The Department of Energy (DOE), through its Energy Skilled program, recognizes credential programs that are preparing workers for meaningful and in-demand job opportunities for the clean energy transition. Energy Skilled recognition is given to training programs and certifications that align with Building Science Education (BSE) topics. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) manages the Energy Skilled recognition program on behalf of DOE.
See below for recognition categories and criteria, as well as instructions for applying for recognition.
About Recognition
Energy Skilled recognized programs will receive branding material to communicate their recognition from DOE and will be listed on the DOE Energy Skilled website.
The current recognition categories are:
- Heat Pump Installation
- Heat Pump Comfort Advising
- Heat Pump Water Heater Installation
- Home Energy Assessment
- Residential Envelope Programs (coming soon)
Applying for Recognition
Follow the steps below to apply for recognition. Please reach out to the Energy Skilled team via email with any questions.
Step 1: Eligibility
To be eligible for Energy Skilled recognition, credential programs must:
- Provide individuals with a certification, certificate, degree, or license.
- Certificates confirm an individual’s participation in a defined course of study or training program. Examples of a certificate include a certificate of participation, a continuing education unit certificate, or proof of attendance provided by the training organization.
- For Home Energy Assessment category only*, a certification must be provided
- Cover sufficient technical content as defined in the scoring tool.
*Programs interested in recognition in the Home Energy Assessment (single-family or multi-family category) must also meet one of the following requirements provided in IRS Notice 23-59, “Guidance on Requirements for Home Energy Audits for Purposes of the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit under Section 25C”:
- Option A: The credential is developed and maintained in accordance with industry standards using criteria such as those cited in the Department of Labor (DOL) Training and Employment Notice No. 25-19.
- Option B: The program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute, International Accreditation Service, or other qualified accreditation bodies that are in compliance with ISO/IEC 17024:2012. Accredited programs will be asked to provide their identification number during the application process.
If your program is not accredited per Option B, use the Accreditation Requirements Tool to review whether your program meets the requirements of Option A and is eligible for Energy Skilled recognition. Applicants pursuing the Option A pathway will be asked to upload the completed tool during the application process.
Step 2: Requirements
Use the information in this section to review curriculum requirements and compare them with your program offerings.
Find your recognition category below for links to program content requirements.
Self-score your program using the relevant scoring tool, then gather materials that support your self-scoring, which could include a syllabus, examination outline, learning objectives, course outlines, or certification requirements. You will upload all documents to the application form in the next step.
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Heat Pump Installation
Prerequisite knowledge: Heat pump specialty
Energy Skilled evaluation criteria:
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Heat Pump Comfort Advising
Prerequisite knowledge: Heat pump specialty
Energy Skilled evaluation criteria:
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Heat Pump Water Heater Installation
Prerequisite knowledge: Plumbing
Energy Skilled evaluation criteria:
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Home Energy Assessment
Only certifications from an accredited program are eligible for Energy Skilled recognition. Neither certifications from programs that are not themselves accredited nor training programs can be recognized in this category.
Prerequisite knowledge: Building energy assessments
Energy Skilled evaluation criteria:
Single family:
Multi-family:
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Step 3: Application
Click the button below to access and complete the Energy Skilled Recognition Application Form. At the end of the form, you’ll be able to upload your scoring tool and supporting documents. If you experience any technical difficulties with the form, please reach out to the Energy Skilled team via email.
The Energy Skilled team will reach out with a confirmation within one week, and the review should be completed within six weeks. The team will contact you if they need additional information.
Need New Content?
If your program does not meet the criteria for your desired job scope, explore the open-source training resources at the Building Science Education Solution Center. These materials are free for use by any program. Relevant resources for each job scope are listed below.
Heat Pump Installation
- Introduction to Heat Pumps
- Cold Climate Heat Pump Sizing
- Smart Diagnostic Tools
- Thermostats for Heat Pumps and Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps
- Preventative Maintenance
Heat Pump Comfort Advising
- Introduction to Heat Pumps
- Cold Climate Heat Pump Sizing
- Thermostats for Heat Pumps and Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps
- Business Development
- Preventative Maintenance
Heat Pump Water Heater Installation
- Introduction to Heat Pump Water Heaters
- Installation of Heat Pump Water Heaters
- Decision Guidance on Heat Pump Water Heaters
- Heat Pump Water Heater - Load Shifting
Home Energy Assessment
- Fenestration
- Heat Transfer
- Combustion Safety
- Duct Leakage Testing
- Indoor Air Quality
- Lighting, Appliances, and Miscellaneous Loads
- Moisture Transport
- Whole-Building Performance
Questions?
Reach out to the Energy Skilled team at energy.skilled@pnnl.gov.