What is the difference between a HERS rater and a BPI building analyst?

Thanks for your question, Rob.

The Residential Energy Services Network certifies HERS Raters to inspect homes, prepare home energy ratings and recommend home energy efficiency improvements.

The Building Performance Institute provides a variety of green building certifications, including certifications for professionals who provide energy efficiency retrofits. The Building Analyst certification specifically demonstrates a professional's ability to perform whole-home energy assessments.

Both HERS Raters and BPI Building Analysts are taught the same principles of building science. Both RESNET and BPI review standards for home energy auditors, and both require their candidates to perform a blower door test before certification.

The main difference between HERS Raters and Building Analysts is that HERS Raters are required to perform 40 hours of training prior to certification. HERS Rater training includes duct testing and energy modeling, but does not require combustion safety testing. BPI requires combustion safety testing, but does not require duct testing or energy modeling training.