NABCEP PV Associate Exam to Be Administered Outside of North America for the First Time

Oct 18

NABCEP Press Release 10/17/17

NABCEP’s PV Associate Exam will be available at over 370 test sites in 97 countries

CLIFTON PARK, NY (October 17, 2017) – The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) announces that NABCEP’s Photovoltaic (PV) Associate exam will be administered outside of North America for the first time. The international exam will be the same as the one offered in the United States and Canada, using a computerized format. The exam will be administered in English only. As in North America, the purpose of taking the NABCEP PV Associate exam is to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge of PV systems and earn a credential from the most well-respected renewable energy certification company in the U.S. and Canada.

The major function of the NABCEP PV Associate Program is identifying individuals who have obtained the knowledge of the basic principles relating to the application, installation, operation, and economics of PV systems. The NABCEP PV Associate Program is intended for anyone who is currently working in, or seeking employment in the PV industry. This includes those who are students in renewable energy programs, workers at an early stage in their PV career, experienced professionals who have just begun offering PV products and services, or those in PV jobs in countries for which there is no professional certification or credential.

“Candidates for NABCEP’s PV Associate exam live all over the globe, but until now they had to travel to either the U.S. or Canada to take the exam,” said Shawn O’Brien, NABCEP’s Executive Director. “International administrations of NABCEP’s PV Associate exam will be offered at any of the international test sites of our testing vendor, Castle Worldwide, Inc.”

NABCEP’s partnership with Castle Worldwide will enable solar professionals to take the PV Associate exam in over 370 cities in 97 countries across the globe, including China, India, Australia, Germany, Kenya, and many others. For a full list of test sites, please click here. International test-takers will be required to pay an additional $75 exam fee, which is standard for all of Castle Worldwide’s international exams.

“NABCEP, its Board Members, and staff are very pleased to offer this exam outside of North America, and to play a bigger role in establishing an international baseline of knowledge regarding the fundamental principles of photovoltaic systems,” said Don Warfield, Chair of NABCEP’s Board of Directors. “We are proud of our rigorous examinations, developed with the help of many subject matter experts in the field of renewable energy, and NABCEP’s well-earned reputation for quality certifications and credentials. We’re excited to work closely with Castle Worldwide and our Registered Associate Providers to offer a comprehensive examination, that is based on an industry-developed and validated Job Task Analysis, in countries that don’t currently have a way for PV professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and experience.”

Current Registered NABCEP Associate Training Providers will be able to offer their trainings internationally and allow individuals who complete PV Associate courses to take the exam via computer-based testing at one of Castle Worldwide, Inc.’s locations. For organizations interested in becoming a Registered NABCEP Associate Provider, please review the NABCEP Associate Provider Info Packet, which provides information about the program, requirements for participation, policies, and procedures, before filling out a Registered Provider Application.

About NABCEP

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is the most respected, well-established and widely recognized national certification organization for professionals in the field of renewable energy. NABCEP offers entry-level knowledge assessment, professional certification, and company accreditation programs to renewable energy professionals throughout North America. NABCEP’s mission is to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners by supporting and working closely with professionals and stakeholders in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries.

Media Contact:

Daniel Pickel

Program Manager

NABCEP

518-631-2751

dpickel@nabcep.org