Crew Leader

Overview

The Home Energy Professional (HEP) Crew Leader certification is offered by BPI, and is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

The HEP Crew Leader certification demonstrates advanced competency through rigorous written and field exams, and work experience prerequisites. By obtaining the Crew Leader certification, you prove that you have the ability to ensure the quality, and supervision, of the installation and performance of prescribed energy efficiency upgrades, as laid out in a scope of work.

Certification Scheme Handbook

Please read the Crew Leader Certification Scheme Handbook prior to applying for the certification.

Steps to Get Crew Leader Certified

1. Prerequisites required: Candidates must meet certain education and experience prerequisites prior to taking the online and/or field certification exams. Please read the Prerequisites for Crew Leader Certification document.
2. Read the Certification Scheme Handbook and Field Guide for the Crew Leader certification.
3. Fill out all information requested in the application, and gather documentation verifying you meet the prerequisite criteria. Your supporting documentation is critical to meeting prerequisite criteria.
4. Save the application form, and email, fax or mail it to BPI together with supporting documentation.
5. Approval status: BPI will contact you to notify you of your approval status. Then, you may find a BPI Test Center to schedule your online exam. Click here to view BPI Test Centers that provide the Crew Leader field exam.
6. Training (optional): BPI does not require training and is not affiliated with any training centers. However, individuals who complete training typically perform better on BPI exams. Most BPI Test Centers offer training.
7. Take your Crew Leader exams (online and field).
8. Test Scores: After taking the online exam at the BPI Test Center, you will see your exam score on the screen. You can also log in to your candidate account to see your score.
9. Certification: If successful, your certification will be available for print or download in your candidate account.

Field Guide

Please read the Field Guide for the Crew Leader certification.

Exam Preparation

Prior to applying and testing for the Crew Leader certification, you must also meet the specific prerequisites. Candidates must take both an online and a field exam to become Crew Leader certified.

In addition to the documents mentioned above, study the Weatherization Program Curricula for the Crew Leader.

Online exam: 100 multiple-choice questions
Time limit: 2 hours
Passing score: 75%, 69% or higher (depending on the form of exam)

Field exam: Field portion and a multiple-choice computer-based exam
Time limit: 3 ½ hours (field) and 1 hour (computer-based, closed-book exam)
Passing score (field total): 78%

The field component includes three (3) distinct props on which candidates will complete work.

The proctor will depressurize two (2) of the props by approximately 75 Pa. These depressurized props are for single attempt only. Any sign of smoke movement within the prop will indicate a failure on the prop, however, not necessarily on the entire field exam.

Processing time for exam results: 2-4 weeks

Exam Fees

Exam prices are set by BPI Test Centers. Please contact them for pricing.

Recertification

BPI Crew Leaders must recertify every three (3) years.

If you have accumulated and submitted at least 24 relevant BPI Continuing Education Units (CEUs) over the course of the time you were certified, you may bypass the online exam when it comes time to recertify. All candidates must re-take the two-part field exam when it comes to recertify, and must also re-attest to the Code of Ethics.

Please refer to the recertification section in the Certification Scheme Handbook for more information.