PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 2 ON INSTRUCTION, ASSESSMENT AND CERTIFICATION

Across the nation the RESNET HERS® Index Score is fast becoming a mainstream in the housing market. Homebuilders are having their homes energy rated and are marketing the HERS® Index Score of their homes. Multiple Listing Services (MLS) are incorporating the HERS® Index Scores in their listings and code jurisdictions are recognizing a HERS® Index Score as a building energy code compliance option. With the increased visibility of the HERS® Index Score, RESNET is obligated to ensure that HERS® Index Scores are as consistent as possible.

This need has been made more important with the International Code Council adopting an Energy Rating Index option to the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code.

RESNET has embarked on a comprehensive effort to enhance the consistency of HERS® Index Scores nationally. This includes the upgrading of its quality assurance standards and procedures.

A key component for ensuring the consistency of the HERS® Index is a robust process for the instruction, assessment and certification of HERS® Rater and Rating Field Inspector candidates.

RESNET staff is proposing a set of amendments to its candidate certification process. Major elements of the proposed changes are:

• Redefined and made rational the instruction, assessment, certification and re- certification of Rating Field Inspector (RFI) and HERS® Rater candidates.
• Clarified the relationship between instruction and certification of RFI and HERS® Rater candidates. This is intended to bridge the current gap in the responsibilities between Rater Training Providers and HERS® Quality Assurance Providers on the assessment of HERS® Rater candidates.
• Redefined the role of a Rater Trainer to be a Rater Instructor and created a Rater Candidate Field Assessor responsible for oversight of candidate probationary ratings.
• Changed HERS® Rater recertification requirements by removing Professional Development and replacing with field testing.

The proposed amendment is posted at Proposed Amendment Of Chapter 2 On Instruction, Assessment And Certification

The RESNET Standard Development Committee 200 – Instruction, Assessment and Certification has voted to submit this proposed amendment to the RESNET standard amendment public review and comment process. Interested parties are encouraged to comment on the proposed amendment.

Comments will only be accepted on the proposed underlined and strike out propose amended language.

Public comments on the proposed amendment will be accepted until August 14, 2015.

To submit your comments click on RESNET Instruction, Assessment and Certification Amendment Comment Online Form

Comments are posted real time and you will be able to review comments that were submitted by clicking on Comments Submitted on Proposed RESNET Instruction, Assessment and Certification Amendment

Only comments made through the online system will be accepted.

After the comment period, the RESNET Standard Development Committee 200 will consider and document its consideration of each of the comments submitted and make appropriate changes. The revised proposed amendments will then be submitted to the RESNET Standards Management Board for adoption.