Rating Index to meet the code, meaning you can play a role in verifying code requirements for projects.

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It is required to become a GHI member to take this course. You also get discounts on our LEED Green Rater Course and other trainings.

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