Residential Energy Analyst Program Flow Chart

General Certification Information

We offer three core Residential Energy Analyst Program certification courses for energy auditors, technicians, and inspectors of energy and weatherization programs. Each of these three courses are a week long and are officially called Weatherization Installer, Energy Analyst, and Diagnostic Technician. Weatherization Installer and/or Energy Analyst are prerequisites for taking Diagnostic Technician. Once successfully completed (with a passing score of 75% or better and 100% completion of field test form), these certifications are in effect for a period of five (5) years.

When a student passes EA, they have achieved the Analyst 1 level. When a student passes EA and at least one of the technical courses (Wx Installer or Diagnostic Tech), they have achieved the Analyst 2 level. When a student passes both Wx Installer and Diagnostic Tech, they have achieved the Building Performance Specialist 1 level. When a student passes EA and both of the technical courses, they have achieved the Inspector level. If a student passes all of the courses and have two (2) years of field experience, they are then considered Residential Energy Analyst Certified and are eligible to become an Instructor in one of the Residential Energy Analyst courses.

Once a student has become an Instructor, they are eligible to apply to take the Senior Energy Analyst Lead test. The Senior Energy Analyst Lead test is a combination of field and written examinations administered by at least two (2) currently certified Senior Energy Analyst Leads. Senior Energy Analyst Leads maintain their status by taking 18 hours of advanced curriculum (e.g. National Affordable Comfort Conferences, DOE Conferences) each year in place of basic level workshops (Energy OutWest). Senior Energy Analyst Leads may also use network training courses and out of network training to document advanced curriculum credit hours.

How Do I Maintain My Residential Energy Analyst Certification?

During each of the five years, the certificate holder must obtain at least six (6) continuing education credit hours each year to endorse each certificate. [Example: If a certificate holder holds one certificate, 6 credit hours of continuing education are needed. If holding three certificates, 18 credit hours of continuing education are needed]. At the end of the five year period, certificate holders must have documentation of continuing education credit hours, as well as re-certify by demonstrating skills in the field and taking a written exam.

Eligible continuing education courses are available throughout the year at a diversity workshops, conferences, and classes. Eligible courses are identified jointly by the OHCS T&TA Manager and the OECA T&TA Chairperson. Agency staff may request consideration of other training opportunities by contacting the OHCS T&TA Manager and the OECA T&TA Chairperson and submitting a description of the activity, what area of Residential Energy Analyst certification it involves, and the anticipated outcome. A determination of merit is decided on by the OHCS T&TA Manager and the OECA T&TA Chairperson. Decisions are final; there is no appeal.

Continuing Education Form - PDF and Word versions. Links open in new window.

ceuform 89.83 Kb

ceuform 92.00 Kb

How Does Re-Certification Work?

OECA will identify those who have expired (or expiring within 6 months) certifications from the training database and notify them and/or their supervisor of the need to re-certify. If the candidate has only one certificate, they will only be expected to demonstrate competency for that one certificate. If they hold all three certificates, they will be expected to demonstrate competency in all three areas. Only those who have documented continuing education credits (6 hours per certification per year) are eligible to re-certify.

It is the intent of the re-certification courses to be an extension of the training program.  Re-certification will consist of a demonstration of competency with diagnostic tools (field testing), basic auditing/inspecting skills, and a written test. The written test will be "open book" (attendees will be instructed to bring Residential Energy Analyst course materials with them).

OECA Senior Energy Analyst Lead Selection Process

OECA has an expressed interest in promoting excellence in training and demonstrated expertise in the field of building science and diagnostic abilities. Staff who demonstrate exemplary skills are invited to request testing to achieve the Senior Energy Analyst Lead certification. The following pre-requisites are required for candidates who wish to be tested for Senior Energy Analyst Lead certification:

1. Must have successfully completed the three core Residential Energy Analyst courses (EA, Wx Inspector, Diagnostic Tech).
2. Must have been a trainer or proctor at an OECA sponsored course.
3. Must have five (5) years field experience in a related weatherization program.
4. Must have REM/Design certification (or equivalent computerized audit tool).

