BPI News

Building science and energy auditing practices are continuously evolving. There is a regular flow of new technology and techniques as well as new career ladders for those in the home performance industry, so all BPI certifications are periodically updated.

BPI's Building Analyst (BA) and Envelope Professional (EP) certifications have been a staple in the industry for over 20 years. In 2020, we convened a Scheme Committee comprised of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to evaluate the BA and EP against the current state of industry.

This open and transparent process, which took about 18 months to complete, ensures that BPI Certified Professionals have expertise in the latest best practices. The resulting updates will lead to increased confidence from customers, contractors, participating programs, and the home performance market at large.

Summary of changes

Three major changes resulted from the recommendations by the Scheme Committee:

1. The Building Analyst certification has absorbed the Envelope Professional and been divided into two work-ready credentials, Building Analyst Technician (BA-T) and Building Analyst Professional (BA-P).

2. The BA-T covers data collection and diagnostic testing. It is awarded by passing a field exam that includes oral questions. The BPI Building Science Principles certificate (BSP) is a prerequisite for the BA-T.

3. The BA-P covers the principles of using computer software to model the energy upgrade potential of a home and developing a scope of work. The BA-P is awarded by passing a written exam. The BA-T is a prerequisite for the BA-P and must be maintained concurrently.

When does this change take place?

Starting on January 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023 there will be a “soft launch” of the BA-T and BA-P. The updated certifications will be available during this period, and the legacy Building Analyst certification will still be issued and renewed.

How this change affects you

During the soft launch, both Certified Professionals and new candidates will have the option to either obtain the updated BA-T and BA-P, or continue with the current Building Analyst and Envelope Professional.

After May 31, 2023, all new and renewal certifications will be BA-T and BA-P only.

Choosing a certification

We have included links to logic models below to help you decide which option is best for you. Click on your category to see your path. You can also check out the Frequently Asked Questions below.

Certified Building Analyst / Envelope Professional Renewals
Certified Building Analyst / Envelope Professional Renewal to BA-T Only
Certified Building Analyst / Envelope Professional Renewal to BA-T and BA-P
New Candidates to BA-T Only
New Candidates to BA-T and BA-P

Reach out to us

We understand that you may have additional thoughts or questions. Please reach out to us at certificationupdates@bpi.org and one of our trained staff will reach out to you directly.

Thank you for your continued interest in BPI.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are the Building Analyst and Envelope certifications changing?
The Scheme Committee compared the Job Task Analysis (JTA) for the Building Analyst, Energy Auditor, and Envelope Professional, with a goal of eliminating redundancy. After identifying significant overlaps, they determined that the Envelope Professional should be absorbed into BA and some of the EA requirements for Modeling and Work scope brought in.

The resulting combined JTA was lengthy and broad in scope. After discussing common job functions and career progressions around the country, the committee decided that the updated BA should be divided into two certifications to mirror current staffing practices.

2. What are the prerequisites for BA-T?
The BPI Building Science Principles Certificate of Knowledge (BSP) is a prerequisite for the BA-T exam.

3. Why is the BPI Building Science Principles Certificate of Knowledge a prerequisite?
The Scheme committee, a group of subject matter experts, determined that the BPI Building Science Principles certificate contains important base knowledge that every home performance professional should understand when entering the trade.

4. How do I earn the BPI Building Science Principles Certificate of Knowledge?
You may purchase the BSP Reference Guide, pay the exam fee, and challenge the exam online at your convenience. Visit www.bpi.org/bsp to get started. Some BPI Test Centers provide BSP training and proctor the BSP exam. If you prefer this kind of support, enter your zip code in the Locator tool to find a Test Center near you. Provide your Test Center with a copy of your BSP Certificate when you are ready to challenge the BA-T.

5. I've been a Building Analyst/Envelope Professional for a long time. Do I still have to get the BPI Building Science Principles Certificate of Knowledge to renew to the updated certifications?
All candidates who are going to challenge the BA-T exam must first obtain the Building Science Principles Certificate of Knowledge.

6. What are the prerequisites for BA-P certification?
You must have an active BA-T certification to challenge the BA-P.

7. Where do I go to take the BA-T and BA-P exams?
BPI's certification exams are administered at BPI Test Centers around the country. Enter your zip code here and select the Locator tab to find a test center near you. Most Test Centers also provide training, so reach out to them directly to learn more about training and to schedule tests.

8. How long is the BA-T field exam?
The BA-T field exam must be completed within 4 hours, including oral questions. There is no written exam.

9. How long is the BA-P written exam?
The BA-P online written exam must be completed within 2 ½ hours. There is no field exam.

10. What is the renewal pathway if I am an active Building Analyst or Envelope Professional?
If you are due to recertify between now and May 31, 2023, you may opt to renew your existing certifications as before. In three years, you must renew to the updated scheme. If you are recertifying after Jan 1, 2023, you may opt to renew to the updated scheme by following the renewal requirements shown in the logic models linked above. As of June 1, 2023, any recertifying BA and/or EP Certified Professionals will need to renew to the updated BA-T and BA-P scheme.

11. If I renew my active BA and/or EP prior to January 1, 2023, what will be my new renewal date?
Certified Professionals who renew their certification more than six months prior to the expiration date will have their new certification begin immediately upon renewal. For example, if your certification expiration date is 6/1/2023, and you elect to renew on 10/1/2022 (more than six months prior), your new expiration date will be 10/1/2025.

12. How long do I have to certify or renew the Building Analyst or Envelope Professional?
You must complete the process, including submitting application, completing documentation of field hours and/or CEUs, passing written and/or field exams, and paying associated fees, by May 31, 2023. No renewals of the BA or EP will be processed after May 31.

13. If I hold an active BA or EP how do I renew to the updated BA-T and BA-P? Do I have to take the exams?
Candidates who hold an active BA or EP may bypass the BA-T field exam by providing proof of 1000 hours of relevant field experience, field exam proctoring and/or conducting whole-house field training over the last 3 years. Candidates who hold an active BA or EP may bypass the BA-P written exam by providing proof of 30 whole-house building science related CEUs. Please refer to the BA-T and BA-P scheme handbooks for additional information on what is required and how to submit this information.

14. If I certify as a BA-P will I need to maintain the BA-T going forward?
Yes, the BA-T must be maintained for the BA-P certification to be valid.

15. Can the updated certifications be used as the prerequisite for the Healthy Home Evaluator certification?
Candidates for the Healthy Home Evaluator must hold one of the following active BPI certifications: Building Analyst Professional (BA-P), Building Analyst (BA), Multifamily Building Analyst, Energy Auditor (EA), or Quality Control Inspector (QCI). If you are not currently certified in one of these, you can take the exams at a BPI Test Center.

16. If I have the Energy Auditor (EA) certification, can I get the updated Building Analyst certifications?
The Energy Auditor (EA) certification includes all the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the BA-T and BA-P. As of January 1 2023, anyone who holds an active EA certification that would like to receive the BA-T and BA-P certifications may do so for an administrative fee. The Building Analyst certification is no longer issued to Energy Auditors.

17. Do I need to get the BA-P to qualify for the Energy Auditor certification?

No. The BA-P may be used as a related industry certification for points toward meeting the Energy Auditor prerequisites, but it is not required for the certification.

18. Where do I find the certification renewal form to recertify to the BA-T and BA-P?

The BA-T and BA-P share the same renewal form that's used for BPI's Primary, Core, and Multifamily certifications. You can find it in the Recertify section of the BA-T and BA-P certification pages, or here.