Energy Advisors help Canadian homeowners make better informed choices about energy saving retrofits or upgrades. They use their expertise in building science and construction and knowledge of the HOT2000 energy modelling software to conduct residential energy assessments and deliver EnerGuide ratings on eligible homes.
Energy Advisors must pass two compulsory exams, the Foundation Level and Energy Advisor exams, as well as a probationary file period before being awarded the Energy Advisor (EA) designation. They must also be registered with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and employed by a service organization. Read this article to learn about the process of becoming a registered EA.
CIET’s comprehensive training courses are designed for both current and aspiring Energy Advisors. Use the learning path below to identify the right courses and the best training sequence to achieve your career goals.
The Building Science and Numeracy Essentials course has been created to give aspiring REAs who have limited knowledge or experience in construction or building science the necessary base of understanding to confidently take the next step of completing the Foundation Level class and exam, the Energy Advisor Prep course and exam and the final steps of completing the certification. If you don’t have a lot of experience or haven’t been working in the industry for a while or are new to the industry, this course should be your first step.
The Greener Homes Initiative (GHI) is a federal program aimed to help Canadians save energy and make their home more comfortable. This course is right for you if you are or will be a Natural Resources Canada Registered Energy Advisor interested in delivering the GHI.
The Foundation Level course is the first step to becoming an Energy Advisor. This two-day course covers building science and sound business practices. Gain valuable knowledge in EE homebuilding techniques. After the energy advisor designation is obtained, professionals can conduct energy evaluations according to EnerGuide v15 guidelines on Part 9 residential buildings.
This four-day course covers the administration and delivery of the EnerGuide Rating System Version 15. Gain experience with NRCan’s HOT2000 energy modelling software. After obtaining this designation, professionals will be able to conduct energy evaluations based on NRCan’s EnerGuide v15 guidelines on Part 9 residential buildings.
The MURB exam is a separate exam from the Energy Advisor Exam and is required if you are planning on conducting an evaluation on this type of building archetype, issuing a MURB label, or performing quality assurance and submitting MURB files to NRCan. This one-day course will give participants the knowledge and tools they will require in order to challenge the MURB exam.
This course is under development.
The Tools for Completing Probationary Files course builds on the knowledge that participants will have gained by completing the Energy Advisor Training. The focus of this training program will be the data entry and modelling involved in working through a case study project of a home, with specific emphasis on unique features. The case study goes beyond the filing of a probationary file to include a detailed and in-depth review of upgrade options for the building envelope, key benefits and considerations, and an analysis of financial and greenhouse gas emissions for available upgrade options.
This course provides an in-depth understanding of HOT2000 software. The aim of the Advanced HOT2000 program is to ensure the proficiency of participants in utilizing it to its full extent for more complicated and extensive projects.
Energy Advisors are in high demand, especially since the launch of the NRCan Greener Homes Inivitative to help Canadian homeowners make their homes more energy efficient.
The main duties of an Energy Advisor include:
Energy Advisors can be employed by an existing service organization or start their own. Service organizations are licensed by NRCan to use NRCan’s official trademarks and software and to deliver its labels, including the EnerGuide Rating System (ERS) and ENERGY STAR® for New Homes (ESNH).
Former participants share how training with CIET has transformed their professional life.
The Foundation Level Exam Prep Course was very insightful, well structured and delivered, and the compilation of resources was extremely helpful. This was an exceptional training experience. Money well spent. I am glad I chose CIET for preparing the NRCan Foundation Level Exam.
Sean Martin, Home Inspector
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Working with CIET has made developing a training plan for trade allies in my network easy. The team at CIET is knowledgeable, organized and passionate about delivering quality material in their course, and they work well to deliver customizable options for all of your training needs.
We have had great success with the NRCan Foundation Level Exam Exam Prep course and the Making the Case for Energy Management Projects. We look forward to offering more training programs to our trade allies.
Haleigh Forbes, Manager – Efficiency Trade Network, Efficiency Nova Scotia
"Our customer service team will help you find the right training program for your needs.
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