How to become a RESNET® Certified HERS® Rater or Rating Field Inspector Choose the Role That Fits Your Work RESNET® offers two closely related credentials for professionals involved in producing HERS® Ratings. A Rating Field Inspector, or RFI, performs inspections and testing under the supervision of a certified HERS Rater. A HERS Rater has broader responsibilities, including inspecting and testing homes, preparing or overseeing energy models, evaluating a home’s energy features, and producing ratings through a RESNET-accredited Rating Provider. Both certification paths require training, demonstrated competency, and ongoing oversight. RESNET also offers a HERS® Modeler certification; however, this article focuses on HERS Raters and RFIs as their respective roles and certification requirements are sometimes confused. Path to Becoming an RFI The RFI credential provides a field-focused entry point for individuals responsible for collecting verified information used in a HERS Rating. Under Section 206.2.1 of the HERS Standard, the current certification process includes the following requirements: Complete formal Building Science training through a RESNET-accredited Training Provider using RESNET’s Building Science Core Curriculum. Pass the RESNET Practical Simulation Test. Complete at least three mentored rating field inspections through a RESNET-accredited Rating Provider, under the observation of a certified HERS Rater, Candidate Field Assessor, or Quality Assurance Designee. Demonstrate proficiency in required field tasks, including inspections, insulation grading, pressure diagnostics, leakage and airflow testing, and applicable combustion-safety testing. Pass a RESNET-approved Graded Field Evaluation. The graded evaluation must be conducted in person under the observation of a Candidate Field Assessor or Quality Assurance Designee. Work with a RESNET-accredited Rating Quality Assurance Provider to complete the certification evaluation and submit a request to RESNET for RFI certification. An RFI may not work independently until the required mentored inspections and Graded Field Evaluation have been completed successfully. Once certified, the RFI may perform authorized field tasks under the direct supervision of a certified HERS Rater without requiring the Rater to be physically present. Path to Becoming a HERS Rater A HERS Rater candidate begins with formal training through a RESNET accredited Rater Training Provider. Under Section 206.2.3 of the HERS Standard, certification requires training, modeling experience, examinations, and supervised fieldwork. To qualify, a candidate must complete the following requirements: Complete a Certified HERS Rater training course through a RESNET-accredited Training Provider. Complete at least three mentored rating models based on different building plans under the observation of a RESNET-accredited Training Provider. Pass the National RESNET Certified HERS Rater test series: the National Rater Test, Combustion Appliance Simulation Test (RESCAZ), and Rater Simulation Practical Test. After passing the required examinations, complete five probationary ratings through a Rating Quality Assurance Provider under the supervision of a Candidate Field Assessor or Quality Assurance Designee. These ratings must include at least two full energy models for each software tool the candidate intends to use. Complete at least five probationary ratings with a Rating Quality Assurance Provider. At least three of these must be completed as in-person mentored field ratings. Candidates must perform duct leakage testing on at least two ratings and combustion-safety testing on at least one. At least one field rating must be completed one-on-one. Complete at least two hours of in-field combustion-safety training using the required testing equipment. All applicable certification requirements must be completed within 15 months. A Rating Quality Assurance Provider may also require additional training or instruction based on its program requirements, climate considerations, software tools, or administrative needs. If You Are Already an RFI RFI certification does not replace the HERS Rater certification requirements outlined in Section 206.2.3 of the HERS Standard. An RFI seeking HERS Rater certification must complete the Certified HERS Rater training course, three mentored energy models based on different building plans, the required three-test Rater series, and five probationary ratings that include the required modeling and field components. Candidates must also complete two hours of in-field combustion-safety training unless they previously completed the full two-hour training during RFI certification. A field demonstration alone does not satisfy this requirement or qualify for the exception. Candidates should coordinate the remaining work with their RESNET accredited Training Provider. Simulation exams successfully completed as part of RFI certification may be applied towards HERS Rater certification and do not need to be retaken. Start with the Official Resources How to Become a Certified HERS Rater provides the current Rater requirements and links to accredited Training and Rating Providers. Becoming a Rating Field Inspector provides the RFI steps, evaluation forms, photo guidelines, and application information. HERS Standard Section 206 Certification Candidates contains the controlling certification requirements for RFIs and HERS Raters. Path to Becoming a RESNET Certified Home Energy Rater infographic gives a visual overview of the Rater process. RESNET Professionals Career Path infographic shows how the RFI and HERS Modeler credentials lead to HERS Rater candidate status and certification. RESNET HERS® Modeler Certification provides information about the training and certification requirements for professionals who perform energy modeling and analysis using accredited HERS® Software Tools.
