Applications for the Updated Energy Auditor and QCI Pilot Exams Open Now

The application period is now open for the Home Energy Professional (HEP) Quality Control Inspector (QCI) and Energy Auditor (EA) 2025 pilot exams. The pilot is expected to launch near the beginning of February 2025 and last for about two months. The pilot may end earlier if the targeted number of pilot exams is reached.

Why were the Energy Auditor and Quality Control Inspector exams updated?

The Home Energy Professional (HEP) certifications are periodically updated in response to the industry’s advancing needs and knowledge. Industry best practice is to review and update job task analyses (JTAs) and certification schemes every 5 – 7 years.

The HEP Energy Auditor and Quality Control Inspector JTAs and certification schemes were last updated in 2018 and were due for regular maintenance.

In 2022, the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory convened a group of subject matter experts (SMEs) to update and validate the EA and QCI schemes, including the JTAs, through a facilitated process with an experienced psychometrician.

In 2023 the Quality Control Inspector (QCI) and Energy Auditor (EA) certification scheme updates were completed. BPI then convened a panel of subject matter experts to update the exams to reflect the scheme changes.

What changed in the update?

The following items were changed in the update. More detail on each change is available here.

The certification cycle was extended from 3 to 5 years for both certifications.
Prerequisite requirements for EA were streamlined.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) were streamlined into four major categories: Technical Conference; Synchronous Training; Asynchronous Training; Trainer/Instructor.
The number of CEUs for EA was raised from 24 over 3 years to 30 in the new 5-year cycle. The number of CEUs for QCI remains the same at 6.
CEUs were streamlined for clarity. One hour of qualifying continuing education activity now equals 1 CEU for both certifications.
The exams were updated to align with the updated schemes and to improve the questions.
The exam's gated items were revised. Gated items are tasks that must be completed successfully to pass the field exam.
Exams are now available in Spanish.

How much does it cost?

Contractors currently participating in DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) are eligible for an exam subsidy from DOE. Applicants must submit proof of participation to BPI and receive approval prior to the exam. Individuals who are eligible for the subsidy will be able to take the Pilot Energy Auditor and/or Quality Control Inspector written exam(s) at no cost and take the Pilot Energy Auditor field exam for $375.

Individuals who do not participate with WAP can apply to take the pilot exams but will not be eligible for the subsidy. Exam prices will be determined by the Test Center who administers the exams.

When can I apply?

Now! The Pilot Energy Auditor and Quality Control Inspector applications are now open. Find the application form below.

Because these certifications are for experienced professionals, candidates must meet prerequisite criteria to take the exams. You must apply to take the pilot exams, even if you received approval in the past.

Applications may take up to four weeks to process.

Apply here

Access the application form below. See the sidebar for other essential documents. Other documents will be added soon including FAQs, a flow chart to help you determine which exams you need, the Spanish Energy Auditor Field Guide, and updated scheme handbooks.

Application for Energy Auditor Pilot Exam

Application for Quality Control Inspector Pilot Exam