The Energy Storage Installation Professional (ESIP) Board Certification assesses the knowledge and skills necessary to competently perform tasks relating to battery energy storage systems, which encompasses development, design, installation, commissioning, decommissioning, and O&M.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
- 58 hours of Advanced Energy Storage Training
- OSHA 30
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must document experience
Please note that MREA is not a provider of OSHA training, field experience, or project credits. See NABCEP ESIP Certification webpage for details.
Advanced Training Requirements
A minimum of 58 hours of advanced energy storage training is required for each candidate pursuing their NABCEP PV Energy Storage Installation Professional Board Certification:
- 58 Hours of advanced energy storage training
Below, you will find the MREA courses and programs approved for credit hours (19 total). We are always working to develop new curriculum and hope to add credits for the ESIP program soon. Please visit NABCEP’s course catalog for additional credit options.
What is an Energy Storage Installation Professional?
The Energy Storage Installation Professional (ESIP) Board Certification assesses the knowledge and skills necessary to competently perform tasks relating to battery energy storage systems, which encompasses development, design, installation, commissioning and decommissioning, and O&M.
ESIP Resources
Each applicant must:
- Complete a minimum of 30 hours of OSHA Outreach Training Program for the Construction Industry training (or provincial equivalent)
- Complete at least 58 hours of advanced energy storage training
- Completion of energy storage projects in a decision-making role within the last 2 calendar years, equaling at least 6 Project Credits
- System size of 1 – 80 kWh = 1 Project Credit
- System size of 81 to 999 kWh = 2 Project Credits
- System size of 1 MWh and up = 3 Project Credits
See the NABCEP website to confirm all of these details and more.
ESIP Exam Fees
Between the ESIP application and exam fees, NABCEP charges $500 to sit for the ESIP exam. In the event you need to retake the exam, the re-exam fee is $275. All NABCEP fees are listed here.
ESIP Content Domains Covered on the Exam
The ESIP Job Task Analysis provides a blueprint for the exam.
The main content areas related to the installation of energy storage systems are:
- Development (15%)
- Design (25%)
- Installation (30%)
- Commissioning (17%)
- Operations, Maintenance, and Decommissioning (13%)
Exam Details
The ESIP exam can be taken in a Meazure Learning test site or at any location via live remote proctoring. The exam must be scheduled and taken within one year of NABCEP approving your application.
Candidates get up to 4 hours to complete the exam. ESIP candidates can utilize the National Electrical Code (NEC) 2020, NFPA 855 and NFPA 70E in the exam. Electronic versions of the references will not be provided in the exam, so candidates must have their own copies.
The ESIP exam consists of 70 multiple choice questions, with 4 choices per question.
All of your exam paperwork must match your valid government-issued identification, so make sure to not use nicknames or abbreviated names during the application process.
Documenting Training
After completing MREA courses approved for advanced hours for the ESIP exam, students can download a certificate of completion via their student dashboard to submit with their NABCEP application.
Applicants must also submit proof of completing OSHA 30—currently not offered by MREA
- Proof of decision-making role in projects involving energy storage; AND
- Completion of project within the last 2 calendar years equaling 6 project credits. Project Credits are as follows
- System size of 1 to 80kWh = 1 Project Credits
- System size of 81 to 999kWh = 2 Project Credits
- System size of 1MWh and up = 3 Project Credits
See the NABCEP Handbook for more details.
Continuing Education (CEU) Requirements
A total of 30 advanced training hours are required to maintain your ESIP certification and documentation must be submitted to NABCEP every 3 years for your certification renewal. MREA certificates of completion can be used as documentation with NABCEP. Training hours must fulfill specific sub-categories including:
- 6 National Electrical Code (NEC) Hours
- 12 ESIP Job Task Analysis (JTA) Hours
- 2 Building and Fire Code Hours
- 10 Renewable Energy (RE) Elective Hours