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PV Installer Specialist (PVIS) – NABCEP Board Certification

PV Installer Specialist (PVIS) – NABCEP Board Certification

December 29, 2023 Courses

The PV Installer Specialist (PVIS) NABCEP Board Certification was designed for those who are highly competent with all aspects of PV installation processes, from installing DC and AC PV system conductors, raceways, system monitoring, control, and communication hardware to developing safety plans. 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

  • 24 hours of Training
  • OSHA 10
  • 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. We recommend referring to the NABCEP Certification Handbook for details.

Advanced Training Requirements

A minimum of 24 hours of advanced training is required for each candidate pursuing their NABCEP PV Installer Specialist Board Certification:

  • 18 HOURS of advanced PV installation principles
  • 6 HOURS of NEC training

Below, you will find all the MREA courses and programs that are approved to meet these requirements.

Please note: these courses do NOT cover every task step outlined in NABCEP’s PVIS Job Task Analysis, so additional experience, training, and/or independent study will be necessary to prepare you for every possible question you may see on the PVCMS exam. This is not an “exam prep” course package. 

What is a PV Installer Specialist?

The PV Installer Specialist (PVIS) NABCEP Board Certification was designed for those who are highly competent with all aspects of PV installation processes, from installing DC and AC PV system conductors, raceways, system monitoring, control, and communication hardware to developing safety plans. 

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Property of the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners® (NABCEP®), used here with permission.

PVIS Resources

PVIS Exam

Each applicant must:

  • Complete a minimum of 10 hours of OSHA  Training (or provincial equivalent)
  • Complete at least 24 hours of advanced training, including:
    • 18 hours covering the NABCEP PV Installation Specialist Job Task Analysis (PVIS JTA)
    • 6 hours of the National Electric Code (NEC)
  • Complete installations in a decision-making role, equaling at least 6 Project Credits
    • System size of 1 – 999kW = 2 Project Credits
    • System size of 1MW and up = 3 Project Credits

PVIS Exam Fees

Between the PVIS application and exam fees, NABCEP charges $500 to sit for the PVIS exam. In the event you need to retake the exam, the re-exam fee is $275. All NABCEP fees are listed here.

PVIS Content Domains Covered on the Exam

The PVIS Job Task Analysis provides a blueprint for the exam.

The main content areas covered are:

  • Develop safety plan (8%)
  • Safeguard against hazard (10%)
  • Install raceways (7%)
  • Install electrical equipment (8%)
  • Install DC PV system conductors (8%)
  • Install AC PV system conductors (8%)
  • Install grounding & bonding (10%)
  • Complete utility interconnection point (8%)
  • Install system monitoring, control, and communication hardware (3%)
  • Install battery equipment (7%)
  • Install ground-mounted structure (5%)
  • Install building-mounted system (8%)
  • Install PV modules (8%)

Exam Details

The PVIS 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. Everyone will have access to an electronic copy of the NEC as well as a calculator.

The PVIS exam consists of 70 equally weighted multiple choice questions, with 4 choices per question. 60 of the questions are scored and 10 of the questions are un-scored pilot questions. A total scaled score is used to determine if a candidate passed or failed and ranges from 0-99. A scaled score of 70 is required to pass the PVIS exam.

All of your exam paperwork must match your valid government-issued identification, do not use nicknames or abbreviated names during the application process.

Training Documentation

Documenting Training

After completing MREA courses approved for advanced hours for the PVIS 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 10—currently not offered by MREA

Experience Documentation

Documenting Experience

For each PV system installed, applicants must submit the following:

  • System summary
    • Location
    • Date system completed
    • PV system info
    • Name and phone number of installation contractor, the contractor listed on the permit or inspection, and the Applicant’s supervisor
  • System installation
    • Electrical and/or building permits
    • Final approved inspection records
  • Decision-making role documentation – a physically signed letter on company letterhead from the Applicant’s supervisor that includes:
    • Addresses of the job locations listed in the application
    • A clear explanation of the role and decision-making authority the Applicant held for the system installation

See the NABCEP Handbook for more details.

Continuing Education

Keep your PVIS Certification – Continuing Education (CEU) Requirements

A total of 30 advanced PV training hours are required to maintain your PVIS certification and documentation must be submitted to NABCEP every 3 years for your certification renewal. These hours must fulfill specific sub-categories including:

  • 6 National Electrical Code (NEC) Hours
  • 12 PVIS Job Task Analysis (JTA) Hours
  • 2 Building and Fire Code Hours
  • 10 Renewable Energy (RE) Elective Hours
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