Prep Course for the NRCan Foundation Level Exam

Training Schedule (click the image to see it in full screen)

There will be an optional but appreciated 45-min informal networking session at the end of the first day so you can get to know your fellow participants better; it starts after the Q&A at around 5:15 pm CST.

The Foundation Level course is the first step in becoming an energy advisor. This two-day course provides an overview of building science issues and building practices for the residential industry across Canada. Candidates gain valuable knowledge in energy-efficient home-building requirements. During this course, students complete hands-on geometric and arithmetic calculations, unit conversions, and learn how to interpret and understand house plans. Trainees also gain greater understanding of typical Canadian architectural house typology, the residential building design process, construction and renovation techniques, highly efficient design principles, in-depth understanding of mechanical systems, including domestic water-heating systems, space-heating systems, ventilation systems, heat pumps and cooling systems. You learn about safety considerations when accessing existing and new home construction work sites. The course covers building envelope barrier systems, fenestration, mechanical systems as well as renewable energy systems (passive and active), and you will gain in-depth knowledge of building science principles and the house-as-a-system concept.

1. Construction and Renovation of Low-Rise Housing

   o Typical Canadian architectural house typology
   o Building design process and construction techniques using appropriate construction terms and definitions
   o Renovation techniques using appropriate construction terms and definitions
   o Recognize highly efficient design principles for new construction and renovation
   o Interpret plans

2. Numeracy

   o Perform geometric and arithmetic calculations accurately
   o Execute unit conversions between metric and imperial

3. Safety Considerations when Accessing Home Construction or Renovation Sites

4. Building Envelope (new and existing homes)

   o Building envelope barrier systems (air, vapour, moisture, weather/wind, thermal)
   o Windows, skylights and doors

5. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (new and existing homes)

   o Common terminology
   o Mechanical heating, cooling and ventilation systems
   o Operation of heating, ventilation and cooling systems
   o District energy systems

6. Renewable Energy Systems and Their Properties

7. Building Science Principles and the House-as-a-System Concept

   o Elements that make up a building and their interdependencies
   o Physical processes that occur within a building (heat, air and moisture flow)
   o Indicators of indoor air pollutants

How can I become an energy advisor?

You will find all required information on the Natural Resources Canada’s website. Notably, to register as an energy advisor to deliver services under the EnerGuide Rating System v.15, energy advisor candidates must demonstrate proficiency by:

• Passing the Foundation Level exam
• Passing the Energy Advisor exam
• Being affiliated with a service organization

What is the energy advisor exam process?

For more details on the exam process, you are invited to read the Candidate Exam Handbook by Natural Resources Canada.

• You will receive a PDF copy of the training material by email during the week prior to the course.

If you are unable to attend the course, you may send another person in your stead without incurring any penalty. CIET must be advised of any replacement, cancellation or postponement via email at info@cietcanada.com.

The following fees apply for:

• Rescheduling your registration to another course:
  • At least 2 weeks prior to the start of the course: no fee;
  • Less than 2 weeks prior to the start of the course: $50 administrative fee;
  • No show (after the beginning of the course): 15% of regular course fees.

• Cancelling your registration :
  • At least 2 weeks prior to the course : no fee;
  • Less than 2 weeks prior to the course: $150 administrative fee or 10% of regular course fees (whichever is greater);
  • No show (after the beginning of the course): 25% of regular course fees.