Eligible candidates can request Senior Energy Analyst Lead certification testing from any existing Senior Energy Analyst Lead or through the T&TA Committee. When a request has been made, an unbiased Senior Energy Analyst Lead or team of Senior Energy Analyst Leads shall provide field (diagnostic) and written testing for candidates. Candidates cannot test with Senior Energy Analyst Leads from their own agency. This testing is designed to identify individuals who demonstrate advanced skills. A combined field and closed book written test score of 80% or better is a passing score. Upon completion of field and written tests, proctors shall notify the T&TA Chairperson and/or Vice-Chairperson with the test results. The T&TA Chairperson and/or Vice-Chairperson will officially notify the Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) T&TA Coordinator and the candidate with the results. Certificates are issued by the OHCS T&TA Coordinator upon successful completion.

OECA Senior Energy Analyst Leads are issued jackets with the OECA logo and "Senior Energy Analyst Lead Certification" embroidered on the jacket. OECA will maintain a list of certified Senior Energy Analyst Leads.

At the discretion of OHCS, T&TA funds may be used to support Senior Energy Analyst Leads to provide additional technical assistance or training to agencies who request assistance. Agencies may request assistance through OHCS and OECA for specific needs.

OECA Trainer/Proctor Selection Process

OECA through the Training Center has the need to select trainers and proctors for courses pertaining to the Residential Energy Analyst Program. Trainers are individuals who provide classroom instruction, lead discussions, and conduct field training on specific topics. Proctors are individuals who participate in a leadership role for hands on field training (i.e., crew leaders).

The core Residential Energy Analyst Program curriculum includes Energy Analyst (EA), Diagnostic Tech, and Wx Installer. Other courses include, but are not limited to Mold Training, REM/DesignTraining, Client Education, Weatherization 101, Energy Assistance training, and Program Management. As OECA continues to grow, the need for trainers will likely increase as well. It is OECA's stated preference to develop qualified trainers and proctors from existing network staff; i.e. employees from agencies who administer services to low income clients who are OECA members. Another source of trainers and proctors is to contract with qualified individuals who are recognized in the weatherization community. The process to select these trainers is identified in this document.

OECA In-Network Trainers

Employees of member agencies who have completed the REAP certification are eligible to be trainers and proctors for OECA-sponsored courses. Trainer candidates must have completed a recognized curriculum for non-OECA-sponsored courses (such as mold training). OECA maintains a list of network staff that has completed trainings; it is the responsibility of the network staff to ensure documentation of their training if they complete a certification course outside of OECA.

Trainer Selection Process:

1. Recommended as a trainer candidate by any member to the OECA Training and Technical Assistance (T&TA) Committee. T&TA Committee members may sponsor this candidate through email or at any T&TA Committee meeting. After discussion of the candidate's qualifications, the T&TA Committee votes on this candidate. A written response is given to the candidate and their agency coordinator with the results explaining why they were approved or disapproved.
2. Existing trainers may recommend an outstanding participant after completion of any Residential Energy Analyst Program course. This recommendation goes directly to the T&TA Committee with a narrative of why they are recommending the candidate. After discussion of the candidate's qualifications, the T&TA Committee votes on this candidate. A written response is given to the candidate and their agency coordinator with the results explaining why they were approved or disapproved.
3. The OECA T&TA Chairperson or Vice Chairperson can identify an interim trainer if an existing trainer is unable to perform their duties with little or no notice. This interim selection must be approved by a vote of the T&TA Committee.

Proctor selection Process:

1. Proctors are recommended by agencies to the T&TA Committee. These individuals must have successfully completed the training for which they wish to be a proctor. Proctors are typically crew leaders or outstanding crew members from agencies who install weatherization measures. These recommendations must be accompanied by a narrative of the candidate's skill level, training history, reason for their nomination, and must be approved by the T&TA Committee. Proctors will meet with trainers before field work to discuss training expectations.

All eligible staff must have the permission of their agency or Executive Director to become an OECA trainer or proctor.

Out of Network Trainers

Ideally, trainers are staff from within the agencies who are members of OECA. At times, it may be necessary to contract with qualified trainers outside the network. These individuals can be recommended by any member of the T&TA Committee. Recommendation should be accompanied by a narrative of the candidate and a copy of their resume. The candidate's qualifications and experience will be discussed and voted on by the T&TA Committee. A written decision will be sent to the candidate with the reason for approval or denial.

Any non-network trainer must sign a contract, release of liability statement, and confidentiality statement before providing service.