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Becoming a Rating Field Inspector (RFI)

How to become a Rating Field Inspector (RFI)

Complete three (3) mentored field inspections observed by a qualified mentor RESNET RFI field evaluation form. Qualified mentors include certified HERS® Raters and Candidate Field Assessors. At least one (1) inspection must be a rough in inspection and one (1) must be a final inspection. Ten (10) supporting photos must be taken at each home. All required RFI tasks during the final graded field evaluation must be successfully completed on one home.

Additional Information

  • Each RFIIN application requires a processing fee of $50.00 per RFIIN application at the time of RFIIN form submission. The form has an option to make a credit card payment. Checks will be accepted but the RFIIN application will not be processed payment is received.
  • RFIIN applications that do not have the necessary requirements listed above will not be processed.
  • Mentors must either be a certified HERS® Rater or a Candidate Field Assessor.
  • Only Candidate Field Assessors may conduct the final graded field evaluation.
  • Additional questions should be directed to scott@resnet.us

Step 1:

Step 2:

Qualified Mentors should document on the field evaluation form three mentored field inspections per candidate.

These forms must be kept at minimum three years. RESNET may request a record at any time. Mentors and RFI candidates must sign each field evaluation form. Ten (10) photos for each mentored field inspection must be kept by the Rating Provider for each candidate for a minimum of three years. (See photo documentation guidelines below.)

Step 3:

The Candidate Field Assessor should document on the RFI Field Evaluation Form one final graded field evaluation home per candidate.

Final graded field evaluation shall be completed after the three mentored field inspections. In order to pass the final graded field evaluation, RFI Candidates must demonstrate proficiency (indicated as “satisfactory”) on all features present. Items that do not apply to the home or are not visible at time of inspection may be indicated as “NA.” Where possible, the Candidate Field Assessor should evaluate the candidate’s understanding of these features through discussion, indicated in the notes section of the graded field evaluation form. Candidate Field Assessors and RFI candidates must sign the RFI candidate’s final graded field evaluation.

Step 4:

Pass the RESCAZ simulation exam through an accredited Training Provider listed here.

Step 5:

Apply for the candidate’s RFIIN once the candidate has completed three mentored field inspections, Passed one final graded field evaluation, Passed the RESCAZ. The RFIIN application must be completed by an accredited provider and is located here

The final graded RFI field evaluation form must be attached to the RFIIN request form and payment must be made to process the RFIIN request.

Photo Documentation Guidelines

The photo documentation process creates a visual record of field performance. A minimum of 10 photos must be collected per home for each candidate. Required photos for each candidate are listed below.

  • Exterior of the home also showing the Candidate and the house number
  • HVAC system
  • Air leakage testing equipment setup
  • Air leakage test results, photo of the manometer and the ring and test setup
  • Duct leakage testing equipment setup
  • Duct leakage test results, photo of the manometer and the ring and test setup
  • Performing a building envelope measurement
  • Framing spacing with measuring tape
  • Insulation depth measurement
  • Pictures of builder failure items (if applicable)

Renewal

RESNET certified Rating Field Inspectors shall renew their certification every three years. They shall complete the following:

  • Pass the RESNET graded field evaluation overseen by a RESNET certified Candidate Field Assessor once in a three year period