Rating Provider Accreditation Process Proponent: RESNET Board of Directors Proposed Changes: SECTION 103 ACCREDITATION PROCESS – AMEND AS FOLLOWS: 103.1 Accreditation Process Requirements 103.1.1 National home energy rating system accreditation will be through the RESNET Quality Assurance and Ethics Committee appointed by the RESNET Board Mortgage Industry Home Energy Rating System Accreditation Committee selected by RESNET and recognized by the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) and the Mortgage Industry Steering Committee. 103.1.3 The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) will maintain the database of accredited home energy rating systems, “The National Registry of Accredited Rating Providers” which is posted at /professional/programs/providerswww.natresnet.org/programs/providers/directory.htm. 103.1.4 Application Process There are two basic paths to home energy rating system accreditation: 103.1.4.1 A home energy rating system seeking accreditation must file its application developed by RESNET. Upon receiving an application, RESNET staff will review the application using the accreditation standards set forth herein and forward to the RESNET Quality Assurance and Ethics Committee. State Energy Office Review. 103.1.4.1.1 Where the state energy office does not operate a home energy rating system, a home energy rating system seeking accreditation must file its application with the appropriate state energy office unless it meets the criteria for direct application provided in the following subsection 2. Upon receiving an application, the state may elect to review the application using the accreditation standards set forth herein and forward the application review and its recommendations to the Mortgage Industry Home Energy Rating System Accreditation Committee or it may directly forward the application without recommendation upon determination that the application is complete. 103.1.4.1.2 If the State Energy Office operates a home energy rating system, it shall file its self-certification statements that its system meets the accreditation set forth herein along with its completed application form to the Mortgage Industry Home Energy Rating System Accreditation Committee. 103.1.4.2 The following systems may file an application directly with the Mortgage Industry Home Energy Rating System Accreditation Committee. 103.1.4.2.1 A home energy rating system which desires to operate in a state that operates its own home energy rating system. The Committee shall inform the state(s) in which the operator seeks accreditation and provide an opportunity for the state(s) to provide comments. If the state(s) wishes to submit comments, it shall forward them within 30 days of receiving notice at which time the Mortgage Industry Home Energy Rating System Accreditation Committee may either approve or deny the application unless state law requires state licensing. 103.1.4.2.2 A home energy rating system that has obtained certification may seek authority to operate in other states under a reciprocity agreement. The Mortgage Industry Home Energy Rating System Accreditation Committee will maintain a list of reciprocity agreements from states. 103.1.4.2.3 A home energy rating system that has documented that it has received recognition from Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac through participation in its conventional energy mortgage pilot program. 103.1.6 Review and Notification. 103.1.6.1 Applications reviewed under 103.1.4.1. “State Energy Office Review.” Within 30 120 days of receipt of a complete application, RESNET staff the state accrediting review agency will review the submission for compliance to the accreditation standards set forth within and either: forward the application and review checklist to the RESNET Quality Assurance and Ethics Committee Mortgage Industry Home Energy Rating System Accreditation Committee and notify the home energy rating system of this action, or forward to the applicant a request for additional information or clarification. 103.1.6.2 Applications submitted directly with the Mortgage Industry Home Energy Rating System Accreditation Committee under 103.1.4.2. Within 30 days of receipt of a complete application, the Mortgage Industry Home Energy Rating System Accreditation Committee will appoint a subcommittee that will review the submission for compliance to the accreditation standards set forth within and forward the application and review checklist to the Mortgage Industry Home Energy Rating System Accreditation Committee and notify the home energy rating system of this action, or forward to the applicant a request for additional information or clarification. 103.1.6.23 Within 30 15 days of receipt of the completed application and review checklist, the RESNET Quality Assurance and Ethics Committee Mortgage Industry Home Energy Rating System Accreditation Committee will review the submissions, make a determination of whether the applicant meets the accreditation standard, and if it does issue a unique home energy rating system accreditation identification number. This initial accreditation is valid for a period of three years from the date of issuance. The accreditation will be incorporated into a national registry of accredited home energy rating systems and listed on the RESNET web site on the Internet. In order to maintain currency and credibility for the registry, renewal of accreditation is required annually triennially. 103.1.6.34 If the RESNET Quality Assurance and Ethics Committee Mortgage Industry Home Energy Rating System Accreditation Committee determines that the applicant does not meet the accreditation standard, it shall inform the home energy rating system, identify where the applicant failed to meet the accreditation standard, and inform the applicant its right of remedy under 109.3. Justification: The current accreditation procedures were established before RESNET was an incorporated organization and was a partnership between the nation’s state energy offices and the mortgage industry. Now that RESNET is incorporated it is logical that rating provider accreditation be the responsibility of RESNET just as it is responsible for the accreditation of rater training and rating software tool providers.
