MALTA, N.Y., Aug. 30, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) is calling for Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to help prepare test questions for four new certifications being developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL's) National Worker Certification Program for the weatherization industry. All SMEs will earn up to five BPI CEUs for their participation, and be invited to take a free alternative (beta) certification exam for the designation area they participated in.
The following certifications are being developed:
- Crew Leader - The crew leader supervises the retrofitting activities specified in the scope of work. He or she is responsible for interacting with the client as well as managing personnel and materials on the job site in a safe and effective manner. The crew leader is also responsible for quality control, testing procedures, documentation and conducting a final walk through to ensure that all work is completed in a satisfactory manner.
- Energy Auditor - The energy auditor is a building analyst who evaluates and analyzes buildings and their energy efficiency, health and safety aspects by gathering empirical data, conducting tests and using energy modeling software. The goal is to reduce energy consumption, improve health and safety, and increase the lifespan of a building while also improving the quality of life and comfort for building occupants.
- Retrofit Installer/Technician - The installer installs energy efficiency measures to single family or 2-4 unit homes using a variety of building science best practices to improve safety, comfort, durability, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency.
- Quality Control Inspector - The inspector conducts an audit of the building to verify that all work is performed according to the work plan, specifications and standards. He or she performs building diagnostic tests, records and reports findings and concerns, and specifies corrective actions. The inspector ensures the completion, appropriateness and quality of the work providing for the safety, comfort, and energy savings of building occupants.
The following general categories of representation are needed:
Industry - A member of the home performance or weatherization industry who is involved with production, assembling and/or distribution, or sells materials, products, systems, or services covered in the scope of the certification.
User - A contractor or other member of the industry who purchases, uses, or specifies materials, products, systems, or services covered in the scope of the certification.
General Interest - General Interest SMEs are neither Industry nor User SMEs. This category may include personnel from state or federal regulatory agencies, health/safety professionals, researchers, or personnel from trade associations or other organizations.
Candidates should have the following qualifications:
- Have subject matter expertise directly related to the relevant certification
- Have three (3) years of experience in the field of the relevant certification
- Be free from any competing interest to ensure impartiality and non-discriminatory judgment (candidates must agree to sign and abide by the BPI Code of Ethics & Conduct which includes a confidentiality and non disclosure agreement)
Responsibilities of the SMEs include:
- Communicate with BPI's Certification Management Board (CMB), Certification Scheme Committee (CSC) and BPI's Manager of Certification Development
- Develop test questions
- Review psychometric data on questions and eliminate bad questions
- Review how the tests are being performed (written & field)
- Determine if the certification is doing what it was created to do
- Agree to sign and abide by the BPI Code of Ethics & Conduct which includes a confidentiality and non disclosure agreement
SME panels will convene during two work periods: September 27-29 or October 4-6. Please let us know which period works for you.
Those who are interested may complete the application and select the SME group they would like to be part of. If you are an SME in more than one of the defined areas please check all that apply.
Click here to fill out the Subject Matter Expert Application.
Please fill out the application online and click 'submit form' at the top, no later than COB Friday, September 9, 2011. If you are experiencing problems, please save the completed form and email to Kirsten Richnavsky, Certification Development Coordinator, at: krichnavsky@bpi.org no later than COB Friday, September 9, 2011.
Please note that free alternative (beta) exams are being developed for SME participants that wish to sit for their designation area exam. You will also be permitted to beta test the other designations as well. Participants will also receive up to 5 CEUs for their participation.
About the Building Performance Institute
The Building Performance Institute, Inc., (BPI) is the nation's premier building performance credentialing, quality assurance and standards setting organization. BPI develops technical standards using an open, transparent, consensus-based process built on sound building science. BPI is approved by the American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI) as an accredited developer of American National Standards.
For more information on BPI, visit www.bpi.org.
Contact:
Leslie McDowell
Building Performance Institute
lmcdowell@bpi.org
202-223-9510
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