SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - October 13, 2009) - Until recently the North American Board of
Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) has been the only certification
organization in town when it came to individuals seeking training in the
solar field and wanting to obtain a "Certificate of Knowledge" or
"Certificate" in the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and/or Solar Thermal
industries.
In the last three months, however, a new association has joined the ranks
of qualified Solar and Alternative Energy Certification known as
Electronics Technicians Association (ETA), International.
In order to assist students interested in entering the "solar" industry,
the "alternative energy" industry or seeking employment in the "green
energy" fields, interested parties can find information below from both
certification organizations, which was compiled for the benefit of the
general public's review.
For individuals looking to enter the solar industry they should recognize
the difference in terminology between NABCEP, which offers the Entry level
"Certificate" of Knowledge, and ETA International, which offers the Level I
"Certification."
The compilation of data below is available to any person by reviewing BOTH
organizations' web sites, published news articles and press releases as of
October 12, 2009.
There may be additional information available and it is highly recommended
that students research the chart below, as this information may not be 100%
accurate.
Editor's Note: An ETA vs. NABCEP Comparison JPG Graphic is available for
print.
ETA vs. NABCEP Training Course Certification Comparison Chart
ETA NABCEP
--- ------
"Certificate"/Certification Offered in
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Electric x x
Certification Offered in Solar Thermal x x
Certification Offered in Small Wind Installation x
Certification Offered in Geothermal x
Certification Offered in Micro Hydro x
Certification Offered in Fuel Cells x
Mandatory "Hands-On" Training Required
for Certification x
Curriculum Reviewed to Meet Certification
Standards x
Instructors Reviewed to Meet Certification
Standards/References Checked x
Follow International Standards ISO 17024
Certification Processes x x
Student "Certificate"/Certification Exams $150 $75
Number of Schools Pending/Offering Courses
and "Providers" 105 122
Estimated Approved Schools in 6 months 400 150
Years in Business 31 yrs 7 yrs
Total Approved Certified Administrators
(Estimated) 1,000 150
Total Certifications Issued by ETA/NABCEP
Entry Level COK 100,000* 3,678**
Websites: www.eta-i.org www.nabcep.org
Source: Ameri-Skills
* Total ETA Certifications Issued
** Total NABCEP Entry Level Certificates of Knowledge Issued
Contact Information: Contact:
Burt Price
888-895-8186